Honda Automobiles FR500 User Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Honda tiller.
This manual covers operation and maintenance of FR500 and FR700

tillers. All information in this publication is based on the latest product in­formation available at the time of approval for printing.
The illustrations in this manual are based on the FR500 tiller.

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 is considered a permanent part of the tiller and it must stay

with the tiller if resold.
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY. Pay special attention to

these symbols and any instructions that follow:

.Indicates serious injury or death WILL result if

instructions are not followed.

.Indicates a strong possibility that serious injury or

death could result if instructions are not followed.

-Indicates a possibility that minor injury can result if
instructions are not followed.

1 IMPORTANT NoTrCE 1 -Indicates that equipment or property damage can

result if instructions are not followed.

NOTE: Gives helpful information.
Honda tillers are designed to give safe and dependable service if operated

according to instructions. Operating this tiller requires special effort on
your part to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

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or property damage. Read and understand this Owner’s Manual before
operating the tiller.

Using this product for a purpose not intended may cause injury

If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about your tiller,
consult an authorized Honda tiller dealer.

HONDA MOTOR CO.; LTD. 1989, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CONTENTS

1. SAFETY INFORMATION .......................................................

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK ......................................................

4. STARTING THE ENGINE .......................................................

5. TILLER OPERATION .............................................................

6. STOPPING THE ENGINE .......................................................

7. MAINTENANCE ..................................................................

8. TRANSPORTING/STORAGE ..................................................

9. TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................

10. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................

1 1. WARRANTY SERVICE ..........................................................

.............................................

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7

8

14
20
24
26
37
38
39
40

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1. SAFETY INFORMATION

Read all safety instructions before operating.

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To ensure safe operation-

For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these
precautions:

Operator Responsibility

Keep the tiller in good operating condition. Operating a tiller in poor or

questionable condition could result in serious injury.

Be sure all safety devices are in working order and warning labels are in

place. These items are installed for your safety.

Be sure the safety covers (V-belt cover, chain cover and recoil starter

cover) are in place.

Know how to stop the engine and tines quickly in case of emergency.
Understand the use of all controls.
Be very cautious when operating the tiller in REVERSE, especially if
attachments are being used.
Keep a firm hold on the handlebars. They may tend to lift during clutch
engagement.
Allowing anyone to operate this tiller without proper instruction may
result in injury.
Wear sturdy, full-coverage footwear. Operating this tiller barefoot or
with open toe shoes or sandals increases your risk of injury.
Dress sensibly. Loose clothing may get caught in moving parts, increas­ing your risk of injury.
Be alert. Operating this tiller when you are tired, ill or under the in­fluence of alcohol or drugs may result in serious injury.

Keep all persons and pets away from the tilling area.
Be sure drag bar is in place and properly adjusted.

Child Safety

l Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor

power equipment is being used nearby. Young children move quickly
and are attracted especially to the tiller and the tilling activity.

l Never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Be alert

and turn the tiller off if children enter the area.

l Children should never be allowed to operate the tiller, even under adult

supervision.

Rotating Tines Hazard

The rotating tines are sharp and they turn at high speed. Accidental con­tact can cause serious injury.

l Keep your hands and feet away from the tines while engine is running.

l Stop the engine and disengage the tine clutch before inspection or

maintenance of tines.

l Disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent any possibility of accidental

starting. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the tines when
cleaning the tines or when inspecting or replacing the tines.

Thrown Object Hazard

Objects hit by the rotating tines can -be thrown from the tiller with great
force, and may cause serious injury.

l Before tilling, clear the tilling area of sticks, large stones, wire, glass,

etc. Till only in daylight.

l Always inspect the tiller for damage after striking a foreign object.

Repair or replace any damaged parts before continuing use.

l Pieces thrown from worn or damaged tines can cause serious injury.

Always inspect the tines before using the tiller.

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Fire and Burn Hazard

Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode.
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Keep gasoline out of reach of

children.

l Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.
l Allow the engine to cool before refueling. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may

ignite.

l The engine and exhaust system become very hot during operation and

remain hot for a while after stopping. Contact with hot engine com­ponents can cause burn injuries and can ignite some materials.

l Avoid touching a hot engine or exhaust system.
l Allow the engine to cool before performing maintenance or storing the

tiller indoors.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless
gas. Breathing exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to
death.

l If you run the engine in an area that is confined or even partially enclos-

ed, the air you breathe could contain a dangerous amount of exhaust
gas. To keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate venti­lation.

