Honda Automobiles HRM215, HRB215 User Manual

This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the mower if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever.

Honda lawn mowers meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary mowers.

Your mower is not equipped with a spark arrester, and it may be illegal to operate the mower in some areas. Check local laws and regulations. An optional spark arrester is available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers.

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 the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it any time,

and make sure the manual stays with the lawn mower if you sell it. We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its

coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your dealer.

When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda lawn mower dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions

of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your

satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Best Wishes, Power Equipment Division American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Safety Messages

Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the lawn mower. Please read these messages carefully.

A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that can hurt you and others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert

symbol A and one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or

CAUTION. These mean:

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.

Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

Damage Prevention Messages

You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE.

This word means:

1 NOTICE 1

The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your lawn mower, other property, or the environment.

Your lawn mower or other property can be damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

Turn to the beginning of each section for a complete list of

subjects.

MOWER SAFETY

Important information about some specific hazards, and what you can do to prevent injury.

BLADES AND A-ITACHMENTS

Standard and optional equipment for different lawn bare needs.

CONTROLS

identification of components and information about how the controls work.

BEFORE MOWING

How to fuel and check your mower to be sure it is ready. How to prepare your lawn and yourself before you begin mowing.

MOWING

Starting and stopping the engine, safe mowing practices, and mowing tips.

TRANSPORTING

How to load and carry your mower safely.

MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS

When and how to perform routine inspection, service, and

adjustments to keep your mower in good operating condition.

TROUBLESHOOTING

What to check if you have a problem with your mower.

STORAGE 65

How to protect your mower from rust and corrosion, and ensure that it will start easily when you want to use it again.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions, capacities, and other technical information.

INDEX AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Index, additional Honda publications, and how to contact us if you have a question or a warranty repair problem.

MOWER SAFETY

This section explains what you need to know to operate

your mower safely.

Safety Information 2 Important Message to Parents 4 Safety Label Locations 5

MOWER SAFETY

Safety Information

Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most common hazards, according to accident statistics, 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 work around the deck to clear grass accumulation, adjust the cutting height, or for any other reason, always shut off the engine. Disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug. Wear heavy gloves when you need to clean the mower deck or handle the blade(s).

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 blade(s) over gravel.

MOWER SAFETY

Keep Shields in Place

Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and from touching hot engine parts and moving components. For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place when the engine is running.

Refuel with Care

Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode. Refuel only outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, with the engine OFF. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool.

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.

Turn Engine Off When Not Mowing

If you need to leave the mower for any reason, even just to inspect the lawn ahead, always turn the engine off.

THROllLE LEVER

MOWER 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 if, when, and how your youngster operates this 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.

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 safety information. 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.

MOWER SAFETY

Safety Label Locations

The labels shown here contain important safety information.

Please read them carefully. These labels are considered permanent parts of your mower. So if a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your dealer for a replacement.

Gasoline is highly flammable end explosive IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR, AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREOUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD 871.1, ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.

and you can be burned or seriously in/wed.

n Wipe up spills before starling engine.

MOWER BLADE CAN CUT OFF HANDS OR FEET W Stop the engine bafom operdng mar door.

n Alway* keep tam any from mower deck

THROWN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY,

BLINDNESS, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

n Inspa area Md mmow dEbIs betore movllng.

n Keep chlldmn and others away.

. wear eye procanlon.

1 \““‘?f?t---

e CAUTION

HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.

Stay away

if engine has been running.

BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS

This section shows standard and optional equipment for different lawn care needs, and it tells you how to adapt your mower for bagging, side-discharge and mulching.

Blades (HRB215 and HRM215) Mulching Plug (standard for HRM215) Grass Bag (standard for HRB215)

Side-Discharge Chute (optional for HRB215 and HRM215)

8 9 9

BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS

Blades

HRB215

HRB215 mowers are factory equipped with a high-lift blade for maximum bagging and side-discharge performance.

ONE-PIECE HIGH-LIFT BLADE (standard for HRB215, optional for HRM215)

l Best for bagging and side-discharge. l Less effective for mulching.

HRM215

HRM215 mowers are factory-equipped with a special two-piece mulching blade assembly.

With the mulching plug installed (page 9), the two blades recirculate cut grass under the mower deck, where the clippings are chopped into small particles that fall through the turf and decompose quickly. This returns nutrients to the soil and ‘reduces the need for raking, bagging, and disposal.

When the mulching plug is removed, and the optional grass bag or side-discharge chute is installed, the blades blow cut grass into the bag or out the side-discharge chute.

It is not necessary to change blades when switching between mulching, bagging, and side-discharge operation. The mulching blades perform all three functions.

