Honda Power Equipment HHE31C User Manual
Owner’s Manual
STICK EDGER
HHE31C
© 2000–2001 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
All Rights Reserved
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this produ ct
contains ch emicals 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. This owner’s manual is
considered a permanent part of the stick edger and should remain with the stick edger if resold.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of
approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., 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.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your selection of a Hon da stick edg er. We are certain you will be pleased with
your purchase of one of the finest stick edgers on the market.
We want to help you get the best results from your new stick edger and to operate it safely. This
manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.
As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a symbol. That information
is intended to help you avoid damage to your stick edger, other property, or the environment.
We suggest you read the Distributor’s Limited Warranty to fully understand its coverage and your
responsibilities of ownership. The Distr ibutor’s Limited Wa rr an ty is a separate document that
should have been given to you by your dealer.
When your stick edger needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your authorized Honda
servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda stick edgers. Your authorized Honda
servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction, and will be pleased to answer your questions and
concerns.
Best wishes,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
1
INTRODUCTION
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY
Your safety, and the safety of others, are very important. And using th is stick edger safely is an
important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and
other informat ion on la be ls and in this manu al. This in form atio n aler ts you to potent ial hazards tha t
could hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not pract ical or po ssible to w arn you abou t all the ha zards associat ed with op erating
or maintaining a stick edger. You must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety Labels
•
Safety Messages —
•
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
— on the stick edger.
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words,
DANGER
WA RNING
CAUTION
• Safety Headings — such as IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA TION .
• Safety Section — such as STICK EDGER SAFETY.
• Instructions — how to use this stick edger correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.
2
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY
STICK EDGER SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Always Wear Eye Protection and
Protective Clothing .........................................................4
Keep Away From Cutting Blade .....................................4
Turn the Engine Off When Not Edging ..........................4
Keep People Away From Your Working Area ................4
Read This Manual Before Using the
Stick Edger .....................................................................4
Clear the Working Area First ..........................................4
Keep the Stick Edger Properly Maintained ....................4
ATTACHMENTS & MODIFICATIONS
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS
CONTROLS
Choke Lever ................................................ ....... ...... ......8
Ignition Switch ................................................................8
Operator Presence Lever ............................ ....... ...... ......8
Throttle Trigger ..............................................................8
Throttle Set Button .........................................................9
Priming Bulb ...................................................................9
Recoil Starter Grip .........................................................9
Grip Adjuster ................................................................10
EQUIPMENT
Safety Glasses .............................................................10
BEFORE OPERATION
.........................................................1
...........................2
...........................................4
..................4
.....................5
...........5
..................................6
....................................7
.............7
.................................................................8
.............................................................10
............................................11
ARE YOU READY TO OPERATE THE
STICK EDGER?
Knowledge ...................................................................11
Physical and Mental Readiness ...................................11
Protective Clothing .......................................................11
IS YOUR WORKING AREA READY?
IS YOUR STICK EDGER READY TO GO?
Safety Inspection .........................................................12
Maintenance Inspection ...............................................12
Blade Inspection ..........................................................12
Blade Height Adjustment .............................................13
OPERATION
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
STARTING THE ENGINE
STOPPING THE ENGINE
STICK EDGER OPERATION
Operating Position ................................ ...... ....... ...... ....16
Throttle Operation ........................................................17
Blade Operation ...........................................................17
SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
OPERATING TIPS
Edging ......................... ................................................. 17
Operation on Slopes ................................... ....... ...... ....17
SERVICING YOUR HONDA STICK EDGER
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
Safety Precautions .......................................................18
........................................................11
...................11
..........12
.............................................................14
.....................14
........................................14
.......................................16
..................................16
...........................17
....................................................17
.......18
.............18
........................................18
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
ENGINE
Engine Oil Level Check ................................................20
Engine Oil Change .......................................................20
Engine Oil Recommendations .....................................21
Air Filter ........................................................................21
Spark Plug Service ........................ ....... ...... ....... ...... ....22
Spark Arrester Service .......................... ...... ....... ...... ....23
Cooling Fin Inspection .................................................24
