Honda Power Equipment HRB215SXA User Manual
I
e.-_
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Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it any time, and
make sure the manual stays with the lawn mower if you sell it.
This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn
mower and should remain with the’mower if resold.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in
effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Power Equipment
Mfg., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change
specifications or design at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation whatever.
~
Honda lawn mowers meet Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary mowers.
INTRODUCTION
1
Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower. We are
certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest
lawn mowers on the market.
We want to help you get the best results from your new mower and to
operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do
that; please read it carefully.
We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its
coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The warranty policy
is a separate document that should have been given to you by your
dealer.
When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that
your Honda lawn mower dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda
mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of
American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction
and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
Best Wishes,
Power Equipment Division
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
01994 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved
INTRODUCTION
2
SAFETY MESSAGES
Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have
provided important safety messages in this manual and on the lawn
mower. Please read these messages carefully.
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that can hurt you
and others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert
symbol A and one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or
CAUTION.
These mean:
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.
Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.
DAMAGE PREVENTION MESSAGES
You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the
word NOTICE.
This word means:
pziq
The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your
lawn mower,
other property, or the environment.
Your lawn mower or other property can be
damaged if you don’t follow instructions.
CONTENTS
3
Turn to the beginning of each chapter for a complete list of subjects.
MOWER SAFETY
Important information about some specific hazards,
and what you can do to prevent injury.
CONTROLS. .
Identification of components and information about how
the controls work.
BEFORE OPERATION
How to fuel and check your mower to be sure it is
ready. How to prepare your lawn and yourself before
you begin mowing.
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine, safe mowing
practices, and mowing tips.
TRANSPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..*...... 39
How to load and carry your mower safely.
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When and how to perform routine inspection, service,
and adjustments to keep your mower in good operating
condition.
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
What to check if you have a problem with your mower.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5
9
27
41
STORAGE
How to protect your mower from rust and corrosion,
and ensure that it will start easily when you want to use
it again.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions, capacities, and other technical information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Additional information, Honda publications available to
you, and how to contact us if you have a question or a
warranty repair problem.
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...83
Quick Reference Information . . . . . . . . . . inside back cover
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
73
4
MOWER SAFETY
This chapter explains what you need to know to operate your 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.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS.
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6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
8
5
MOWER SAFETY
6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you
follow all instructions in this manual and on the 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
Rotating blades can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers,
hands, toes, or feet. Keep away from the mower deck whenever the
engine is running. If you need to adjust the cutting height, or work
around the deck for any other reason, always shut off the engine.
Wear heavy gloves and disconnect the spark plug cap when you
need to clean the mower deck or handle the blade.
Clear Mowing Area
Mower blades can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to
cause serious injury. Before mowing, carefully inspect the area and
remove all sticks, stones, pieces of wire, and other loose objects.
Never operate the blade over gravel.
Keep Shields in Place
Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by
thrown objects and from hot engine parts and moving components.
For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place
when the engine is running.
Refuel with Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode.
Refuel only outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, with the engine OFF.
Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away.
Always store gasoline in an approved container.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury. Long pants
and eye protection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects.
Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles will help protect your feet and
give you better traction on slopes or uneven ground.
Turn Engine Off When Not Mowing
If you need to leave the mower for any reason, even just to inspect
the lawn ahead, always turn the engine off.
MOWER SAFETY
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS
YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda.
That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your
youngster operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys.
As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries.
You can help prevent 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 mower safely. Remember, young people
vary widely, and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.
Physically, a youngster must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG
ENOUGH to easily start the 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
mower. Does the young person think through problems and come to
logical solutions? Be honest! Anyone who takes unnecessary risks
and doesn’t obey rules should not operate this lawn mower.
If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the 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 mower.
SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your youngster
during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after the youngster has
become confident with the mower, do not let the young person use
the mower without good adult supervision. An adult should also be
present during refueling and maintenance. In fact, it’s up to parents to
make sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe
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 lawn mower.
7
MOWER SAFETY
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please
read them carefully. These labels are considered permanent parts of
your mower. So if a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact
your dealer for a replacement.
A
CAUTION
UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL
IS SUBJECT TO DETERlORATfON AND WEAR,
AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR
BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO
A.N.S.I. STANDARD 871.1, ANY REPLACEMENT
MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.
