Honda Power Equipment H4013 User Manual
Thank you for purchasing a Honda lawn tractor.
This manual describes operation and maintenance of the Honda H4013
lawn tractor, type SA. All information in this publication is based on the
latest product information available at the time of printing.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time
without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
This manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn tractor and it must
stay with the lawn tractor if resold.
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY. Pay special attention to
these symbols and any instructions that follow:
--Indicates serious injury or death WILL result if
instructions are not followed.
-Indicates a strong possibility that serious injury or
death could result if instructions are not followed.
.Indicates a possibility that minor injury can result if
instructions are not followed.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
NOTE: Gives helpful information.
Honda lawn tractors are designed to give safe and dependable service if
operated according to instructions. Operating this lawn tractor requires
special effort on your part to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
m
or property damage. Read and understand this Owner’s Manual before
operating this lawn tractor.
If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about your lawn
tractor, consult an authorized Honda lawn tractor dealer.
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. 1989, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Using this product for a purpose not intended may cause injury
1 -Indicates that equipment or property damage can
result if instructions are not followed.
1
CONTENTS
1. SAFETY INFORMATION
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
3. CONTROLS
Engine switch
Throttle lever
Cutter deck height adjusting lever
Shift lever
Power take-off (P.T.O.) lever
Brake pedal
Parking brake lever and warning buzzer
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Dust screen
Engine oil
Gasoline
Gasolines containing alcohol
Air cleaner
Battery
Brake
Cutter deck
Cutter deck drive belt and blade belt
Anti-scalp roller adjustment
Tires
Seat adjustment
Blade
Safety switch ................... ;.
5. OPERATION
Starting the engine
Seat safety switch operation check
Parking brake system inspection
Mowing ...............................................................................
Mowing tips
Starting the lawn tractor
Cutting patterns ....................................................................
Operating on hills
Stopping the engine
High altitude operation
6. TRANSPORTING
Transporting
Towing
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42
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7. MAINTENANCE
Maintenance schedule
Engine oil change
Air cleaner service
Spark plug service
Battery service
Wheel removal
Cutter deck removal
Cutter deck drive belt replacement
Blade belt replacement
Blade bolt tightness/Blade replacement
Spark arrester maintenance (optional part)
Fuse replacement
Fuel filter
Transmission oil
8. LONG TERM STORAGE
Preparation for storage
Removal from storage
9. TROUBLESHOOTING
10. SPECIFICATIONS
I I. WIRING DIAGRAM
12. WARRANTY SERVICE
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50
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57
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62
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63
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65
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70
71
72
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1. SAFETY INFORMATION
lImaNO
Read all safety instructions before operating.
AWARNING
LAWN TRACTORS CAN BE
HAZARDOUS IF OPERATED
IMPROPERLY.
TO AVOID SERIOUS ,N,“R”,
READ ALL SAFETY
lNSTR”CTlONS CAREFULL”.
lREAD OWNER’S MANUA,.
BEFORE OPERAT,DN
THE OWNER’S MANUAL HAS
IMPORTANT SAFE,” AND
OPERATION INFDRMATIDN.
!-----I
.LEARN THE LDCATlDN
AND FVNCTION OF ALL
CONTROLS
IN AN EMERCENC” ID” SHOULD
BE ABLE TO OPERATE THEM
OUICKL”.
Do NOT AUDW CHlLDRLN TO
OPERATE OR WA” WlT”
THE TRACTOR OR ITS
CDNTROIS
lTHE MOWER BLADE IS
SHARP
BE SURE BLADE AND ENG,NE
ARE STOPPED COMPLETELY
BEFORE PLAClNG HANDS OR
FEET NEAR THE BLADE.
lTHAOWN OBJECTS CAN
CAUSE lNJ”R”
BEFORE MOWING REMDYE ALL
DEBRlS FROM THE AREA. BE
SURE GUARDS ARE IN PLACE.
AND KEEP CHILDREN AND
PETS IIWA”.
