Honda HT42135000001 Owner's Manual
Thank you for purchasing a Honda Lawn Tractor.
This manual covers the operation and maintenance of the Honda HT4213
Lawn Tractor, type SA (side discharge).
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 lawn tractor and
should remain with the lawn tractor when sold.
Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words;
ADANGER: Indicates severe personal injury or death will result if instructions are not followed.
m Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or death
if instructions are not followed.
CAUTION: Indicates a possibility qf personal injury or equipment damage if
instructions are not followed.
NOTE: Gives helpful information.
If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about the lawn tractor, consult an authorized Honda Lawn Tractor dealer.
Honda lawn tractors are designed to give safe and dependable service if
operated according to instructions.
m
Operating a,lawn tractor requires special effort to ensure the safe-
ty of the operator and the safety of others. Read and understand this Owner’s
Manual before operating the lawn tractor; failure to do so could result in per-
sonal injury or equipment damage.
It is illegal in some areas to operate a gasoline engine without a U.S.D.A.
qualified spark arrester; check local laws and regulations. You can purchase an optional spark arrester for this lawn tractor from your authorized
Honda Power Equipment dealer.
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. 1986, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CONTENTS
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
-I l Starting the engine
l Mowing
l Stopping the engine
l High altitude operation
6. TRANSPORTIklG/STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. MAINTENANCE
8. WIRING DIAGRAM
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9. TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i 0. SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11. WARRANTY SERVICE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
8
10
15
26
35.
40
56
57
60
61
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1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING LABEL LOCATIONS
Read these WARNING LABELS before you operate!
3
I READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE
OPERATING.
I OPERATOR ONLY. DO NOT CARRY
PASSENGERS.
I MAXIMUM SAFE OPERATING ANGLE
10 DEGREES. (17% GRADE)
GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
STOP ENGINE, AVOID HEAT,
SPARKS, AND OPEN FLAME
WHEN REFUELING.
G REDUCE SPEED WHEN TURNING OR
OPERATING ON SLOPES.
I STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING
GRASS CATCHER OR CLEANING
DISCHARGE CHUTE.
I KEEP ALL SHIELDS AND SAFETY
DEVICES IN PLACE.
I KEEP PEOPLE AND PETS AT A SAFE
DISTANCE WHILE OPERATING.
I THIS LAWN TRACTOR IS NOT LEGAL
FOR USE ON PUBLIC STREETS OR
HIGHWAYS.
lo-MAX.
LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY
imm Operating a lawn tractor requires special efforts on your part to
ensure your safety and the safety of others. Know these requirements before
you operate the lawn tractor.
SAFE OPERATING RULES
l Always make a pre-operation inspection (page 15) before you start the
engine. You may prevent an accident or equipment. damage.
l All parts, especially guards and shields, should be in good condition, and
securely fastened in place.
l Be sure all nuts, bolts and screws are tight, especially the blade mounting
bolts.
l Do not remove any guards, warning labels, shields or safety devices; they
are installed for your safety.
l Know how to stop the engine and blades quickly. Thoroughly understand
operation of all controls.
l Never permit anyone to operate the lawn tractor without proper
instructions.
l Do not allow passengers to ride on the tractor or any of its attachments.
l Children should not be permitted to operate this lawn tractor.
l To prevent serious injury, never put your hands or feet under the cutter
deck.
l Do not operate the lawn tractor while barefoot. Wear sturdy shoes or boots
and clothing that is not loose.
l Be alert. Do not operate the lawn tractor when you are tired, ill or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
l Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
l Watch out for and avoid rocks, roots, holes and other obstacles.
l If you hit an object, stop and inspect the lawn tractor; repair any damage
before you operate the mower again.
l Replace damaged, worn or broken parts immediately.
l Do not operate near the edge of a ditch or an embankment.
l The exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can cause
loss of consciousness and may lead to death, if the tractor is operated
in an enclosed space.
5
BEFORE MOWING
l Before mowing, always clear the lawn of stones, sticks or other debris.
These objects could be thrown out by the spinning blade and cause an in-
jury or equipment damage.
l Select a safe operating speed (gear position) for the area to be mowed.
5th gear should be used only while driving to and from the storage area.
l Always ensure that the area in front of and behind the lawn tractor is clear
of people, pets and debris before starting.
l Be very careful when you operate the lawn tractor in Reverse.
l Do not mow in Reverse unless it is absolutely necessary.
l Use extra care when pulling a trailer or when using optional attachments.
a. Be sure that any accessories (trailer hitch, etc.) are securely mounted,
and that they do not interfere with the safe operation of the tractor.
b. Reduce operating speeds when using attachments, and limit loads to
those you can safely control.
c. Use care when backing, and avoid making sharp turns.
OPERATION ON SLOPES
l This lawn tractor is intended for use on relatively flat terrain. Do not use on
sloped surfaces exceeding 10 degrees (17% grade). This angle may be further reduced by the condition and type of surface.
