HONDA HRC216PDA User Manual
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are
certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest
lawn mowers on the market.
We want to help you get the best results from your new mower and to
operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do
that; please read it carefully.
We suggest you read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY
(page 20) and EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY
(page 21) to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of
ownership.
When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that
an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing
Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of
American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction
and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
Keep this owner’s manual handy so you can refer to it at any time.
This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn
mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in
effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co.,
Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change
specifications or design at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be
reproduced without written permission.
OWNER’S MANUAL
HRC216PDA
SAFETY MESSAGES
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have
provided important safety messages in this manual and on the
mower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt
you or others. Please read these messages carefully.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You
must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms:
• Safety Labels – on the lawn mower.
• Instructions – how to use this mower correctly and safely.
• Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert symbol and one
of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These
signal words mean:
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.
• Damage Prevention Messages – You will also see other
important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This
word means:
NOTICE
© 2004–2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
31VK6613
00X31-VK6-6130
Your mower or other property can be
damaged if you don’t follow instructions.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
POM31VK6613
EM5
K3
IPC
1200.2008.03
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION......................................1
SAFETY MESSAGES..............................1
LAWN MOWER SAFETY.........................2
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO
EMPLOYERS ...................................2
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO
PARENTS.........................................2
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS.......... 3
SETTING UP YOUR NEW MOWER........3
CONTROL LOCATIONS.......................... 5
BEFORE OPERATION............................ 6
IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY
TO GO? ............................................6
CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA ......6
GET THE MOWER READY..............6
OPERATION............................................7
MOWING PRECAUTIONS............... 7
STARTING THE ENGINE.................7
OPERATING THE CONTROLS
FOR MOWING..................................8
STOPPING THE ENGINE................ 8
SAFE MOWING PRACTICES.......... 8
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER .......9
MAINTENANCE SAFETY.................9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE...........9
BLADES..........................................10
GRASS BAG CLEANING AND
REPLACEMENT............................. 11
ENGINE MAINTENANCE............... 11
REFUELING................................... 14
∗ For lawn mowing tips, see FAQs at
www.hondapowerequipment.com/faq.com
∗
TRANSPORTING...................................14
STORAGE..............................................14
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED
PROBLEMS ...........................................16
TECHNICAL INFORMATION.................16
CONSUMER INFORMATION................19
IPC
SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS.....16
CARBURETOR
MODIFICATION FOR HIGH
ALTITUDE OPERATION ................17
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM....17
AIR INDEX......................................18
SPECIFICATIONS..........................18
REPLACEMENT PARTS,
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND
SERVICE ITEMS............................19
DEALER LOCATION
INFORMATION...............................19
CUSTOMER SERVICE
INFORMATION...............................19
DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED
WARRANTY ...................................20
ACCESSORIES, REPLACEMENT
PARTS, AND APPAREL
WARRANTY ...................................20
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY ...................................21
1
LAWN MOWER SAFETY
Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you
follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most
common hazards, according to accident statistics, are discussed
below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.
Avoid Rotating Blades
Rotating blades can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers,
hands, toes, or feet. Keep away from the mower deck whenever the
engine is running. If you need to adjust the cutting height or work
around the deck for any other reason, always shut off the engine.
Wear heavy gloves and disconnect the spark plug cap when you need
to clean the mower deck or handle the blades.
Clear Mowing Area
Mower blades can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to
cause serious injury. Before mowing, carefully inspect the area and
remove all sticks, stones, pieces of wire, and other loose objects.
Never operate the blades over gravel.
Keep Shields in Place
Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by
thrown objects and from hot engine parts and moving components.
For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place
when the engine is running.
Refuel with Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode.
Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF.
Never smoke near gasoline and keep other flames and sparks away.
Always store gasoline in an approved container.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury. Long pants
and eye protection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects.
Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles will help protect your feet and give
you better traction on slopes or uneven ground.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS
YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda.
That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your child
operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with
any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. You can
help prevent accidents by making good decisions about if, when, and
how your child operates this equipment.
The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your child is capable of
operating this mower safely. Remember, young people vary widely,
and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.
Physically, a child must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG
ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its direction. The child
also needs enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably
reach and operate the controls.
A tougher question you need to ask is if your child has enough
MATURITY AND RESPONSIBILITY to safely operate this mower.
Does the young person think through problems and come to logical
solutions? Be honest! Anyone who takes unnecessary risks and
doesn’t obey rules should not operate this lawn mower.
