Honda HRX217K5VKA User Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
Click to Save As
HRX217HYA
HRX217VKA
HRX217VKA
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 12 Check the Oil Level 6 Maintenance Schedule 10
Add Fuel 7 Cleaning 14 Oil Change 12
Operating the Controls 8 Dealer Locator Information 19 Serial Number Locations 16
Blade Inspection 11 How to Contact Honda 19 Spark Plug 13
CONTENTS
FOR YOUR SAFETY 2 SERVICING YOUR MOWER 9 TROUBLESHOOTING 15
PARTS AND CONTROLS 3 Maintenance Safety 9 Engine Will Not Start 15
INITIAL MOWER SETUP 3 Maintenance Schedule 10 Loss of Power 15
Adjust the Handlebar 3 Blade Inspection 11 Vibration 15
Add Engine Oil 4 Blade Mounting Bolt Inspection 11 Mowing and Bagging Problems 15
Assemble the Grass Bag 4 Blade Replacement 11 TECHNICAL INFORMATION 16
BEFORE EACH OPERAT ION 4 Oil Change 12 Serial Number Locations 16
Check Your Mower 4 Air Filter 12 High Altitude Operation 16
Check Your Mowing Area 4 Spark Plug 13 Emission Control System 16
Clip Director® 5 Spark Arrester (optional part) 13 Air Index 17
Cutting Height Adjustment 6 Select Drive Cable Adjustment 13 Specifications 17
Check the Oil Level 6 TRANSPORTING 14 AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS 18
Add Fuel 7 STORAGE 14 CUSTOMER INFORMATION 19
OPERATION 7 Fuel 14 Parts, Accessories, and Service Items 19
Safe Mowing Practices 7 Cleaning 14 Dealer Locator Information 19
Operating the Controls 8 Oil 14 How to Contact Honda 19
Starting the Engine 9 Storage Location 14 Honda Publications
Stopping the Engine 9 Handlebar 15 DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY 20
Removing From Storage 15 EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY 21
PRODUCT REGISTRATION 23
19
00X31VH7 N060
QUESTIONS?
Contact your Honda dealer.
There is a dealer locator at
powerequipment.honda.com
© 2016 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 20
and the EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY on page 21 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.
California Proposition 65
This product contains or emits
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:
NOTICE
Your engine or other 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. 8)
REAR
DISCHARGE
GUARD
(P. 5)
FUEL TANK CAP (P. 7)
MUFFLER
(P. 13)
OIL FILLER CAP
(P. 12)
HANDLEBAR
ADJUST KNOB (2)
(P. 4)
RECOIL
STARTER
GRIP
(P. 9)
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER (4)
(P. 6)
GRASS BAG
(P. 6)
AIR FILTER
(P. 12)
SPARK PLUG
CAP
(P. 13)
CARBURETOR
(P. 12)
SELECT DRIVE®
CONTROL
(P. 8)
FUEL VALVE ON
FUEL VALVE OFF
CLIP DIRECTOR®
KNOB
(P. 5)
HANDLEBAR ADJUST
KNOBS
UNLOCKED
LOCKED
List of Parts
With help from an assistant, carefully remove the mower and loose
parts from the carton and compare the loose parts against the
following list. Contact the authorized Honda dealer from whom you
purchased the mower if any of the loose parts shown are not included
with your mower.
Ref.
Description Qty.
No.
Grass bag frame 1
Grass bag 1
Engine oil and owner’s manual 1
Adjust the Handlebar
1. With the handlebar adjust knobs in the unlocked position, raise the
handlebar into the mowing position.
2. Align the adjust knobs with one of the three holes on each handle
stay. Setting the adjust knobs in the lowest holes raises the
handlebar to its highest position.
3. Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees into the lock position,
making sure both sides are positioned at the same height.
4. Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar.
3
Add Engine Oil
GRASS BAG HANDLE
EYELETS
FABRIC GRASS BAG
SUPPORT LEGS
TOP PLASTIC CLIP
(Route under the
handle and frame)
PLASTIC CLIP
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 “Oil Change” on
page 12.
Do not overfill the engine with oil. If the eng ine 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.”
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 7)
• MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 10)
BEFORE EACH OPERATION
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.
Assemble the Grass Bag
1. T urn the grass bag right-side out.
2. Pull the frame support legs outward and slide them into the eyelets
as shown.
3. Install the assembled frame into the fabric grass bag, keeping the
grass bag handle exposed.
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
• Going on-line to powerequipment.honda.com and clicking on
Product Registration
• By scanning the QR code
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this lawn mower, or failing to
correct a problem before operation, could cause a
significant malfunction.
Some malfunctions can seriously hurt or kill you.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each
operation, and correct any problem.
• 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 operatio n
• Check the blades for wear. Replace as necessary (page 11)
• Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 11)
• Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened
• Check the air filter (page 12) and oil level (page 6)
• Check the fuel level (page 7). 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 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 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.
Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground
speed and mowing swath accordingly.
4
Clip Director®
CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB
SLIDING DOOR
(fully closed)
DISCHARGE
GUARD
BAGGING OR REAR DISCHARGE
AND SOME MULCHING
SLIDING DOOR
(50% open)
CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB
FULL BAGGING OR
REAR DISCHARGE
FULL MULCHING
KNOB (MULCH POSITION)
KNOB (BAG POSITION)
SLIDING DOOR
(fully open)
SLIDING DOOR
(fully closed)
REAR SHIELD
DISCHARGE GUARD
The Clip Director can be adjusted to any one of the ten positions to
achieve the desired mowing results (bag, bag and mulch, or mulch).
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.
Some grass accumulation in the discharge opening is normal when
the Clip Director is fully closed in the MULCH position. To remove this
grass, close the discharge guard, fully open the Clip Director in the
BAG position, engage the blade control lever, and start the engine.
