Honda Power Equipment 31VL0U54, 00X31-VL0-U540 User Manual

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.

We suggest you read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20) and EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY (page 21) 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.

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn 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. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

OWNER’S MANUAL

HRS216PDA • HRS216SDA

HRR216PDA • HRR216VKA

SAFETY MESSAGES

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the mower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Please read these messages carefully.

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:

• Safety Labels – on the lawn mower.

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

• Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert A symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:

B DANGER B WARNING B CAUTION

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:

NOTICE

31VL0U54 00X31-VL0-U540

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

HRS216PDA HRS216SDA HRR216PDA HRR216VKA

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.

EM5

POM31VL0U54

HPE.2010.03

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

B WARNING: B

The engine exhaust from this product contains

chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

CONTENTS*

INTRODUCTION...............................1

SAFETY MESSAGES........................1

LAWN MOWER SAFETY..................2

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO

PARENTS.....................................2

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS......2

SETTING UP YOUR NEW MOWER.3

CONTROL LOCATIONS ...................4

BEFORE OPERATION......................4

IS YOUR LAWN MOWER

READY TO GO?...........................4

CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA ..4

GET THE MOWER READY..........5

OPERATION......................................6

SAFE OPERATING

PRECAUTIONS..........................6

STARTING THE ENGINE.............6

OPERATING THE CONTROLS

FOR MOWING..............................7

STOPPING THE ENGINE ............8

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER.9

MAINTENANCE SAFETY.............9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.......9

BLADE(S)...................................10

* For more information regarding cable adjustment and how to mow your lawn, see FAQs at www.hondapowerequipment.com/faq

GRASS BAG CLEANING AND

REPLACEMENT (HRR)..............11

ENGINE MAINTENANCE...........11

FUEL SYSTEM...........................14

TRANSPORTING ............................14

STORAGE .......................................14

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED

PROBLEMS.....................................16

TECHNICAL INFORMATION ..........16

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS.16

CARBURETOR

MODIFICATION FOR HIGH

ALTITUDE OPERATION.............17

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM17

SPECIFICATIONS......................18

CONSUMER INFORMATION..........19

REPLACEMENT PARTS,

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND

SERVICE ITEMS........................19

CUSTOMER SERVICE

INFORMATION...........................19

DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED

WARRANTY................................20

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

WARRANTY................................21

LAWN MOWER SAFETY

Most injuries and property damage with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most common hazards 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 blades.

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 blades 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.

If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the mower safely, CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL with your child. Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety information. Also, be sure your child wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower.

SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your child during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after he or she has become confident with the mower, do not let him or her use the mower without good adult supervision. An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance. In fact, it’s up to the adult owner to make sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition.

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

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS

These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.

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.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS

THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILDREN IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your child 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 injuries by making good decisions about if, when, and how your child operates this equipment.

The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your child is capable of operating this mower safely. Remember, young people vary widely, and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.

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

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

SETTING UP YOUR NEW MOWER

Unpacking

Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar.

Handlebar Setup

Loosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar enough to raise the handlebar into the mowing position.

Depress the blade control lever while raising the handlebar.

Tighten the locking knobs securely.

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

Install Starter Rope

Disconnect the spark plug cap. Pull the blade control lever back, then pull the starter grip toward the starter rope loop. Release the lever, then press the rope into the loop. Connect the spark plug cap.

LOOP

LOCKING KNOB (2)

Engine Oil

The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine.

A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower. Add the entire contents of the oil bottle into the oil filler opening.

All Honda engines are run at the factory prior to packaging. Most of the oil is removed prior to shipment; however, some oil remains in the engine. The amount of oil left in the engine varies.

If not using the supplied oil, add enough SAE 10W-30 API service category SJ or later oil to bring the oil level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown.

Do not overfill engine with oil. If the engine is overfilled, the excess oil may get transferred to the air cleaner housing and air filter.

After filling the engine with oil, remove the hang tag near the recoil starter grip that says “The engine has no oil.”

FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK (do not screw in the dipstick when checking the oil level)

UPPER LIMIT LOWER LIMIT

Grass Bag Assembly (HRR)

Slide the grass bag frame into the grass bag and attach the clips as shown.

BAG FRAME

GRASS BAG

Lift the rear discharge guard, remove the mulching plug, and install the grass bag.

GRASS BAG HANDLE

PLASTIC CLIP

REAR DISCHARGE GUARD

Fuel

Refer to page 14.

