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HRN216VLA
User Manual
28 pgs6.85 Mb3
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Honda HRN216VLA User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

HRN216VLA
LAWN MOWER

QUICK FIND

Before operating the mower for the first time, please read this Owner’s Manual. 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.
Air Filter.................................................. 13
Battery ................................................... 14
Blades.................................................... 11
Contact Honda....................................... 21
Cutting Height .......................................... 6

CONTENTS

WELCOME ............................................. 2
FOR YOUR SAFETY.............................. 2
PARTS AND CONTROLS ...................... 3
INITIAL MOWER SETUP........................ 3
Before Using Your Lawn Mower.......... 4
BEFORE EACH OPERATION................ 4
OPERATION........................................... 7
Safe Mowing Practices........................ 7
Charging the Battery ............................. 14
Find a Dealer..........................................21
Fuel ..........................................................6
Fuel System Maintenance......................20
Maintenance Schedule...........................11
SERVICING YOUR MOWER................ 10
Maintenance Safety........................... 10
Maintenance Schedule...................... 11
Blade Inspection................................ 11
Blade Mounting Bolt Inspection......... 12
Blade Replacement ........................... 12
Oil Change ........................................ 13
Air Filter ............................................. 13
Spark Plug......................................... 14
Blade Control Check ......................... 14
Spark Arrester (optional part) ............ 14
Charging the Battery ......................... 14
Optional Battery Charger................... 15
TRANSPORTING ................................. 15
STORAGE ............................................ 16
Fuel ................................................... 16
Oil...................................................... 16
Cleaning ............................................ 16
Storage Location ............................... 16
Handlebar.......................................... 17
Removing From Storage ................... 17
Oil Change................................................ 13
Oil Level Check........................................... 6
Spark Plug ................................................ 14
Warranty Coverage................................... 22
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................. 17
Engine Will Not Start ............................. 17
Loss of Power........................................ 17
Vibration ................................................ 17
Mowing and Bagging Problems............. 17
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ................... 18
Serial Number Locations ....................... 18
High Altitude Operation ......................... 18
Emission Control System ...................... 18
Air Index ................................................ 19
Specifications ........................................ 19
AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS 20
CUSTOMER INFORMATION ................... 21
Parts, Accessories, and Service Items.. 21
Dealer Locator Information.................... 21
How to Contact Honda .......................... 21
Honda Publications ............................... 21
DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY.. 22
EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY ........... 23
PRODUCT REGISTRATION .................... 27
00X31VR8 A201
QUESTIONS?
Contact your Honda dealer.
There is a dealer locator at
powerequipment.honda.com
© 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

WELCOME

NOTICE
Inspect area and remove debris before mowing. Do not mow when children or others are around. Wear eye protection.
DO NOT OPERATE UNLESS GUARD IS CLOSED OR BAG IS IN PLACE
Follow all instructions in Owner’s Manual. Keep safety devices(guards, shields, switches, etc.)in place and working. Avoid steep slopes. Look down and behind before and while moving backwards. Do not operate unless properly trained.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
OBJECT THROWN BY BLADE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.
Operation of This Equipment May Create Sparks That Can Start Fires Around Dry Vegetation. A Spark Arrestor May be Required. The Operator Should Contact Local Fire Agencies For Laws or Regulations Relating to Fire Prevention Requirements.
Per California Public Resources Code 4442.6
DANGER
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
(Label on battery)
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 information on how to do that; please read it carefully.
When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that Honda Power Equipment servicing dealership personnel are specially trained in servicing Honda lawn mowers and are supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda.
Please read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY on page 22 and the EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY on page 23 to fully understand what is covered by warranty and your responsibilities of ownership.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

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.
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Important Message to Parents

The safety of your children is very important to Honda. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. Your child must be big enough, strong enough, and have the coordination necessary to comfortably reach and operate the controls. Anyone who takes unnecessary risks and doesn’t obey rules should not operate this lawn mower.