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.
Rear Discharge
To discharge clippings to the rear, remove the grass bag and positi on
the Clip Director knob in the BAG range. 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 through the rear discharge
guard.
Important Safety Precaution
Always release the blade control lever and disconnect the spark plug
cap (page 13) 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.
Sliding Door Position
The sliding door can be positioned to produce different mowing
results. If the preferred sliding door position is unknown, install the
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 kn ob 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.
Fallen Leaves
Use the Clip Director to shred and collect fallen leaves for disposal.
Set the front wheels so they are one or two settings higher than the
rear. Set the Clip Director in position #9 (not quite full mulching), and
adjust the setting from this point for best results.
Collecting leaves while they are damp will help to control dust and
result in more effective mulching of the leaves.
Rear Shield
During normal use the rear shield is subject to deterioration and wear.
Remove the grass bag and raise the discharge guard to check the
rear shield for cracks or tears. If the rear shield is excessively worn,
have it replaced by your authorized Honda servicing dealer.
5
Grass Bag
NOTICE
GRASS BAG
HANDLE
BAG
DISCHARGE GUARD
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
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 (102 mm)
1
2
3
4
•
•
•
FORWARD
DIRECTION
THE CUTTING HEIGHT FIGURES ARE APPROXIMATE.
LOWER
LIMIT
UPPER
LIMIT
FILLER CAP
/DIPSTICK
A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the
bag fabric, 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.
You can leave the grass bag on the mower during mowing, even
when full mulching is selected.
To minimize dust and fine particles from passi ng through the grass
bag fabric, it is best to mow grass in the morning when the ground is
slightly damp and the grass is dry.
Inspection
During use, the grass bag material is subject to normal wear and tear.
CAUTION
An excessively worn grass bag may allow objects to be
thrown toward the operator.
Thrown objects can hurt you.
Replace a worn grass bag to prevent possible injury.
Grass bag replacement is explained on page 14.
Installation
To adjust cutting height, pull
each adjustment lever toward
the wheel, and move it into
another notch.
Move all four adjustment levers
to the same position, forward
for tall grass and rearward for
short grass.
1. Raise the discharge
guard and hook the
grass bag onto the
mower deck as
shown.
Clean any grass
clippings from the
hook channel.
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
3. When the grass bag is clear of the discharge guard, you can lift it
Cutting Height Adjustment
Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of seve n set ti n gs.
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.
6
discharge guard.
through the handlebar opening or remove it to the rear of the
mower below the handlebar.
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.
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 oil for normal conditions. For
additional oil recommendations. See “Engine Oil
Recommendations” on page 12.
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
4. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.
Add Fuel
NOTICE
NOTICE
MAXIMUM
FUEL LEVEL
RED FUEL LEVEL GAUGE
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.
Y ou 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 form 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.
• Stop the engine and let it cool before refueling
• Keep heat, sparks, and flame away
• Refuel only outdoors
• Wipe up spills immediately
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 18 for information regarding
fuel deterioration.
1. T urn the engine off and let cool before refueling.
2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
3. 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.
OPERATION
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.
You may hear a clicking noise as you push the lawn mower forward
with the engine OFF. This is normal and will not damage the mower.
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.
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.
DANGER
The blades are sharp and spin 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
4. 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 cove red by
the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20).
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.
Striking objects with the spinning blades can cause severe engine
damage, which is not covered by the DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED
WARRANTY (page 20).
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.
7
Refuel With Care
NOTICE
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
SELECT DRIVE
CONTROL
MIN
MAX
SELECT DRIVE CONTROL
CONTROL
MIN
MAX
SELECT DRIVE KNOB
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.
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.
Mowing on steep slopes can
starve the engine of oil, causing engine damage that is not covered by
the DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20).
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.
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. The best way to prevent
potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control
lever to stop the blades before reaching areas with gravel, loose
stones, or landscaping material.
Be careful when mowing over obstacles that stick up ab o ve 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 11). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the
crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components.
Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
WARNING
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and
pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous
projectiles.
Blades thrown from the mower could seriously hurt or kill
someone.
Inspect the blades regularly (see page 11), and do not
operate the mower with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20) does not
cover parts damaged by accidental impact collision.
8
Operating the Controls
Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever must
be pulled back against the
handlebar to start and run the
engine. The blades start 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 blades 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.
Select Drive Control
With the engine running and
the blades rotating, slowly
push the Select Drive control
to propel the mower forward.
Normal operation is with your
hand comfortably around the
handle bar and Select Drive
control.
Push the Select Drive control
with your thumb into the
indentation for extra torque
(up a hill, or through thick grass).
You can reduce the ground speed by partially releasing the Select
Drive control.
Ground speed varies with terrain, grass height, slope, and grass bag
weight. Moving the Select Drive knob (page 8) or varying how far you
push the Select Drive control forward allows you to maintain the
desired ground speed under constantly changing mowing conditions.
Release the Select Drive control to disengage (stop) the rear wheels.
Disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles.
Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control.
Adjusting the Select Drive Control
The Select Drive control
knob allows you to adjust the
maximum ground speed
when the Select Drive lever
is fully engaged.
Adjustment is from MIN to
MAX. With the Select Drive
lever fully engaged:
MIN will propel the lawn
mower at it’s slowest speed.
MAX will propel the lawn
mower at it’s fastest speed.
The position of Select Drive knob determines the forward speed of the
lawn mower, but it still varies based on the mowing surface and
terrain. For example, with the knob in the slowest position, the mower
may seem to propel quickly on smooth concrete. However, once the
mower is moving through grass, it will go slower because of the added
resistance of the grass.
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