Gasoline is highly flammable and exploshre
and you can be burned or seriously injured.
When refueling:
n
Keep heat, sparks. and open flame away.
n
Fill fuel tank only outdoors.
n
Wipe up spills before
starting engine.
MOWER BLADE CAN CUT OFF HANDS OR FEET
. stop engine before opening rear door.
n Always keep feet awm~ fmm mower deck.
THROWN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
BLINDNESS, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
m Inspect area and remova debris before mowing.
n Keep children and atham aw*rsy.
n wear eye protectIon.
n Follow all lnsVuctlons In yo”rOwnef’s Manual carstully.
8
/
HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.
Stay away
if
engine has
been running.
,,;. I .n’, ‘, .j . ,
CONTROLS
This chapter shows the locations of controls and other important parts
of your mower, and it tells you how the controls work.
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade Control Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Clutch Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA). . . . .
Shift Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM21 SSXA) . . . . . . . . . . .
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
12
12
13
13
14
15
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1
CONTROLS
10
D
I
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
BLADE CONTROL BUTTON
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
(HRB215SXA 81 HRMSlBSXA)
DISCHARGE
EL TANK CAP
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
OIL FILLER CAP
MOWER DECK
CUlTlNG HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
HRB215PXA: Manually propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag
HRB21 SSXA: Self-propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag
HRM215PXA: Manually propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug
HRM215SXA: Self-propelled, mulching blades,
and mulching plug.
SPARK PLUG CAP
CONTROLS
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
(HRBPlSSXA &\nRM215SXA)
CUlTlNG HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
AIR CLEANER
\
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
\
\
CARBURETOR
Record the frame and engine serial numbers in the space below. You
will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making
technical or warranty inquiries (see page 79).
Frame serial number: MZB- -
Engine serial number: GJAB -’
11
CONTROLS
12
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
Throttle Lever
\
I I
6
e
cl
CHOKE --
FAST --SLOW - - - For idling the engine.
STOP ---
For starting a cold engine.
For restarting a warm engine and for mowing.
For stopping the engine and closing the fuel
valve.
THROTTLE LEVER
CONTROLS
Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation.
Drive Clutch Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA)
The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that
drives the rear wheels.
DRIVE CLUTCH
HRBPl 5SXA &
HRM215SXA
LE
CONTROLS
I
Shift Lever (HRB215SXA & HRMP’ISSXA)
The shift lever selects the drive speed for the mower.
1 (SLOW)
2 (FAST)-
- For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas.
For maximum self-propelled speed in large, open areas.
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
(HRBPlBSXA & HRM215SXA)
14
CONTROLS
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
There are six settings to choose from, as shown in the illustration.
The cutting height figures are approximate. The actual height of cut
grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.
HRB215
in)
There is an adjustment lever on each wheel.
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
15
BEFORE OPERATION
This chapter explains how to fuel and check your mower to be sure it
is ready, and it tells you how to prepare your lawn and yourself before
you begin mowing.
CHECK YOUR LAWN
Objects
People and Pets.
Lawn
CHECK YOUR MOWER
Blade..
Engine Oil Level.
Fuel
Air Cleaner Inspection
Handlebar Height Adjustment
Grass Bag (HRB215SXA & HRB215PXA)
Mulching Plug (HRM215SXA & HRM215PXA).
Cutting Height
Are YOU Ready to Mow?.
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Inspection ...................................
Installation
Removal ....................................
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17
BEFORE OPERATION
CHECK YOUR LAWN
For your safety and for the safety of others, always inspect the area
before mowing.
Objects
Anything which can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a
potential hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks,
bones, and wire. Remove them from the mowing area.
People and Pets
People and animals near the mowing area can move into your path or
into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects. Clear
the area of people and pets, especially children. Their safety is your
responsibility.
Lawn
Check the length and condition of the grass, so you will know what
cutting height and mowing speed to
Avoid mowing wet grass. Not only will wet grass clog your mower
deck and collect in clumps on the lawn, it also gives poor traction,
increasing your risk of losing your footing.
use.
18
CHECK YOUR MOWER
Blade
With the throttle lever in the
STOP position, and the spark
plug cap disconnected, tilt the
mower to the right, so the
carburetor side is up. This will
help to prevent fuel leakage and
hard starting.
BEFORE OPERATION
BLADE BbLTS
B-LADE(S)
Inspect the blade(s) for wear and damage.