.EXCEEDlNG THE MAXIMUM
SAFE OPERATING ANGLE
MAI CAUSE THE TRACTOR TO
TIP-OVER. REDVCE SPEED
WHEN T”RNiNG OR
DPERlTlNG ON SLOPES.
GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
STOP ENGINE, AVOID HEAT,
SPARKS, AND OPEN FLAME
WHEN REFUELING.
I
I
=u ;i&&hz:,
DIsc”AF!GE GUARD
1
-r=
4
WHILE BUlDE IS
SAFETY INFORMATION
For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these
precautions:
Operator Responsibility
Keep the lawn tractor in good operating condition. Operating a lawn
tractor that is in poor, or questionable condition could result in serious
injury.
Be sure all safety devices are in working order and that warning labels
are in place, these items are installed for your safety.
Know how to stop the engine and blades quickly in case of emergency.
Understand the use of all controls.
Allowing anyone to operate this lawn tractor without proper instruction
may result in injury.
Allowing passengers to ride on the tractor or any of its attachments
may cause the tractor to tip over.
Wear sturdy, full coverage footwear. Operating this tractor with bare
feet, or with open toe shoes or sandals increases your risk of injury.
Dress sensibly. Loose clothing may get caught in moving parts, increasing your risk of injury.
Be alert. Operating this lawn tractor when you are tired, ill or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs may result in serious injury.
Keep all persons and pets away from the mowing area.
Child Safety
Serious injury or death can occur if a child falls off the tractor or runs into
the tractor’s path and is run over by the machine.
l Allowing children to ride as passengers on the lawn tractor can be
dangerous.
l Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor
power equipment is being used nearby. Young children move quickly
and are attracted to the tractor and the mowing activity especially if
they have been given rides before.
l Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
Be alert, and turn the mower off if children enter the area. Use extreme
care when backing up, and when approaching corners, shrubs, trees,
and other obstructions that might hide children from sight.
l Children should never be allowed to operate the lawn tractor, even
under adult supervision.
5
Cutting Blade Hazard
The cutting blades are sharp, and they turn at high speed. Accidental contact can cause serious injury.
l Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while the engine
is running.
l Stop the engine, disengage the Power Take Off (P.T.O.) clutch and
remove the key before inspection or maintenance of the deck or blades.
l Disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent any possibility of accidental
starting. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blades
when cleaning out the mower deck, or when inspecting or replacing the
blades.
Thrown Object Hazard
Objects hit by the cutting blades can be thrown from the tractor with great
force, and may cause serious injury.
l Before mowing, clear the mowing area of sticks, stones, dog bones,
and other litter and loose objects. Mow only in daylight, or in well-lit
areas at night, so you can see and avoid objects in the grass.
l Before operating the tractor, be sure the side discharge guard is down,
or that the optional grass catcher bags and discharge chute are in place.
l Disengage the Power Take Off (P.T.0.) lever to stop the blades before
crossing a gravel driveway or any other area with loose stones.
l Always inspect the mower for damage after striking a foreign object.
Repair or replace any damaged parts before continued use.
l Broken pieces thrown from a worn or damaged blade can cause serious
injury. Always inspect the blades before using the tractor.
Fire and Burn Hazard
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode.
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Keep gasoline out of reach of
children.
l Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped.
l Allowed the engine to cool before refueling. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel
may ignite.
l Dry grass and leaves may ignite if they are allowed to accumulate
around the engine, the exhaust system, or on top of the cutter deck
(especially around the pulleys).
l It is illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a USDA qualified
spark arrester. Periodic maintenance is required to keep a spark arrester
functioning as designed.
6
The engine and exhaust system become very hot during operation and re-
main hot for a while after stopping. Contact with hot engine components
can cause burn injuries and can ignite some materials.
. Avoid touching a hot engine or exhaust system.
l
Allow the engine to cool before performing maintenance or storing the
lawn tractor indoors.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless
gas. Breathing exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to
death.
l
If you run the engine in an area that is confined, or even partially enclosed, the air you breathe could contain a dangerous amount of exhaust
gas. To keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate ventila-
tion.
Towing Hazard
Towing trailers, garden carts, etc. will affect the stability of the tractor.
