Honda Automobiles HRM215SXA User Manual
Keep this owners manual handy, so you can refer to it any time, and
make sure the manual stays with the lawn mower if you sell it.
This owners 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.
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
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
m symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid
damage to your mower, other property, or the environment.
We suggest you read the Distributor’s Limited Warranty and Emission
Control System Warranty to fully understand coverage and your
responsibilities of ownership.
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.
0 1996 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 - preceded by a safety alert symbol h?J and
one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words 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.
l Safety Headings -
such as Important Safety Reminders or
Important Safety Precautions.
l Safety Chapter -
l Instructions - how to use this mower correctly and safely.
such as MOWER SAFETY.
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.
MOWER SAFETY
Important information about some specific hazards,
and what you can do to prevent injury.
CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Identification of components and information about how
the controls work.
BEFORE OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
How to fuel and check your mower to be sure it is
ready. How to prepare your lawn and yourself before
you begin mowing.
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine, safe mowing
practices, and mowing tips.
TRANSPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to load and carry your mower safely.
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
27
41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
STORAGE
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Additional information, Honda publications available to
you, warranty, and how to contact us if you have a
question or a warranty repair problem.
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION . . . inside back cover
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
77
93
3
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 SAFIETY 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 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(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.
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.
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 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.
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.
(HRB215)
UNDER NORMAL USAGE. THIS BAG MATERIAL IS
SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR, AND
SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG
REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO
A.N.S.I. STANDARD 871.1, ANY REPLACEMENT
MUST MEETTHIS STANDARD.
.
I
I
DO NOT OPERATE UNLESS GUARD
ISCLOSEDORBAGISINPLACE
a
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
Blade Control Lever.
Drive Clutch Lever.
ShiftLever
HRM215SXA & HRB215SXA
HRM215HXA & HRB215HXA
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers.
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12
12
12
13
13
14
14
14
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COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
HANDLEBAR
/
SHIFT LEVER
DRIVE
CLUTCH
LEVER
GRASS BAG
THROTTLE LEVER
DISCHARGE
GUARD
FUEL TANK CAP
MOWER HECK
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
HRB215K3SXA: Self-propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag.
HRB215K3HXA: Self-propelled, hydrostatic transmission, high-lift
blade, and grass bag.
HRM215K3SXA: Self-propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug.
HRM215K3HXA: Self-propelled, hydrostatic transmission, mulching
blades, and mulching plug.
10
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER \
CONTROLS
BLADE
CONTROL
BUTTON
I
ENGINE SERIAL
NUMBER
(on back of engine)
\
V
lTlNG HEIGHT
cu
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
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 90).
FRAME
SERIAL
NUMBER
CARBURETOR
\
\
AIR CLEANER
HANDLEBAR
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
Frame serial number: MZB- -
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.
FUEL VALVE
Throttle Lever
‘r,
I I
b
CHOKE - - For starting a cold engine.
FAST- - - -
SLOW ---
STOP ---
For restarting a warm engine and for mowing.
For idling the engine.
For stopping the engine.
THROTTLE LEVER
12
CONTROLS
Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation. To start blade
rotation, the button must be pressed before pushing the blade control
lever forward.
BLADE
CONTROL LEVER
ON
Drive Clutch Lever
The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that
drives the rear wheels.
BLADE CONTROL
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
13
CONTROLS
Shift Lever
The shift lever selects and controls the mower’s drive speed.
HRM215SXA & HRB215SXA
1 (slow) -For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas.
2 (medium) -For intermediate self-propelled mowing speed.
3 (fast)
HRM215HXA & HRB215HXA
STOP
sL%w
FAST-
-For maximum self-propelled transport speed.
-With the shift lever all the way back and the drive clutch
lever engaged, the mower will move slowly or not at all.
Use a slow speed for mowing thick grass or
maneuvering in small areas.
For maximum self-propelled speed in large, open areas,
and for transport.
SHIFT LEVER
14
WA)
CONTROLS
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
There are six 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.
HRB215
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
2-l/2 in (64 mm)
There is an adjustment lever on each wheel.
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
15
16
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 .......................................
PeopleandPets
Lawn..
CHECK YOUR MOWER
Blade(s) ......................................
Engine Oil Level.
Fuel .........................................