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.

Safety Instructions

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. Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury. These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
• Damage Prevention Messages – You will also see other important
messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This word means:
Your mower, other property, or the environment can be damaged if you don’t follow instructions.
2
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.

PARTS AND CONTROLS INITIAL MOWER SETUP

BLADE CONTROL LEVER (P. 8)
REAR DISCHARGE GUARD (P. 5)
FUEL TANK CAP (P. 7)
MUFFLER
(P. 14)
OIL FILLER CAP
(P. 6)
HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOB (2) (P. 3)
RECOIL STARTER GRIP (P. 9)
GRASS BAG
(P. 4)
AIR FILTER
(P. 13)
SPARK PLUG CAP (P. 14)
CARBURETOR (P. 13)
KEY SWITCH AND BATTERY BOX (P. 8)
CLIP DIRECTOR
®
(P. 5)
BATTERY CHARGER CONNECTOR (P. 14)
SMART DRIVE CONTROL (P. 8)
FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER (P. 6)
REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER (P. 6)
HANDLEBAR (P. 3)
FUEL VALVE ON FUEL VALVE OFF
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER

HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOBS
UNLOCKED
LOCKED

List of Parts

With help from an assistant, carefully remove the mower and loose parts from the carton and compare the loose parts against the following list. Contact the authorized Honda dealer from whom you purchased the mower if any of the loose parts shown are not included
with your mower.
Ref. No. Description Qty.
Grass bag 1
Grass bag frame 1
Engine oil 1
Key 1
Owner’s manual 1

Adjust the Handlebar

1. With the handlebar adjust knobs in the unlocked position, pull the
blade control lever against the handlebar, and then carefully raise the handlebar into the mowing position .
2. Align the adjust knobs with one of the two holes on each handle stay. Setting the adjust knobs in the lowest holes raises the handlebar to its highest position.
3. Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees into the lock position, making sure both sides are positioned at the same height.
4. Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar.
3

Add Engine Oil

GRASS BAG
GRASS BAG HANDLE
PLASTIC CLIP (7)
BAG FRAME
The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and add the entire contents of the included bottle of oil into the oil filler opening.
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.
If you don’t use the supplied oil, add enough SAE 10W-30 API service category SJ or later oil to bring the oil level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick—without screwing the dipstick in (approximately 12 to 13.5 ounces is required). See page 6.
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. An indication of overfilling is white or blue smoke coming from the muffler when the engine is running.
After filling the engine with oil, screw the filler/cap dipstick in and remove the hang tag near the recoil starter grip that says “The engine has no oil.”

Assemble the Grass Bag

BEFORE EACH 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 quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency.

Check Your Mower

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.
Some malfunctions can seriously hurt or kill you.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each operation, and correct any problem.
1. Install the assembled frame into the fabric grass bag, keeping the grass bag handle exposed.
2. Secure the seven plastic clips to attach the bag to the frame.

Please Register Your Mower

Please take a few minutes and register your purchase with Honda.
You can register by completing and mailing the registration card on the back cover of this book or going online to
powerequipment.honda.com. You can click on the SUPPORT tab,
and then Product Registration, or use the Product Registration link located at the bottom of the home page.

Before Using Your Lawn Mower

Before using the lawn mower, all mower operators must read the following sections:
• FOR YOUR SAFETY (page 2)
• BEFORE EACH OPERATION (page 4)
• OPERATION (page 7)
• MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 11)
• Make sure the lawn mower is on a level surface.
• 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 11).
• Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 12).
• Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened.
• Check the air filter (page 13) and oil level (page 6).
• Check the fuel level (page 7). Starting with a full tank will help to 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.
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 lawn area.
People and animals near the lawn 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. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.
Check the height and condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower cutting height, ground speed, and mowing swath accordingly. See
page 9 for mowing tips and recommendations.
4