Use the proper type of hitch, and never exceed the recommended load
limit and tongue weight. Refer to the recommendations on pages 42 and
43 of this manual.
Operation on Slopes
This lawn tractor is intended for use on relatively flat terrain.
Operating the lawn tractor on slopes exceeding IO degrees (I 7% grade)
could cause the mower to tip over.
NOTE: If you feel that you canndt accurately judge the angle of the grade
to be mowed, we suggest that you obtain an inclinometer.
These slope gauges are available at most hardware stores.
l
When mowing on slopes, empty the grass bags when they are half full.
The weight of full grass bags may cause the lawn tractor to tip over.
Maximum safe operating
angle
MAXIMUM 10” (I 7%
GRADE)
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2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
POWER TAKE-OFF IP.T.0.) LEVER
,,,; \
LEVER
BRAKE
PEDAL
/STEERING WHEEL
CUl
TER DECK
THROTTLE
LEVER \
CUTTER DECK
HEIGHT
ADJUSTING
LEVER
/
PARKING INDICATOR
CUTTEk DECK DRIVE BELT ADJUSTING
KNOB
l
F;IAME
SERIAL
NUMBER
MUFFLER
GAS CAP
FUEL FILTER
8
Engine compartment
SUB FUSE
HOOD
\
\
*ENGINE
NUMBER
OIL FILLER
CAP
OIL DRAIN
BOLT
SPARK PLiJG DUST ‘SCREEN
* Record the frame and engine serial numbers for your reference. Refer to
the serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or
warranty inquiries (see page 72).
Frame serial number:
Engine serial number:
9
3. CONTROLS
Engine switch
m
Always remove the key from the engine switch whenever the
lawn tractor is &attended to prevent children or unauthorized persons
from starting the engine.
This lawn tractor is equipped with an automotive type ignition switch,
which controls all the electrical circuits. The switch is located on the righthand side of the control panel.
Key positions:
“START” to start the engine
“ON” to run the engine after starting
“OFF” to stop the engine.
ENGINE SWITCH
1 IMPORTANT NoTCE
Do not leave the engine switch “ON” (key on “ON”
position) when the engine is not running as the battery will discharge.
NOTE: The starter motor will not operate unless the shift lever is in
NEUTRAL, and the P.T.O. lever is in the OFF (disengaged) position.
Throttle lever
The throttle lever controls engine speed from SLOW (idle) to FAST (max
speed). START (CHOKE) is for starting a cold engine.
START
THROTTLE LEVER
IO
Cutter deck height adjusting lever
This lever is used to raise and lower the cutter deck. To adjust the cutting
height, squeeze the handle lock and then press in and hold the set button.
Raise or lower the lever until the desired cutting height appears on the indicator. At that point, release the set button and the handle lock. Be sure
the handle lock returns to its normal position when released.
Cutting height: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 inches (Approx.)
1 IMPORTANT NOTICE
l Tc qvoid damage to the cutter deck, always raise it fully when driving
the lawn tractor to and from the mowing area; this provides maximum
ground clearance.
- To avoid damaging or disabling the handle locking mechanism, never
attempt to screw the adjusting lever’s set button in or out.
INDICATOR
SET iiuTT0~
GUTTER DECK HEIGHT
ADJUSTING LEVER
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Shift lever
This lever is used to select one of the five forward speeds, neutral or
reverse. The drive clutch automatically disengages while the lever is being
moved. The clutch will then engage automatically when a gear is selected
unless the brake pedal is depressed.
m
trol which could lead to injury. See page 38.
IMPORTANT NoTlCE 1 Improper shift lever operation can damage the
transmission.
Bring the lawn tractor to a complete stop before shifting from a forward
speed to reverse, or from reverse to forward speed. Shifting between forward and reverse speeds while the tractor is moving can cause transmission damage.
When shifting from one forward speed range to another while moving, do
not force the shift lever and do not shift up or down more than one slot at a
time.
NOTE: The lawn tractor will pull away from a stop in any speed range. No
shifting is necessary.
Be sure that the shift lever is in the MOWING range whenever mowing.
