Owner’s Manual
Rotary Mower
HRX217HMA
HRX217HXA
See page 62 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower.
© 2003-2006 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
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 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 mower, other property, or the environment.
We suggest you read the Distributor’s Limited Warranty (page 75) and
Emission Control System Warranty (page 78) to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of ownership.
When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
Best Wishes,
Power Equipment Division
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
1
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 one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
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.
•Safety Headings — such as IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS or IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
•Safety Chapter — such as LAWN MOWER SAFETY.
•Instructions — how to use this mower correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully.
2
|
CONTENTS |
LAWN MOWER SAFETY............................................................................................. |
4 |
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ................................................................ |
4 |
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS .............................................................. |
5 |
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS .............................................................................. |
6 |
CONTROLS & FEATURES.......................................................................................... |
7 |
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS ........................................................... |
7 |
BEFORE OPERATION............................................................................................... |
12 |
ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ............................................................ |
12 |
IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? ....................................................... |
12 |
CHECK YOUR WORK AREA ............................................................................. |
13 |
GET THE MOWER READY ................................................................................ |
14 |
OPERATION............................................................................................................... |
20 |
MOWING PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................. |
20 |
STARTING THE ENGINE ................................................................................... |
20 |
OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING ................................................ |
23 |
STOPPING THE ENGINE .................................................................................. |
26 |
SAFE MOWING PRACTICES ............................................................................ |
27 |
MOWING TIPS ................................................................................................... |
29 |
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER.......................................................................... |
32 |
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE ........................................................... |
32 |
MAINTENANCE SAFETY ................................................................................... |
33 |
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ............................................................................. |
34 |
BLADES .............................................................................................................. |
35 |
GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT ............................................... |
38 |
ENGINE MAINTENANCE ................................................................................... |
39 |
CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS .................................................................. |
45 |
THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTION ..................................................................... |
47 |
FUEL SYSTEM ................................................................................................... |
48 |
CHARGING THE BATTERY (HRX217HMA ONLY) ........................................... |
50 |
REPLACING THE FUSE (HRX217HMA ONLY) ................................................. |
52 |
STORAGE .................................................................................................................. |
53 |
STORAGE PREPARATION ................................................................................ |
53 |
PLACING IN STORAGE ................................................................................... |
58 |
REMOVING FROM STORAGE ........................................................................ |
58 |
TRANSPORTING ....................................................................................................... |
59 |
BEFORE LOADING ............................................................................................ |
59 |
LOADING AND UNLOADING ............................................................................. |
59 |
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ...................................................... |
60 |
ENGINE WILL NOT START ............................................................................... |
60 |
LOSS OF POWER .............................................................................................. |
60 |
VIBRATION ........................................................................................................ |
61 |
MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS ............................................................. |
61 |
SET-UP .................................................................................................................... |
62 |
BEFORE OPERATION ....................................................................................... |
64 |
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION ........................................................... |
65 |
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ............................................................................. |
65 |
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM ........................................................................ |
68 |
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. |
71 |
CONSUMER INFORMATION ............................................................................. |
73 |
INDEX ......................................................................................................................... |
81 |
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION .............................................. |
inside back cover |
3
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 blades.
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.
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.
4
LAWN MOWER 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 child 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 child operates this equipment.
The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your child is capable of operating this mower safely. Remember, young people vary widely, and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.
Physically, a child must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its direction. The child also needs enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably reach and operate the controls.
Another, tougher question you need to ask is if your child 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 child. Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety information. Also, be sure your child wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower.
SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your child during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after he or she has become confident with the mower, do not let him or her use the mower without good adult supervision. An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance. In fact, it’s up to the adult owner to make sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition.
By always placing safety first, your child will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from your lawn mower.
5
LAWN MOWER SAFETY
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.