Maximum safe operating angle
6
MAX
MAXIMUM loo (17 % GRADE)
.* If mowing on a sloping surface, always drive up and down the face of the
grade. Never turn or drive across the face of the slope.
l To prevent loss of control or overturning, always reduce speed and exer-
cise extreme caution when operating on sloping or uneven surfaces.
l Avoid turning or stopping on sloping surfaces; see page 31 for special
instructions.
l Do not back down or rapidly accelerate up a sloping surface; see page
31 for special instructions.
CLEANING AND STORAGE
l Leaves, grass clippings, oil and other combustible materials can be-
come a fire hazard. Be sure to keep the engine compartment, the upper
cutter deck surfaces and the belt and pulley areas clean.
l Damp, decomposing grass clippings generate heat-and can become a
fire hazard.
l To reduce the possibility of fire, allow the engine and exhaust system
to cool before storing the mower in an enclosed space or near com-
bustible materials.
7
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFUCATION
POWER TAKE-OFF (P.T.O.) LEVER
I
=F-L’
‘STEERING WHEEL
PARKING BRAKE
LEVER
BRAKE PEDAL
THRQ
~~-bTTLE
LEVER \
CUfTER
DECK
PARKING INDICATOR
LAlM:
?99?!?% / HEADLIGHT
MUFFLER
OVERHEAT ALERT
INDICATOR LAMP
\-
CUTTER DECK
DRIVE BELT
ADJUSTING KNOB
ENGINE
^._.._^. .
8
DECK HEkHT
ADJUSTING LEVER
FUEL FILLER CAP
Engine compartment
FUSE BOX
BATTERY
AIR CLEANER
RESERVE TANK,
OIL FI
CAP
OIL DRilN PLUG /
RADIATOR DRAIN
PLUG
PLUGS
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3, CONTROLS
1. Engine switch
m Always remove the key from the engine switch whenever the
lawn tractor is unattended to prevent children or unauthorized persons
from starting the engine.
This lawn tractor is equipped with an automotive type ignition switch,
which controls all the electrical circuits. The switch is located on the righthand side of the control panel.
Key positions: “START” to start the engine
“ON” to run the engine after starting
“OFF”
ENGINE SWITCH
NOTE: The starter motor will not work unless the shift lever is in
NEUTRAL and the P.T.O. lever is in the OFF (Disengaged) position.
to stop the engine.
dN ,
2. Throttle lever
The throttle lever cqntrols engine speed from SLOW (idle).to FAST (max
speed), and START (CHOKE) is for starting a cold engine.
NOTE: When the engine is warm or the air temperature is high, move the
throttle to SLOW as soon as the engine starts.
FAST
3. Cutter deck height adjusting lever
This lever is used to raise and lower the cutter deck. To adjust the cutting
height, squeeze the handle lock and then press in and hold the set button.
Raise or lower the lever until the desired cutting height appears on the in-
dicator. At that pointi release the set button and the handle lock. Be sure the
handle lock returns to its normal position when released.
Cutting heights: 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 in.
CAUTION:
l To avoid damage to the cutter deck, always raise it fully when driving the
lawn tractor to and from the mowing area; this provides maximum ground
clearance.
l To avoid damaging or disabling the handle locking mechanism, never at-
tempt to screw the adjusting lever’s set button in or out.
SET BUTTON
4. Power Take-Off (P.T.O.1 lever
This lever engages and disengages the power take-off clutch to drive the
blades.
Lever positions: ON (Engaged)
. . . . . . . . . :. . . . . .Blades turn
OFF (Disengaged) . . . . . . . . . ..Blades stop
OFF(Disengaged)
P.T.O. LEVER
NOTE: An interlock switch prevents the engine from starting unless the
P.T.O. lever is in the OFF position.
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5. Shift lever
This lever is .used to select one of the five forward speeds, neutral, or
reverse. The drive clutch automatically disengages while the lever is being
moved. The clutch will then engage automatically when put into gear
unless the brake pedal is depressed.
CAUTION: Bring the tractor to a complete stop before shifting from a forward speed to reverse, or from reverse to a forward speed. Shifting bet-
ween forward and reverse speeds while the tractor is moving can cause
transmission damage.
When shifting from one forward speed range to another while moving, do
not force the shift lever and do not shift up or down more than one slot at a
time. Do not operate the shift lever on slopes.
NOTE: The tractor will pull away
from a stop in any speed range. No
shifting is necessary.
5th speed is not recommended for
mowing but may be used for driving
the tractor from ‘one area to another.
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6. Headlight switch
The switch turns the headlights ON and OFF.
CAUTION:
l To avoid discharging the battery, run the engine with the throttle in the
\
FAST position when using the headlights.
l Shift the transmission to a lower speed range to maintain a safe speed when
visibility is poor.
HEADLIGHT
‘SWITCH
7. Brake pedal
Depressing the pedal will first disengage the tractor drive clutch. As you
continue to depress the pedal, the brake will be applied to stop the tractor.
When the brake pedal is released, an automatic mechanism gradually
engages the clutch.
CAUTION: Releasing the brake pedal too slowly, holding the pedal
halfway out, can cause the clutch to slip and may lead to premature clutch
wear.
