Honda Automobiles H3013H User Manual

I Power

Equipment

Owner’s Manual

Riding Mower

H3013H

0 HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. 1989

Thank you for purchasing a Honda riding mower. This manual describes operation and maintenance of the Honda H3013H

riding mower, type SA (side discharge). All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing.

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 riding mower and it

must stay with the riding mower if resold. You can purchase an optional, U.S.D.A. qualified spark arrester for this

product from your authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer. Spark ar-

resters are required in some areas; check local laws and regulations before

operating this Honda product.

READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY. Pay special attention to

these symbols and any instructions that follow:

1 IMPORTANT NoTrCE 1 -lndecates that equipment or property damage may

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

operated according to instructions. Operating this riding mower requires

special effort on your part to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

or property damage. Use only for mowing (cutting) grass, and for bagging cut grass when equipped with an optional grass catcher. Read and understand this Owner’s Manual before operating the riding mower.

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

Using this product for a purpose not intended may cause injury

-Indicates serious injury or death WILL result if instructions are not followed.

.Indicates a strong possibility that serious injury or

death can result if instructions are not followed.

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

result if instructions are not followed.

1, SAFETY INFORMATION

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

3. CONTROLS

Engine switch .......................................................................

Throttle lever ........................................................................

Cutter deck height adjusting lever

Shift lever ............................................................................

Power take-off fP.T.0) lever

Brake pedal ..........................................................................

Parking brake lever and warning buzzer Transmission release lever

4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS COOLING AIR INTAKE ENGINE OIL

FUEL ...................................................................................

Fuel Recommendation

GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL .......................................

AIR CLEANER .......................................................................

BATTERY .............................................................................

TRANSMISSION FLUID

BRAKE ...........................................................................

PRIMARY BELT AND BLADE BELT ............................................

TIRE ....................................................................................

;yA=TER’DECK .....................................................................

SAFETY SWITCH ..................................................................

SEAT ADJUSTMENT

5. OPERATION .........................................................................

Starting the engine

Mowing ...............................................................................

Mowing tips Starting the riding mower

Cutting patterns ....................................................................

Stopping on a hill ...................................................................

Uphill starting procedure .........................................................

Stopping the engine High altitude operation

6. TRANSPORTING ...................................................................

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1: 16 17 17

19 19 21

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:z 35

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7. MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Engine oil change Air cleaner service Spark plug service Recommended spark plug Battery service Wheel removal Cutter deck removal Blade belt adjustment/replacement Primary belt replacement Blade bolt tightness/Blade replacement Spark arrester maintenance Fuse replacement

8. STORAGE Removal from storage *

9. TROUBLESHOOTING

10. SPECIFICATIONS

11. WIRING DIAGRAM

12. WARRANTY SERVICE

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tt 46

47. 47

51 52 55 57

6”: 61 62

2 69 70 71

1. SAFETY INFORMATION

Read all safety instructions before you ride1

SPARKS, AND OPEN FLAME

SAFETY INFORMATION For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these

precautions:

Operator Responsibility

Always make a PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION (page 17) before you operate the riding mower, you may prevent an accident or equipment damage.

Keep the riding mower in good operating condition. Operating a riding mower 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.

Know how to stop the engine and blades quickly in case of emergency. Understand the use of all controls.

Allowing anyone, to operate this riding mower without proper instruction may result in injury.

Allowing passengers to ride on the mower or any of its attachments may cause the mower to tip over.

Wear sturdy, full coverage footwear. Operating this riding mower barefoot, or with open toe shoes or sandals increases your risk of injury.

Dress sensibly. Loose clothing may get caught in moving parts, increas-

ing your risk of injury.

Be alert. Operating this riding mower 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 mowing area.

Child Safety Serious injury or death can occur when children fall off the mower and are

run over by the machine, or when children run or fall in the path of a mower and are run over.

l Allowing children to ride as passengers on the riding mower can be

dangerous.

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 to the mower and the mowing activity especially if they have been given rides before.

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

and turn the mower off if children enter the area. Use extra care when’ approaching corners, shrubs, and trees that might shield children from sight.

l Children should never be allowed to operate the riding mower, even

under adult supervision.

Cutting Blade Hazard

The cutting blades are sharp, and they turn at high speed. Accidental contact can cause serious injury.

l Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while the engine

is running.

l Stop the engine, disengage the Power Take Off (P.T.O.) clutch and

remove the key before inspection or maintenance of the deck or blades.

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

starting. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blades when cleaning out the mower deck, or when inspecting or replacing the blades.

