Honda HRC7013 Owner's Manual

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it anytime, and make sure the manual stays with the lawn mower if you sell it.

This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the

lawn mower. It must be available to all operators of the mower and should remain with the mower if resold.

The information and specifications in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever.

Your mower is not equipped with a spark arrestor and it may be illegal to operate the mower in some areas. Check local laws and regulations. An optional spark arrestor is available from authorized Honda servicing dealers.

Honda lawn mowers meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary mowers.

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects

and other reproductive harm.

Congratulations on your selection of the Honda Commercial Mower! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase.

You can enhance the performance of your new mower by taking time to study this manual. In it you’ll learn how to use it

safely and efficiently. The service interval and maintenance recommendations in this manual were developed to give you

the optimum performance and service life of your mower. We

suggest you follow them. Please take time to read the warranty policy so that you fully

understand the coverages and the responsibilities of ownership. The warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your dealer.

Your authorized Honda servicing dealer and his staff are

specially trained in the service and maintenance of your mower and are 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.

When you contact your Honda dealer about your mower,

he’ll need to know the serial numbers of the engine, power unit, and mower deck. Write those numbers in the space below for future reference.

Best wishes, Power Equipment Division

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Engine number Power Unit number

Mower Deck number

Safety Messages

Your safety and the safety of others is very important.‘We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the lawn mower. Please read these messages carefully.

A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that can

hurt you and others. Each safety message is preceded by a

safety alert symbol g and one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These mean:

B You WILL be KILLED or

SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

B You CAN be HURT if you don’t

Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

A -

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

follow instructions.

Damage Prevention Messages

You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE.

This word means: piiq

The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your lawn mower, other property, or the environment.

Your lawn mower or other property can be damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

Ill

Turn to the beginning of each section for a complete list

of subjects.

MOWER SAFETY

This section explains what you need to know to operate your

mower safely.

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

This section shows you where controls are located and tells you

what they do and how they work. TRANSPORTING and STORING

This section tells you how to safely transport and store your

mower.

BEFORE MOWING

This section shows you how to prepare your mower, the lawn,

and yourself.

OPERATING THE MOWER

This section tells you how to operate the mower for safe and

effective mowing.

MAINTENANCE &ADJUSTMENTS

This section tells you how and when to perform normal

maintenance and adjustments.

TROUBLESHOOTING

This section tells you what to look for if you encounter problems.

SPECIFICATIONS

This section provides you with important dimensions and

capacities.

INDEX ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This section gives you sources for more information about your

mower.

MOWER SAFETY

This section explains what you need to know to operate

your mower safely.

Safety Information Important Message to Employers Safety Label Locations

2 3 4

MOWER SAFETY

Safety Information

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

A rotating blade 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 work around the deck to clear a grass accumulation, adjust the cutting height, or for any other reason, always shut off the engine and remove the key. Wear heavy gloves when you need to clean the mower deck or handle a blade.

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 touching 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.

MOWER SAFETY

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. Ear protection and a helmet may be required

by local ordinances or insurance policies.

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. And take the key if you go farther away.

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.

MOWER SAFETY

Safety Label Locations

These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully.

Ita label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda Commercial Mower dealer for a replacement.

. Pa,,, the

possible.

MOWER SAFETY

I a

1 Obiects hidden in the lawn can be thrown

bythe mower blade.

Thrown objects can cause serious injury. I Clear lawn of all debris before mowing. I Do not operate the mower without either

the discharge guard or entire grass

catcher in place. I Wear eye protection. W Keao nannle and nets awa”.

48 inch deck

SHARP BLADE

You will be seriously cut by the rotating blade.

Keep hands and feet away when engine is running.

MOWER SAFETY

,’ “)

r <

Objects

hidden in the lawn can be thrown by the mower blade. Thrown objects

I Clear fawn of all debris before mowing. I Do not operate the mower without either

the discharge guard or entire grass

catcher in place. I Wear eye protection. I Keep people and pets away.

can cause

serious injury.

KEEP NAKllS nd RET AWAY

SHARP BLADE You will be seriously cut

by the rotating blade. Keep hande and feet away

when engine is running.

I CONTROLS & INDICATORS

This section shows you where controls are located and tells you what they do and how they work.

Locations Controls Indicators

8 11 13

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

Locations

This shows where to find the most frequently used co&ok.