6
CONTROLS & FEATURES
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS
HANDLEBAR
SHIFT LEVER
THROTTLE LEVER
DISCHARGE GUARD
FUEL TANK CAP
KEY SWITCH (HMA ONLY)
BLADE
CONTROL
LEVER BLADE
CONTROL
BUTTON
GRASS
BAG
CUTTING HEIGHT |
BATTERY |
|
ADJUSTMENT LEVER |
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(HMA ONLY) |
|
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OIL FILLER CAP |
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MUFFLER |
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|
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RECOIL |
DRIVE |
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STARTER GRIP |
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CLUTCH |
|
|
|
|
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|
LEVER |
SPARK PLUG CAP |
|
|
|
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HANDLEBAR |
CARBURETOR |
|
LOCKING |
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KNOB (2) |
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CLIP |
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CUTTING HEIGHT |
|
DIRECTOR® |
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FUEL VALVE |
KNOB |
||
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS |
|||
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|||
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AIR CLEANER |
|
7
CONTROLS & FEATURES
Fuel Valve
The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor.
OFF
FUEL
VALVE
ON
Throttle Lever
The throttle lever controls engine speed and opens and closes the choke.
THROTTLE |
THROTTLE |
LEVER |
LEVER |
HXA |
HMA |
CHOKE
FAST SLOW
STOP
Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine.
For restarting a warm engine and for mowing.
For idling the engine.
To stop the engine. (On the HRX217HMA, turn the key switch OFF to stop the engine.)
8
CONTROLS & FEATURES
Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation.
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
BUTTON
Drive Clutch Lever
The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels.
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
BUTTON
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
9
CONTROLS & FEATURES
Shift Lever
The shift lever selects and controls the self-propelled drive speed.
STOP |
With the shift lever all the |
|
way back and the drive |
|
clutch lever fully engaged, |
|
the mower will move very |
|
slowly or not at all. |
SLOW |
Use a slow speed for |
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mowing thick grass or |
|
maneuvering in small |
|
areas. |
FAST |
For maximum |
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self-propelled speed in |
|
large, open areas, and for |
|
transport. |
STOP OR SLOW
E |
L |
THROTT |
FAST
Engine Switch (HRX217HMA only)
OFF |
Stops the engine. |
ON |
Running position (the key |
|
switch must be in the ON |
|
position to use the recoil |
|
starter). |
START |
Operates the electric |
|
starter. |
KEY
SWITCH
10
CONTROLS & FEATURES
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of seven settings. The cutting height figures are approximate. The actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
Clip Director® Knob
3/4 in (20 mm) 1-1/4 in (32 mm)
2 in (46 mm)
2-1/2 in (62 mm)
3 in (75 mm)
3-1/2 in (88 mm)
4 in (100 mm)
Bagging, mulching, and rear discharge are controlled by this knob. The knob has ten adjustment positions.
CLIP DIRECTOR®
KNOB
11
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.
12
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 36). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 37).
•Check that all nuts, bolts, screws are tightened.
Check the Engine
•Check the air cleaner (page 41) and oil level (page 39).
•Check the fuel level (page 48). 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 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 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 pets and people, especially children. Their safety is your responsibility.
Work Area
Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground speed and mowing swath accordingly.
13
BEFORE OPERATION
GET THE MOWER READY
Handlebar Height Adjustment
1.Adjust handlebar height for a comfortable operating position.
2.Loosen the handlebar locking knobs. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins.
3.Move the handlebar up or down, so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar mounting brackets.
4.Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely.
HIGH
|
MID |
HANDLEBAR |
LOW |
|
LOCKING KNOB
14
BEFORE OPERATION
Clip Direction
Clip Director Knob Adjustment
Adjust the clip director knob in any one of the ten positions to achieve the desired mowing results.
To adjust the clip director knob, pull the knob downward and towards the rear of the mower. The knob adjusts a sliding door from the fully open BAG position to the fully closed MULCH position (see the following page).
CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB
DISCHARGE
GUARD
SLIDING DOOR (fully closed)
Some grass accumulation in the discharge opening is normal when the clip director is fully closed. To remove this grass, fully open the clip director, start the engine, and engage the blade control lever several times.
If a high resistance is noticed when moving the clip director knob from side-to-side, excessive grass may have built up on top of the sliding door.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION
Always turn the engine off, remove the key (HRX217HMA only) and disconnect the spark plug cap (see page 42) before lifting the discharge guard to view or clean around the sliding door. This will prevent contact with the rotating blades and prevent objects from being thrown into the discharge area.
