Honda HRS216PKA User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
SHRX217HYA

HRS216PKA

HRS216PKA
LAWN MOWER
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......................................... 11 Cleaning ......................................... 13 Oil Change ................................................ 11
Add Fuel.......................................... 5 Dealer Locator Information ............. 18 Operating the Controls ................................ 7
Blade Inspection............................ 10 How to Contact Honda ................... 18 Serial Number Locations ........................... 15
Check the Oil Level ......................... 5 Maintenance Schedule ..................... 9 Spark Plug ................................................. 12

CONTENTS

WELCOME...................................... 2
FOR YOUR SAFETY ...................... 2
PARTS AND CONTROLS............... 3
INITIAL MOWER SETUP................ 3
BEFORE EACH OPERATION ........ 4
OPERATION ................................... 6
SERVICING YOUR MOWER ........... 8
Maintenance Safety ...................... 8
Maintenance Schedule ................. 9
Blade Inspection ......................... 10
Blade Mounting Bolt Inspection .. 10
Blade Replacement .................... 10
Oil Change.................................. 11
Air Filter ...................................... 11
Spark Plug .................................. 12
Spark Arrester (optional part)...... 12
Blade Control Check................... 12
TRANSPORTING........................... 13
STORAGE...................................... 13
Fuel............................................. 13
Cleaning...................................... 13
Oil ............................................... 13
Storage Location......................... 13
Removing From Storage............. 13
Handlebar ................................... 14
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................. 14
Engine Will Not Start.............................. 14
Loss of Power........................................ 14
Vibration................................................. 14
Mowing Problems ..................................
TECHNICAL INFORMATION.................... 15
Serial Number Locations ....................... 15
High Altitude Operation.......................... 15
Emission Control System....................... 15
Air Index................................................. 16
Specifications......................................... 16
AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS 17
CUSTOMER INFORMATION.................... 18
Parts, Accessories, and Service Items .. 18
Dealer Locator Information .................... 18
How to Contact Honda........................... 18
Honda Publications................................ 18
DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY .. 19
EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY............ 20
PRODUCT REGISTRATION..................... 23
14
00X31VG3 K092
QUESTIONS?
Contact your Honda dealer.
There is a dealer locator at
powerequipment.honda.com
© 2018-2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

WELCOME

WARNING:
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 CONTROLS INITIAL 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 engine has 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:
FOR YOUR SAFETY (page 2)
BEFORE EACH OPERATION (page 4)
OPERATION (page 6)
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 9)
3

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

REAR SHIELD

1-1/8" (28 mm) 1-3/4" (44 mm)
2-1/2" (60 mm) 3" (75 mm) 3-1/2" (90 mm) 4" (102 mm)
FRONT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
RIGHT SIDE SHOWN -
FORWARD
SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD

SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

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.
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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.
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