NORMAL
EXCESSIVELY
WORN
BENT
CRACKED
A dull blade can be sharpened, but a blade that is worn out, bent,
cracked, or otherwise damaged must be replaced. A worn or damaged
blade can break, causing blade pieces to be thrown from the mower.
When a blade needs sharpening or replacement take the lawn mower
to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer. Or, if you have a torque
wrench, you can remove and install a blade yourself (see pages 57 - 58).
Check that the blade bolts are tight (see page 58).
19
BEFORE OPERATION
20
Engine Oil Level
Check the engine oil level with the engine stopped and the mower on
a level surface.
1. Remove the oil filler cap, and
wipe the dipstick clean.
2. Insert and remove the dipstick
without screwing it into the filler
neck. Check the oil level shown
on the dipstick.
FILLER CiP/DIPSTICK
3. If the oil level is low, add oil to
reach the upper limit mark on
the dipstick. (see page 45)
4. After checking the engine oil
level, screw in the filler
cap/dipstick securely.
FILLER CAP/
&DIPSTICK
UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
BEFORE OPERATION
Fuel
Fuel tank capacity: 1 .O P (0.26 US gal)
Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. If the
engine has been running, allow it to cool. Refer to page 51 for fuel
recommendations and page 80 for information about oxygenated
fuels.
Remove the tank cap and check the fuel level. Refill the tank if the
fuel level is low. Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel. Do not overfill;
there should be no fuel in the filler neck. After refueling, tighten the
fuel tank cap securely.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive
and you can be burned or seriously injured
when refueling.
l
Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and
flame away.
l
Refuel only outdoors.
l
Wipe up spills immediately.
Never refuel the mower inside a building where gasoline fumes may
reach flames or sparks. Keep gasoline away from appliance pilot
lights, barbecues, electric appliances, power tools, etc.
Spilled fuel is not only a fire hazard, it causes environmental damage.
Wipe up spills immediately.
L
FUEL FIL
NECK
FUEL TANK CAP
21
BEFORE OPERATION
(TciEq
Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when
filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered
under warranty.
Air Cleaner Inspection
Check that the air filters are clean and in good condition. Dirty air
filters will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine
performance. Refer to page 47 for air cleaner service.
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
PAPER FILTER
22
COVER KNOB
BEFORE OPERATION
Handlebar Height Adjustment
Adjust handlebar height for a comfortable operating position.
1. Loosen the lower handlebar locking knobs.
2. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins.
3. Move the handlebar up or down, so the locating pins engage other
holes on the handlebar mounting brackets.
4. Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely
_. _ _.-. -- -
HANDLEBAR
LOCKING KNOB (2)
23
BEFORE OPERATION
24
Grass Bag (HRB215SXA & HRB215PXA)
A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the
bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag
before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging
performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% filled.
Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full.
lnspecfion
Inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear. The grass
bag wears during normal use and will eventually require replacement.
Grass bag replacement is explained on page 59.
Ins talla tion
1. Raise the discharge guard, and
hook the grass bag onto the
mower deck as shown.
2. Release the discharge guard to
secure the grass bag.
DISCHARGE GUARD
Removal
1. Raise the discharge guard,
grasp the handle of the grass
bag lid, and remove the grass
bag.
2.
Release the discharge guard.
3. When the grass bag is clear of
the discharge guard, you can
lift it through the handlebar
opening, or you can remove it
to the rear of the mower below
the handlebar.
.,I,,, t;.> *.i’,.* -
‘.. . :: :- J. ‘V’f,, ’
BEFORE OPERATION
Mulching Plug
The mulching plug contours the
mower deck for efficient mulching.
You can quickly remove the plug
to install a grass bag or
side-discharge chute, which are
available as optional equipment.
Raise the discharge guard to
remove or install the mulching
plug. When installing, be sure the
plug is fully inserted, and the
discharge guard is closed.
MULCHING PLUG
Cutting Height
Check the mower deck cutting
height settings, and be sure that all
four adjustment levers are set to the
same cutting height position.
DISCHARGE GUARD
’ /-
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
To adjust cutting height, pull each
adjustment lever toward the wheel,
and move it into another notch.
If you are not sure what cutting
height to select, start with a high
setting and check the appearance of
the lawn after mowing a small area.
Then readjust cutting height if
necessary.
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
25
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