Honda Power Equipment HRC216 User Manual
Thank you for purchasing a Honda rotary mower.
This manual describes operation and maintenance of Honda HRC216SXA and
HRC216HXA rotary mowers. All information in this publication is based on the
latest product information available at the time of printing. Honda hwer Equipment
Mfg., Inc. 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 a permanent part of the mower and must remain with the mower
if resold.
Honda HRC216 mowers meet CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-behind
rotary mowers.
Honda HRC216 mowers are not factory-equipped with spark arresters. In some
areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a USDA qualified spark arrester.
Check local laws and regulations before operation. An optional spark arrester is
available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers.
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY. Pay special attention to these
symbols and any instructions that follow:
B
are not followed.
Indicates sedous injury or death WILL result if instructions
B
result if instructions are not followed.
B
instructions are not followed.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
could result if instructions are not followed.
NOTE: Gives helpful information.
Honda rotary mowers are designed to give safe and dependable service if operated
according to instructions. Operating this mower requires special effort on your
part to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
w
damage. Read and understand this owner’s manual before operating
the mower.
B
injury or property damage. Use only for mowing (cutting) grass, and for bagging
cut grass when equipped with the standard grass bag or optional hard-shell grass
catcher.
If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about your mower, see
an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer.
01989 American Honda Motor Co., Inc - All Rights Reserved
Indicates a strong possibility that serious injury or death may
Indicates a possibilii that minor injury could result if
Indicates that equipment or propem/ damage
Careless
Using
operation or misuse may cause injury or property
this product for a purpose not intended may cause
1
CONTENTS
1. SAFETY ..........................................
Safety Label Locations
Safety Information
Important Message to Parents
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. CONTROLS
FuelValve
Throttle Lever
ROTO-STOP Lever
Drive Clutch Lever
HRC216SXA Shift Lever.
HRC216HXA Shift Lever.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
4. ATTACHMENTS
Grass Bag (standard)
Hard-Shell Grass Catcher (optional)
Side-Discharge Chute (optional)
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK
Blade..
Grass Bag
Optional Attachments
Engine Oil
Fuel ...........................................
Air Cleaner
Cutting Height
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5
7
8
10
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11
12
13
14
15
16
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17
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18
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19
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20
21
23
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6. OPERATION
2
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Starting the Engine.
Clearing a Flooded Engine
Mower Operation
Stopping the Engine
High Altitude Operation
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25
25
27
28
31
32
CONTENT’S
7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.TRANSPORTING.................................... 36
9. MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Schedule
Engine Oil Change
Air Cleaner Service
Spark Plug Service
Spark Arrester Maintenance (optional equipment) ............
ROTO-STOP Cable Adjustment
HRC216SXA Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment ...............
HRC216HXA Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment ...............
Throttle Cable Adjustment ...........................
Carburetor Adjustment
Grass Bag Cleaning and Replacement
Blade Removal and Installation ........................
10. STORAGE ........................................
Preparation for Storage.
Storage
Removal from Storage
11. TROUBLESHOOTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
12. SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
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37
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38
40
42
43
44
45
46
48
49
50
51
53
53
55
56
13. WIRING DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
14. WARRANTY SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
3
1. SAFETY
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
Read all safety instructions before operating the mower.
UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL
IS SUBJECT TO DETERlORAilON 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.
DO NOTSTART UNLESS REAR DOOR
IS CLOSEDOR BAG ISIN PLACE.
n READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING.
l DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG CAP BEFORE CUTTER
DECK AND CUTTER BLADE SERVICING.
l 00 NOT ALLOW ANYONE To STAND IN FRONT 0~ MOWER
I TO PREVENT INJURY FROM THROWN OBJECTS; CLEAR
AREA OF DEBRIS KEEP OTHERS AWAY.
n TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY. 00 NOT REACH INSIDE
WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING.
G 00 NOT REMOVE GUARDS.