Throttle Cable ..............................................................24
FUEL SYSTEM
Refueling .............. .......................... .......................... .... 2 5
Fuel Recommendations ...............................................25
Fuel Tube Inspection ...................................................26
Fuel Filter and Fuel Tank Cleaning ..............................26
EDGER
Blade .................... ................................. ....................... 2 7
Gear Case Lubrication .................................................28
Drive Shaft Lubrication and Inspection ........................29
STORAGE
......................................................................20
.........................................................25
.......................................................................27
.................................................................30
STORAGE PREPARATION
Cleaning ............... .......................... .......................... .... 3 0
Fuel ............................. ................................................. 30
Adding Fuel Stabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life .....31
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor .......................31
Engine Oil ....................................................................31
Carburetor & Air Cleaner .............................................31
Engine Cylinder ............................................................31
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE
TRANSPORTING
BEFORE LOADING
LOADING
...................................................................32
.....................................................32
..................................................32
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
ENGINE STARTING PROBLEMS
ENGINE OPERATING PROBLEMS
BLADE PROBLEMS
.................................................34
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Serial Number Locations ..............................................35
Carburetor Modifications for High
Altitude Operation ........................................................35
Oxygenated Fuels ........................................................36
.................................19
....................................30
....................................31
................................31
33
.........................33
......................33
.....35
..................................35
EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM
INFORMATION
Source of Emissions ....................................................36
The U.S. and Califomia Clean Air Acts ........................36
Tampering and Altering ................................................36
Problems That May Affect Emissions ..........................37
Replacement Parts ......................................................37
Maintenance ................................................................37
Air Index .......................................................................37
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Honda Publications ......................................................38
Warranty Service Information ......................................38
Replacement Parts and Service Items .........................38
SPECIFICATIONS
.........................................................36
.................................38
....................................................39
QUICK REFERENCE..................Inside Back Cover
3
STICK EDGER SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The Honda HHE31C stick ed ger is designed to
edge grass borders. Other uses can result in
injury to the operator or damage to the stick
edger and other property.
This Honda stick edger is intended for use by
gardening profe ssionals. Never al low children
to operate the stick edger.
Most accidents can be prevented if you follow
all instructions in this manual and on the stick
edger. The most common hazards are
discussed below, along with the best way to
protect yourself and others.
Always Wear Eye Protection and
Protective Clothing
• Stick edgers can throw debris that can
cause serious eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or goggles that meet the
ANSI Z87.1 rati ng whenever you use the
stick edger .
• The operator mu st wear hearing prot ectors
when using this stick edger. Hearing
protectors will protect the operator's ears
from noise damage.
• Wearing protective clothing also reduces
the risk and severity of injury from thrown
debris or contact with the cutting
attachment. Wear gloves, a long-sleeved
shirt, long pants, and sturdy boots with
nonslip soles.
See page 11 for more information.
Keep Away From Cutting Blade
• A spinning cutting blade can cut through
your clothes and skin just as easily as it cuts
through grass and dirt. Keep all parts of your
body away from a spinning blade.
• Even after the engine has stopped, the
blade will spin for several seconds. Do not
touch it until it has stopped spinning, or you
may get cut.
Turn the Engine Off W hen Not Edging
• If you stop edging for any reason, even to
clean off the bla de or shie ld, al ways shut of f
the engine.
Keep People Away From Your Working Area
• To prevent injury to others, keep people at
least 50 feet (15 meters) away from the
working area during operation.
Read This Manual Before Using the
Stick Edger
• Read the manual before operating the stick
edger. Understand how to use all the
controls and obey all warnings.
Clear the Working Area First
• Objects thrown by the stick edger can cause
serious injury. Before operating the stick
edger, carefully inspect the area and
remove any broken glass, pieces of wire,
and other loose object s. Do not use the stick
edger on gravel surfaces.
Keep the Stick Edger Properly Maintained
• The blade should be examined for
looseness, cracks, broken parts, or
excessive wear. Tighten or replace as
needed before operating the stick edger.
4
• Do not operate the stick edger without a
debris shield properly installed.
See page 27 for more info rm at ion.
STICK EDGER SAFETY
ATT A CH M ENTS & MODIFICATIONS
Modifying your stick edger, or installing some
non-Honda attachments, can make your stick
edger unsafe. Before you make any
modifications or install any attachments, be
sure to read the following information.
Attachments
Non-Honda attachments are usually designed
for universal applications. Although aftermarket
attachments may fit on your stick edger, they
may not meet factory specifications and could
make your stick edger unsafe.
Modifications
Do not remove the debris shield or modify your
stick edger in any way that would alter its
design or operation. This could make your stick
edger unsafe.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS
As an employer, you have special
responsibilities to the people who work for you.
Before you ask anyone to operate this stick
edger, you need to determine whether the
person is old enou gh, lar ge enoug h, and str ong
enough to safely handle and control the
stick edger.
