Honda Automobiles HRA215PDA User Manual

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Thank you for purchasing a Honda lawn mower. This manual describes operation and maintenance of Honda HRA215PDA rotary

mowers. All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. 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 a permanent part of the mower, and it must stay with the mower

if resold. Honda HRA215PDA mowers meet CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-

behind rotary mowers. Honda HFiA215PDA mowers are not factory-equipped with spark arresters.

In some areas, it is illegal to operate arrester. Check local laws and regulations before operating. An optional spark arrester is available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers.

READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY. Pay special attention to these symbols and any instructions that follow:

are not followed.

death may result if instructions are not followed.

Indicates serious injury or death WILL result if instructions

Indicates a strong possibility that serious personal injury or

an engine without a USDA qualified spark

m could result if instructions are not followed.

1 NCTtCE 1 Indicates that equipment or property damage could result if

instructions are not followed. NOTE: Gives helpful information. Honda rotary mowers are designed to give safe and dependable service if

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

B damage. Read and understand this owner’s manual before operating the mower.

injury or property damage. Use only for mowing (cutting) grass, and for bagging cut grass when equipped with the standard grass bag or optional hard-shell grass catcher.

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

Indicates a possibility that equipment or property damage

Careless operation or misuse may cause injury or property

Using this product for a purpose not intended may cause

l.SAFETY ...........................................

Safety Label Locations Safety Information Important Message to Parents

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.CONTROLS

FuelValve........................................lO

Throttle Lever

Flywheel Brake Lever

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers.

4.ATTACHMENTS...................:.................13

Grass Bag (standard) Hard-Shell Grass Catcher (optional) Side-Discharge Chute (optional)

5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK. Blade

GrassBag........................................16

Optional Attachments

Engine Oil

Fuel............................................18

Air Cleaner

Cutting Height

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4 4

5 7

10 11

20 21

6. OPERATION..

Starting the Engine Clearing a Flooded Engine

Mower Operation. Stopping the Engine. High Altitude Operation

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22 22

24 25 27 28

CONTENTS

7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

8. TRANSPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . ..a.................... 32

9. MAINTENANCE Maintenance Schedule. Engine Oil Change. Air Cleaner Service Spark Plug Service Spark Arrester Maintenance (optional equipment) Flywheel Brake Cable Adjustment Throttle Cable Adjustment Carburetor Adjustment. Grass Bag Cleaning and Replacement Blade Removal and Installation

10. STORAGE Preparation for Storage Storage Removal from Storage

11. TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . 50

12. SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

14. WARRANTY SERVICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . 53

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33 33

34 36 38

39 40

43 44

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48 49

1. SAFETY

Read all safety instructions before operating the mower.

IS SUBJECT TO AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD 871.1, ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.

DETERl&ATlON AND WEAR,

uu IYUI

IS CLOSED OR BAG IS IN PLACE.

READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING. DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG CAP BEFORE CUTTER DECK AND CUTTER BLADE SERVICING. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO STAND IN FRONT OF MOWER

TO PREVENT INJURY FROM THROWN OBJECTS; CLEAR AREA OF DEBRIS KEEP OTHERS AWAY. TO PREVENT SERlOUS INJURY, DO NOT REACH INSIDE WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING. DO NOT

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REMOVE GUPD”=

UNLtS3 KtAK

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1. SAFETY

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

precautions:

Operator Responsibility

Know how to stop the engine quickly in case of emergency. Understand

the use of all controls.

Be sure that anyone who operates the lawn mower receives proper instruction. Allowing anyone, especially children, to operate the mower

without proper instruction may result in serious injury.

Wear long pants and protective footwear. Operating the mower while

barefoot or wearing sandals would increase the risk of injury.

Keep all persons and pets away from the mowing area.

Blade Hazards The blade is sharp, and it turns at high speed. Accidental contact can cause

serious injury.

If the mower tilts or overturns, the blade will be exposed; that will increase the risk of injury from blade contact and from thrown objects.

Keep your hands and feet away from the cutter deck while the engine is running.

Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height, or performing any inspection or maintenance.

Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blade when cleaning out the mower deck, or when inspecting or replacing the blade Disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent any possibility of accidental starting.

Thrown Object Hazards Objects hit by the blade can be thrown with great force. Thrown objects may

cause serious injury or property damage.

Before mowing, clear the lawn of sticks, stones, dog bones, and other litter and loose objects. Mow only in daylight, so you can see and avoid objects in the grass.

Before starting the mower, be sure that the grass bag, grass catcher, or

side-discharge chute is in place, or that the discharge guard is closed.

0’ Release the flywheel brake lever to stop the blade before reaching areas

with gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material.

Broken pieces thrown from a worn or damaged blade can cause serious injury. Always inspect the blade before using the mower.

1. SAFETY

Fire and Burn Hazards Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode Use extreme

care when handling gasoline. KEEP OUT OF 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.

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 cap securely. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

After use, turn the fuel valve OFF, and store the mower on a level surface. Be sure the storage area is well-ventilated, and away from appliances, such as water heaters and clothes dryers.

Dry grass and leaves are flammable.

Always empty the grass bag when you’ve finished mowing, even if it’s not full. Stored lawn clippings are a fire hazard.

Honda HRA215PDA mowers are not factory-equipped with spark arresters. It is illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a USDA qualified spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional spark arrester is available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers.

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 burns and may ignite some materials.

Avoid touching a hot engine or exhaust system.

Allow the engine to cool before performing maintenance, transporting the

mower, or storing the 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.

If you run the engine in an area that is confined, or even partially enclosed, the air can become contaminated with a dangerous amount of exhaust gas. To keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate ventilation.

1. 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 youngster 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

equipment. The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your youngster is capable of

operating this mower safely. Remember, young people vary widely, and AGE

IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.

Physically, a youngster must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its direction. The youngster also needs enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably reach and operate the controls.

Another, tougher question you need to ask is if your youngster 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.

it when,

and how your youngster operates this

If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the mower safely,

CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL with your youngster. Make sure you both understand all instructions and warnings. Also, be sure your youngster

wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower.

SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your youngster during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after the youngster has become confident with the mower, do not let the young person use the mower without good adult

supervision. An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance

In fact, it’s up to parents to make sure that the mower is properly maintained

and kept in safe operating condition.

By always placing safety first, your youngster will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from your lawn mower.

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

I HANDLEBAR

GRASS BAG

OIL FILLER CAP

=%f

OIL DRAIN BOLT

, THROTTLE LEVER

HARGE GUARD

FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

MUFFLER

CUTTER DECK

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER I

SPARK PLUG CAP A

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

AIR CLEANER

CARBURETOR -

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 53).

Frame serial number: - - - - - - Engine serial number: GXV140- -

FUEL VALVE

- - -

3. CONTROLS

FUEL VALVE The fuel valve opens and closes the

connection between the fuel tank and the carburetor.

The fuel valve must be in the ON position for the engine to run.

When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position to prevent the possibility of carburetor flooding, and to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.

flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode, causing injury or death. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position when the mower is not in use.

THROTTLE LEVER

CHOKE position: For starting FAST position ( * ): For mowing

Gasoline is extremely

FUEL

THROTTLE LEVER

VALVE

SLOW position (c) 1: For idling

3. CONTROLS

1 FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the ignition switch.

The engine will not start and run unless this lever is moved forward.

To start the engine and blade, push the lever forward and hold it against the

handlebar while operating the recoil starter. Continue to hold the lever against

the handlebar while mowing.

To stop the engine and blade, release the lever.

3. CONTROLS

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS w

serious injury. Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height.

There are five cutting height settings:

1 in (2.7 cm), l-1 /2 in (4.0 cm), 2 in (5.2 cm), 2-l /2 in (6.4 cm), and 3 in (7.6 cm). These are approximate /

figures, as the actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil

conditions. To adjust cutting height, pull each

adjusting lever toward the wheel, and

move it itito another notch. Set both

adjusting levers to the same cutting

height position.