KEEF HANDS and FEETAWAY
1. SAFETY
SAFETY INFORMATION
For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these precautions:
Operator Responsibilii
l
Know how to stop the engine quickly in case of emergency. Understand the
use of all controls.
l
Be sure that anyone who operates the lawn mower receives proper instruction.
Allowing anyone, especially children, to operate the mower without proper
instruction may result in serious injury.
l
Wear long pants and protective footwear. Operating the mower while barefoot
or wearing sandals would increase the risk of injury.
l
Keep all persons and pets away from the mowing area.
Blade Hazards
The blade is sharp, and it turns at high speed. Accidental contact can cause serious
injury.
l
If the mower tilts or overturns, the blade will be exposed; that will increase
the risk of injury from blade contact and from thrown objects.
l
Keep your hands and feet away from the cutter deck while the engine is
running.
l
Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height, or performing any inspection
or maintenance
l
Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blade when cleaning out
the mower deck, or when inspecting or replacing the blade Disconnect the
spark plug cap to prevent any possibility of accidental starting.
Thrown Object Hazards
Objects hit by the blade can be thrown with great force Thrown objects may
cause serious injury or property damage
l
Before mowing, clear the lawn of sticks, stones, dog bones, and other litter
and loose objects. Mow only in daylight, so you can see and avoid objects
in the grass.
l
Before starting the mower, be sure that the grass bag, grass catcher, or sidedischarge chute is in place, or that the discharge guard is closed.
l
Release the ROTO-STOP lever to stop the blade before reaching areas with
gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material.
l
Broken pieces thrown from a worn or damaged blade can cause serious injury.
Always inspect the blade before using the mower.
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1. SAFETY
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Fire and Bum Hazards
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode Use extreme
care when handling gasoline KEEP 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
Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank (there should
be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, tighten the filler cap securely.
If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine
l
After use, turn the fuel valve OFF, and store the mower on a level surface
Be sure the storage area is well-ventilated, and away from appliances, such
as water heaters and clothes dryers.
Dry grass and leaves are flammable
l
Always empty the grass bag when you’ve finished mowing, even if it’s not
full. Stored lawn clippings are a fire hazard.
l
Honda HRC216 mowers are not factory-equipped with spark arresters. It is
illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a USDA qualified spark
arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional spark arrester is available
from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers.
The engine and exhaust system become very hot during operation and remain
hot for a while after stopping. Contact with hot engine components can cause
burns and may ignite some materials.
l
Avoid touching a hot engine or exhaust system.
l
Allow the engine to cool before performing maintenance, transporting the
mower, or storing the mower 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 can become contaminated with a dangerous amount of exhaust gas.
lb keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate ventilation.
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1. SAFETY
i
~
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 il: when, and how your youngster operates this equipment.
I
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 warnings. 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
2. COMPONENT IBENTIFICATUON
I
ROTO-STOP LEVER
-STOP BUlTON
RIVE CLUTCH LEVER
HANDLEBAR
THROTTLE LEVER (HRC21 GSXA)
GRASS BAG
DISCHARGE GUARD
CUlTING HEIGHT
CUTTING HE
ADJUSTMEN
\
HRC216SXA: Mechanical transmission model
HRC216HXA: Hydrostatic transmission model
8
OIL DRAiN
BOLT
MUFFLER
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
ROTO-STOP BUlTON
ROTO-STOP LEVER
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
HANDLEBAR
DRIVER CLUTCH LEVE
SHIFT LEVER
\\
TLE
GHXA)
ENGINE SERIAL
FRAME SERIAL
EL TANK CAP
FUEL VALVE
\
\
AIR CLEANER
CUlTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
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 61).
Frame serial number: - - - - - - Engine serial number: GXVl60- - - - - - - -
3. CONTROLS
FUEL VALVE
The fuel valve opens and closes the connection between the fuel tank and the
carburetor.
The fuel valve must be in the ON position for the engine to run.
When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position to prevent
the possibility of carburetor flooding, and to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage
B
causing injury or death. Turn the fuel vahre to the OFF position when the mower
is not in use.
