Honda HRS21PVA, HRS21SA, HRS21PA, HRS21SVA Owner's Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Honda mower.
This manual covers operation and maintenance of Honda HRS21 rotary

mowers, type SA (self-propelled, rear bag), type SVA (self-propelled, side
discharge), type PA (manually propelled, rear bag), and type PVA (manually
propelled, side discharge). Illustrations in this manual are based on type
SA, unless otherwise noted. Honda HRS21 mowers meet CPSC blade
safety requirements for walk-behind rotary power mowers. Honda Motor
Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and
without incurring any obligation.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the mower and re­main with the mower when sold.

Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words;

w.

of life if instructions are not followed.

CAUTION: Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage
if instructions are not followed.

NOTE: Gives helpful information.
If a problem should arise, of if you have any questions about the mower,

consult an authorized Honda dealer.

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. 1983, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or loss

l The Honda rotary mower is designed to give safe and dependable service

if operated according to instructions and intended use: mowing (cutting)
grass, and bagging cut grass when equipped with the grass bag. Any
other use could be dangerous.

l Read and understand .the Owner’s Manual before operating the mower.

Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.

2

CONTENTS

1 CAUTION
2 GENERAL SAFETY
3 COMPONENT

4 CONTROLS

5 OPERATION
6 BEFORE YOU START THE MOWER
7 STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE

High altitude operation.. .............................................................

.

8 TRANSPORTING/STORAGE

9 MAINTENANCE
10 TROUBLESHOOTING

11 SPECIFICATIONS ..... . .............................................................

12 WARRANTY

LABEL LOCAilON

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IDENTIFICATION

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SERVICE .............................................................

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CONTENTS

4
6
7

9
11
12
17
20
23
26

36
37

38

3

1. CAUTION LABEL LOCATIONS

[ DANGER:KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY

ISA type),

4

(WA type)

5

2. GENERAL SAFETY

l

Know how to stop the engine quickly and understand operation of all the
controls. Never permit anyone to operate the mower without proper in­struction.

l

The rear shield is for your protection; keep it in place at all times.

l

The blade is sharp and dangerous. Never put your hands or feet under
the mower. Never tilt the mower to expose the blade while the engine is
running. If you find it necessary to work on the blade or mower, stop the
engine and remove the spark plug cap.

l

Never stand in front of self-propelled mowers when the engine is run­ning. Someone may accidentally engage the drive clutch.

l

Clear the lawn of sticks, stones, or debris before mowing. Mow only in
cleared areas in daylight or good artificial light.

l

Protect yourself by wearing long trousers and appropriate shoes. Don’t
wear loose fitting clothing or sandals when mowing.

l

Keep children and pets away from the mower at all times.

l

If the blade strikes a stone, sprinkler head, etc., be sure the blade, blade
holder, woodruff key, fasteners, crankshaft, etc. are in good condition
before continuing to mow.

Replace any damaged parts.

l

Never operate without the grass bag or discharge adaptor.

3. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

GRASS BAG GRIP ~1

GRASS BAG
(SA and PA types)

DISCHARGE GUARD

11

FLYWHEEL
BRAKE LEVER

THROTTLE LEVER

RECOIL STARTER

SPARK PLUG

CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTING LEVER

I

MUFFLER

(SA type)

7

DISCHARGE ADAPTOR
(SVA and PVA types)

I

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER

HANDLE

FUEL FILLER CAP

OIL FILLER CAP

(SVA type)

8

Throttle Control Lever
Throttle positions: START (CHOKE)

HI
LO

Flywheel Brake Lever (Black-painted lever)

4. CONTROLS

THROTTLE

The flywheel brake lever must be moved forward and held against the
handlebar to allow the engine to start and run. When the flywheel brake
lever is released, the engine stops.

CAUTION: If the Brake System fails to stop the engine, turn off the fuel
valve and allow the engine to stop completely.
Take the mower to an authorized Honda dealer for service. (See p. 19).

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

9

Drive Clutch Lever (Self-propelled type)

To propel the mower, move the drive clutch lever forward against the
handlebar with one hand, while holding the flywheel brake lever against the
handlebar with the other hand. Both levers can be held against the

,handlebar with one hand while the mower is being operated.

Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive.
NOTE: If the flywheel brake lever is also released, the engine will stop.

CAUTION: The drive clutch lever must be released for starting, otherwise

the mower will move forward when the starter is pulled.

10

5.. OPERATION

This MOWER should be used with the grass bag or discharge adaptor.
The following suggestions and rules are intended to help you operate your
Honda HRS21 under the safest conditions possible. Be alert and exercise
the same care using the mower as you would using any other power tool.

l

Be especially careful when mowing uneven or rough ground. The mower
may tilt, exposing the blade, and hidden objects could be thrown by the
blade. Keep all four wheels on the ground.

l

Mow across slopes. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

l

Control direction by the handle, not by foot pressure on the mower
housing.

. Keep a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run, with the mower.

Don’t lag behind the machine or let it pull you.

CAUTION:

l

Use extra care when mowing around objects to keep the blade from
striking them. Never deliberately mow over any object.

l

Stop the engine immediately if the blade hits an object or the mower
starts to vibrate. Remove the spark plug cap (keep the wire away from
the plug) and inspect for damage.

’

NOTE: (Self-propelled type) Do not use the drive clutch when maneuver­ing around trees, etc.
Release the clutch and push the mower for better directional control.

11

6. BEFORE YOU START THE MOWER

1. Check the engine.oil level.
CAUTION:

0. Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and service
life. Non-detergent oil and 2-stroke engine oil are not recommended.

l

Running ,the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine
damage.

Use Honda-4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality

motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturers’ re­quirements,for service classification SE or SF (Motor oils classified SE or
SF will show this designation on the container).
SAE low-40 is recommended for general, all temperature use.
a. Place the mower on a level surface.
b. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
c. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
d. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick. If near the lower level, fill to

the upper level with the recommended oil.

12

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OIL FILLER CAP

LOWER LEVEL