Honda Automobiles HRT216PDA, HRT216SDA User Manual

Owner's Manual

Rotary Mower

HRS216PDA HRS216SDA

HRT216PDA • HRT216SDA • HRT216TDA

•

¿Necesita un manual en Español? Vea a la página 59.

WARNING:

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

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. 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.

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

NOTICE 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 (p. 52) and

the Emission Control System Warranty (p. 56) 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.

INTRODUCTION

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY

Your safety, and the safety of others, is 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:

• Safety Labels — on the lawn mower.

• Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol and

one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:

B DANGER

B WARNING

B CAUTION

• Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions.

• Safety Chapter — such as MOWER SAFETY.

• Instructions — how to use this mower correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully.

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.

MOWER SAFETY ............................................ 4

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CONTROLS................................................. 7

COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

BEFORE OPERATION ....................................... 11

ARE YOU READY TO MOW? .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CHECK YOUR LAWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CHECK YOUR MOWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

MOWING PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

OPERATION ............................................... 17

STARTING THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

STOPPING THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SAFE MOWING PRACTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

MOWING TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

TRANSPORTING ........................................... 27

BEFORE LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

LOADING AND UNLOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

MAINTENANCE............................................. 28

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

MAINTENANCE SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

ENGINE MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

BLADE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

TROUBLESHOOTING........................................ 41

STORAGE ................................................. 43

STORAGE PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

REMOVAL FROM STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

SPECIFICATIONS........................................... 47

ASSEMBLY ................................................ 49

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.................................. 51

ACCESSORIES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

OXYGENATED FUELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

HONDA PUBLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE (optional equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

INDEX .................................................... 63

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside back cover

MOWER SAFETY

IMPORTANT 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.

AvoidRotatingBlades

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 the area and 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.

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.

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. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda dealer for a replacement.

WA R NI NG WA RN IN G

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. OBJECTS THROWN BY BLADE

Follow all instructions in Owner's Manual. Go across slopes, not up and down. Do not mow when children or others are around Look down and behind, before and while moving backwards. Keep safety devices (guards, shields, switches, etc.) in place and working.

DANGER

KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY

CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.

Inspect area and remove debris before mowing. Keep children and others away Wear eye protection. Do not operate unless bag or chute are installed or guard is in place.

UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL IS

CAUTION

SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR, AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD B71.1 ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.

HOTMUFFLERCANBURNYOU.

Stay away if engine has been running.

CAUTION

COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA)

HANDLEBAR

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

CONTROLS

RECOIL STARTER GRIP

REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

OIL FILLER CAP

SIDE DISCHARGE DOOR (HRS, HRT)

MUFFLER

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS

Model Identification

To easily identify your model, refer to the chart on page 47.

CONTROLS

FUEL TANK CAP

SPARK PLUG CAP

REAR DOOR (HRT)

MULCHING PLUG (HRT)

THROTTLE

LEVER

SHIFT LEVER (TDA)

GRASS BAG (HRT)

FRAME SERIAL NUMBER

HANDLEBAR

LOCKING

KNOB (2)

FUEL VALVE

CARBURETOR

AIR CLEANER

MOWER DECK

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 59).

Fram e serial number:MZ__ __ – ______________ Engine serial number:GJAE – ______________

CONTROLS

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS

Fuel Valve

The fuel valve controls fuel flow from the fuel tank to the carburetor. The fuel valve must be ON to start and operate the mower. The fuel valve should be kept OFF when the mower is not in use.

OFF

FUEL VALVE

Throttle Lever

CHOKE – – For starting a cold engine. FAST – – – For restarting a warm engine and for mowing. SLOW – – – For idling the engine.

CHOKE FAST SLOW

Flywheel Brake Lever

This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the engine switch. The engine will not start or run unless this lever is held against the handlebar.

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

HRT

HRS

CONTROLS

Drive Clutch Lever (SDA, TDA)

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA)

The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. The drive clutch lever should only be engaged after the engine has been started.

Shift Lever (TDA)

The shift lever is used to select the

SHIFT LEVER (TDA)

ground speed. 1 is the slowest, 2 is medium, and 3 is the fastest setting. The shift lever may be used any time a change in ground speed is required.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

The mower deck can be set to any of the six approximate settings. The adjusters move back to lower and forward to raise the mower deck. Each wheel should be adjusted to the same position.

3/4" (19 mm)

1-1/4 " (29 mm)

1-3/4" (41.5 mm)

2-1/4" (54 mm) 2-3/4" (67 mm)

3-1/4 (79 mm)

1" (25 mm)

1-1/2 " (37 mm)

2" (50 mm)

2-1/2" (66 mm)

3" (75 mm)

3-1/2 (87 mm)

FRONT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

REAR ADJUSTMENT LEVER

RIGHT SIDE SHOWN

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 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 OPERATION

CHECK YOUR MOWER

Blade

1. Turn the fuel valve to OFF (page

9). Disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (page 37).

