Honda Power Equipment HRR216VKA User Manual 2

OWNER’S MANUAL

HRR216VKA
LAWN MOWER
Before operating the mower for the first time, please read this Owner’s Manual. Even if you have operated other mowers, take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills.

QUICK FIND

Air Filter.................................................. 12
Blades.................................................... 11
Contact Honda....................................... 20
Cutting Height.......................................... 6

CONTENTS

Adjust the Handlebar........................... 3
Assemble the Grass Bag..................... 4
BEFORE EACH OPERATION
Check Your Mower.............................. 4
Check Your Mowing Area.................... 4
Clip Director®...................................... 5
Cutting Height Adjustment................... 6
Check the Oil Level............................. 6
Add Fuel.............................................. 7
OPERATION
Safe Mowing Practices........................ 7
Operating the Controls........................ 8
Starting the Engine.............................. 9
Stopping the Engine............................ 9
SERVICING YOUR MOWER
Maintenance Safety............................. 9
Find a Dealer..........................................20
Fuel ..........................................................7
Fuel System Maintenance......................19
Maintenance Schedule...........................10
Maintenance Schedule...................... 10
Blade Inspection................................ 11
Blade Replacement...........................
Oil Change ........................................ 12
Air Filter............................................. 12
Spark Plug......................................... 13
Spark Arrester (optional part)............ 13
Blade Control Check ......................... 14
Smart Drive Cable Check/Adjustment 14
TRANSPORTING ................................. 14
STORAGE
Fuel ................................................... 14
Oil...................................................... 14
Cleaning............................................ 15
Storage Location............................... 15
Handlebar.......................................... 15
Removing From Storage................... 15
TROUBLESHOOTING
Engine Will Not Start......................... 15
11
Oil Change..............................................12
Oil Level Check.........................................6
Spark Plug..............................................13
Warranty Coverage.................................21
Loss of Power....................................... 16
Vibration............................................... 16
Mowing and Bagging Problems............ 16
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Serial Number Locations...................... 16
High Elevation Operation ..................... 16
Emission Control System..................... 17
Air Index............................................... 17
Specifications....................................... 18
FUEL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE............. 19
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Parts, Accessories, and Service Items. 20
Dealer Locator Information................... 20
How to Contact Honda......................... 20
Honda Publications .............................. 20
DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY. 21
EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY.......... 22
PRODUCT REGISTRATION................... 23
For more information about your lawn mower, visit
www.powerequipment.honda.com
and click on FAQs or scan the QR code shown here.
© 2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved
QUESTIONS?
Contact your Honda dealer.
There is a dealer locator at
www.powerequipment.honda.com

WELCOME

NOTICE
DANGER
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.
Stay away if engine has been running.
CAUTION
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 information on how to do that; please read it carefully.
When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda.
Please read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY on page 21 and the EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY on page 22 to fully understand what is covered by warranty and your responsibilities of ownership.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the mower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Please read these messages carefully.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You must use your own good judgment.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.

Important Message to Parents

The safety of your children is very important to Honda. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. Y our child must be big enough, strong enough, and have the coordination necessary to comfortably reach and operate the controls. Anyone who takes unnecessary risks and doesn’t obey rules should not operate this lawn mower.

Safety Label Locations

These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.

Safety Instructions

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms:
Safety Labels – on the lawn mower.
Instructions – how to use this mower correctly and safely.
Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury. These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Damage Prevention Messages – Y ou will also see other import ant messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This word means:
Y our engine or other property can be damaged if you don’t follow instructions.
SERIOUSL Y HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSL Y HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.
symbol and one
HONDA
2

PARTS AND CONTROLS INITIAL MOWER SETUP

HONDA
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
(P. 8)
REAR DISCHARGE GUARD
(P. 5)
FUEL TANK CAP (P. 7)
MUFFLER
(P. 13)
OIL FILLER CAP
(P. 4)
HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOB (2)
(P. 3)
RECOIL STARTER GRIP
(P. 9)
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER (4)
(P. 6)
GRASS BAG
(P. 4)
AIR FILTER
(P. 12)
SPARK PLUG CAP
(P. 13)
CARBURETOR
SMART DRIVE CONTROL
(P. 8)
CLIP DIRECTOR
(P. 4)
FUEL VALVE ON FUEL VALVE OFF
HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOBS
UNLOCKED
LOCKED
BLADE CONTROL LEVER


List of Parts

With help from an assistant, carefully remove the mower and loose parts from the carton and compare the loose parts against the following list. Contact the authorized Honda dealer from whom you purchased the mower if any of the loose parts shown are not included with your mower.
Ref. No. Description Qty.
Grass bag frame 1 Grass bag 1 Engine oil and owner’s manual 1
HONDA

Adjust the Handlebar

1. With the handlebar adjust knobs in the unlocked position, pull the blade control lever against the handlebar, and then raise the handlebar into the mowing position .
2. Align the adjust knobs with one of the two holes on each handle stay. Setting the adjust knobs in the lowest holes raises the handlebar to its highest position.
3. Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees into the lock position, making sure both sides are positioned at the same height.
4. Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar.
3

