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 at any
time, and make sure the manual stays with the riding mower if
you sell it.
This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of your
riding mower and should remain with the riding mower if resold.
The information and specifications in this publication were in
effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor
Company, Inc. reserves the right to discontinue or change
specifications or design at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation whatever.
Congratulations on your selection of the Honda Hl 011 Riding
Mower. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase
of one of the finest riding lawn mowers on the market.
We want to help you get the best results from your new
mower and to operate it safely. This owner’s manual
contains the information on how to do that; please read it
carefully.
As you read this manual, you will find information proceeded
by a lm symbol. That information is intended to help
you avoid damage to your riding mower, other property, or
the environment.
We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand
its coverage and your responsiblities of ownership.
When your riding mower needs scheduled maintenance,
keep in mind that your Honda riding lawn mower dealer is
specially trained in servicing Honda riding 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 1997 American Honda Motor Company, inc. All Rights Reserved
1
SAFETY MESSAGES
Your safety and the safety of others is very important. And
operating this riding mower safely is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and othe’ information on labels
and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential
hazards that could harm you or others.
Of course it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or ma.intaining a riding mower.
You must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms,
including:
l Safety Labels -
l Safety Messages -
on the riding mower.
proceeded by a safety alert symbolm
and one of three signal words: DANGE.R, WARNING, or
CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or
SERIOIJSLY HURT if you don’t
follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or
SERIOIJSLY 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.
0 Safety Section -
l Instructions - how to use this riding ‘mower correctly and
such as Riding Mower Safety.
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.
MOWER SAFETY
This section explains what you need to know to operate your
riding mower safely.
CONTROLS
This section shows you where controls are located and tells you
what they do and how they work.
BEFORE MOWING
This section shows you how to prepare your riding mower, the
lawn, and yourself.
OPERATING THE MOWER
This section tells you how to operate the riding mower for safe
and effective mowing.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
This section tells you how to perform normal maintenance and
adjustments.
TRANSPORTING and STORING
This section tells you how to safely transport and store
your riding mower.
TROUBLESHOOTING
This section tells you what to look for if you encounter problems.
This section explains what you need to know to operate
your riding 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
Operation on Slopes
Mowing Conditions
Mowing Near Roads
Safety Label Locations
Child Safety: A Message to Parents
............... 6
................. 7
...............
................
............... 7
........... 6
.............. 6
.............. 6
............
.............. 8
....... 7
.....
10
7
7
7
5
MOWER SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORM;ATION
Most accidents with riding mowers can be prevented if you
follow all instructions in this manual and on the riding
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
A rotating blade 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 a grass accumulation or for any
other reason, always shut off the engine and remove the
key. Disconnect the spark plug cap, and wear heavy gloves
when you need to clean the mower deck or handle a blade.
Clear Mowing Area
A riding mower blade 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
mower over gravel or any other loose objects.
Keep Shields in Place
Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being
hit by thrown objects and to keep you 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.
MOWER SAFETY
Refuel with Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can
explode. Allow the engine to cool if the riding mower has
been in operation. Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated
area with the engine OFF. Never fill the fuel tank beyond the
maximum fill mark. 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
provide better traction on the riding mower’s platform and
pedals.
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. And take
the key if you go farther away.
Operation on Slopes
This riding mower is intended for use on relatively flat
terrain. Operating the riding mower on slopes exceeding 10
degrees (17% grade) could cause the mower to tip over.
Always mow up and down slopes, never across. When
mowing up and down slopes, empty the optional grass bags
when they are half full. Never use the optional grass bags
without the front weight installed.
Mowing Conditions
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Do not drive the
riding mower at night or under poor light conditions.
Mowing Near Roads
Always watch for vehicle traffic when operating the riding
mower near roads and driveways. Never drive the riding
mower on public roads.
7
MOWER SAFETY
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
These labels warn you of potential qazards that can cause
serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or
becomes hard to read, contact your Honda riding mower
dealer for a replacement.
HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.
Stay away If engine has been running.
I
You will be seriously cut
by the rotating blade.
Keep hands and feel away
MOWER SAFETY
H Improperly drivtng on slopes or uneven terrain can cause the mower to tip
over and ou can be seriously hurt or killed.
Read “Sa e Mowing Practices in the Owner’s Manual carefully. Y
W Objects hidden in the lawn can be thrown by the blade and can cause serious
injury.
Read ‘Mower Safety” and “Safe Mowing Tips” in your Owne& Manual carefully.
n The rotating blade can cause serious injury.
n Keep hands and feet away from mower deck.
Gtop engine before leaving operator’s position.
n Do not allow children to ride as passengers.
They can fall or be thrown off causin serious injury or death.
Read “Child Safety” in the Owner%
fvf anual carefully.
Objects hidden in the lawn can be thmwn by the mower blade.