If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the mower safely,
CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL with your child. Make
sure you both understand all instructions and safety information. Also,
be sure your child wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing
when operating or handling the mower.
SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your child during the
first few minutes of mowing. Even after he or she has become
confident with the mower, do not let him or her use the mower without
good adult supervision. An adult should also be present during
refueling and maintenance. In fact, it’s up to the adult owner to make
sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating
condition.
By always placing safety first, your child will acquire useful skills and a
sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from
your lawn mower.
Turn Engine Off When Not Mowing
If you need to leave the mower for any reason, even just to inspect the
lawn ahead, always turn the engine OFF.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS
As an employer, you have special responsibilities to the people who
work for you.
Before you ask anyone to operate this mower, you need to determine
whether the person is old enough, large enough, and strong enough
to safely handle and control the mower.
If you decide they are, make sure the employee reads and
understands all instructions and warnings in this manual and on the
labels before operating the mower.
Allow adequate time for hands-on training by a qualified instructor,
and personally supervise practice sessions until you feel sure the
employee is ready to operate the machine.
Also be sure employees wear proper clothing and have eye protection
and any other gear that may be required by local ordinances or your
insurance company.
Remember, too, that you are responsible for keeping the mower
properly maintained and in safe operating condition.
Your commitment to safety on the job can help prevent accidents and
result in longer and more productive years of service.
2
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious
injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to
read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.
SETTING UP YOUR NEW MOWER
Loose Parts
Use the following included loose parts to set up the lawn mower.
Part Quantity
DO NOT OPERATE UNLESS GUARD
IS CLOSED OR BAG IS IN PLACE
Handle support plate
Handle support hanger
Flange bolt (8 x 16 mm)
Flange bolt (8 x 40 mm)
Self-locking nut (8 mm)
2
2
2
2
6
Handlebar Setup
1. Pry open the right side handle support hanger, and place it over
the right handle above the starter rope guide. Squeeze the ends
together. Make sure the ribs are facing out, as shown.
STARTER ROPE
GUIDE
RIBS
OUT
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
2. Slip the left handle support hanger over the end of the handlebar
and slide past both bolt holes. Make sure the ribs are facing out.
RIBS OUT
HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.
Stay away if engine has been running.
3. Position the handlebar onto the handle stay, and loosely install the
two 8 x 16 mm flange bolts through the handlebar lower bolt holes.
HANDLE STAY
8 x 16 mm
FLANGE BOLT (2)
3
4. Insert the two 8 x 40 mm flange bolts through the handlebar upper
E
bolt holes. Align with one of the holes on the handle stay at the
desired handle height. Install an 8 mm self-locking nut on the
inside of each handlebar bolt.
8 mm LOCK
NUT (2)
12.From the grass bag side of the handle, insert the stud on the end
of each handle support plate through the handle support hanger.
Make sure the stud goes through both holes in the handle support
hanger.
LEFT HANDLE
STUD
HANDLE
HANDLE
SUPPORT
PLATE
SUPPORT
HANGER
5. Tighten the four handlebar bolts.
6. Be sure the rear height adjusters are in the lowest position (see
page 7).
7. Insert the stud on one end of one handle support plate into the
lower hole in the right side of the housing.
STUD
HANDLE
SUPPORT
PLATE
8. Insert the stud on one end of the other handle support plate into
the lower hole in the left side of the housing.
LEFT HANDLE
8 mm LOCK NUT
HANDLE SUPPORT
HANGERS
HANDLE
SUPPORT
PLATES
RIGHT HANDL
8 mm LOCK NUT
13.Install an 8 mm self-locking nut on each stud.
14.Tighten the lock nuts on the studs at each end of both handle
support plates.
15.Position cable ties at the locations shown.
CABLE
TIES
9. Tilt the mower on its right side (air cleaner side up).
10.Install an 8 mm self-locking nut on both studs on the inside of the
mower deck. Do not fully tighten the nuts at this point.
8 mm
SELF-LOCKING
NUT (2)
11.Tip the mower back onto its wheels.
4
1
0
i
n
(
2
5
0
m
m
m
)
m
)
3
in
(
7
1
2
i
n
(
5
3
0
0
mm
)
16.Insert the recoil rope
through the rope guides.
CONTROL LOCATIONS
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER (P. 8)
THROTTLE (P. 8)
ROPE
GUIDES
Engine Oil
The mower is shipped WITHOUT
OIL in the engine.