Before Using Your Lawn Mower

Before using the lawn mower, all mower operators must read the following sections:

• LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 2)

• CONTROL LOCATIONS (page 4)

• BEFORE OPERATION (page 4)

• OPERATION (page 6)

• MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 9)

CONTROL LOCATIONS BEFORE OPERATION

(HRS216SDA)

RECOIL STARTER GRIP (P. 7)

HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2)

OIL FILLER CAP (P. 3)

CLUTCH LEVER (P. 7)

SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD (P. 5)

SMART DRIVE CONTROL (P. 6)

BLADE CONTROL LEVER (P. 7)

THROTTLE LEVER (P. 7)

FUEL TANK CAP (P. 14)

MUFFLER

To easily identify your model, refer to PAGE 18

MULCHING PLUG (P. 5)

(HRR216VKA)

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury.

Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them.

Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency.

IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO?

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your lawn mower, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the lawn mower to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the lawn mower.

B WARNING

Improperly maintaining this lawn mower, or failing to correct a problem before operation, could cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.

Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each operation, and correct any problem.

Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the lawn mower is on a level surface.

Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower:

• Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks.

• Look for signs of damage.

• Check each control for proper operation.

• Check the blade(s) for wear. Replace as necessary (page 10).

• Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 11).

• Check that all nuts, bolts, screws are tightened.

REAR DISCHARGE GUARD

SPARK PLUG CAP

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS (P. 5)

AIR CLEANER (P. 12)

CARBURETOR

GRASS BAG (P. 5)

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER (2) (P. 5)

FUEL VALVE (P. 6)

Check the Engine:

• Check the air cleaner (page 12) and oil level (page 11).

• Check the fuel level (page 14). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA

For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before operating the lawn mower.

Objects

Anything that can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks, nails, and wire, and remove them from the lawn area.

People and Pets

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

Lawn Conditions

Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground speed and mowing swath accordingly.

GET THE MOWER READY

Rear Shield

During normal use the rear shield is subject to deterioration and wear. Remove the grass bag and raise the discharge guard to check the rear shield for cracks or tears. If the rear shield is excessively worn, have it replaced by your authorized Honda servicing dealer.

DISCHARGE GUARD

Side Discharge Chute (HRS)

The mower can be used to mulch or side discharge grass clippings.

To mulch, make sure the side discharge chute is not installed, and the side door on the mower deck is fully closed.

To discharge clippings to the side, stop the engine, lift the side door up, and install the side discharge chute as shown.

SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD

SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

REAR SHIELD

Cutting Height Adjustment

The cutting height figures are approximate. The actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.

To adjust the 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.

The mower deck can be set to any of the six approximate settings. Each wheel should be adjusted to the same position.

Lower deck Move both the front and rear adjusters backward. Raise deck Move both the front and rear adjusters forward.

REAR ADJUSTMENT LEVER

HRR

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)

HRS

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

Mulching Plug (HRR)

The mulching plug helps to

REAR

DISCHARGE

GUARD

curve the inside of the mower deck for more efficient mulching.

Install and remove the mulching plug by raising the rear discharge guard as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way. Remove the mulching plug when

MULCHING PLUG

using a grass bag.

Grass Bag (HRR)

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

During normal use, the grass bag material is subject to deterioration and wear.

NOTICE

Frequently inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear. Check for necessary replacement. Make sure the new bag meets the original specifications.

Grass bag replacement is explained on page 3.

RIGHT SIDE SHOWN FORWARD

Installation

SMART DRIVE

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.

Removal

1. Raise the rear discharge guard,

GRASS BAG HANDLE

REAR DISCHARGE GUARD

grasp the grass bag handle and remove the grass bag.

2. Release the rear discharge guard.

3. When the grass bag is clear of the rear discharge guard, you can lift it through the handlebar opening, or you can remove it to the rear of the mower below the handlebar.

Smart Drive™ Control (VKA)

CONTROL

™

The Smart Drive control can be adjusted up or down into any one of five positions.

Slide the multi-position adjuster to the left to unlock the control, move the Smart Drive control up or down into the position most comfortable, and then release the multi-position adjuster and allow it to engage.

Do not attempt to adjust the position of the Smart Drive control while the mower is in motion.

CONTROL

MULTI-POSITION ADJUSTER

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the mower for the first time, please review LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 2). 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(s) turn when you pull the starter grip. It is easiest to start the engine in a clear or mowed area where the blade(s) can turn freely.

1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.