Thmwn objects can cause serious injury.
I Clear lawn of all debris before mowing.
I Do not operate the mower without either the discharge guard
or the entlre grass catcher In place.
I Wear eye pmtection.
I Keep people away while mowing.
9
MOWER SAFETY
CHILD SAFETY: A MESSAGE =ro PARENTS
YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda.
Read this message if you decide to permit your youngster to
operate this riding lawn mower. Riding 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 riding mower safely.
Remember, young people vary widely, and AGE IS NOT
THE ONLY FACTOR. Physically, a youngster must be
LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG EiNOUGH to easily start
the riding 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 riding 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 riding lawn mower.
If you decide that your son or daugh:er can handle the riding
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 riding mower.
SUPERVISION is important. Walk behind your youngster
during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after the
youngster is confident, do not let them use the mower
without supervision. An adult should also be present during
refueling and maintenance. Be sure the riding mower is
properly maintained and kept in sa’!e 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 riding lawn mower.
10
CONTROLS
This section helps you to identify the riding mower
controls, what they do, and how they work.
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
Seat
Fuel Valve ...................
Ignition Switch .................
Height Adjustment Lever
Clutch Pedal
Brake Pedal
Shift Lever
Throttle
PTO Clutch Lever ...............
Parking Brake Lever ..............
Transmission Release Lever
......................
............
..................
..................
...................
.....................
........ 12
......... 14
..........
14
14
14
15
15
15
16
17
17
18
18
11
CONTROLS
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
Use the two illusi:rations on these pages to locate and
identify the most frequently used controls.
[l] CLUTCH PEDAL
(gear transmission models)
[2] PTO CLUTCH LEVER
[3] PARKING BRAKE LEVER
[4] HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
(7j FUEL FILLER CAP
[8] FUEL VALVE
[8] SHIFT LEVER
[lo] IGNITION SWITCH
[ll] THROlTLE / CHOKE
[12] BRAKE PEDAL
[13] SEAT LOCK ROD (under seat)
[14] COOLING FAN SCREEN
CONTROLS
[B] ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
(lift seat to view)
PI
Record the frame and engine serial numbers in the space
below. You will need these numbers when ordering parts and
when making technical or warranty inquiries (see page 113).
Frame serial number: MZAW Engine serial number: GJ
-
13
CONTROLS
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
You will use these controls every tirne you operate the
riding mower. The Hl 011 riding mower uses colors to
identify control types. Orange levers and knobs are used to
control the movement of the riding mower. For example, the
parking brake lever and shift lever are color coded orange.
Yellow controls identify attachment controls, such as the
hand grip on the PTO clutch lever that is used to start and
stop blade movement. Black is used for component lift
controls (for example, deck height adjustment).
Seat
The seat can be adjusted back and forth for operator
comfort and tilted forward for battery access on electric start
models. Refer to page 53 for instructions.
Fuel Valve
The fuel valve is located on
the carburetor, above the
right rear tire. Look
underneath the rear cover
to find the fuel valve. The
fuel valve must be ON to
start the engine and should
be OFF when the riding
mower is not in use.
ON
I\
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is used
to start (electric start
models) and stop the
engine.
On the recoil start model,
this switch must be ON
before starting.
The key can only be
inserted and removed
when the switch is OFF.
14
Height Adjustment Lever
This lever is used to raise
and lower the mower deck.
When the mower deck is
properly leveled, the
numbers near the height
adjustment lever indicate
the approximate number of
inches the forward blade tip
is from the ground.
Clutch Pedal (gear transmission models)
The clutch pedal is used when shifting between gears and
when stopping and starting the riding mower. Pressing the
clutch pedal all the way down disengages the engine from
the transmission and allows you to move the shift lever
smoothly between gears.
Brake Pedal (gear transmission models)
The brake pedal applies a brake to the rear wheels. The brake
pedal should only be used once the clutch pedal is pressed all
the way down, except when starting on a sloped surface.
CONTROLS
lNoTlCEl
Partially pressing the brake pedal without first pressing the
clutch pedal all the way down can cause the drive belt to
wear prematurely.
Brake Pedal (hydrostatic transmission model)
The brake pedal is linked to both the shift lever and the rear
wheel brake. When the brake pedal is fully pressed, the shift
lever returns to NEUTRAL and a brake is applied to the rear
wheels.
When the shift lever is not in NEUTRAL and the brake pedal
is partially pressed, the shift lever moves toward NEUTRAL.
15
CONTROLS
Shift Lever (gear transmission miDdels)
I
This lever is used to select
one of the five forward
speeds, NEUTRAL, or
REVERSE. lst, 2nd and
3rd gears are recommended for varying
mowing conditions. 4th and
5th gears are used when
not mowing and greater
ground speed is desired
Cut quality will suffer if you attempt to mow using 4th or 5th
gear.