HYDROSTATIC OIL FILLER

FUEL FILLER

FRONT WHEEL ADJUSTMENT SPACERS

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

DIRECTION CONTROL LEVERS OPERATOR PRESENCE LEVERS NEUTRAL LOCKS

NGINE OIL FILLER

MOWER DECK SERIAL NUMBER

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

BLADE CONTROL

HOUR METER

FORWARD SPEED CONTROL LEVERS

THROTTLE

POWER UNIT SERIAL NUMBER

PUMP BYPASS

VALVES

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

REAR WHEEL

ADJUSTMENT BAR

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

Controls

You will use these controls every time you operate the mower

Fuel Valve

This valve is located on the carburetor and allows fuel to flow to the engine. Push it toward the

engine to ON to allow fuel to flow, or pull it ‘outward for OFF.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch controls the engine ignition system. Turn

the key clockwise to the ON position, or turn the key counter

clockwise to the OFF position.

Throttle

The throttle lever controls engine speed. Pull it rearward to the SLOW position for idle. Push it forward to the FAST

position for mowing. Pushing it forward past a detent for the CHOKE position applies the choke for starting a cold engine.

Forward Speed Control

The forward speed control levers set the maximum forward speed of the mower. The rear position is NEUTRAL As the levers are pushed forward, the maximum speed of the mower progressively increases. See page 32 for details.

Blade Control

The blade control lever engages engine power to the mower deck. The forward position is ON, The rear position is OFF.

Operator Presence Levers

The operator presence levers above the hand grips are part of the safety interlock system. When the blade control is ON or the forward speed controls are forward of NEUTRAL, you must hold at least one lever down on the hand grips. If you don’t, the engine will shut off.

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

Direction Controls

The direction control levers independently control each drive wheel for steering, slowing, levers toward the hand grips slows the mower from the maximum forvvard speed. Squeezing the levers further to their neutral position stops forward motion. Squeezing the levers past neutral reverses direction.

The use of the direction control levers is explained on

page 29.

and

reversing. Squeezing the

Neutral Lock

The neutral locks hold the direction control levers in their

neutral position. Pulling the locks rearward prevents the direction control levers from going into their forward position. The levers can still be squeezed for reverse, however. When the neutral locks are engaged and you release the levers

after reversing, they will return to neutral.

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

Pump Bypass Valves

The bypass valves on each drive

pump allow you to move the mower when the engine is not

running. Open the valves by turning them one turn counterclockwise. See pages 16,28 .

Front-Wheel Adjustment Spacers

The front-wheel adjustment spacers allow adjustment of the cutting height in either of two ranges: a low range of 38 mm

to 89 mm (1% - 3% in), and a high range of 89 mm to

140 mm (3l/z - 5l/z in). Their use is explained on page 63.

Rear-Wheel Adjustment Bar

The rear-wheel adjustment bar allows adjustment of the cutting height in either of two ranges: a low range of 38 mm

to 89 mm (1’12 - 3’12 in), and a high range of 89 mm to

140 mm (3% - 5l/z in). Its use is explained on page 64.

Indicators

These indicators help you monitor the condition of the mower.

Hour meter

The hour meter indicates the total operating time of the

mower in hours and tenths of an hour. It operates whenever

the engine is running.

OIL ALERTTM Buzzer

The Honda OIL ALERT buzzer will sound whenever the engine oil level is below a safe operating level. Whenever you hear the buzzer, stop the engine and check the oil level

(page 46).

TRANSPORTING and STORING

This section tells you how to safe/y transport and store

your mower. Transporting your Mower

Storing your Mower Storage Preparation

Removal From Storage

16 17 17 21

TRANSPORTING and STORING

OPEN

There is one very important thing to remember when transporting your mower: when you open the pump bypass valves to move the mower without the running engine, you disable all braking action. For this reason:

Always close both pump bypass valves after moving the

mower by hand.

Always drive the mower under its own power on any

incline.

If you must move the mower on an incline without running the engine, use a suitable device (winch, block &

tackle, come-along). Remember that the mower weighs

over 272 kg (600 lb).

When moving the mower without running the engine, do

not move it at more than a walking speed or more than 91 meters (100 yd). Be sure the bypass valves are open at least one turn but not more than two turns.

See page 28 for more information on operating the bypass valves.

Transporting your Mower

Use a loading ramp to get the mower on and off the vehicle. Be sure both the ramps and vehicle are able to support the

weight of the mower and operator. When the mower is in position, turn the fuel valve OFF to

prevent the possibility of fuel leaking.