2. Tilt the mower to the right, so

BLADE(S)

the carburetor side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting.

3. Inspect the blade(s) for wear

and damage

BLADE BOLTS

B WARNING

A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous projectiles.

Thrown objects can cause serious injury. Inspect the blade(s) regularly. Do not operate

the mower with a worn or damaged blade.

NORMAL

EXCESSIVELY

WORN

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.

BENT

CRACKED

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 the blade(s) yourself (page 39).

Check that the blade bolts are tight (see page 39).

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 the recommended oil (see page 35) to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.

FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK

FILLER CAP/ DIPSTICK

DO NOT SCREW DIPSTICK IN TO CHECK OIL LEVEL

UPPER LIMIT LOWER LIMIT

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

BEFORE OPERATION

Fuel

Fuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 liter)

If the engine has been running, allow it to cool. Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. See page 38 for fuel recommendations and page 60 for information on 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.

B WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when

handling fuel.

• Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.

• Handle fuel only outdoors.

• 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.

NOTICE

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 by the Distributor’s Limited Warranty (page 52).

FUEL FILLER NECK

FUEL TANK CAP

BEFORE OPERATION

Air Cleaner Inspection

Make sure the air filter is clean and in good condition. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. Refer to page 36 for air cleaner service.

Grass Bag (HRT216)

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% full. Also the bag is easier to empty when not packed full.

Inspection

Inspect the grass bag before use. Check for holes, tears, and excessive wear. The grass bag does wear during normal use, and will eventually require replacement (page 40).

Installation

1. Raise the rear door and remove

GRASS BAG HANDLE

the mulching plug. Hook the grass bag frame onto the mower deck as shown.

AIR CLEANER HOUSING

PAPER FILTER

COVER

REAR DOOR

2. Release the rear door to secure the grass bag in place.

Removal

1. Raise the rear door, grasp the grass bag handle and remove the grass bag.

2. Release the rear door.

3. When the grass bag is clear of the rear door, you can lift the grass bag through the handlebars, or remove it from the rear of the mower below the handlebar.

BEFORE OPERATION

Mulching Plug (HRT)

The mulching plug helps to curve the inside of the mower deck for more efficient mulching.

Install and remove the mulching plug by raising the rear door as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way. Remove the mulching plug when using a grass bag.

Side Discharge Chute (HRS, HRT)

To discharge clippings to the side, install the side discharge chute as shown here. On the HRT model, remove the mulching plug when using the side discharge chute for best performance.

Remove the side discharge chute when using the grass bag or mulching.

REAR DOOR

MULCHING PLUG

SIDE DOOR

SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

Cutting Height

Set all four adjustment levers to

ADJUSTMENT LEVERS

the same cutting height position. Each position changes the height 1/2 inch (13 mm).

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. Readjust cutting height if necessary.

OPERATION

MOWING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the mower for the first time, please review MOWER SAFETY and BEFORE OPERATION, beginning on page 4.

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.

STARTING THE ENGINE

The blade turns when you pull the starter grip. It is easiest to start the engine in a clear or mowed area where the blade can turn freely.

1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.

FUEL VALVE

2. Move the throttle lever to CHOKE for a cold engine, or FAST for a warm engine.

FAST

CHOKE

COLD ENGINE WARM ENGINE

OPERATION

1. SDA, TDA: Release the drive clutch lever (page 10). If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter.

2. Pull back on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar.

3. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently.

Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck at all times when starting and running the engine.

Continue to hold the flywheel brake lever against the handlebar; the engine will stop if you release the lever.

4. If the CHOKE position was used during starting, move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position as soon as the engine warms up enough to run smoothly. Set the throttle lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle.

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA)

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

STARTER GRIP

FAST

CHOKE

OPERATION

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

Throttle Lever

For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently. Do not try to increase the preset engine speed, the blades could fracture and come apart.

FAST

MOWING SPEED

When you need to leave the mower for any reason, move the throttle to SLOW, then turn the engine OFF by releasing the flywheel brake lever.

Flywheel Brake Lever

The lever must be pulled backward against the handlebar to start and run the engine. The blade starts to rotate when the lever is pulled back against the handlebar and the recoil starter grip is pulled.

Continue to hold the lever against the handlebar to keep the engine running and the blade rotating.

Release the lever to stop the engine and stop blade rotation.

FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

+ 47 hidden pages

Honda Automobiles HRT216PDA, HRT216SDA User Manual

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

MOWER SAFETY

CONTROLS

BEFORE OPERATION

OPERATION