15
BEFORE OPERATION
Sliding Door Position
The sliding door can be positioned to produce different mowing results. If the preferred sliding door position is unknown, install a grass bag and begin mowing with the clip director knob all the way to the BAG position. Check the appearance of the lawn. As the knob is moved towards the MULCH position, more grass will be recycled back into the lawn. Adjust the clip director knob until the desired result is achieved.
BAGGING OR REAR DISCHARGE
AND SOME MULCHING
CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB
|
SLIDING DOOR |
|
(50% open) |
FULL BAGGING OR REAR DISCHARGE |
FULL MULCHING |
KNOB |
KNOB |
(BAG position) |
(MULCH position) |
SLIDING DOOR |
SLIDING DOOR |
(fully open) |
(fully closed) |
16
BEFORE OPERATION
Rear Discharge
To discharge clippings to the rear, remove the grass bag and position the clip director knob in the BAG range.
CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB
Maximum rear discharge will occur when the clip director knob is all the way to the left (BAG) position. As the clip director knob is moved toward the right (MULCH) position, less grass will be discharged though the rear discharge guard.
17
BEFORE OPERATION
Grass Bag
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% filled. Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full.
The grass bag can be left on the mower during mowing, then depending on conditions, certain areas may require full mulching where as other areas may require bagging. By adjusting the clip director knob, various mowing conditions can be met.
Inspection
Inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear. The grass bag wears during normal use and will eventually require replacement. Grass bag replacement is explained on page 38.
Installation
1.Raise the discharge guard and hook the grass bag onto the mower deck as shown.
2.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 you can remove it to the rear of the mower below the handlebar.
DISCHARGE GUARD
GRASS BAG
HANDLE 
BAG
18
BEFORE OPERATION
Cutting Height
Move all four adjustment levers to the same position.
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. Then readjust cutting height if necessary.
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
19
OPERATION
MOWING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the mower for the first time, please review
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and the previous chapter, BEFORE OPERATION (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
Before starting, always release the drive clutch lever, so the mower will not move forward when you operate the starter.
1.Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
2.Move the throttle lever to the proper starting position.
COLD ENGINE:
Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position.
WARM ENGINE:
Move the throttle lever to the FAST position.
ON
CHOKE
FAST
FUEL VALVE
20
OPERATION
3.Model HRX217HXA:
Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
Model HRX217HMA:
Electric start
Turn the key switch to the START position and hold it there until the engine starts.
When the engine starts, allow the key switch to return to the ON position.
NOTICE
ON 
START
Do not use the starter for
more than 5 seconds or starter motor damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, release the switch and wait 10 seconds before operating the starter again.
When the engine starts, release the key switch and allow it to return to the ON position.
21
OPERATION
Model HRX217HMA:
Manual start
Turn the engine switch ON. The engine switch must be in the ON position to start the engine with the recoil starter.
Place your foot on the mower deck step. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
4.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 without using the choke. Set the throttle lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle.
THROTTLE LEVER
FAST 
CHOKE 
22
OPERATION
OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING
Throttle Lever
For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently. Do not try to increase the preset engine speed; the blade could fracture and come apart.
Blade Control Lever
To start blade rotation, press the button on top of the blade control lever, then push the lever forward quickly and hold it against the handlebar.
Release the blade control lever to stop the blades.
Operate the blade control lever with a quick and complete motion, so the blade control is always either fully engaged or stopped. This will help to prevent stalling the engine, and it will also extend the service life of the blade control mechanism.
THROTTLE LEVER
FAST
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
BUTTON
Always release the blade control lever before starting the engine to prevent the blades from turning.
23
OPERATION
Drive Clutch Lever
Push the drive clutch lever forward to propel the mower.
Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward movement.
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
You can control the self-propelled speed with the drive clutch lever. The mower will move gradually faster as you push the drive clutch lever forward. If you push the lever all the way forward to the handlebar, the mower will move at the speed determined by the shift lever setting (page 25).
When moving and using the drive clutch lever to change self-propelled speed, continue to fully hold the blade control lever against the handlebar. This will help prevent damage to the blade control mechanism. Use the shift lever (page 25) to change the maximum speed so you can hold the drive clutch lever comfortably against the handlebar.
For self-propelled mowing, press the button on top of the blade control lever, push the blade control lever completely forward, then push the drive clutch lever forward. The drive clutch lever can be used to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar.
Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine. If the drive clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter.
24
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