Add Engine Oil

GRASS BAG
GRASS BAG HANDLE
PLASTIC CLIP
BAG FRAME
The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and add the entire contents of the included bottle of oil into the oil filler opening.
All Honda engines are run at the factory prior to packaging. Most of the oil is removed prior to shipment; however, some oil remains in the engine. The amount of oil left in the engine varies.
If you don’t use the supplied oil, add enough SAE 10W-30 API service category SJ or later oil to bring the oil level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick—without screwing the dipstick in (approximately 12 to 13.5 ounces is required). See page 6.
Do not overfill the engine with oil. If the engine is overfilled, the excess oil may get transferred to the air cleaner housing and air filter. An indication of overfilling is white or blue smoke coming from the muffler when the engine is running.
After filling the engine with oil, screw the filler/cap dipstick in and remove the hang tag near the recoil starter grip that says “The engine has no oil.

Assemble the Grass Bag

1. Turn the grass bag right-side out.
2. Pull the frame support legs outward and slide them into the eyelets as shown.
3. Install the assembled frame into the fabric grass bag, keeping the grass bag handle exposed.

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency.

Check Your Mower

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your lawn mower, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the lawn mower 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 lawn mower.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this lawn mower, or failing to correct a problem before operation, could cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each operation, and correct any problem.
• Make sure the lawn mower is on a level surface.
• Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks.
• Look for signs of damage.
• Check each control for proper operation.
• Check the blades for wear. Replace as necessary (page11).
• Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 11).
• Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened.
• Check the air filter (page 12) and oil level (page 6).
• Check the fuel level (page 7). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

Please Register Your Mower

Please take a few minutes and register your purchase with Honda. You can register by completing and mailing the registration card on
the back cover of this book or going online to
www.powerequipment.honda.com and clicking on Product
Registration.

Before Using Your Lawn Mower

Before using the lawn mower, all mower operators must read the following sections:
FOR YOUR SAFETY (page 2)
BEFORE EACH OPERATION (page 4)
OPERA TION (page7)
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 10)
4

Check Your Mowing Area

For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before operating the lawn mower.
Anything that can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks, nails, and wire, and remove them from the lawn area.
People and animals near the lawn area can move into your lawn mower’s path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects. Clear the area of pets and people, especially children. Their safety is your responsibility.
Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground speed and mowing swath accordingly.

Clip Director®

PUSH AND TWIST
CLIP DIRECTOR LEVER AND COVER ASSEMBLY
SHUTTER DOOR (fully closed)
SHUTTER DOOR (fully open)
CLIP DIRECTOR LEVER AND COVER ASSEMBLY

REAR SHIELD

DISCHARGE GUARD
The Clip Director can be adjusted to either the BAG or MULCH position to achieve the desired mowing results.
Adjust the Clip Director lever to either the bag (shutter door fully open) or mulch (shutter door fully closed).
To adjust the Clip Director, push the end of the lever and twist the lever to the desired position. Release the button and allow it to snap into the groove.
Mulching
Set the clip director lever in the MULCH position.
Bag or Rear Discharge
Set the clip director lever in the BAG position.
To discharge clippings to the rear, remove the grass bag and leave the Clip Director lever in the BAG position.
Some grass accumulation in the discharge opening is normal when the Clip Director is in the MULCH position. To remove this grass, close the discharge guard, set the Clip Director to the BAG position, engage the blade control lever, and start the engine.
If the Clip Director is difficult to move or the lever will not lock fully:
• With the engine OFF, lift the discharge guard and remove the grass clippings from around the shutter door.
• With a garden hose and nozzle, spray around and under the Clip Director lever and cover assembly to remove the grass clippings.
Rear Shield
During normal use the rear shield is subject to deterioration and wear. Remove the grass bag and raise the discharge guard to check the rear shield for cracks or tears. If the rear shield is excessively worn, have it replaced by your authorized Honda servicing dealer.
5

Grass Bag

NOTICE
GRASS BAG HANDLE
BAG
DISCHARGE GUARD
1-3/4 in (44 mm)
2-1/2 in (60 mm)
3 in (75 mm)
3-1/2 in (90 mm)
4 in (102 mm)
1-1/8 in (28 mm)
THE CUTTING HEIGHT FIGURES ARE APPROXIMATE
HONDA
FILLER CAP /DIPSTICK
LOWER LIMIT
UPPER LIMIT

Cutting Height Adjustment

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.
You can leave the grass bag on the mower during mowing, even when full mulching is selected.
Inspection
During use, the grass bag material is subject to normal wear and tear.
CAUTION
An excessively worn grass bag may allow objects to be thrown toward the operator.
Replace a worn grass bag to prevent possible injury.
Grass bag replacement is explained on page 4.
Installation
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.
Removal
1. Raise the discharge guard, grasp the grass bag handle, 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 remove it to the rear of the mower below the handlebar.
6
Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of six settings. The actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.
Be sure the engine is not running when adjusting the cutting height. To adjust cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel,
and move it into another notch. Move all four adjustment levers to the same position, forward for tall
grass and rearward for short grass.
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 the cutting height if necessary.