Thrown Object Hazard

Objects hit by the cutting blades can be thrown from the mower with great

force, and may cause serious injury.

l Before mowing, clear the mowing area of sticks, stones, dog bones,

and other litter and loose objects. Mow only in daylight, or in well-lit

areas at night, so you can see and avoid objects in the grass.

l Before operating the mower, be sure the side discharge guard is down,

or that the optional grass catcher bags and discharge chute are in place.

l Disengage the Power Take Off (P.T.O.) lever to stop the blades before

crossing a gravel driveway or any other area with loose stones.

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

Repair or replace any damaged parts before continued use.

l Broken pieces thrown from a worn or damaged blade can cause serious

injury. Always inspect the blades before using the mower.

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 Allowed the engine to cool before refueling. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel

may ignite.

l The accumulation of dry grass and leaves around the engine or exhaust

may ignite.

l It is illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a USDA qualified

spark arrester. Periodic maintenance is required to keep it functioning as designed.

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

riding mower 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.

Towing Hazard

Towing vehicles such as garden carts, trailers, or other vehicles is not

recommended. Towing vehicles could cause brake failure, transmission

failure or loss of control.

Operation on Slopes

This riding mower is intended for use on relatively flat terrain.

Operating the riding mower on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (17% grade)

could cause the mower to tip over.

0 When mowing on slopes, empty the grass bags when they are half full.

The weight of full grass bags may cause the riding mower to tip over.

Maximum safe operating angle

MAXIMUM 10” (17% GRADE)

O’MAX

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

STEERING WHEEL

ENGINE SWITCH

INTAKE

WARNING BUZZER

DECK HEIGHT

l ENGINE SEklAL NUMBER

OWNER’S MANUAL TRAY

RELEASE LEVER

NUMBER

REA,R BODY

l Record the frame and engine serial numbers for your reference. Reier to

the serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or warranty inquiries (see page 71).

Frame serial number:

Engine serial number:

Engine compartment

AIR CLEANER

FU_EL FILLER CAP

TRANSMISSION FLUID RESERVOIR

ENGINE OIL’DRAIN (LOCATED ON ENGINEI

PLUG

SPARK CAP

PLUG

3. CONTROLS

Engine switch m Always remove the key from the engine switch whenever the

riding mower is unattended to prevent children or unauthorized persons from starting, the engine.

This riding mower is equipped with an automotive type engine switch, which controls all the electrical circuits. The switch is located on the righthand side in front of the gear shift lever.

Key positions:

“START” to start the engine “ON”

to run the engine after starting

“OFF” to stop the engine.

ENGINE SWITCH

1 IMPORTANT NoTlCE

Do not leave the engine switch “ON” (key on “ON”

position) when the engine is not running as the battery will discharge. NOTE: The starter motor will not operate unless the parking brake is ap-

plied with the shift lever in NEUTRAL, the P.T.O. lever in the OFF (disengaged) position, and/or with the seat switch depressed (sitting in

the operator’s seat). Throttle lever

The throttle lever controls engine speed from SLOW (idle) to FAST (max

,speed). START (CHOKE) is for starting a cold engine.

START (CHOKE1

THR0lTl.E LEVER

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 point, release the set button and the handle lock. Be sure the handle lock returns to its normal position when released. Cutting height: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 in (Approx.1

1 IMPORTANT NOTICE 1

l To avoid damage to the cutter deck, always raise it fully when driving

the riding mower to and from’the mowing area; this provides maximum ground clearance.

l To avoid damaging or disabling the handle locking mechanism, never

attempt to screw the adjusting lever’s set button in or out.

CUlTER DECK HEIGHT

Shift lever

Use the shift lever to change the forward/reverse speed of the riding mower and/or to shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (STOP). To drive the riding mower forward, release the parking brake and slowly move the shift lever from NEUTRAL to’forward direction (away from you). To drive in reverse, slowly move the shift lever back (toward you).

NOTE: The shift lever is interconnected with the brake pedal, the shift lever returns to NEUTRAL when the brake pedal is fully depressed bring

the riding mower to a complete stop.

IMPORTANT NoTlCE Bring the riding mower to a complete stop before

shifting from a forward speed to reverse, or from reverse to a forward speed. Shifting between forward and reverse speeds while the riding mower is moving can cause transmission damage.

NOTE: The riding mower will pull away from a stop in any speed range. No shifting is necessary.

Be sure that the shift lever is in the mowing range whenever mowing.

Mowing in the transport range is not recommended; as this will affect cut quality. Transport range should only be used to drive to and from the mowing area.

NOTE: An interlock switch prevents the engine from starting unless the

shift lever is in the N (neutral) position.

Do not operate the shift lever on a slope.

SHIFT LEVER

Power Take-Off (P.T.O.) 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

NOTE: An interlock switch prevents the engine from starting unless the P.T.O. lever is in the OFF position.

’

Brake pedal The brake pedal and the shift lever are interconnected. When the brake

pedal is fully depressed, the riding mower will stop and the shift lever will return to NEUTRAL. If the brake pedal is depressed half-way and then released, the riding mower will stop and then continue at a slower speed.

