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.
QUICK FIND
Air Filter......................................... 11Cleaning ......................................... 13Oil Change ................................................ 11
Add Fuel.......................................... 5Dealer Locator Information ............. 18Operating the Controls ................................ 7
Blade Inspection............................ 10How to Contact Honda ................... 18Serial Number Locations ........................... 15
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 mowers and are supported by the parts
and service divisions of American Honda.
Please read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY on page 19
and the EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY on page 20 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.
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:
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
• Damage Prevention Messages – you will also see other
important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This
word means:
Your engine, the environment, or other
NOTICE
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.
2
PARTS AND CONTROLSINITIAL MOWER SETUP
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER (P. 7)
FUEL TANK CAP
REAR CUTTING
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVERS (2) (P. 4)
MUFFLER
OIL FILLER CAP
(P. 3)
FRONT CUTTING
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVER (2) (P. 4)
HANDLEBAR
ADJUST
KNOB (2)
RECOIL
STARTER
GRIP
AIR
CLEANER
(P. 11)
SPARK PLUG
CAP
CARBURETOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GUARD (P. 4)
FUEL VALVE ON
FUEL VALVE OFF
HANDLEBAR
ADJUST
KNOB (2)
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
LOCKED
UNLOCKED
Adjust the Handlebar
1. With the handlebar adjust knobs in the unlocked position, raise the
handlebar into the mowing position.
2. Depress the blade control lever while raising the handlebar.
3. Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees into the lock position
allowing the pins to spring into the holes and lock into position.
Add Engine Oil
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 11.
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 enginehas no oil.”
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 on-line to
powerequipment.honda.com and clicking on Product Registration.
Before Using Your Lawn Mower
All Mower operators must read the following sections:
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
Failure to properly maintain this lawn mower could
result in a significant malfunction.
Some malfunctions can seriously hurt or kill you.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each
operation, and correct any problem.
Rear Shield
During normal use the rear shield is subject to deterioration and wear.
Check the rear shield for cracks or tears. If the rear shield is
excessively worn, have it replaced by your authorized Honda
servicing dealer.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of six 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.
To adjust cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel,
and move it into another notch.
• 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 blade 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 air filter (page 11) and oil level (page 5)
• Check the fuel level (page 5). 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 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 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 7 for mowing tips and recommendations.
Move all four adjustment levers to the same position, forward for tall
grass and rearward for short grass.
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.
Side Discharge Chute
The mower can be used to mulch or side discharge grass clippings.
To mulch, make
sure the side
discharge chute is
not installed, and
the side discharge
guard on the
mower deck is fully
closed.
To discharge
clippings to the
side, stop the
engine, lift the side
door up, and install
the side discharge
chute as shown.
4
Add Fuel
NOTICE
NOTICE
MAXIMUM
FUEL LEVEL
RED FUEL
LEVEL
GAUGE
LOWER
LIMIT
UPPER
LIMIT
FILLER CAP/
DIPSTICK
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.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can
be burned or seriously injured when refueling.
• Keep heat, sparks, and flame away
• Stop the engine and let it cool before refueling
• Refuel only outdoors
• Wipe up spills immediately
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 or later oil for normal conditions. For additional oil
recommendations, see page 11.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
(more than 4 weeks before next use), refer to “AVOIDING
FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS” on page 17 for information regarding
fuel deterioration.
1. Remove the fuel tank cap (page 3).
2. Add fuel to the bottom of the red fuel level gauge in the neck of the
fuel tank. Do not overfill. Wipe up spilled fuel before starting the
engine.
3. 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 19).
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
4. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.
5
OPERATION
NOTICE
NOTICE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
Avoid Rotating Blade
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 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.
DANGER
The blade is sharp and spins 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 you 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 blade 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.
Striking objects with the spinning blade can cause severe engine
damage, which is not covered by the DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED
WARRANTY (page 19).
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.
Stop the Engine When Not Mowing
If you need to leave the mower for any reason, even just to inspect the
lawn ahead, 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.
Mowing on steep slopes can starve the engine of oil, causing engine
damage that is not covered by the DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED
WARRANTY (page 19).
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 blade 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 10). Striking objects may damage the blade, bend the
crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components.
Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
6
WARNING
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and
pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous
projectiles.
A blade thrown from the mower could seriously hurt or
kill someone.
Inspect the blade regularly (see page 10), and do not
operate the mower with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 19) does not
cover parts damaged by accidental impact collision.
Operating the Controls
Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever must
be pulled back against the
handlebar to start and run the
engine. The blade starts to
rotate when the lever is pulled
back against the handlebar
and the recoil starter grip is
pulled.
Continue to hold the lever fully
against the handlebar. This will
keep the engine and blade
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.
Starting the Engine
The blade turns when you start the engine. Start the engine in a clear
or mowed area where the blade 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. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, 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 shutting down. 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. 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
it stops. See “AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS” on
page 17 if you don’t plan to use your mower for a month or more.
3. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to “Cleaning” on
page 13.
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 total grass height in any one mowing, or
brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained
on page 4.
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,
install the 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
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.
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 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 side discharge. For best
7
Mowing Pattern Your Honda
MULCHING AND SIDE
DISCHARGE PATTERN
mower will work most efficiently if
you use the following mowing
pattern as much as possible.
Mower deck and equipment
design, and the direction in which
the blade rotates, cause this
mowing pattern to provide the
best results.
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.
SERVICING YOUR MOWER
Proper maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and
trouble-free operation. It also helps reduce air pollution.
WARNING
Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem
before operation, can cause a serious malfunction.
Some malfunctions can seriously hurt or kill you.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance
recommendations and schedules in this owner’s
manual.
Maintenance Safety
Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we
cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
WARNING
Improper maintenance can cause an unsafe condition.
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this
manual.
Safety Precautions
• Make sure the engine is off before you begin any maintenance or
repairs. This will eliminate several potential hazards:
– Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust.
Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate
the engine.
– Burns from hot parts.
Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching.
– Injury from moving parts.
Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so.
• Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have
the tools and skills required.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when
working around gasoline. Use only a nonflammable solvent, not
gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away
from all fuel-related parts.
To help you properly care for your mower, the following pages include
a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple
maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other service tasks
that are more difficult or require special tools are best handled by
professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or
other qualified mechanic.
The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If
you operate your mower under severe conditions, such as sustained
high load, high temperature, or unusually wet or dusty conditions,
consult your servicing dealer for recommendations applicable to your
individual needs and use.
Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your
mower best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it. To ensure
the best quality and reliability, use only new, Honda Genuine parts or
their equivalents for repair and replacement.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair
establishment or individual, using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
8
Loading...
+ 16 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.