All Honda engines are run at the
factory prior to packaging. Most of
the oil is removed prior to
shipment; however, some oil
remains in the engine. The
amount of oil left in the engine
varies.
Add enough SAE 10W-30 API
service category SJ or later oil (or
equivalent) to bring the oil level
between the upper and lower limit
FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
(do not screw in dipstick
when checking oil level)
marks on the dipstick as shown.
Do not overfill the engine with
oil. If the engine is overfilled, the
excess oil may get transferred to
the air cleaner housing and air
filter.
After filling the engine with oil,
remove the hang tag near the
recoil starter grip that says “The
engine has no oil.”
UPPER
LIMIT
LOWER
LIMIT
Fuel
Refer to page 14.
Before Using Your Lawn Mower
Before using the lawn mower, all mower operators must read the
following sections:
• LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 2)
• CONTROL LOCATIONS (page 5)
• BEFORE OPERATION (page 6)
• OPERATION (page 7)
• MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 9)
You can also find additional information on the Honda Power
Equipment web site. Visit www.hondapowerequipment.com/faq.htm
Please Register Your Lawn Mower
If your dealer did not collect registration information from you, please
take a few minutes and register your purchase with Honda. This
allows us to contact you with any important updates regarding your
mower. Please note registration is not required to obtain warranty
service.
You can register by completing and mailing the included registration
card, or go online to www.hondapowerequipment.com and click on
Product Registration.
GRASS BAG
(P. 11)
OIL FILLER
CAP (P. 11)
REAR CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVER (2) (P. 7)
RECOIL
STARTER
GRIP (P. 7)
CARBURETOR
FRONT CUTTING
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVERS (P. 7)
HANDLEBAR
DISCHARGE GUARD (P. 6)
FUEL TANK
CAP (P. 14)
SPARK PLUG
CAP (P. 12)
MUFFLER
FUEL VALVE (P. 7)
AIR CLEANER (P. 12)
5
BEFORE OPERATION
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will
significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and
how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you
begin using it. Know how to shut off the lawn mower quickly in case of
an emergency.
Are You Ready to Mow?
Be sure to wear protective clothing. Long pants and eye protection
can lower your risk of injury from thrown objects. Wear footwear that
protects your feet and won’t let you slip if you mow on slopes or
uneven ground.
IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO?
For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your lawn mower,
it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the lawn
mower to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you
find or have your servicing dealer correct it before you operate the
lawn mower.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this lawn mower or failing to correct a
problem before operation could cause a malfunction in which
you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each
operation and correct any problem.
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the lawn mower
is on a level surface.
People and Pets
People and animals near the work area can move into your lawn
mower’s path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown
objects. Clear the area of pets and people, especially children. Their
safety is your responsibility.
Work Area
Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground
speed and mowing swath accordingly.
GET THE MOWER READY
Grass Bag
A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the
bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag
before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging
performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% filled.
Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full.
Inspection
During normal use, the grass bag material is subject to deterioration
and wear.
NOTICE
Frequently inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear.
Check for necessary replacement. Make sure the new bag meets the
original specifications.
Grass bag replacement is explained on page 11.
Installation
1. Raise the discharge guard and
hook the grass bag onto the
mower deck as shown.
2. Release the discharge guard to
secure the grass bag.
GRASS
BAG
LID
DISCHARGE
GUARD
Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower
• Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or
gasoline leaks.
• Look for signs of damage.
• Check each control for proper operation.
• Check the blades for wear. Replace as necessary (page 10).
• Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 10).
• Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened.
Check the Engine
• Check the air cleaner (page 12) and oil level (page 11).
• Check the fuel level (page 14). Starting with a full tank will help
eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA
For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area
before operating the lawn mower.
Objects
Anything that can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a potential
hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks, nails, and
wire, and remove them from the work area.
Removal
1. Raise the discharge guard,
grasp the grass bag handle and
remove the grass bag.
2. Release the discharge guard.
3. When the grass bag is clear of
the discharge guard, you can lift
it through the handlebar
opening, or you can remove it to the rear of the mower below the
handlebar.
Rear Shield
During normal use the rear shield is subject to deterioration and wear.
Remove the grass bag and raise the discharge guard to check the
rear shield for cracks or tears. If the rear shield is excessively worn,
have it replaced by your authorized Honda servicing dealer.
DISCHARGE GUARD
REAR SHIELD
6
Mulching Plug
To mulch the grass clippings rather than bag them, install the
mulching plug.
