Honda Power Equipment H1011R User Manual

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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
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5
11
19
27
47
103
SPECIFICATIONS
This section provides you with important dimensions and
capacities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This section gives you sources for more information about
your riding mower.
INDEX
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Reference
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside
111
115
back cover
3
P

MOWER SAFETY

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
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................
............... 7
........... 6
.............. 6
.............. 6
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.............. 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
......................
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........ 12
......... 14
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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
[5] RECOIL STARTER HANDLE
(recoil start model)
[S] TRANSMISSION RELEASE LEVER
(hydrostatic transmission model)
[A] RIDING MOWER SERIAL NUMBER
(near base of oil filler tube)
HlOll SA: !&speed gear transmission, electric start HI01 1 RA: 5-speed gear transmission, recoil (pull) start HlOllHSA: Hydrostatic transmission, electric start
12
(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?
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...
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.
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