Moving the shift lever to NEUTRAL permits you to release
the clutch pedal when the riding mower is stopped and the
engine is running.
REVERSE is used to back up the riding mower.
You can damage the transmission of the riding mower if you
move the shift lever between REVERSE and any forward
gear without coming to a full stop. F’ress on the brake pedal
(if needed) to bring the riding mower to a full stop before
moving the shift lever.
Shift Lever (hydrostatic transmission model)
This lever is used to select
the travel (ground) speed
of the riding mower.
Moving the shift lever out
of NEUTRAL wil! cause the
riding mower to move.
Small movements of the
shift lever will in turn cause
small changes in travel
speed.
The MOWING range is for mowing, REVERSE is used to
backup and TRANSPORT offers faster travel speeds when
driving the riding mower to and from the mowing area. Cut
quality will suffer if you attempt to mow in the TRANSPORT
range.
16
Throttle
The throttle lever controls
engine speed. Push the
throttle down to the SLOW
position for idle. Pull it up to
the FAST position for
mowing. Pulling the throttle
upward past the detent near
FAST to the CHOKE position
applies the choke for starting
a cold engine.
PTO Clutch Lever
PTO stands for Power Takeoffand refers to the part of your
riding mower where engine power is applied to the mower
deck.
CONTROLS
The forward position is ON;
this starts the mower blade
spinning. The rear position is
OFF, and this stops the
mower blade from spinning.
When the PTO is moved to
ON, you’ll notice a temporary
drop in engine speed.
The PTO clutch lever should
always be engaged with a
smooth and quick motion.
You should always
disengage the PTO when not
actually mowing.
The riding mower will not
start if the PTO is ON. The
engine will stop if you rise off
the seat when the PTO lever
is ON.
PTOON
/
/
, ,
PTO OFF
17
CONTROLS
I
Parking Brake Lever
This lever is used to prevent movement of the riding mower
when it is parked. You should always set the parking brake
lever ON before getting off the riding mower. Release the
parking brake lever before moving the shift lever into any gear.
The parking brake is set by
pressing and holding the brake
and clutch pedals (gear
transmission models) or just
the brake pedal (hydrostatic
transmission model) all the way
down, then moving the parking
brake lever down. The
pedal(s), remain locked down
by the parking brake lever.
To release the parking brake, press down and hold the brake
and clutch pedals (gear transmission models) or just the brake
pedal (hydrostatic transmission model), then move the parking
brake lever up. You can then gently release the pedal(s). The
engine will stop if you rise off the seal without the parking
brake engaged. You should always move the shift lever to
NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Transmission Release Lever
(hydrostatic transmission model)
This lever is used to
engage or disengage the
hydrostatic transmission.
When operating the riding
mower under its own
power, leave the lever in
the ENGAGED position.
Should you need to push
the riding mower, move
the lever to DISENGAGED.
INOTICE~
Pushing or towing the riding mower with the transmission
engaged will damage the transmission,
18
DISENGAGED ENGAGED
BEFORE MOWING
This section shows you how to prepare your riding
mower, the /awn, and yourself.
CHECK THE LAWN
Objects .....................
People and Pets
Lawn
CHECK YOUR RIDING LAWN MOWER
General Items
Engine Oil Level
Air Intake, Cleaner and Filters
Muffler and Exhaust Area
Transmission Release Lever
(hydrostatic transmission model)
Grass Bag ...................
Brake Pedal
Parking Brake
Cooling Air Intake
Fuel
Cutting Height
Tire Pressure
Blade
Belts
Mower Deck ..................
Battery Electrolyte (electric start models)
ARE YOU READY TO MOW?
......................
......................
......................
......................
...............
................
.................
................
.........
...........
........
..................
.................
...............
.................
.................
..........
....
...
20
20
20
20
21
21
22
22
22
23
23
23
23
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
25
19
BEFORE MOWING
CHECK YOUR LAWN
For your safety and 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, and remove them from the
mowing area.
People and Pets
People and animals near the mowing area can move into
your mowing path or into a position where they could be
struck by thrown objects. Clear the area of people,
especially children and pets. Their safety is your
responsibility.
Lawn
.Check the length and condition of the grass. Adjust your
mowing speed and cutting height accordingly.
Avoid mowing wet grass. Not only does mowing wet grass
result in poor cut quality, it also affords poor traction,
increasing the risk of loss of control of your riding mower.
20
BEFORE MOWING
CHECK YOUR RIDING LAWN MOWER
For your safety and the service life of your equipment,
always inspect your riding mower before using it. Before
beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure:
l The riding mower is parked on a level surface.
l The PTO clutch lever is OFF and the shift lever is in
NEUTRAL.
l The ignition switch is OFF and the key is removed.
l The parking brake is ON.