DISCHARGE
CHUTE
SLOT
TAB
1. Stop the engine.
2. Raise the discharge guard.
3. Remove the grass bag.
4. Insert the mulching plug into the discharge chute at the back of the
mower.
Make sure the tab at the bottom rear of the mulching plug fits
snugly into the slot at the back of the discharge chute.
Cutting Height Adjustment
To adjust the cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the
wheel and move the lever into another notch. Move all four
adjustment levers to the same height setting.
To set the mower to its maximum height, move the two rear wheel
adjusters all the way to the back, and move the front wheel adjusters
all the way to the front.
To set the mower to its lowest height, move the two rear wheel
adjusters all the way to the front, and move the front wheel adjusters
all the way to the back.
If you are not sure what cutting height to select, start with a high
setting and check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small
area. Readjust the cutting height if necessary.
4 in (100 mm)
3-1/2 in (89 mm)
3 in (76 mm)
2-1/2 in (63 mm)
2 in (51 mm)
1-1/2 in (39 mm)
1 in (25 mm)
3/4 in (19 mm)
CUTTING
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER (4)
FRONT WHEELREAR WHEEL
OPERATION
MOWING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the mower for the first time, please review LAWN
MOWER SAFETY (page 2). Even if you have operated other mowers,
take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice
in a safe area until you build up your skills. For your safety, avoid
starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area, such as a
garage. Your mower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide
gas, which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or
death.
STARTING THE ENGINE
The blade turns when you operate the starter. It is easiest to start the
engine in a clear or mowed area where the blade can turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position.
ON
2. Move the throttle lever to the
proper starting position.
COLD ENGINE:
FAST
Move the throttle lever to the
CHOKE position.
CHOKE
WARM ENGINE:
Move the throttle lever to the
FAST position.
3. Push forward on the blade
control lever and hold it
against the handlebar.
This lever is connected to the
engine flywheel brake and the
engine switch. The engine will
not start or run unless the
blade control lever is held
against the handlebar.
4. Pull the starter grip lightly until
you feel resistance, then pull
briskly. Return the starter grip
STARTER
GRIP
gently.
Keep your hands and feet
away from the mower deck at
all times when starting and
running the engine.
Continue to hold the blade
control lever against the
handlebar; the engine will stop if you release the lever.
BLADE
CONTROL
LEVER
FUEL
VALVE
7
5. If the CHOKE position was
used during starting, move
the throttle lever away from
the CHOKE position as soon
as the engine warms up
enough to run smoothly
without use of the choke. Set
the throttle lever at FAST to
mow or at SLOW to idle.
FAST
CHOKE
SLOW
OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING
Throttle Lever
For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST
position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a
strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently.
Do not try to increase the preset engine speed; the blades could
fracture and come apart.
Blade Control Lever
The lever must be pushed
forward against the handlebar
to start the engine. The blade
starts to rotate when the lever
is pushed forward against the
handlebar and the recoil starter
grip is pulled.
Continue to hold the lever
against the handlebar to keep
the engine running and the
blade rotating.
Release the lever to stop the
engine and stop blade rotation.
HANDLEBAR
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
SAFE MOWING PRACTICES
For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground and be careful to
avoid losing your footing and your control of the mower. Keep a firm
grip on the handlebar and walk, never run, with the mower. Be very
careful when mowing uneven or rough ground.
If stuck, do not kick or shove the mower with your foot. Use the
handlebar to control the mower.
WARNING
The blades are sharp and spin at high speed.
Spinning blades can cut you severely and can amputate
fingers and toes.
• Wear protective footwear.
• Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck
while the engine is running.
• Stop the engine before performing any adjustment,
inspection, or maintenance.
Slopes
Mow across slopes, not up and
down. Avoid steep slopes (more
than 20
°), and be careful when
changing direction. Mowing on a
slope when the grass is damp or
wet could cause you to slip, fall,
and lose control of the mower.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. Move the throttle lever to
the SLOW position.
2. Release the blade control
lever to stop the engine.
3. When the mower is not in
use, turn the fuel valve to
the OFF position.
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
OFF
Obstacles
Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as
fences or walls.
Be careful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn, such
as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, raised tree roots, etc. Avoid
anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn.
If a blade hits something, or the mower starts to vibrate, stop the
engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug cap, and check for
damage (page 10). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the
crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components.
Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
WARNING
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and
pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous
projectiles.
Thrown objects can cause serious injury.
Inspect the blades regularly, and do not operate the
mower with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20) does not
cover parts damaged by accident or collision.
8
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