1 IMPORTANT NOTICE 1

D - -

rlwng the riding mower with the brake pedal partly

depressed can damage the brake linings.

SHIFT LEVER

PEDAL

Parking brake lever and warning buzzer

This lever is used to set the brake when the riding mower is parked. Pull the lever fully up until the ratchet locks.

To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake lever until the set

button locks in place.

To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly and press the set button, lower the lever while holding in the button.

The warning buzzer will sound continuously when the following conditions are present: Operator in the seat with the parking brake set, the engine switch “ON” and the shift lever moved from the “N” position.

To prevent operating riding mower with the parking brake set, a delayed

engine cutoff is interlinked with the warning buzzer. The engine will stop within a few seconds if the parking brake is not released.

IMPORTANT NoTlCE

When washing the riding mower, do not spray water

directly into the warning buzzer holes.

WARNIYG BUZZER

PARKING BkAKE LEVER

LEVER SET BUTTON

Transmission release lever This lever is used when it becomes necessary to push or move the riding

mower manually.

m Operating the transmission release lever while on a slope or

hill, could result in a loss of control causing serious injury or equipment

damage.

1 IMPORTANT NoT’CE 1 Operating the transmission release lever while the engine is running could cause transmission damage.

To operate the transmission release lever:

1, Stop the engine and apply the parking brake.

2. Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.

3. Move the transmission release lever down to the lower groove (red dot) and lock it in place.

4. Release the parking brake carefully.

IMPORTANT NoTKE Towing or pushing the riding mower with another

vehicle will damage the transmission.

If the riding mower becomes inoperable due to transmission failure, trailering the mower to the place of repair is recommended.

TRANSMISSION RELEASE

LEVER

4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

Following the procedures below and check all of the following items before each use:

1. Park the riding mower on a level surface.

2. Place the shift lever in the neutral position and set the park brake.

3. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove the engine switch key td prevent accidental engine start-up.

m the pre-operation checks, moving parts may cause serious injury.

COOLING AIR INTAKE

Make sure the cooling air intake screens are clean.

1 IMPORTANT NoTlCE 1 If the cooling air intake screens are blocked the engine may overheat.

If the engine is started accidentally while you are performing

COOLING AIR INTAKE SCREENS

ENGINE OIL

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

serious engine damage.

1. Place the riding mower on a level surface.

2. Lift the rear body, wipe dust and dirt from around the oil filler cap, remove the cap and wipe the dipstick clean.

3. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.

4. If the level is low, add the recommended oil to the upper mark on the dipstick.

Use high-detergent, premiun quality Q-stroke engine oil, certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for API Service Classification SG, SF/CC, CD.

1 HJORT*~T NoTlCE I Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil could

BhDrteII 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.

, . . . 1 I . ,

-30 -20 -10 0 10 Ambient temperature

20 30 4O’C

UPPER LEVEL

LOWER LEVEL

FUEL

Raise the rear body and check the fuel level. Refill the tank to the upper level mark if necessary. Do not fill the fuel tank

above the UPPER level mark.

Fuel tank capacity: 2.5 P (0.66 US gal)

Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Use ex-

treme care when handling gasoline. Keep gasoline out of reach of children.

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

and sparks away, and do not smoke in the area.

l Allow the engine to cool before refueling. Fuel vapors or spilled fuel may

ignite.

l Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank

(there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, tighten the filler fuel cap securely. If any fuel was spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

0 After use,. turn the fuel valve OFF, and park the riding mower on a level

surface. Be sure the storage area is well ventilated, do not allow flames or sparks in the storage area.

Fuel Recommendation

Pump octane rating: 86 or higher

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 riding mower

dealer.

IMPORTANT NoTKE

pinging can cause engine damage.

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.

We recommend unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends the exhaust system life.

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

Running the engine with persistent spark knock or

GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL

If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure its rating is at least as high as that recommended by Honda (see Fuel Recommendation on page 19). There are two types of “gasohol”: one containing ethanol, and the other containing methanol.

1 IMPORTANT NoT’CE 1 Using gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol,

or gasoline containing m&hanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol, can cause serious fuel system damage and poor engine performance.

Never use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.

Honda cannot endorse the use of fuels containing methanol since evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete.

NOTE: Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from the use of fuels that contain alcohol is not covered under the warranty.

Before buying fuel from an unfamiliar station, first determine if the fuel contains alcohol; if it does, find out the type and percentage of alcohol used.

NOTE: 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.

+ 53 hidden pages

Honda Automobiles H3013H User Manual

CONTENTS

ENGINE SWITCH

Cutter deck height adjusting lever

Shift lever

Parking brake lever and warning buzzer

COOLING AIR INTAKE

ENGINE OIL

FUEL