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode,
I
3. CONTROLS
11
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ROTO-SKIP LEVER
The ROTO-STOP lever operates the blade brake/clutch mechanism. It is used
to start and stop the blade
lb put the blade into operation, press the button on top of the ROTO-STOP lever,
then push the lever forward and hold it against the handlebar.
Releasing the ROTO-STOP lever will stop the blade
Operate the ROTO-STOP lever with a quick and complete motion, so the blade
drive is always either fully engaged or stopped. This will help to prevent stalling
the
engine,
and it will also extend the service life of the ROTO-STOP mechanism.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
partially, the blade brake/clutch mechanism will wear out prematurely.
NOTE: Always release the ROTO-STOP lever before starting the engine If the
blade drive is engaged, extra effort will be required to operate the starter.
ROTO-STOP LEVER
If you move the ROTO-STOP lever slowly or
/
/
3. CONTROLS
12
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
This lever operates the clutch to drive the rear wheels that propel the mower.
To propel the mower, push the drive clutch lever forward. Release the lever to disengage
the drive.
NOTE:
l The HRC216SXA model has a
mechanical transmission requiring
positive gear engagement; push the drive
clutch lever all the way forward, and hold
it against the handlebar.
l The HRC216HXA model has a
hydrostatic transmission that propels the
mower gradually faster as you push the
drive clutch lever forward; you can
control mower speed with the drive
clutch lever. If you push the lever all the
way forward to the handlebar, the mower
will move at the speed determined by the
shift lever setting (see page 14).
To propel the mower and operate the blade
.at the same time, press the button on top
of the ROTO-STOP lever, push the ROTO-
STOP lever forward, then push the drive
clutch lever forward.
HRC216SXA: For self-propelled use, keep
the drive clutch lever all the way forward.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
If the ROTOSl7IP lever is not held all the way forward
while mowing, the blade brake/clutch
mechanism will wear out prematurely. When
partially applying the hydrostatic drive dutch
lever (HRC216HXA only), be careful to hold
the ROTO-STOP lever all the way forward.
NOTE: Always release the drive clutch lever
before starting the engine. If the drive clutch
lever is held forward while starting, the
mower will move forward before you are
ready to guide it.
(HRC216HXA)
HRC216HXA: You can move the drive
clutch lever to control mower speed, but
keep the ROTO-STOP lever all the way
forward while mowing.
3. CONTROLS
13
HRC216SXA SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever selects the drive speed for the mower. Move the shift lever to
select the pace at which you wish to mow.
NOTE:
l
The mower will lurch if you shift gears while theCdrive clutch is engaged.
Release the drive clutch lever before moving the shift lever.
l
To avoid incomplete gear engagement, be sure the shift lever is centered
in one of the two detent positions.
Position 1 (SLOW): 3.9 ft/sec (1.20 m/set) maximum speed
Position 2 (FAST):
5.4 ft/sec (1.65 m/set) maximum speed
I
3. CONTROLS
14
HRC216HXA SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever controls the mower’s maximum drive speed. Move the shift lever
to select the pace at which you normally mow in open areas. If you wish to
momentarily slow the mower during operation, partially release the drive clutch
lever, then resume your normal speed by pushing the drive clutch lever forward
again (see page 12). It is not necessary to move the shift lever for momentary
speed reduction.
SLOW 2.8 ft/sec (0.84 m/set)
FAST
5.4 ft/sec (1.64 mlsec)
3. CONTROLS
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
B
serious injury. Stop the engine before
adjusting cutting height.
There are five cutting height settings:
1 in (2.8 cm), l-l /2 in (4.1 cm), 2 in
(5.3 cm), 2-l 12 in (6.5 cm), and 3 in
(7.7 cm). These are approximate
figures, as the actual height of cut
grass will vary with lawn and soil
conditions.
To adjust cutting height, pull each
adjusting lever toward the wheel, and
move it into another notch. Set all four
adjusting levers to the same cutting
height position.