Clip Director®

Pull to release lock.
SHUTTER DOOR (fully closed)
CLIP DIRECTOR LEVER AND COVER ASSEMBLY
SHUTTER DOOR (fully open)
CLIP DIRECTOR LEVER AND COVER ASSEMBLY

REAR SHIELD

DISCHARGE GUARD
The Clip Director can be adjusted to either the BAG or MULCH position to achieve the desired mowing results.
Adjust the Clip Director lever to either the bag (shutter door fully open) or mulch (shutter door fully closed).
To adjust the Clip Director, release the lock by pulling it away from the mower toward the end of the lever, and then move the lever to the desired position. Release the lock and allow it to snap into the groove.
If the Clip Director is difficult to move or the lever will not lock fully:
• With the engine OFF, lift the discharge guard and remove the grass clippings from around the shutter door.
• With a garden hose and nozzle, spray around and under the Clip Director lever and cover assembly to remove the grass clippings.
See page 16 for additional mower deck cleaning instructions.
To discharge clippings to the rear, remove the grass bag and leave the Clip Director lever in the BAG position.
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.
Mulching
Release the lock and then move the Clip Director lever into the MULCH position .
Some grass accumulation in the discharge opening is normal when the Clip Director is in the MULCH position. To remove this grass, close the discharge guard, set the Clip Director to the BAG position, engage the blade control lever, and start the engine.
Bag or Rear Discharge
Release the lock , and then set the Clip Director lever in the BAG position .

Grass Bag

A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag fabric, 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.
You can leave the grass bag on the mower during mowing, even when full mulching is selected.
To minimize dust and fine particles from passing through the grass bag fabric, it is best to mow grass in the morning when the grass is damp.
Inspection
During use, the grass bag material is subject to normal wear and tear.
CAUTION
An excessively worn grass bag may allow objects to be thrown toward the operator.
Thrown objects can hurt you.
Replace a worn grass bag to prevent possible injury.
Installing a new grass bag is explained on page 4.
5
Installation
NOTICE
GRASS BAG HANDLE
BAG
DISCHARGE GUARD
THE CUTTING HEIGHT FIGURES ARE APPROXIMATE
FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
1 in (27 mm)
1-1/2 in (39 mm) 2 in (51 mm) 2-1/2 in (64 mm)
3 in (76 mm)
3-1/2 in (88 mm)
4 in (100 mm)
FILLER CAP/ DIPSTICK
LOWER LIMIT
UPPER LIMIT
1. Raise the discharge guard and clean out any grass or debris in the mounting channels with your finger.
2. Hook the grass bag onto the mower deck as shown.
3. Release the discharge guard to secure the grass bag.
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 remove it to the rear of the mower below the handlebar.

Cutting Height Adjustment

There are two cutting height adjustment levers found on the left-hand side of the lawn mower. The lever on the left front wheel adjusts the height of both front wheels, and the lever on the left rear wheel adjusts the height for both rear wheels. Both levers can be adjusted to one of seven settings. The actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.
Be sure the engine is not running when adjusting the cutting height.
Move the front and rear adjustment levers to the same position, forward for tall grass and rearward for short grass.
To adjust the cutting height, move the rear cutting height adjustment lever first. Grasp the handlebar and lift the mower up slightly, and then pull the adjustment lever toward the wheel and move it into the desired height. Adjust the front cutting height adjustment lever to match the rear height setting.