Mowing in the 5th or 4th speed range is not recommended; as this will af-
fect cut quality. 5th and 4th speed range should only be used to drive to
and from the mowing area.
NOTE: An interlock switch prevents the engine from starting unless the
shift lever is in the N (neutral) position.
Improper use of the shift lever on slopes may cause loss of con-
SHIFT LEVER
r3
~
Q-
@IQ
Q
63
Q
[i-TRANSPORT
-
-
MOWING
l-
-
- REVERSE
Power Take-Off (P.T.O.) lever
This lever engages and disengages the power take-off clutch to drive the
blades.
Lever positions: ON
(Engaged). . . . . . . .
Blades turn
OFF (Disengaged).... Blade stop
P.T.O. LEVE
(Engaged)
NOTE: An interlock switch prevents the engine from starting unless the
P.T.O. lever is in the OFF position.
Brake pedal
Depressing the pedal will first disengage the drive clutch. As you continue
to depress the pedal, the brake will be applied to stop the tractor.
When the brake pedal is released, an automatic mechanism gradually
engages the clutch.
IMPORTANT NoTKE
Releasing the brake pedal too slowly or holding the
pedal halfway out, can cause the clutch to slip, and may lead to premature
clutch wear.
BRAKE PEDAL
13
Parking brake lever and warning buzzer
This lever is used to set the brake when the lawn tractor is parked.
To set the parking brake, pull the lever fully up until the ratchet locks, and
be sure that the parking indicator lamp on the control panel is ON.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly and press the set
button, lower the lever while holding in the button.
The warning buzzer will sound if the seated operator moves the shift lever
out of the neutral position while the parking brake is set, and engine
switch is in the “ON” position. Releasing the parking brake lever will stop
the buzzer.
A delayed engine cutoff is interlinked with the parking brake warning
buzzer. This feature prevents the lawn tractor from being operated while
the
parking brake is set.
The
engine will stop a few seconds after the war-
ning buzzer begins to sound unless the parking brake is released.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
1 When washing the lawn tractor, do not spray water
directly into the warning buzzer.
PARKING BRAKE
BUTTON
14
PARKING INDICATOR LAMP
WARNING BUZZER
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Follow the procedures below and check all of the following items before
each use:
1. Park the lawn tractor on a level surface.
2. Place the shift lever in the neutral position and set the parking brake.
3. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove the engine switch key to
prevent accidental engine start-up.
m
If the engine is started accidentally while you are performing
the pre-operation checks, moving parts may cause serious injury.
Dust screen
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If
the engine
has been
running, the engine and muffler will be
very hot; allow the6 to cool before proceeding.
1. Open the engine hood.
2. Clean the
screen.
DUST !XREEN
15
ENGINE OIL
IMPORTANT NOTICE
1 Running the engine with low oil level will cause
serious engine damage.
1. Place the lawn tractor on a level surface.
2. Open the engine hood, wipe dust and dirt from around the oil filler cap,
remove the cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
4. If the level is low, add the recommended oil to the upper mark on the
dipstick. Do not overfill.
Use high-detergent, premium quality 4-stroke engine oil, certified to meet
or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for API Service
Classification SG, SF/CC, CD.
IMPORTANT NoTlCE Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil could
shorten the engine’s service life.
SAE low-30 is recommended for general, all-temperature use. Other
viscosities shown in the following chart may be used when the average
temperature in your area
OIL FILLER CAP
is within the indicated range.
16
0 20 40 60 80 IM) .F
-a2 -to 0 M 20 30 40 *c
Ambient temperature
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
GASOLINE
Remove the gas cap and check the fuel level. Refill the tank if the level is
low.
If the low fuel indicator lamp glows, it means you have about 1 .O P (0.26
US gal) or less remaining and should refuel.