If you decide they are, make sure the em ployee
reads and under stands all instructions and
warnings in this manual and on the labels
before operating the stick edger.
Allow adequate time for hands-on training by a
qualified instructor, and personally supervise
practice sessions, until you feel sure the
employee is ready to operate the stick edger.
Also be sure employees wear proper clothing,
eye and hearing pr ot ecti on , an d any other gear
that may be required by local ordina nces or
your insurance company.
Remember, too, that you are responsible for
keeping the stick edger properly maintained
and in safe operating condition.
Your commitment to safety on the job can help
prevent accidents and result in longer and more
productive years of service.
5
STICK EDGER SAFETY
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please read t hem carefully. These
labels are considered permanent parts of your stick edger. If a label comes off or becomes hard to
read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.
WARNING
OBJECTS THROWN BY THE BLADE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
• Always wear eye protection and protective clothing.
• Keep bystanders away.
• Do not operate without shield.
• See Owner’s Manual for additional safety information.
WARNING
CONTACT WITH THE BLADE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
• Keep away from rotating blades.
• Keep all guards and shields in place.
• Shut off engine and wait until blade stops before servicing.
• See Owner ’s Manual for additional safety information.
6
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
AIR CLEANER COVER
DEBRIS SHIELD
CHOKE LEVER
PRIMING B U LB
FUEL TANK CAP
OIL FILLER CAP
SPARK PLUG CAP
STARTER GRIP
SPARK ARRESTER
FUEL RETURN TUBE
(clear)
FUEL SUPPLY TUBE
(black)
GEAR CASE
GRIP ADJUSTER
IGNITION SW IT C H
THROTTLE TRIGGER
LOOP HANDLE
THROTTLE SET BUTTON
OPERATOR PRESENCE
LEVER
7
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
CONTROLS
Choke Lever
CHOKE LEVER
CLOSED
OPEN
The choke lever opens and closes the
choke valve.
The CLOSED position en riches the fue l mixture
for starting a cold engine.
Operator Presence Lever
THROTTLE
TRIGGER
IDLE
(blade stops)
FAST
(blade rotates)
OPERATOR
PRESENCE
LEVER
The operator presence lever blocks the throttle
trigger. This safety feature prevents
unintentional throttle trigger op eration if the
stick edger is bumped while the operator’s hand
is not on the control handle.
When the operator presses the presence lever
by gripping the control handle, the trigger
moves freely.
Throttle Trigger
The OPEN position provides the correct fuel
mixture for operation after starting, and for
restarting a warm engine.
Ignition Switch
IGNITION
SWITCH
OFF (0)
ON (I)
The ignition switch controls the ignition system.
The ignition switch must be in the ON (I)
position for the engine to start and run.
Moving the ignition switch to the OFF (0)
position stops the engine.
The throttle trigger controls engine speed.
Pulling the throttle trigger toward the control
handle grip increases engine speed. The stick
edger will have the greatest cutting force at
maximum engine speed.
Releasing the throttle trigger reduces engine
speed. At idle, the blade should coast to a stop.
8
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
Throttle Set Button
THROTTLE
TRIGGER
THROTTLE
SET BUTTON
OPERATOR
PRESENCE
LEVER
The throttle set button is used to hold the
throttle trigger at the fast idle position for
starting. Do not allow the blade to contact any
obstruction when starting the engine with the
throttle set button engaged.
To engage the throttle set button, press the
operator presence lever by gripping the control
handle, pull the throttle trigger, then press and
hold the throttle set button while releasing the
throttle trigger.
To disengage the throttle set button , simp ly pul l
the throttle trigger. The throttle set button
automatically disengages when the throttle
trigger is pulled.
Priming Bulb
PRIMING BULB
FUEL RETURN TUBE
(clear plastic)
Pressing the priming bulb pumps fuel from the
fuel tank to the carburetor. This procedure is
necessary for starting a cold engine and after
refueling an engine that has run out of fuel.
To ensure fuel has reached the carburetor,
press the priming bulb repeatedl y until fuel can
be seen in the clear plastic fuel return tube.
Recoil Starter Grip
Do not use the throttle set button while
operating the stick edger. The stick edger will
not return to idle, and the blade will continue to
spin until the throttle set button is disengaged
and the throttle trigger is relea sed.
RECOIL
STARTER
GRIP
Pulling the starter grip operates the recoil
starter to crank the engine for starting.
9
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
Grip Adjuster
GRIP ADJUSTER
The grip adjuster locks the blade height
adjustment. Turning the grip adjuster counter
clockwise allows the debris shield/holderprotector to rotate and raise or lower the blade
height.