Check the Oil Level

1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
2. Insert and remove the dipstick without
screwing it into the filler neck. Check the oil
level shown on the dipstick.
3. If the oil level is low, add oil to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick.
Do not overfill. If the engine is overfilled, the excess oil may get transferred to the air cleaner housing and air filter. An indication of overfilling is white or blue smoke coming from the muffler when the engine is running.
Use 10W-30 API Service category SJ oil for normal conditions. For additional oil recommendations, see page 12.
Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
4. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

Add Fuel

NOTICE
NOTICE
NOTICE
MAXIMUM FUEL LEVEL
RED FUEL LEVEL GAUGE
Use regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. The fuel can contain up to 10% ethanol by volume.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be burned or seriously injured when refueling.
• Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis, (more than 4 weeks before next use), refer to “FUEL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE” on page 19 for information regarding fuel deterioration.
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Add fuel to the bottom of the red fuel level gauge in the neck of the fuel tank. Do not overfill. Wipe up spilled fuel before starting the engine.

OPERATION

For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Your mower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas, which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.
WARNING
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can build up to dangerous levels in closed areas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death.
Never run the lawn mower in a closed, or even partially closed area where people may be present.
You might hear a clicking noise as you push or pull the lawn mower without engaging the Smart Drive. This is normal; moving the mower without using the Smart Drive will not damage the mower.

Safe Mowing Practices

Most injuries and property damage with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most common hazards are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.
3. Tighten the fuel tank cap until it clicks. Move the mower at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine.
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 by the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 21).
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 blades.
WARNING
The blades are sharp and spin at high speed. A spinning blade can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes.
• Wear protective footwear.
• Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while the engine is running.
• Stop the engine before performing any adjustment, inspection, or maintenance.
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 blades over gravel.
Striking objects with the spinning blades can cause severe engine damage, which is not covered by the Distributor’s Limited Warranty.
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.
7
Refuel With Care
NOTICE
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
SMART DRIVE
CONTROL
ADJUST
POSITION
BLADE CONTROL
2
SMART DRIVE CONTROL
MULTI-POSITIO N ADJUSTER
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.
Stop the Engine When Not Mowing
If you need to leave the mower for any reason, even just to inspect the lawn ahead, always stop the engine by releasing the blade control lever.
Avoid Slopes
Avoid steep slopes of more than 20°. Mow across slopes, not up and down. Be
careful when changing direction. Mowing on a slope when the grass is damp or wet could cause you to slip, fall, and lose control of the mower.
Mowing on steep slopes can starve the engine of oil, causing engine damage that is not covered by the Distributor’s Limited
Warranty. Keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing
your footing and your control of the mower. Keep a firm grip on the handlebar, and walk, never run, with the mower. Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground.
If stuck, do not kick or shove the mower with your foot. Use the handlebar to control the mower.
Avoid Obstacles
Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious personal injury and/or property damage. The best way to prevent potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control lever to stop the blades before reaching areas with gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material.
Be careful when mowing over obstacles that stick up above the surface of the lawn such as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, raised tree roots, etc.
If the blade hits something, or if the mower starts to vibrate, stop the engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug cap, and check for damage (page 11). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components. Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
WARNING
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous projectiles.
Thrown objects can cause serious injury. Inspect the blades regularly (see page 11), and do not operate
the mower with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 21) does not cover parts damaged by accidental impact collision.
8

Operating the Controls

Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever must be pulled back against the handlebar to start and run the engine. The blades start to rotate when the lever is pulled back against the handlebar and the electric starter is operated or the recoil starter grip is pulled.
Continue to hold the lever fully against the handlebar. This will keep the engine and blades rotating smoothly and prevent premature wear to the flywheel brake system.
Release the blade control lever to stop the engine and stop blade rotation whenever you need to leave the mower.
Smart Drive™ Control
With the engine running and the blades rotating, slowly push the Smart Drive control to propel the mower forward.
Ground speed will increase as more pressure is applied to the Smart Drive control. After maximum ground speed is obtained, applying additional pressure will not further increase ground speed. Apply only enough pressure to achieve the desired speed.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control.
Ground speed varies with terrain, grass height, slope, and grass bag weight. Moving the Smart Drive control allows you to maintain the desired ground speed under constantly changing mowing conditions.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage (stop) the rear wheels.
Adjusting the Smart Drive Control
The Smart Drive control can be adjusted up or down into any one of five positions for operator comfort.
Do not attempt to adjust the position of the Smart Drive control while the mower is in motion.
Slide the multi-position adjuster to the left to unlock the control, move the Smart Drive control up or down into the most comfortable position, and then release the multi-position adjuster and allow it to engage.
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