Gas
tank capacity: 9.0 P (2.38 US gal, 1.98 lmp gal)
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Use ex-
treme care when handling gasoline. Keep gasoline out of reach of children.
l Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped. Keep flames
and sparks away, and do not smoke in the area.
l Gasoline vapors or spilled gasoline may ignite.
l Refuel carefully to avoid spilling gasoline. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank
(there should be no gas in the filler neck). After refueling, tighten the
gas cap securely. If any gasoline was spilled, make sure the area is dry
before starting the engine.
l After use, park the lawn tractor on a level surface. Be sure the storage
area is well ventilated, do not allow flames or sparks in the storage area.
After refueling, be sure to tighten the gas cap firmly.
UPPER LEVEL
Gasoline Recommendation
Pump octane rating: 86 or higher
We recommend unleaded gasoline because it produces fewer engine and
spark plug deposits and extends the exhaust system life.
If “spark knock” (metallic rapping noise) or persistent “pinging” occurs at
a steady engine speed under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If
spark knock or pinging persists, see an authorized Honda lawn tractor
dealer.
1 IMPORTANT NOTICE 1
pinging can cause engine damage.
Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is considered
misuse, and the Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover parts
damaged by misuse.
Occasionally you may hear light spark knock while operating under heavy
loads. This is no cause for concern. It simply means your engine is
operating efficiently.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid
getting dirt or water in the gas tank.
R
unning the engine with persistent spark knock or
18
GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure its octane rating is at least as high as that recommended by Honda (see
Gasoline Recommendation on page 18). There are two types of
“gasohol”:
one containing ethanol, and the other containing methanol.
1 IMPORTANT NOTICE 1
u
sing gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol,
- -
or gasoline containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not
also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol, can cause
serious fuel system damage and poor engine performance.
Never use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
Honda cannot endorse the use of gasoline containing methanol since
evidence of its suitability is as yet incomplete.
NOTE: Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from the use of gasoline that contains alcohol is not covered under the
warranty.
Before buying gasoline from an unfamiliar station, first determine if the
gasoline contains alcohol; if it does, find out the type and percentage of
alcohol used.
NOTE: If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms while using a
gasoline that contains alcohol, or one that you think contains alcohol,
switch to a gasoline that you know does not contain alcohol.
19
Air cleaner
Check that the air cleaner elements are clean and in good condition. A dir-
ty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine perfor-
mance. A damaged air cleaner will allow dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear.
1. Open the engine hood, and remove the wing nut to remove the air
cleaner cover and air cleaner elements.
2. Inspect the air cleaner elements.
Clean or replace the elements if
necessary. If the air cleaner elements need cleaning, follow the procedure described on page 47.
3. Reinstall the air cleaner elements and air cleaner cover. Tighten the
wing nut.
I lMPORTANT NOTICE I Operating the engine without an air cleaner will
cause rapid engine wear.
WING NUT \
20
AIR CLEANERd
COVER
AIR CLEANER
ELEMENTS
i
Battery
Open the hood, and check the battery electrolyte level.
The electrolyte level must be kept between the UPPER and LOWER level
marks. If the electrolyte level is near the LOWER mark, remove the battery
filler caps and carefully add distilled water to each cell until the liquid
reaches the UPPER level mark (see page 50).
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Batteries produce explosive gases. Flames or sparks can cause an explosion, causing serious injury or blindness. Keep flames and sparks away
and provide adequate ventilation when charging.
l CHEMICAL HAZARD: Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid. Con-
tact with eyes or skin, even through clothing, may cause severe burns.
Wear a faceshield and protective clothing.
ANTIDOTE: If electrolyte gets into your eyes, flush thoroughly with
warm water for at least 15 minutes and call a physician immediately.
l POISON: Electrolyte is poison.
ANTIDOTE
- External: Flush thoroughly with water.
- Internal: Drink large quantities of water or milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil, and call a physician
immediately.
l KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
21
Brake
Inspect brake lining condition every time the lawn tractor is used.
Firmly set the parking brake, and then check the position of the brake wear
indicator. If the indicator is near the wear limit, take the lawn tractor to an
authorized Honda lawn tractor dealer for repair.
m
Under no circumstances should the lawn tractor be operated if
the brake lining is at or past the service limit.
PARKING BRAKE LEVER
WEAR
INDICATOR
WEAR LIMIT
22
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