Select the correct cutting height for
your mowing requirements. Cutting
height settings of 1- l/2 in (4.1 cm) or
2 in (5.3 cm) are appropriate for most
lawns during cool weather. A higher
cut may be needed to protect the lawn
during hot summer months. Consult a
local nursery or lawn & garden center
for advice about specific types of
grasses and growing conditions in your
area.
The blade can cause
1
in (2.8 cm)
2-l/2
.._
ADJUSTING LEVERS
in
(8.5
cm)
If you are not certain which cutting
height to select, check the appearance
of the lawn after mowing a small area,
then readjust cutting height if
necessary.
4. ATTACHMENTS
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Honda HRC216 mowers are provided with a grass bag as standard equipment.
You can operate the mower with the grass bag (or optional hard-shell grass
catcher) installed to collect the grass clippings, or with the grass bag removed
(or optional side-discharge chute installed) if you wish to leave the grass clippings
on the lawn. When attachments are removed, the discharge guard automatically
closes to protect the operator from objects that may be thrown by the blade
NOTE:
l
When mowing without attachments, the closed discharge guard will trap
more grass under the cutter deck, and the cutter deck may clog when
mowing grass that is thick or tall. If clogging occurs, mow more frequently,
cut a narrower swath, and/or select a slower drive speed. You may also need
to raise the mower’s cutting height.
l
If you wish to leave the grass clippings on the lawn, we recommend using
the optional, side discharge chute (see page 17).
GRASS BAG (standard equipment)
Installation
1. Raise the discharge guard, and
hook the grass bag onto the
mower as shown.
2. Release the discharge guard.
GRASS BAG LID
Removal
1. Raise the discharge guard, grab the
handle of the grass bag lid, and
remove the bag.
2. Release the discharge guard.
NOTE: When the 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.
DISCHARGE GUARD
4. ATTACHMENTS
A hard-shell grass catcher, and a side-discharge chute, are available from
authorized Honda lawn mower dealers. They attach to the cutter deck in place
of the standard grass bag.
HARD-SHELL
SIDE-DISCHARGE CHUTE (optional)
17
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK
Check the following items before starting the engine
BLADE
Turn the fuel valve OFF, and tilt the
mower to the right, so the carburetor
side is up.
NOTE: Hard starting and fuel leakage
may result if the mower is tilted with
the carburetor side down.
Inspect the blade 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 could break,
causing pieces of the blade to be thrown from the mower.
B
A worn or damaged blade may cause serious injury. Always
inspect the blade before using the mower.
When the 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 the blade yourself (see page 51).
l
Blade sharpening: To avoid weakening the blade, or causing imbalance or
poor cutting, the blade should be sharpened by an authorized Honda lawn
mower dealer.
l
Blade replacement: Use a genuine Honda replacement blade or its equivalent.
Check that the blade bolts are tight. Use a wooden block to prevent the blade
from turning when tightening the bolts. Wear heavy gloves to protect your ,hands.
Blade bolt torque: 36.2-43.4 ft lb (5.0-6.0 kg-m).
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GRASS BAG
Check that the grass bag is in good
condition and not clogged.
A clogged grass bag will not collect
grass efficiently. When the bag needs
cleaning, wash it with a garden hose,
and allow it to dry thoroughly before
use; a wet bag will clog quickly.
The grass bag wears during normal use
and will eventually require replacement.
If you operate the mower with a
damaged or worn out bag, objects
picked up by the blade may be thrown
through the bag material.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK
a worn or damaged
cause serious injury. Install a new grass
bag when required.
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS
If you have the hard-shell grass catcher, or the side-discharge chute (page 171,
check those attachments to be sure they are in good condition. Operating the
mower with a damaged attachment will increase risk of injury from objects
thrown by the blade
w
damaged attachments before using the mower.
Check that the screws are tight in the hard-shell grass catcher, and that the
screen at the back of the unit is not clogged. The screen must be cleaned
occasionally to maintain grass-bagging efficiency.
Objects thrown by the blade may cause serious injury. Replace
grass bag m&
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