Tie the mower down, front and rear, with ropes or straps.

You may use the front caster brackets and the rear cross member to tie the mower down. Be careful not to damage hoses or linkages when tightening the ropes or straps.

Remember that the engine and exhaust system become hot during operation. Avoid touching them.

TRANSPORTING and STORING

Storing your Mower

When leaving your mower unattended, always:

Turn the key off and remove it from the ignition switch.

Turn the fuel valve off.

If you opened the pump bypass valves, close both of

them.

If you’re leaving the mower on a slope - even a slight

one -

block both drive wheels front and rear.

Storage Preparation

Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your

mower trouble

help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your mower’s

function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the mower again.

Cleaning

Wash the mower, including the underside of the mower deck.

Engine

Wash the engine by hand, and be careful to prevent water from entering the air cleaner.

piq

Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can

force water into the air cleaner. Water in the air cleaner will

soak the filters and can enter the carburetor or engine cylinder, causing damage.

Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage. If the

engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before washing.

Mower Deck

If using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment to

clean the mower deck, be careful to avoid getting water into

controls and cables, or anywhere near the engine air cleaner

or muffler opening.

free and looking good. The following steps will

TRANSPORTING and STORING

(NOTICEI

Spraying water on hot mower deck bearings can cause them to be damaged from cooling too quickly.

Before washing the underside of the mower deck, be sure the parking brake is set and the height adjustment lever is all the way up.

Grass Bag (optional kit)

Remove the grass bag from the frame, and wash it with a garden hose or pressure washing equipment. Allow the bag to completely dry before storage.

After washing the mower, wipe dry all accessible surfaces

Start the engine outdoors, and let it run until it reaches

normal operating temperature to evaporate any water

remaining on the engine.

While the engine is running, hold the operator presence

levers and operate the PTO clutch lever to expel water from

the blade pulleys, spindles, and other mower deck items.

Allow the blades to spin

water remains.

for several minutes to ensure that no

Stop the engine and allow it to cool.

After the mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged

paint and coat other areas with a light film or oil. Lubricate the throttle cable core with a silicone spray lubricant.

Fuel

Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline

will cause hard starting,

the fuel system. If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates

during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components serviced or replaced.

and it leaves gum deposits that clog

TRANSPORTING and STORING

The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline blend, your storage temperatures, and whether the fuel tank is partially or

completely filled. The air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm storage temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel deterioration problems may occur within a few months, or even less if the gasoline

was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.

Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from neglected storage preparation are not covered under warranty.

You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid

fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and

carburetor.

Adding a Gasoline Stabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life

When adding a gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh

gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh

gasoline. Add gasoline stabilizer following manufacturer’s instructions. After adding a gasoline stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for

10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the

untreated gasoline in the carburetor.

Stop the engine, and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position

TRANSPORTING and STORING

Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor

Loosen the carburetor drain screw and turn the fuel valve

ON.

DRAIN SCREW

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive and you can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.

Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Refuel only outdoors.

VVroe UD spills immediately.

Drain the fuel into an approved gasoline container. Reinstall

the drain bolt.

Engine Oil

Change the engine oil (page 46).). Remove the spark plug (page 49))’ Pour a tablespoon (5 - 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the

cylinder.

Pull the starter rope a few times to distribute the oil in the

cylinder.

Reinstall the spark plug.

Grease

Lubricate all grease points (page 55).).

Transmission

Check the hydrostatic oil and top off if necessary (page 54).

Tires

Check tire air pressure (page 62).).

TRANSPORTING and STORING

Placing in Storage

If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and

carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a

furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-producing electric motor, or where power tools

are operated.

If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust and corrosion.

Unless all fuel has been drained from the fuel tank, leave the fuel valve in the OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel

leakage.

Park the mower on a level surface. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.

With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the mower to keep out dust. A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some materials. Do not use sheet plastic as a dust

cover. A nonporous cover will trap moisture around the

mower, promoting rust and corrosion.

’

Removal From Storage

Check your mower as described in the Before Mowing chapter of this manual.

If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for

refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.

If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine may smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.

TRANSPORTING and STORING

+ 75 hidden pages

Honda HRC7013 Owner's Manual

CONTENTS

MOWER SAFETY

Safety Information

Important Message to Employers

Safety Label Locations

Locations

Controls

Indicators

TRANSPORTING and STORING

Transporting your Mower

Storing your Mower

Storage Preparation

Removal From Storage