The blade can cause

l-112 iti (4.0 2-112 in

cm1

(6;4 kin)

ADJUSTING LEVERS

Select the correct cutting height for your mowing requirements. Cutting height settings of l-l /2 in (4.0 cm) or 2 in (5.2 cm) are appropriate for most lawns during cool weather. A higher cut may be needed to protect the lawn during

hot summer months. Consult a local nursery or lawn & garden center for advice about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area.

If you are not certain which cutting height to select, check the appearance

of the lawn after mowing a small area, then readjust cutting height if necessary.

4. ATTACHMENTS

Honda HRA215PDA mowers are provided with a grass bag as standard equipment. You can operate the mower with the grass bag (or optional hardshell grass catcher) installed to collect the grass clippings, or with the grass bag removed (or optional side-discharge chute installed) if you wish to leave the grass clippings on the lawn. When attachments are removed, the discharge guard automatically closes to protect the operator from objects that may be thrown by the blade.

NOTE:

When mowing without attachments, the closed discharge guard will trap more grass under the cutter deck, and the cutter deck may clog when mowing grass that is thick or tall. If clogging occurs, mow more frequently, cut a narrower swath, and/or select a slower drive speed. You may also need to raise the mower’s cutting height.

If you wish to leave the grass clippings on the lawn, we recommend using the optional, side discharge chute (see page 14).

GRASS BAG (standard equipment)

DISCHARGE GUARD

Installation

1. Raise the discharge guard, and hook the grass bag onto the mower as shown.

2. Release the discharge guard.

Removal

1. Raise the discharge guard, grab the grass bag handle, and remove the bag.

2. Release the discharge guard. NOTE: When the 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.

GRAiS BAG

4. ATTACHMENTS

A hard-shell grass catcher, and a side-discharge chute, are available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers, They attach to the cutter deck in place of the standard grass bag.

HARD-SHELL GRASS CATCHER (optional)

GRASS CATCHER

SIDE-DISCHARGE CHUTE (optional)

5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK

Check the following items before stal

rting the engine.

BLADE Turn the fuel valve OFF, and tilt the

mower to the right, so the carburetor

side is up.

NOTE: Hard starting and fuel leakage may result if the mower is tilted with the carburetor side down.

Inspect the blade for wear and damage.

NORMAL

EXCESSIVELY BENT

WORN

CRACKED

A dull blade can be sharpened, but a blade that is worn out, bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged must be replaced. A worn or damaged blade could break, causing pieces of the blade to be thrown from the mower.

The blade can cause serious injury. Disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent any possibility of accidental starting.

A worn or damaged blade can cause serious injury. Always inspect the blade before using the mower.

When the blade needs sharpening or replacement, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench, you can remove and install the blade yourself (see page 44).

Blade sharpening: To avoid weakening the blade, or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the blade should be sharpened by an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer.

Blade replacement: Use a genuine Honda replacement blade or its equivalent.

Check that the blade bolts are tight. Use a wooden block to prevent the blade from turning when tightening the bolts. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands. Blade bolt torque: 36.2-43.4 ft-lb (5.0-6.0 kg-m).

5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK

GRASS BAG Check that the grass bag is in good

condition and not clogged. A clogged grass bag will not collect

grass efficiently. When the bag needs cleaning, wash it with a garden hose, and allow it to dry thoroughly before use; a wet bag will clog quickly.

The grass bag wears during normal

use and will eventually require replacement. If you operate the mower with a damaged or worn out bag,

objects picked up by the blade may be

thrown through the bag material.

a worn or damaged grass bag may cause serious injury. Install a new grass bag when required.

OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS

If you have the hard-shell grass catcher, or the side-di,scharge chute (page 141,

check those attachments to be sure they are in good condition. Operating the

mower with a damaged attachment will increase risk of injury from objects

thrown by the blade.

Replace damaged attachments before using the mower.

Check that the screws are tight in the hard-shell grass catcher, and that the screen at the back of the unit is not clogged. The screen must be cleaned occasionally to maintain grass-bagging efficiency.

Objects thrown through

Objects thrown by the blade may cause serious injury.

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