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8. Parking brake lever
This lever is used to set the brake when the lawn tractor is parked.
Pull the lever fully up until the ratchet locks, and be sure that the parking in-
dicator lamp on the control panel is ON.
NOTE: The parking brake lever does not operate the automatic clutch.
Always put the transmission in neutral, or turn off the engine switch before
setting the parking brake. A warning buzzer will sound if the parking brake
is ‘engaged while the transmission is in gear and the engine switch is ON.
Pull the lever up slightly and press the lever button, lower the lever while
holding the button in. The parking indicator lamp should go off.
lami
in severe damage to the brake lining, and coulb lead-to a complete brake
system failure.
Operating the Pawn tractor with the parking brake set will result
PARKING INDICATOR LAMP
BUTTON
WARNING BUZZER
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4. PRE-OPERATPON CHECKS
For safe and efficient mowing, always make a pre-operation inspection
before mowing:
m TD prevent accidentat start-up, remove the engine switch key,
and disconnect the spark plug caps before performing the pre-operation
inspection.
CAUTION:
l Inspect with the Lawn Tractor on level ground.
l Pull up the parking brake fully, set thb shift lever in “N (Neutral)” and
P.T.O. lever in “OFF” position, and inspect.
1. Check the radiator screen.
CAUTION: If the engine has been running, the radiator will be very hot;
allow it to cool before proceeding.
Open the engine hood and lift the screen out of its’ holder. Remove any dirt
and clippings from the screen and the front of the radiator, and then reinstall
the’screen.
RADIATOR
2. Check the engine oil level.
CAUTION:
l 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.
a. Place the lawn tractor on a level surface.
b. Open the engine hood, 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 or below the lower level
mark, fill to the upper level mark with the recommended oil.
Use Honda 4-stroke oil, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality
motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturers’ re-
quirements 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.
OIL FILLER CAP
16
UPPER LEVEL
/
v
LOWER LEVEL
3. Check the fuel level.
Raise the seat and check the fuel gauge.
Refill the tank if the fuel level is low.
Your engine is designed to use any gasoline that has a pump octane
number (R ‘2 M ) of 86 or higher, or that has a research octane number of 91 oi higher. Gasoline pumps at service station normally
display the pump octane number.
We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer
engine and spark plug deposits and extends the life of exhaust system
components.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid
getting dirt, dust or water in the fuel tank. Use of a lower octane gasoline
can cause persistent “pinging” or heavy “spark knock” (a. metallic rapping
noise) which, if severe, can lead to engine damage.
CAUTION:
under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If spark knock or pinging
persists, consult your authorized Honda dealer. Failure to do so is con-
sidered misuse, and damage caused by misuse is not covered by Honda’s
Limited Warranty.
Occasionally you may experience light spark knock while operating under
heavy loads. This is no cause for concern, it simply means your engine is
operating efficiently.
After refueling, be sure to tighten the fuel tank cap firmly.
If “spark knock” or “pinging” occurs at a steady engine speed
FUEL $AUGE
17
m
l Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.
l Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or
allow.flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where
gasoline is stored.
l Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After
refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.
l Be careful not to spill fwel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ig-
nite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the
engine.
l Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.
KEEP OUT OF REACH .OF CHILDREN.
GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure it’s octane
rating is at least as high as that recommended by Honda. There are two types
of “gasohol”: one containing ethanol, and the other containing methanol. Do
not use gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also contain
Y cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Never use gasoline contain-
ing more than 5% methanol, even if it has cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
,NOTE:
l Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from the use
of fuels that contain alcohol is not covered under the warranty.
Honda cannot endorse the use of fuels containing methanol since evidence
of their suitability is as yet incomplete.
l Before buying fuel from an unfamiliar station, try to find out if the fuel con-
tains alcohol, if it does, confirm the type and percentage of alcohol used. If
you notice any undesirable operating symptoms while using a gasoline that
contains alcohol, or one that you think contains alcohol, switch to ‘a
gasoline that you know does not contain alcohol.
18
4. Check the coolant level.
If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, check the cooling system for
leaks and repair if necessary. Add coolant to the radiator and the reserve
tank, then check the coolant level in the reserve tank after the engine
reaches operating temperature.
hot.
m Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine
The coolant
is under pressure and severe scalding could result.
When the endine is at operating temperature, the coolant level should be
between the MIN and MAX marks on the reserve tank. If the level is near
the MIN mark, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX mark.
Coolant Recommendation
Use high quality ethylene glycol antifreeze that is specifically formulated for
use in aluminum engines. Mix the antifreeze with low-mineral drinking water
or distilled water.
A 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water is recommended for
most temperatures and provides good corrosion protection. A higher
concentration of antifreeze decreases cooling efficiency and is recommended
only if additional protection against freezing is needed. A concentration of
less than 40% antifreeze will not provide proper corrosion protection.
CAUTION: ,The use of unsuitable antifreeze, hard water, or salt water may
cause corrosion damage that will shorten the life of the engine.
CAP
MAX
(UPPER LEVE
MIN
(LOWER LEVEL)
19
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