EQUIPMENT
The Honda HHE31C stick edger is supplied
with safety glasses. Refer to page 11 for a
description of other equipment and protective
clothing you will need.
Safety Glasses
SAFETY GLASSES (ANSI Z87.1)
Safety glasses or goggles that comply with
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
standard Z87.1 must be worn by th e operator of
any Honda stick edger. The safety glasses
supplied with each new Honda HHE31C stick
edger comply with this ANSI standard.
10
BEFORE OPERATION
ARE YOU READY TO OPERATE THE STICK EDGER?
Y our safet y is your responsibility . A little time
spent in preparation will significantly reduce
your risk of injury.
Knowledge
Read and understand this manual. Know
what the controls do and how to operate
them.
Familiarize yourself with the stick edger and
its operation before you begin to use it.
Know what to do in case of emergencies.
Physical and Men tal Readiness
You must be alert and in good physical
condition to operate the stick edger. Do not
operate the stick edger if you are tired, ill, or
under the influence of alcohol, medication,
or any substance that might impair your
vision, dexterity, or judgment.
If you have any physical problem that may
be aggravat ed by strenuous work, consult
your physician before operating the stick
edger.
Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing will reduce your
risk of injury. Do not wear loose clothing,
jewelry , short pants, san dals, or go barefoot.
Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.
Eye, Face, and Head Protection
Always wear safety glasses or goggles that
comply with ANSI standard Z87.1 to protect
your eyes from thrown objects. Prescription
glasses may be worn under the safety
glasses or goggles.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protectors will help to protect your
ears from noise. Earmuff-style hearing
protectors c an also protect your ears from
thrown objects.
Hand and Body Protection
Wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long
pants made of heavy material. Clothing
should fit closely but allow freedom of
movement, and should have no strings,
straps, etc. that could catch on brush or the
stick edger. Keep clothing fastened.
Foot Protection
Wear sturdy work boots with good toe
protection and nonslip soles.
IS YOUR WORKING AREA READY?
Objects thrown by the stick edger can cause
serious injury. Before operating the stick
edger, carefully inspect the area and
remove all objects that could be thrown by,
or entangled in, the cutting blade, such as
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string.
Clear the area of children, bystanders, and
pets. Keep all children, bystanders, and pets
at least 50 feet (15 meters) away from
where the stick edger is being operated.
Even outside a 50-foot (15-meter) radius of
the stick edger, there may be a risk of injury
from thrown objects, so bystanders should
be encouraged to wear eye protection.
If anyone approaches you while you are
operating the stick edger, release the
throttle trigger and stop the engine.
A helmet with a face shield is recommended
for further protection. However, safety
glasses or goggles should always be worn
under the face shield. Do not rely on a face
shield alone to protect your eyes.
Wearing a dust mask will help to reduce the
amount of pollens and dust inha led.
11
BEFORE OPERATION
IS YOUR STICK EDGER READY TO GO?
For your safety, and to maximize the service life
of your equipment, it is very important to take a
few moments before you operate the stick
edger 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 stick edger.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this stick edger, or
failing to correct a problem before operation,
could cause a malfuncti on in which you coul d
be seriously injured.
Always perform a preoperation inspection
before each operation, and correct any
problem.
Safety Inspection
Blade Inspection
• Look for signs of damage to the blade,
wheel and debris shield (see page 27).
Replace any parts that are worn out, bent,
cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way.
• Make sure the overall length of the cutting
blade is at least 5 1/2" (140 mm) (see page
27).
• Make sure the blade is properly installed
and securely fa stened (see page 27).
• Check that the debris shield is securely
installed and in good condition.
• Check that the ground clearance of the
holder/protec tor is at least 1/2" (12 mm)
above the ground surface when the stick
edger is in the normal operating position
(see page 13).
• Look around the engine for signs of oil or
gasoline leaks. Wipe up any spills before
starting the engine.
• Replace any damaged parts.
• Check that all fasteners are in place and
secure. Tighten as necessary.
Maintenance Inspection
• Check the oil level (see page 20). Running
the engine with a low oil level can cause
engine damage.
• Check the air filter (see page 21). A dirty air
filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor,
reducing engine and stick edger
performance.
• Check throttle cable free play (see page 24).
The cable must be correctly adjusted and
operate smoothly for good throt tle control.
• Check the fuel level (see page 25). Starting
with a full tank will help to eliminate or
reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
12
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