HONDA HRR216TDA User Manual

Owner's Manual

Rotary Mower

HRS216PDA • HRS216SDA

HRR216PDA • HRR216SDA

HRR216TDA • HRZ216TDA

See page 49 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower.

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.

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 lawn mower and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.

As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a NOTICE symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid damage to your lawn mower, other property, or the environment.

We suggest you read the Distributor’s Limited Warranty (page 61) and the Emission Control System Warranty (page 63) to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership.

When your lawn mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda lawn mowers. Your Honda servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Best Wishes, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Power Equipment Division

INTRODUCTION

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others is very important, and using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

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 including:

• Safety Labels—on the lawn mower.

• Safety Messages—preceded by a safety alert symbol and three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

 DANGER

 WARNING

 CAUTION

• Safety Headings—

• Safety Section—such as LAWN MOWER SAFETY

• Instructions—how to use this lawn mower correctly and safely

This entire book is filled with important safety information—please read it carefully.

such as IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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.

 one of

LAWN MOWER SAFETY............................................................................................ 4

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.................................................................... 4

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS .................................................................. 5

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS.................................................................................. 6

CONTROLS & FEATURES ......................................................................................... 7

COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS............................................................... 7

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS .............................................................................. 9

BEFORE OPERATION.............................................................................................. 12

ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ................................................................ 12

IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO?........................................................... 12

CHECK YOUR WORK AREA................................................................................. 13

OPERATION.............................................................................................................. 16

MOWING PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................... 16

STARTING THE ENGINE....................................................................................... 16

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING .................................................... 18

STOPPING THE ENGINE ...................................................................................... 21

SAFE MOWING PRACTICES ................................................................................ 22

MOWING TIPS ....................................................................................................... 24

SERVICING YOUR MOWER..................................................................................... 28

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE .............................................. 28

MAINTENANCE SAFETY....................................................................................... 29

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ................................................................................. 30

BLADE(S) ............................................................................................................... 31

GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT (HRR, HRZ) .............................. 33

ENGINE MAINTENANCE....................................................................................... 34

SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE (optional equipment) .............................................38

CASTER WHEEL LOCK PINS (HRZ)..................................................................... 39

FUEL SYSTEM....................................................................................................... 40

STORAGE ................................................................................................................. 42

STORAGE PREPARATION.................................................................................... 42

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................... 45

REMOVAL FROM STORAGE ................................................................................ 45

TRANSPORTING ...................................................................................................... 46

BEFORE LOADING................................................................................................ 46

LOADING AND UNLOADING................................................................................. 46

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ..................................................... 47

ENGINE PROBLEMS ............................................................................................. 47

VIBRATION PROBLEMS........................................................................................ 48

MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS ................................................................. 48

SET-UP...................................................................................................................... 49

BEFORE OPERATION ...........................................................................................50

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION .......................................................... 51

TECHNICAL INFORMATION ................................................................................. 51

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM ............................................................................ 54

SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................. 56

CONSUMER INFORMATION................................................................................. 59

INDEX ......................................................................................................................... 66

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION ...............................................inside back cover

LAWN MOWER SAFETY

IMPORTANT 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

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 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 blade 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.

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.

LAWN MOVER SAFETY

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 youngster 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 youngster operates this equipment.

The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your youngster is capable of operating this mower safely. Remember, young people vary widely, and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.

Physically, a youngster must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its direction. The youngster also needs enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably reach and operate the controls.

Another, tougher question you need to ask is if your youngster 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 youngster. Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety information. Also, be sure your youngster wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower.

SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your youngster during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after the youngster has become confident with the mower, do not let the young person use the mower without good adult supervision. An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance. In fact, it’s up to parents to make sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition.

By always placing safety first, your youngster will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from your lawn mower.

LAWN MOVER SAFETY

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS

The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please read them carefully. These labels are considered permanent parts of your mower. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda dealer for a replacement.

WARNING WARNING

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. OBJECTS THROWN BY BLADE

Follow all instructions in Owner's Manual. Go across slopes, not up and down. Do not mow when children or others are around. Look down and behind, before and while moving backwards. Keep safety devices (guards, shields, switches, etc.) in place and working.

DANGER

KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY

VEI

CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.

Inspect area and remove debris before mowing. Keep children and others away. Wear eye protection. Do not operate unless bag or chute are installed or guard is in place.

UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR, AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD B71.1 ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.

CAUTION

HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.

Stay away if engine has been running.

CAUTION

CONTROLS & FEATURES

COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS

Use the illustrations on the following pages to locate and identify the most frequently used controls.

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA & TDA)

RECOIL STARTER GRIP

REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

HANDLEBAR

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

OIL FILLER CAP

SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD (HRS ONLY)

MUFFLER

FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS

Model Identification

To easily identify your model, refer to the chart on page 56.

CONTROLS & FEATURES

F H A

REAR DISCHARGE GUARD (HRR, HRZ)

MULCHING PLUG (HRR, HRZ)

GRASS BAG (HRR, HRZ)

REAR DISCHARGE GUARD

FUEL TANK CAP

SPARK PLUG CAP

SHIFT LEVER (TDA)

CASTER WHEEL

LOCK LEVER

(HRZ)

THROTTLE LEVER

HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2)

RONT CUTTING

EIGHT DJUSTMENT

LEVERS (HRZ)

FUEL VALVE

AIR CLEANER

MOWER DECK

CARBURETOR

CASTER WHEEL (HRZ)

CONTROLS & FEATURES

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS

Fuel Valve

The fuel valve controls fuel flow from the fuel tank to the carburetor. The fuel valve must be ON to start and operate the mower. The fuel valve should be kept OFF when the mower is not in use.