Check the Oil Level

1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
2. Insert and remove the
dipstick without
screwing it into the filler neck. Check the oil
level shown on the dipstick.
3. If the oil level is low, add oil to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick.
Do not overfill. If the engine is overfilled, the excess oil may get transferred to the air cleaner housing and air filter. An indication of overfilling is white or blue smoke coming from the muffler when the engine is running.
Use 10W-30 API Service category SJ oil for normal conditions. For additional oil recommendations, see page 13.
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
4. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

Add Fuel

This engine is certified to operate on regular gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
You may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume. In addition, methanol must contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
Use of fuels with content of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of the fuel system.
Engine damage or performance problems that result from using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above are not covered under warranty.
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. Then readjust the cutting height if necessary. Refer to the “Mowing Tips” on page 9 for additional cutting height recommendations.
6
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be burned or seriously injured when refueling.
• Stop the engine and let cool before refueling.
• Keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
NOTICE
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
NOTICE
NOTICE
2 in
(53 mm)
UPPER
LIMIT
(more than 4 weeks before next use), refer to “AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS” on page 20 for information regarding fuel deterioration.
1. Turn engine off and let cool before refueling.
2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
3. Add fuel into the neck of the fuel tank to the UPPER LIMIT line (Approx. 2 inches (53 mm) from the top of the fuel filler neck). Do
not overfill. Wipe up any spilled fuel before starting the engine.
4. Tighten the fuel tank cap until it clicks.
Move the mower at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling source and site before starting the engine.
Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 22).

OPERATION

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.
General
Do not pull the mower backward unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backward.
Operate the mower only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the mower after consuming alcohol or drugs.
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.
DANGER
The blades are sharp and spin at high speed. If you come in contact with a spinning blade, it will 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.
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.
Striking objects with the spinning blades can cause severe engine damage, which is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED
WARRANTY.
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.
WARNING
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can build up to dangerous levels in closed areas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death.
Never run the lawn mower in a closed, or even partially closed area where people may be present.

Safe Mowing Practices

Most injuries and property damage with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most common hazards are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.
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.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling. Remove gas powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
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.
7
Stop the Engine When Not Mowing
NOTICE
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
To prevent thumb fatigue, hold the Smart Drive control as shown.
MULTI-POSITION ADJUSTER
If you need to leave the mower for any reason, even just to inspect the lawn ahead, always stop the engine by releasing the blade control lever.
Avoid Slopes
Avoid steep slopes of more than 20°.
Mow across slopes, not up and down. 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. Never operate the mower in wet grass.

Operating the Controls

Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever must be pulled back against the handlebar to start and run the engine. The blades start to rotate when the lever is pulled back against the handlebar and the electric starter is operated or the recoil starter grip is pulled.
Continue to hold the lever fully against the handlebar. This will keep the engine and blades rotating smoothly and prevent premature wear to the flywheel brake system.
Release the blade control lever to stop the engine and stop blade rotation whenever you need to leave the mower.
Mowing on steep slopes can starve the engine of oil, causing engine damage that is not covered by the
DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY.
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.Do not mow near drop offs, ditches, or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.
If stuck, do not kick or shove the mower with your foot. Use the handlebar to control the mower.
Avoid Obstacles
Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious personal injury and/or property damage. Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. The best way to prevent potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control lever to stop the blades before reaching areas with gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material.
Be careful when mowing over obstacles that stick up above the surface of the lawn such as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, raised tree roots, etc.
If the blade hits something, or if the mower starts to vibrate, stop the engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug cap, and check for damage (page 11). 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.
Blades thrown from the mower could seriously hurt or kill someone.
Inspect the blades regularly (see page 11), and do not operate the mower with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 22) does not cover parts damaged by accidental impact collision.
Smart Drive Control
With the engine running and the blades rotating, slowly push the Smart Drive control to propel the mower forward.
Ground speed will increase as more pressure is applied to the Smart Drive control. After maximum ground speed is obtained, applying additional pressure will not further increase ground speed. Apply only enough pressure to achieve the desired speed.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control.
Ground speed varies with terrain, grass height, slope, and grass bag weight. Moving the Smart Drive control allows you to maintain the desired ground speed under constantly changing mowing conditions.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage (stop) the rear wheels.
Adjusting the Smart Drive Control
The Smart Drive control can be adjusted up or down into any one of five positions for operator comfort.
Do not attempt to adjust the position of the Smart Drive control while the mower is in motion.
Slide the multi-position adjuster to the left to unlock the control, move the Smart Drive control up or down into the most comfortable position, and then release the multi-position adjuster and allow it to engage.

