Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it anytime, and
make sure the manual stays with the lawn mower if you sell it.
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.
(CPSC) blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary mowers.
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
defects
or other reproductive harm.
INTRODUCTION
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.
As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a
-1 symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid
damage to your mower, other property, or the environment.
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
an authorized Honda servicing 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.
01996 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved
1
INTRODUCTION
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY
Your safety, and the safety of others, are very important. And using
this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided
operating procedures and other information on labels and in this
manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You
must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms,
including:
l
Safety Labels - on the lawn mower.
l
Safety Messages
one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
- preceded by a safety alert symbol m and
You WILL be KILLED or SERI0USL.Y
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.
l
Safety Headings - such as Important Safety Reminders or
Important Safety Precautions.
l
Safety Chapter - such as MOWER SAFETY.
l
Instructions - how to use this mower correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information - please
read it carefully.
2
CONTENTS
Turn to the beginning of each chapter for a complete list of subjects.
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION . . . inside back cover
77
3
P
MOWER SAFETY
This chapter explains what you need to know to operate your mower
safely.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Avoid Rotating Blades
Clear Mowing Area.
Keep Shields in Place.
Refuel with Care
Wear Protective Clothing
Turn Engine Off When Not Mowing
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS.
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
...........................
.............................
........................... 6
................................
.........................
......................
............... 6
6
6
6
6
................. 6
...............
7
8
5
MOWER SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY lNFORMATlQN
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 adjust the cutting height, or work
around the deck for any other reason, always shut off the engine.
Wear heavy gloves and disconnect the spark plug cap when you
need to clean the mower deck or handle the blade.
Clear Mowing Area
Mower blades can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to
cause serious injury. Before mowing, carefully inspect
remove all sticks, stones, pieces of wire, and other loose objects.
Never operate the blade over gravel.
Keep Shields in Place
Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by
thrown objects and from hot engine parts and moving components.
For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place
when the engine is running.
the
area
and
Refuel with Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode.
Refuel only outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, with the engine OFF.
Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away.
Always store gasoline in an approved container.
Wear Protective Clotlning
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.
6
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.
7
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.
Objects thmwn by blade can cause serious injury.
n Inspect area and remove debris before mowing.
n Keep children and others away.
n wear eye protection.
n Follow all InstructIons In your Owner’s Manual.
DO NOT OPERATE UNLESS GUARD
IS CLOSED OR BAG IS IN PLACE
.
\
b
8
CONTROLS
This chapter shows the locations of controls and other important parts
of your mower, and it tells you how the controls work.
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
FuelValve ....................................
Throttle Lever
Flywheel Brake Lever.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
.................................
..........................
...................
....................
..................
10
12
12
12
12
13
CONTROLS
COMPONENT IDENUIFICATION
HANDLEBAR
FUEL TANK CAP
RECOIL
STARTER
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
OIL FILLER
w
/
CAP/DIPSTICK
MUFFLER
Y
/
“‘” WY
Q
MOWER DECK
HRMI 95PA: Manually propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug.
10
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
(on back of engine) \
SPARK PLUG
FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER
THROlTLE LEVER
FRAME
a--. 1. . . . .-mm
StHlAL NUMB1
CONTROLS
E
HANDLEBAR
LOCKING KNOB
FUEL VALVE
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 73).
Frame serial number: MZBV Engine serial number: GJAB -
11
CONTROLS
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
Fuel Valve
The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank
to the carburetor.
Throttle Lever
\
I I
49
CHOKE
FAST ---
- -
For
starting a
cold
For restarting a warm engine and for mowing.
e SLOW - - - For idling the engine.
THROTTLE LEVER
Flywheel Brake Lever
This lever is connected to the
engine flywheel brake and the
ignition switch. The engine will not
start unless this lever is pushed
forward.
engine.
EEL.
LEVER
12
CONTROLS
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
There are eleven settings to choose from, as shown in the illustration.
The cutting height figures are approximate. The actual height of cut
grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.
/ / / 27/8in(73mm)’
ADJUSTMENT
\
LE
13
BEFORE OPERATION
This chapter 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.