Operation on Slope

l When tilling on slopes, keep the fuel tank less than half full to minimize

fuel spillage.

l Till across the slope (At equally spaced intervals) rather than up and

down it.

l Be very careful when changing the direction of the tiller on a slope.
l Do not use the tiller on a slope of more than 20’.

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2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

FUEL TANK CAP

FUEL TANK \

V-BELT COVER

THROTTLE LEVER

l FRAMF

MUFFLER

\ / -

\

ROTAfiY TINES

HEIGHT ADJUSTER

P

IGNITION SWITCH

/

CLUTCH

- LEVER

SHIFT LEVER

ROTARYCLUTCH
LEVER

DRAG BAR

SIDE-COVER

AIR CLEANER

/

ROTARY TINES WHEEL WEIGHT

RECOIL’STARTER

* Record the frame and engine serial numbers for your reference. Refer to

the serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or
warranty inquiries (see page 38).

Frame serial number:
Engine serial number:

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3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK

ENGINE OIL

1 IMPORTANT NoT’CE 1 Running the engine with low oil level will cause

serious engine damage.

a. Place the tiller 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.
Use high-detergent, premium quality 4-stroke engine oil, certified to meet
or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for API Service
Classification SG, SF/CC, CD.

1 IMPORTANT NoT’CE 1 Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil will
shorten the engine’s service life.

SAE low-30 is recommended for general, all-temperature use. Other
viscosities shown in the following chart may be used when the average
temperature in your area is within the indicated range.

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ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP

-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 “C
Ambient temperature

Transmission oil

With the tiller on level ground, remove the oil filler cap and to see check if
oil is up to the tip of the dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary (see page 8
for recommended oil).

OIL FILLER CAP

Air cleaner

Remove the cover and inspect the elements; clean them if necessary (see
page 28).
With the tiller in a level position, check the case oil level. If necessary, add
oil to the mark on the case see page 8 for recommended oil.

1 IMPORTANT NoT’CE 1 Never run the engine without the air cleaner. Rapid
engine wear will result from contaminants, such as dust and dirt, being
drawn through the carburetor, into the engine.

AIR CLEANER COVER

OIL
LEVEL

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Rotary oil level

Place the tiller on level ground and remove the oil level check bolt. The oil
level should be up to the lower edge of the check bolt hole. If the level is
low, add engine oil until it begins to flow out of the hole (see page 8 for
recommended oil).

OIL LEVEL CHECK

BOLT

OIL FILLER CAP

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FUEL

Remove the gas cap and check the fuel ‘level. Refill the tank if the level is
low.

Fuel tank capacity: FR500: 2.7 e (0.74 US. gal)

FR700: 3.7 e (1 .O US. gal)

Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Use ex­treme care when handling gasoline. Keep gasoline out of the reach of
children.

Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped. Keep flames and

sparks away, and do not smoke in the area.

Gasoline vapors or spilled gasoline may ignite.
Refuel carefully to avoid spilling gasoline. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank
(there should be no gas in the,filler neck). After refueling, tighten the gas
cap securely. If any gasoline was spilled, make sure the area is dry before
starting the engine.
After use, park the tiller on a level surface. Be sure the storage area is well
ventilated, do not allow flames or sparks in the storage area.

After refueling, be sure to tighten the GAS cap firmly.

LEVEi MARK

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Gasoline Recommendation

Pump octane rating: 86 or higher
We recommend unleaded gasoline because it produces fewer engine and

spark plug deposits and extends the exhaust system life.

If “spark knock” (metallic rapping noise) or persistent “pinging” occurs at
a steady engine speed under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If
spark knock or pinging persists, see an authorized Honda tiller dealer.

1 IMPORTANT NOTICE 1 R

pinging can cause engine damage.

unning

the engine with persistent spark knock or

Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is considered
misuse, and the Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover parts
damaged by misuse.

Occasionally you may hear light spark knock while operating under heavy
loads. This is no cause for concern. It simply means your engine is
operating efficiently.

Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid
getting dirt or water in the gas tank.

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