Starting the Engine

The blades turn when you start the engine. Start the engine in a clear or mowed area where the blades can turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position (page 3).
2. Pull back on the blade control lever and hold it against the handlebar.
3. Start the engine using the electric starter or the recoil (manual) starter.
8
Electric start:
RUN
START
MULCHING PATTERN
BAGGING PATTERN
Turn the starter key switch to the START position. Let the key return to the RUN position when the engine starts.
The starter should not be cranked for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine fails to start, release the switch and wait 10 seconds before operating the starter again.
If the battery does not have sufficient charge to start the engine, possibly due to a long storage period, use the recoil starter to start the engine for at least one mowing session. The battery should have sufficient charge after one mowing session (approximately 1 hr), or an optional accessory battery charger is available from your Honda dealer and can be used to fully charge the battery.
Manual start:
Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, and then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
To ensure easy restarting and maximum performance from the Auto Choke System, allow the engine to run for at least three minutes after starting a cold engine before stopping the engine. This minimum run time will be longer if the temperature is below 70 °F (21 °C).
Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar; the engine stops when the blade control lever is released.

Stopping the Engine

1. Release the blade control lever to stop the engine.
2. When you finish mowing, turn the fuel valve OFF.
3. If your mower will not be used for 3 to 4 weeks, we recommend running the engine’s carburetor out of fuel. You can do this by leaving the fuel valve OFF, restarting the engine and running it until the engine stops. See “AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS” on page 20 if you don’t plan to use your mower for a month or more.
4. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to “Cleaning” on
page 16.

Mowing Tips

When to Mow
Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown ½ to 1 in (12 ~ 25 mm) above their recommended height. More frequent mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best mulching results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season.
Cutting Height
Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height recommendations and advice about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area.
Most grass has stems and leaves. If you cut off the leaves, you’ll scalp the lawn. Let the grass recover between mowings. Your mower will work better, and your lawn will look better.
Cutting grass that is too tall or mowing the lawn too quickly can clog the mower deck with grass and may cause the engine to stall. If your grass gets too tall, cut it once at the highest cutting height setting using a slow ground speed, then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don’t take off more than one third of the total grass height in any one mowing, or
brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained on page 6.
Cutting Width
For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few inches. If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower mowing swath.
Blade Speed
The blades must spin very fast to cut properly. If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blades trying to cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower slower, use the rear discharge chute, or raise the cutting height.
Blade Sharpness
A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving shredded ends that turn brown. When your blades don’t cut cleanly anymore, have them sharpened or replaced.
Dry Grass
If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter. If dust is a problem, water your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist.
Wet Grass
Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing. Also, wet grass clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the lawn. Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
When equipped with the grass bag, your mower can be used to pick up fallen leaves for disposal. If using the mower to bag large amounts of fallen leaves, and not for mowing, adjust the front cutting height adjustment lever so the front of the mower deck is one or two settings higher than the rear.
If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn, don’t let the leaf cover get too deep before you begin. For best results, start mulching while grass still shows through the leaf cover. In places where fallen leaves completely cover the grass, remove the leaves by raking, or install a grass bag, so your mower can pick them up for disposal.
Clogged Mower Deck
Before clearing a clogged mower deck, stop the engine and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap disconnected, tilt the mower so the carburetor side is up.
Clear a clogged deck with a stick, not your hands.
Mowing Patterns
Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equipment design, and the direction in which the blade rotates, cause these mowing patterns to provide the best results.
Mulching
Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern. If the lawn has an irregular shape, or many obstacles, divide it into sections where you can use counterclockwise patterns.
Bagging
Use a clockwise mowing pattern. This will give the best bagging performance, leaving the least amount of clippings on the lawn.
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