TWO-PIECE MULCHING BLADE ASSEMBLY. (standard for HRMPlS, optional for HRB215)

l Best for mulching. l OK for bagging and side-discharge.

BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS

Grass Bag (standard for HRB215, optional for HRM215)

With the grass bag installed, the lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner. It blows air through the bag, which traps the clippings.

Bagging should be considered

B where you want the lawn to be clear of loose particles, such as around swimming pools.

Bagging is also a good way to deal with less frequently mowed areas where the grass has grown too tall to mulch easily.

To attach the grass bag, lift the discharge guard, (remove the

mulching plug if so equipped), and hook the bag onto the

mower deck as shown. Release the discharge guard to secure the grass bag.

Mulching Plug (standard for HRM215, optional for HRB215)

The mulching plug contours the

mower deck for efficient

mulching when the mower is equipped with the two-piece

mulching blade assembly

(paw 8). You can quickly remove the

plug to install a grass bag or side-discharge chute.

DISCHARGE GUARD

Raise the discharge guard to remove or install the mulching plug. When installing, be sure the plug is fully inserted, and the discharge guard is closed.

MULCHING PLUG

BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS

Side-Discharge Chute

(optional for HRB215 and HRM215)

The chute directs grass clippings away from the operator and spreads them over the lawn. The clippings will be larger than

mulched particles, and they may need to be removed by raking. Side-discharge mowing should be considered for less frequently

mowed areas where grass has grown too tall to mulch easily.

To attach the chute, lift the discharge guard, (remove the

mulching plug if so equipped), and hook the chute onto the mower deck as shown. Release the discharge guard to secure the chute.

DISCHARGE GUARD

SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

CONTROLS

This section shows the locations of controls and other important parts of your mower, and it tells you how the controls work.

Component Identification Controls

ThrottleLever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Shift Lever (HFfB215SXA & HRM215SxA) . . 14

Blade Control Lever . . . , . . . . . . . . . . 15

Drive Clutch Lever

(HRB215SXA & HRM275SXA) . . . . . . . . 16

Handlebar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers . . . . . . . 18

12 14

CONTROLS

Component Identification

BLADE CONTROL BU-KON

HANDLEBAR \y 2

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA)

FUEL TANK CAP

STARTER

ADJUSTMENT LEVER

OIL FILLER CAP

MOWER DECK

FRONT CUlllNG ADJUSTMENT LE

HEIGHT

YER

HRB215PXA: Manually propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag HRB21 SSXA: Self-propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag

HRM215PXA: Manually propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug HRM215SXA: Self-propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug

CONTROLS

GEAR SHIFT LEVER (HRB21 SSXA & HRM21 SSXA)

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

\ w

SPARK PLUG CAP

FRONT CUlllNG HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

FRAME SERIAL NUMBER

\ HANDLEBAR

LOCKING KNOB

REAR CUlllNG HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

AIR CLEANER

CARBURETOR

Record the frame and engine serial numbers in the space below. You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries (see page 83).

Frame serial number: MZB _ Engine serial number: GJAB -

CONTROLS

Controls

THROTTLE LEVER

Throttle Lever

N CHOKE -

*FAST -

*SLOW -

STOP -

When the mower is not in use, leave the throttle lever in the

STOP position to prevent carburetor flooding and to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.

Gear Shift Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA)

1 (slow) -

For starting a cold engine.

For restarting a

warm engine and for

mowing. For idling the engine.

For stopping the engine and closing the fuel valve.

For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas.

2 (fast) - For maximum

self-propelled speed

in large, open areas.

To avoid incomplete gear engagement, move the gear shift lever all the way forward or all the way back.

You can shift gears without

releasing the drive clutch lever (page 16), but the transmission may not shift smoothly if the

mower is pulling hard. For smoother operation, release the drive clutch lever before shifting gears.

CONTROLS

Blade Control Lever

The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation. To start blade rotation, press the button on top of the blade

control lever, then pull the lever back and hold it against the handlebar.

Release the blade control lever to stop the blade. Operate the blade control lever with a quick and complete

motion, so the blade drive is always either fully engaged or

stopped. This will help to prevent stalling the engine, and it will

also extend the service life of the blade control mechanism.

Always release the blade control lever before starting the engine

to prevent the blade(s) from turning.

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

/- 7

CONTROLS

Drive Clutch Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA)

The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels.

To propel the mower, move the drive clutch lever up and hold it against the handlebar.

Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower.

Operate the drive clutch lever with a quick and complete motion, so the drive clutch is always either fully engaged or released. This will help to extend the service life of the clutch mechanism.

For self-propelled mowing, press the button on top of the blade control lever, pull the blade control lever back, then move the drive clutch lever up against the handlebar. Hold both levers

against the handlebar.

Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine. If

the drive clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when

you operate the starter.

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER HRBPlSSXA & HRMPlSSXA

CONTROLS

Handlebar

The handlebar is adjustable to a high, mid, or low position. Select the height that provides the most comfortable operating position.

1. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs.

2. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins.

3. Move the handlebar up or down, so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar mounting brackets.

HANDLEBAR \

LOCKING KNOB (2)

4. Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely. The handlebar can be folded for compact storage or transport.

5. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs.

6. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar struts to release the locating pins.

7. Fold the handlebar forward, over the top of the mower. When folding the handlebar, be careful to avoid kinking or

pinching the control cables.

HANDL

LOCKING KNOB (2)

CONTROLS

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

There are six settings to choose from, as shown in the illustration. The cutting height figures are approximate, as the actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.

To adjust cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch. Set all four

adjustment levers to the same cutting height position.

The blades will start spinning if the blade control lever is pulled back while the engine is running

Spinning blades can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes.

ADJUSTMENT LEVERS

ADJUSTMENT LEVER

Stop the engine before placing your hands near the mower

If you are not sure what cutting height to select, check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small area, then readjust the cutting height if

necessary. I

25 mm (1 in) 38 mm I1 % in1

HRM215

Cutting HeigtIt

HRB215

19 mm (3/4 in) 25 mm (1 in)

38 mm (1 V2 in) 51 mm (2 in) 64 mm (2’/2 in)

. ,

BEFORE MOWING

This section explains how to fuel and check your mower to be sure it is ready, and it tells you how to prepare your lawn and yourself before you begin mowing.

Check Your Lawn Check Your Mower

Blade(s) . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1

Engine Oil. . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Air Cleaner . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . 26

Grass Bag (standard for HRB215, optional for HRM215) .

Handlebar Height . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . 27

Cutting Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Are YOU Ready to Mow?. . . . . . . . . . . . 28

20 21

BEFORE MOWING

Check Your Lawn

For your safety and for the safety of others, always inspect the

area before mowing.

Objects

Anything which can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks, bones, and wire. Remove them from the mowing area.

People and Pets

People and animals near the mowing area can move into your path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects. Clear the area of people and pets, especially children. Their safety is your responsibility.

Lawn

Check the length and condition of the grass, so you will know what cutting height and mowing speed to use.

Avoid mowing wet grass. Not only will wet grass clog your mower deck and collect in clumps on the lawn, it also gives poor traction,

increasing your risk of losing your footing.

BEFORE MOWING

Check Your Mower

BLADE(S)

Blade(s)

With the throttle lever in the

STOP position and the spark plug cap disconnected, tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting.

Inspect the blade(s) for wear

and damage.

NORMAL

EXCESSIVELY WORN

Dull blades can be sharpened, but blades that are worn out, bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged must be replaced. Worn or damaged blades can break, causing blade pieces to be thrown from the mower.

BLADE BOLTS

BENT

CRACKED

When the blade(s) 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(s) yourself (see pages 58 - 59).

BLADE SHARPENING: To avoid weakening the blade(s), or

causing imbalance or poor cutting, the blade(s) should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer.

BLADE REPLACEMENT: Use genuine Honda replacement

blades or their equivalent.

Check that the blade bolts are tight. Use a wooden block to

prevent the blade(s) from turning when tightening the bolts. Wear

heavy gloves to protect your hands.

Blade bolt torque: 49 - 59 Nom (5.0 - 6.0 kg-m, 36 - 43 ft-lb).

BEFORE MOWING

Engine Oil

Check the engine oil level with

the engine stopped and the

mower on a level surface.

1. Remove the oil filler cap, and wipe the dipstick 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

FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK

reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.

FILLER CAP/

Running the engine with a low oil

DIPSTICK

level can cause engine damage.

Use high-detergent, premium quality 4-stroke engine oil, certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturers’ requirements for API Service

c UPPER

LIMIT

Classification SG, SF/CC, CD.

pEiq

LOWER LIMIT

Using nondetergent oil can shorten the engine’s service life, and using 2-stroke oil can damage the engine.

SAE 1 OW-30 is recommended for general, all-temperature

use. Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated .A .dD .:O : ,‘, i L dc

range.

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

4. After checking the engine oil level, screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

+ 62 hidden pages

Honda Automobiles HRM215, HRB215 User Manual

CONTENTS

MOWER SAFETY

Safety Information

Important Message to Parents

Safety Label Locations

BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS

CONTROLS

Component Identification

CONTROLS

THROTTLE LEVER

Blade Control Lever

Drive Clutch Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA)

Handlebar

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

BEFORE MOWING

Check Your Lawn

Check Your Mower

Engine Oil