ARE YOU READY TO MOW?.
CHECK YOUR LAWN
Objects .......................................
People and Pets
Lawn
CHECK YOUR MOWER
Air Cleaner Inspection
Cutting Height.
......................................... 16
Blades ........................................
Engine Oil Level
.......................................... 19
Fuel
Mulching Plug.
.............................
................................ 16
...........................
................................
........................... 20
................................. 21
................................. 22
......................
16
16
16
17
17
18
15
BEFORE OPERATION
-
ARE YOU READY TO MOW?
Be sure to wear protective clothing. Long pants and eye protection
can lower your risk of injury from thrown objects. Wear footwear that
protects your feet and won’t let you slip if you mow on slopes or
uneven ground.
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.
16
BEFORE OPERATION
CHECK YOUR MOWER
Blades
1. Turn the engine OFF and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position
(see page 28).
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (see page 46).
3. Tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up. This will
help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting.
BLADE
BOLTS
4. Inspect the blades for wear and damage.
1
NORMAL
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 can break, causing blade pieces to be thrown from the mower.
When a blade needs sharpening or replacement, take the lawn
mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer. Or, if you have a
torque wrench, you can remove and install a blade yourself (see pages
52 - 53).
Check that the blade bolts are tight (see page 53).
EXCESSIVELY BENT
WORN
CRACKED
17
BEFORE OPERATION
Engine Oil Level
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. Inset-t and remove the dipstick
without screwing it into the filler
neck. Check the oil level shown
on the dipstick.
FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
3. If
the
oil level
recommended oil (see page
to reach the upper limit mark on
the dipstick. Do not overfill.
is low, add the
44)
FILLER CAP/
DIPSTICK
4.
After checking the engine oil
level, screw in the filler
cap/dipstick securely.
18
UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
BEFORE OPERATION
Fuel
Fuel tank capacity: 0.26 US gal (1 .O P)
Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. If the
engine has been running, allow it to cool. Refer to page 49 for fuel
recommendations and page 74 for information about oxygenated
fuels.
Remove the fuel tank cap and check the fuel level. Refill the tank if
the fuel level is low. Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel. Do not
overfill; there should be no fuel in the filler neck. After refueling,
tighten the fuel tank cap securely.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when
handling fuel.
l
Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and
flame away.
l
Handle fuel only outdoors.
l
Wipe up spills immediately.
Never refuel the mower inside a building where gasoline fumes may
reach flames or sparks. Keep gasoline away from appliance pilot
lights, barbecues, electric appliances, power tools, etc.
Spilled fuel is not only a fire hazard, it causes environmental damage.
Wipe up spills immediately.
-1
Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when
filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered
under warranty.
FUEL FILLER
NECK
FUEL TANK CAP
19
BEFORE OPERATION
Air Cleaner Inspection
Check that the air filters are clean and in good condition. Dirty air
filters will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine
performance. Refer to page 45 for air cleaner service.
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
PAPER FILTER
Ill 111 ‘-
COVER KNOB
BEFORE OPERATION
Mulching Plug
The mulching plug contours the mower deck for efficient mulching.
You can quickly remove the plug to install an optional grass bag.
Raise the discharge guard and push the latch toward the outside
when removing or installing the mulching plug.
DISCHARGE GUARD
MULCHI
When installing, be sure the plug is fully inserted and secured by the
latch. The discharge guard must be closed and resting on top of the
mulching plug tabs.
PLUG TABS
21
BEFORE OPERATION
Cutting Height
To adjust cutting height, pull the adjustment lever toward the wheel,
and move it into another notch.
in
(23
mm)
(54
mm)
3V8
in
(86
mm)
\
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
If you are not sure what cutting height to select, start with a high
setting and check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small
area. Then readjust cutting height if necessary.
22
OPERATION
This chapter tells you how to operate the mower safely and effectively.
MOWING PRECAUTIONS
STARTING THE ENGINE
OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING.
Throttle Lever..
Flywheel Brake Lever.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
SAFE MOWING PRACTICES