OFF

FUEL VALVE

Throttle Lever

CHOKE For starting a cold engine.

FAST For restarting a warm engine and for mowing.

SLOW For idling the engine.

CHOKE FAST SLOW

Flywheel Brake Lever

This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the engine switch. The engine will not start or run unless this lever is held against the handlebar.

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Drive Clutch Lever (SDA, TDA)

The drive clutch lever engages and

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER

(SDA, TDA)

disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. The drive clutch lever should only be engaged after the engine has been warmed up.

Shift Lever (TDA)

The shift lever selects the mower ground speed.

1 (slow)

2 (medium)

3 (fast)

For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas.

For intermediate self-propelled speed.

For maximum self-propelled speed in large, open areas and for transport.

SHIFT

LEVER (TDA)

Caster Wheel Lock Lever (HRZ)

The caster wheel lock lever is used to LOCK and RELEASE the front caster wheels. The lock lever can be used anytime while moving forward but should not be used when moving backward.

LOCK Front wheels are locked in straight ahead direction.

RELEASE Front wheels are released to swivel freely.

CASTER WHEEL LOCK LEVER LOCK POSITIONRELEASE POSITION

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

The mower deck can be set to any of the six approximate settings. Each wheel should be adjusted to the same position.

HRR, HRS

Lower deck Move both the front and rear adjusters backward. Raise deck Move both the front and rear adjusters forward.

HRR/HRT

3/4" (19 mm)

1-1/4 " (29 mm)

1-3/4" (41.5 mm)

2-1/ 4" (54 mm) 2-3/ 4" (67 mm)

3-1/ 4 (79 mm)

REAR ADJUSTMENT LEVER

RIGHT SIDE SHOWN

HRS

1" ( 25 mm)

1-1/2 " (37 mm)

2" ( 50 mm)

2-1/ 2" (66 mm)

3" ( 75 mm)

3-1/ 2 (87 mm)

FRONT

ADJUSTMENT

LEVER

HRZ

Lower deck Move front adjusters forward & rear adjusters backward. Raise deck Move front adjusters backward & rear adjusters forward.

FRONT

ADJUSTMENT

3/4" (19 mm)

1-1/4 " (29 mm)

1-3/4" (41.5 mm)

2-1/ 4" (54 mm) 2-3/ 4" (67 mm)

3-1/ 4 (79 mm)

LEVER

REAR ADJUSTMENT LEVER

RIGHT SIDE SHOWN

(front wheel in trailing position)

BEFORE OPERATION

ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury.

Knowledge

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.

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.

BEFORE OPERATION

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 31). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 33).

• Check that all nuts, bolts, screws are tightened.

Check the Engine

• Check the air cleaner (page 36) and oil level (page 34).

• Check the fuel level (page 40). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

CHECK YOUR WORK AREA

For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before operating the lawn mower.

Objects

Anything which can be picked up by the blade 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.

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 people, especially children and pets. Their safety is your responsibility.

Work Area

Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground speed and mowing swath accordingly.

BEFORE OPERATION

Mulching Plug (HRR, HRZ)

The mulching plug helps to curve the inside of the mower deck for more efficient mulching.

Install and remove the mulching plug by raising the rear discharge guard as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way. Remove the mulching plug when using a grass bag.

Side Discharge Chute (HRS)

To discharge clippings to the side, install the side discharge chute as shown.

Remove the side discharge chute when mulching.

REAR

DISCHARGE

GUARD

MULCHING PLUG

SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD

SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

Cutting Height

Set all four adjustment levers to the

ADJUSTMENT LEVERS

same cutting height position. Each position changes the height approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm).

To adjust cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch.

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 cutting height if necessary.

BEFORE OPERATION

Grass Bag (HRR, HRZ)

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% full. Also, the bag is easier to empty when not packed full.

Inspection

Inspect the grass bag before use. Check for holes, tears, and excessive wear. The grass bag does wear during normal use, and will eventually require replacement (page 33).

Installation

1. Raise the rear discharge guard and remove the mulching plug. Hook the grass bag frame onto

GRASS BAG HANDLE

REAR DISCHARGE GUARD

the mower deck as shown.

2. Release the rear discharge guard to secure the grass bag in place.

Removal

1. Raise the rear discharge guard, grasp the grass bag handle and remove the grass bag.

2. Release the rear discharge guard.

3. When the grass bag is clear of the rear discharge, you can lift the grass bag through the handlebars, or remove it from the rear of the mower below the handlebar.

OPERATION

MOWING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the mower for the first time, please review the LAWN MOWER SAFETY chapter beginning on page 4 and the BEFORE OPERATION chapter beginning on page 12.

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 pull the starter grip. 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.

FUEL VALVE

2. Move the throttle lever to CHOKE for a cold engine, or FAST for a warm engine.

FAST

CHOKE

COLD ENGINE WARM ENGINE

OPERATION

3. SDA, TDA: Release the drive

clutch lever (page 10). If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter.

4. Pull back on the flywheel

brake lever and hold it against the handlebar.

5. Pull the starter grip lightly until

you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the 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 flywheel brake lever against the handlebar; the engine will stop if you release the lever.

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA)

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

STARTER GRIP

6. 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. Set the throttle lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle.

FAST

CHOKE

OPERATION