General Items
Walk around the riding mower and check its general
condition. Look around and underneath it for signs of fluid
leaks.
Remove any excessive dirt and debris, especially around
the engine, mower deck, and moving components. Look for
signs of damage. Check nuts, bolts, screws, and pins for
tightness.
Keep all shields and covers in place while operating the
riding mower. If you find any problems, have them repaired
before mowing.
21
BEFORE MOWING
The following items should be checked with the rear cover
removed.
ENGINE OIL CAP
COOLING AIR
INTAKE SCREEN
MUFFLER
AIR CLEANER
Engine Oil
Oil is essential to engine operation and long life. Always
check the oil level before mowing (see page 59.)
Air Intake, Cleaner and Filters
Clogged air intake areas and dirty air filters make it difficult
for an engine to breathe. The cooling air for the engine is
drawn in from behind the seat. Make sure the cooling air
path is not obstructed with grass or covered in any way.
Remove the rear cover (see page 54) and make sure the
cooling air intake screen is free of grass or any other
objects.
Follow the steps on page 54 to check the condition of the air
cleaner and air filter elements.
Muffler and Exhaust Area
When the engine is cool, examine the area around the
muffler and exhaust area. Be sure it’s clear of any grass
clippings or other foreign objects.
22
BEFORE MOWING
Transmission Release Lever (hydrostatic transmission model)
This lever is located on
the rear frame and is
used to engage or
disengage the hydrostatic
transmission. Before
using the riding mower,
make sure this lever is in
the ENGAGED position. If
it becomes necessary to
push the riding mower,
move this lever to
DISENGAGED.
Grass Bag
If your riding mower is equipped with the optional grass bag
kit, check it for proper installation (including the front
counterweight) and verify the bags are in good condition.
Brake Pedal
Gear Transmission Models: Verify that the clutch pedal
operates when the brake is pressed and there is not
excessive freeplay in the brake pedal. Check the brake wear
indicator. See page 73.
c&J
0
c
‘\\\I
L
Hydrostatic Transmission Model: Move the shift lever out
of NEUTRAL. Press the brake pedal all the way down. Make
sure the shift lever returns to NEUTRAL.
Parking Brake
Make sure the brake pedal remains locked down in place
when the parking brake is ON.
23
BEFORE MOWING
Cooling Air Intake
Tilt and lock the seat (page
53), then make sure the
air intake path is free from
obstructions.
Fuel
Remove the cap on the
tank and check the fuel
level. See page 56 for
refueling details.
Cutting Height
The cutting height of your riding mower should be set for the
mowing conditions. See page 41.
Tire Pressure
Check the tires for proper inflation. !See page 68.
Blade
Before each use, check the mower blade for damage or
abnormal wear. See page 83 for details.
Belts
Check the blade and drive belts for wear and correct
tension. See page 80.
Mower Deck
Clear grass and debris from the top of the mower deck near
belts, pulleys and springs.
Battery Electrolyte (electric start models)
Lift and lock the seat, then check the electrolyte level of the
battery. See page 63.
24
BEFORE MOWING
ARE YOU READY TO MOW?
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in
preparation will significantly reduce your risk.
Knowledge
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls
do and how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the riding mower and its operation
before you begin mowing. Know what to do in case of
emergencies.
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 the pedals and platform
of the riding mower.
While the sound level of the riding mower is well within safe
limits, hearing protection will further protect your hearing.
25
BEFORE MOWING
26
OPERATING THE MOWER
This section tells you how to operate the riding mower
for safe and effective mowing.
MOWING PRECAUTIONS
Starting the Engine
Driving the Riding Mower
Mowing .................................
Braking .................................
Adjusting Speeds.
Stopping the Riding Mower
Safe Mowing Practices
Mowing Tips.
After Mowing
High Altitude Operation
.......................
........................ 34
....................
............................
............................ 43
....................
.................. 28
29
..................
................ 35
31
32
33
37
40
44
27
OPERATING THE MOWER
MOWING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the riding mower for the first time, please
review the IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
beginning on page 6 and the previous section, titled
BEFORE MOWING.
Even if you have operated other riding mowers, take time to
become familiar with how this riding mower works, and
practice in a safe area until you build up your skills.
Never tamper with, or alter any of the controls or safety
devices on the riding mower.
For your safety, avoid operating the engine in an enclosed
area such as a garage. Your riding mower’s exhaust
contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect
rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.
The Honda Hl 011 riding mower is easy to operate and
highly maneuverable. You need a complete understanding
of its operation and a certain amount of practice with its
controls to safely realize the full potential of this riding
mower.
Read this section completely before operating the riding
mower. Take time to familiarize yourself with the controls
and how they operate.
The small amount of time spent in familiarization will reward
you with greater efficiency and reduced risk.
28
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