2. PDA, SDA: Move the throttle lever to the proper starting position.

COLD ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE

position. WARM ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to the FAST position.

FAST

CHOKE

VKA: This model has an automatic choke so there is no throttle lever.

3. SDA, VKA: Release the clutch lever or the Smart Drive control. This will prevent the mower from moving forward when you

operate the starter.

4. Pull back on the blade control lever and hold it against the handlebar.

(VKA)

FUEL VALVE

(SDA)

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

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

the starter grip gently.

STARTER GRIP

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

Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar; the engine stops when the blade control lever is released.

6. PDA, SDA: 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 without using the choke. Set the throttle lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle.

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

Throttle Lever

PDA, SDA: For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle

FAST

lever in the FAST position. When the blade(s) 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 blade(s) could fracture and come apart.

VKA: This model has an automatic throttle that always runs at FULL throttle setting.

Blade Control Lever

The lever must be pulled back against the handlebar to start and run the engine. The blade(s) start 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(s) rotating.

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

THROTTLE LEVER

Clutch Lever (SDA)

Push the clutch lever forward and hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward.

Release the clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward movement.

Always release the clutch lever before starting the engine. If the clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter.

Operate the clutch lever with a quick and complete motion, so the clutch is either fully engaged or fully released. Hold the clutch lever against the handlebar during self-propelled mowing. This will help to extend the service life of the clutch mechanism.

CLUTCH LEVER (SDA)

Smart Drive Control (VKA)

The Smart Drive control can be adjusted up or down into any one of five positions (page 6).

With the engine running and the blades rotating, slowly push the Smart Drive control to propel the mower forward.

SMART DRIVE CONTROL

Ground speed will increase as more pressure is applied to the Smart Drive control. After maximum ground speed is obtained, applying additional pressure will not further increase ground speed. Apply only enough pressure to achieve the desired speed.

Ground speed control sensitivity will vary with such factors as terrain, grass height, slope, and grass bag weight. For example, achieving a very slow ground speed on smooth level terrain requires very light pressure be applied to the Smart Drive control. However, additional pressure may be required to achieve the same ground speed on slopes, in tall grass, or uneven terrain. The Smart Drive control is designed to allow you to move the control to maintain the desired ground speed under constantly changing mowing conditions.

Release the Smart Drive control to disengage (stop) the rear wheels.

CONTROL

™

Release the lever to stop the engine and blade rotation whenever you need to leave the mower.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. PDA, SDA: Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position.

2. SDA: Release the clutch lever.

VKA: Release the Smart Drive control lever.

3. Release the blade control lever.

(VKA)

CLUTCH LEVER (SDA SHOWN)

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

(PDA)

SLOW

Slopes

Mow across slopes, not up and down. Avoid steep slopes (more than 20 and be careful when changing direction.

Mowing on a slope when the grass is damp or wet could cause you to slip, fall, and lose control of the mower.

°),

Obstacles

Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls.

Release the clutch lever or the Smart Drive control to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control. Be careful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn, such as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, raised tree roots, etc. Avoid anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn.

If the blade hits something, or if the mower starts to vibrate, stop the engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug cap, and check for damage (page 10). Striking objects may damage the blade(s), bend the crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components. Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.

B WARNING

4. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve OFF.

OFF

FUEL VALVE

SAFE MOWING PRACTICES

For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing your footing and your control of the mower. Keep a firm grip on the handlebar, and walk, never run, with the mower. Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground.

If stuck, do not kick or shove the mower with your foot. Use the handlebar to control the mower.

B WARNING

The blade(s) are sharp and spin at high speed. A spinning blade can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes.

• Wear protective footwear.

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

• Stop the engine before performing any adjustment, inspection, or maintenance.

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 , and do not operate the mower

with a worn or damaged blade.

The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20) does not cover parts damaged by collision.

Gravel and Loose Objects

Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious personal injury and/or property damage. The best way to prevent potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control lever to stop the blade(s) before reaching areas with gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material.

MOWING TIPS

Which Blade?

Grasses and lawn conditions vary greatly, so Honda models can use a number of standard and optional blades. Use this chart to help determine which blade(s) are best suited for your lawn. See page 19 for more information on these blades.

Performance

Model

Mulching Bagging

Good Good Good Standard low-lift single

HRS

HRR* Best Best Best

*Always use an upper and lower blade on the HRR.

Best Best Best

Side

Discharge

Optional upper mulching Optional high-lift lower

Standard upper mulching Standard high-lift lower

Blade(s)

+ 16 hidden pages