Air Cleaner Inspection
Handlebar Height Adjustment
Grass Bag (HRB215).
Inspection ...................................
Installation
Removal ....................................
Mulching Plug (HRM215).
Cutting Height
......................................
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...............................
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25
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r
-
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 blade(s) 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.
CHECK YOUR MOWER
Blade(s)
1. Move the throttle lever to the
STOP position and move the
fuel valve to the OFF position
(see page 12).
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap
from the spark plug (see page 52).
3. Tilt the mower to the right, so
the carburetor side is up. This
will help to prevent fuel leakage BLADE
and hard starting.
4. Inspect blade(s) for wear and damage.
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can
break, and pieces of the damaged blade can
become dangerous projectiles.
BEFORE OPERATION
BLADE(S)
Thrown objects can cause serious injury.
Inspect the blade regularly, and do not
operate the mower with a worn or damaged
blade.
hi I-J hl w
NORMAL E-=FLY
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(s) yourself (see pages 62 - 63).
Check that the blade bolts are tight (see page 63).
BENT
CRACKED
19
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. 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
reach the upper limit mark on
the dipstick (see page 50).
4. After checking the engine oil
level, screw in the filler
cap/dipstick securely.
\pys&&!Q
‘\\
9
FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
% UPPER LIMIT
i‘ LOWER LlMlT
20
BEFORE OPERATION
Fuel
Fuel tank capacity: 0.26 US gal (1.0 1)
Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. If the
engine has been running, allow it to cool. Refer to page 55 for fuel
recommendations and page 91 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 the engine and keep heat, sparks,
and flame away.
l Handle fuel only outdoors.
l Wioe UD sbills immediatelv.
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.
riiGiq
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 TANK CAP
FUEL FIL
NECK
21
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 51 for air cleaner service.
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
PAPER FILTER
/
22
COVER KNOB
BEFORE OPERATION
Handlebar Height Adjustment
Adjust handlebar height for a 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.
4. Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely.
HANDLEBAR
LOCKING KNOB (2)
23
BEFORE OPERATION
Grass Bag (HRB215)
A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the
bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag
before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging
performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% filled.
Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full.
Inspection
Inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear. The grass
bag wears during normal use and will eventually require replacement.
Grass bag replacement is explained on page 64.
Installation
1. Raise the discharge guard, and
hook the grass bag onto the
mower deck as shown.
2. Release the discharge guard to
secure the grass bag.
GRASS BAG
HANDLE \
DISCHARGE GUARD
Removal
1. Raise the discharge guard,
grasp the grass bag handle
and remove the grass bag.
2. Release the discharge guard.
3. When the grass 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.
24
Mulching Plug (HRM215)
The mulching plug contours the
mower deck for efficient mulching.
You can quickly remove the plug
to install a grass bag or
side-discharge chute, which are
available as optional equipment.
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.
BEFORE OPERATION
DISCHARGE GUARD
Cutting Height
Check the mower deck cutting
height settings, and be sure that
all four adjustment levers are set
to the same cutting height
position.
To adjust cutting height, pull each
adjustment lever toward the
wheel, and move it into another
notch.
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.
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
25
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
Blade Control Lever.
Drive Clutch Lever.
HRM215SXA & HRB215SXA
HRM215HXA & HRB215HXA
All Models
Shift Lever ....................................
HRM215SXA & HRB215SXA
HRM215HXA & HRB215HXA
STOPPING THE ENGINE.
SAFE MOWING PRACTICES.
Slopes..
Obstacles .....................................
Gravel and Loose Objects.
MOWING TIPS
WhentoMow ..................................
Cutting Height
Cutting Width
Blade Speed
BladeSharpness ...............................
DryGrass .....................................
WetGrass..
Fallen Leaves
Clogged Mower Deck
Mowing Patterns
Mulching ....................................
Bagging..
Side-Discharge Mowing.
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28
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31
31
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32
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33
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35
36
36
37
37
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38
38
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39
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OPERATION
MOWING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the mower for the first time, please review the
/MfORTANT SAFETY /NFORMAT/ON beginning on page 6 and the
previous chapter, titled BEFORE OPERATION.
Even if you have operated other mowers, take time to become
familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until
you build up your skills.
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed
area such as a garage. Your mower’s exhaust contains poisonous
carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area
and cause illness or death.
28
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