Honda Power Equipment HRR216VXA User Manual 2

INTRODUCTION

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 DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 19) and EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY (page 20) to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of ownership.

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. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

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 lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower 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.

OWNER’S MANUAL

HRR216VXA

B WARNING: B

SAFETY MESSAGES

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.

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 A symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:

B DANGER B WARNING B CAUTION

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:

NOTICE

31VL0B31 00X31-VL0-B310

Your engine or other property can be damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

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.

POM31VL0B31

EM5

HPE.2011.02

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

The engine exhaust from this product contains

chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

CONTENTS*

INTRODUCTION...............................1

SAFETY MESSAGES........................1

LAWN MOWER SAFETY..................2

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO

PARENTS.....................................2

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS......2

SETTING UP YOUR NEW MOWER.3

CONTROL LOCATIONS ...................4

BEFORE OPERATION......................4

IS YOUR LAWN MOWER

READY TO GO?...........................4

GET THE MOWER READY..........5

OPERATION......................................6

SAFE OPERATING

PRECAUTIONS..........................6

STARTING THE ENGINE.............6

OPERATING THE CONTROLS

FOR MOWING..............................7

STOPPING THE ENGINE ............7

SAFE MOWING PRACTICES ......8

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER.8

MAINTENANCE SAFETY.............8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.......9

BLADES........................................9

GRASS BAG CLEANING AND

REPLACEMENT.........................10

ENGINE MAINTENANCE...........11

REFUELING ...............................12

*For information regarding cable adjustment, and how to mow your lawn, see FAQs at www.HondaPowerEquipment.com

TRANSPORTING............................13

STORAGE.......................................13

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED

PROBLEMS.....................................15

TECHNICAL INFORMATION..........16

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS.16 CARBURETOR

MODIFICATION FOR HIGH

ALTITUDE OPERATION............16

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM16

AIR INDEX..................................17

SPECIFICATIONS......................17

CONSUMER INFORMATION .........18

REPLACEMENT PARTS, OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND

SERVICE ITEMS........................ 18

DEALER LOCATOR

INFORMATION...........................18

CUSTOMER SERVICE

INFORMATION...........................18

DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED

WARRANTY............................... 19

EMISSION CONTROL

SYSTEM WARRANTY...............20

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

CARD .................................Last page

LAWN MOWER SAFETY

Most injuries or 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.

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.

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.

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.

If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the mower safely, CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL with your child. Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety information. Also, be sure your child wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower.

SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your child during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after he or she has become confident with the mower, do not let him or her use the mower without good adult supervision. An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance. In fact, it’s up to the adult owner to make sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition.

By always placing safety first, your child will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from your 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.

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.

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 child 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 injuries by making good decisions about if, when, and how your child operates this equipment.

The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your child is capable of operating this mower safely. Remember, young people vary widely, and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.

Physically, a child must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its direction. The child also needs enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably reach and operate the controls.

Another, tougher question you need to ask is if your child 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.

DANGER

KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY

HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.

Stay away if engine has been running.

CAUTION

Y A

ANGER

NDS and FEET

KEEP HA

SETTING UP YOUR NEW MOWER

Unpacking

Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar.

Handlebar Setup

1. Raise the handlebar into the mowing position with the handlebar adjust knobs in the unlock position.

HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOB (2)

UNLOCK

2. Turn the adjust knobs 90 degrees into the lock position so the pins will spring into the holes and lock into position.

Grass Bag Assembly

Slide the grass bag frame into the grass bag and attach the clips as shown.

BAG FRAME

GRASS BAG

LOCK

Engine Oil

The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine.

A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower. Add the entire contents of the oil bottle 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 not using 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 as shown.

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 cleaner.

After filling the engine with oil, remove the hang tag near the recoil starter grip that says “The engine has no oil. A container of oil is in the shipping box.”

FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK (do not screw in the dipstick when checking the oil level)

UPPER LIMIT

LOWER LIMIT

Fuel

Refer to page 12.

Before Using Your Lawn Mower

Before using the lawn mower, all mower operators must read the following sections:

• LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 2)

• CONTROL LOCATIONS (page 4)

• BEFORE OPERATION (page 4)

• OPERATION (page 6)

• MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 9)

BAG FRAME

Lift the discharge guard, remove the mulching plug if installed, and install the grass bag.

PLASTIC CLIP

You can also find additional information on the Honda Power Equipment web site. Visit www.HondaPowerEquipment.com and click on FAQs.

Please Register Your Lawn Mower

If your dealer did not collect registration information from you, please take a few minutes and register your purchase with Honda. This allows us to contact you with any important updates regarding your mower. Please note registration is not required to obtain warranty service.

You can register by completing and mailing the registration card on the back cover of this book, or go online to www.HondaPowerEquipment.com and click on Product Registration.

CONTROL LOCATIONS BEFORE OPERATION

SMART DRIVETM CONTROL

ROTO-STOP® BUTTON

(p. 7)

RECOIL STARTER GRIP

(p. 7)

HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOB (2)

(p. 5)

OIL FILLER

(p. 11)

CAP

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

(p. 7)

THROTTLE LEVER (p. 7)

FUEL TANK CAP

(p. 13)

MUFFLER

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.

IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO?

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.

B 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.

Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the lawn mower is on a level surface.

DISCHARGE GUARD

SPARK PLUG CAP

FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS

(p. 6)

MULCHING PLUG

(p. 5)

REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

FUEL VALVE (p. 6)

AIR CLEANER (p. 11)

CARBURETOR

GRASS

(p. 10)

BAG

(p. 6)

Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower

• 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 (page 9).

• Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 10).

• Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened.

Check the Engine:

• Check the air cleaner (page 11) and oil level (page 11).

• Check the fuel level (page 12). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA

For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before operating the lawn mower.

Objects

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 Pets

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.

Lawn Conditions

Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground speed and mowing swath accordingly.

GET THE MOWER READY

Handlebar Height Adjustment

1. Adjust the handlebar height for a comfortable operating position.

2. Turn the handlebar adjust knobs 90 degrees into the unlock position.

3. Move the handlebar up or down so that the locating pins align with either the upper or lower holes on the handlebar mounting brackets.

4. Turn the adjust knobs 90 degrees into the lock position and the pins will snap into the holes and lock into position.

HIGH

HANDLEBAR

LOW

HANDLEBAR ADJUST KNOB (2)

HANDLEBAR MOUNTING BRACKET HOLES (2 EACH SIDE)

Mulching Plug

The mulching plug helps to curve the inside of the mower deck for more

DISCHARGE

GUARD

efficient mulching. Install and remove the

mulching plug by raising the discharge guard as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way. Remove the mulching plug when using a grass bag.

MULCHING PLUG

Grass Bag

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.

Inspection

During normal use, the grass bag material is subject to deterioration and wear.

NOTICE

Frequently inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear. Check for necessary replacement. Make sure the new bag meets the original specifications.

Grass bag replacement is explained on page 10.

UNLOCK

Smart Drive™ Control

The Smart Drive control can be adjusted up or down into any one of five positions.

1. Slide the multi-position adjuster to the left to unlock the control.

2. Move the Smart Drive control up or down into the position most comfortable.

3. Release the multi-position adjuster and allow it to engage.

Do not attempt to adjust the position of the Smart Drive control while the mower is in motion.

SMART DRIVE CONTROL

™

CONTROL

MULTI-POSITION ADJUSTER

LOCK

Installation

1. Remove the mulching plug when using a grass bag.

2. Raise the discharge guard and hook the grass bag onto the mower deck as shown.

3. Release the discharge guard to secure the grass bag.

GRASS BAG HANDLE

DISCHARGE GUARD

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 you can remove it to the rear of the mower below the handlebar.

Rear Shield

During normal use, the rear shield is subject to deterioration and wear. Remove the grass bag and raise the discharge guard. Check the rear shield for cracks or tears. If the rear shield is excessively worn, have it replaced by your authorized Honda servicing dealer.

DISCHARGE

GUARD

REAR SHIELD

Cutting Height Adjustment

The cutting height figures are approximate. The actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.

To adjust the cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch.

Move the two front adjustment levers and the single rear adjustment lever in the same direction to the desired cutting height position.

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. Readjust the cutting height if necessary.

1-1/8 in (27 mm)

1-1/2 in (39 mm)

2 in (52 mm)

2-1/2 in (64 mm)

3 in (76 mm)

3-1/2 in (89 mm)

4 in (100 mm)

FRONT ADJUSTMENT LEVER (2)

REAR ADJUSTMENT LEVER

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the mower for the first time, please review LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 2). 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.

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.

FREQUENCY OF USE

If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis, (more than 4 weeks before next use), please refer to the Fuel section of the STORAGE chapter (page 14) for additional information regarding fuel deterioration.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting, always release the Smart Drive™ control, so that the mower will not move forward when you operate the starter.

1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.

2. Move the throttle lever to the proper starting position.

COLD ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to

the CHOKE position.

CHOKE

FAST

FUEL VALVE OFF

STOP

SLOW



FAST



CHOKE



WARM ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to

the FAST position.



STOP

SLOW



FAST



CHOKE

3. With the blade control lever released, pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, and then pull briskly. Return

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

the starter grip gently.

4. If the CHOKE position was used during

STARTER GRIP

starting, move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position as soon as the engine warms up enough to run smoothly without using the choke. Set the throttle lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle.

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

Throttle Lever

For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, they create a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently.

Do not try to increase the preset FAST engine speed; the blade could fracture and come apart.

FAST

STOP

SLOW



FAST



CHOKE



Smart Drive Control

The Smart Drive control can be adjusted up or down into any one of five positions (page 5).

With the engine running and the blades rotating,

BLADE CONTROL

SMART DRIVE

CONTROL

ADJUST

POSITION

ROTO STOP

PUSH

BLADE CONTROL

slowly push the Smart Drive control to propel the mower forward.

Ground speed will increase

SMART DRIVE CONTROL

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.

Ground speed control sensitivity will vary with such factors as terrain, grass height, slope, and grass bag weight. For example, achieving a very slow ground speed on smooth level terrain requires a very light pressure to be applied to the Smart Drive control. However, additional pressure may be required to achieve the same ground speed on slopes, tall grass, or uneven terrain. The Smart Drive control is designed to allow you to move the control to maintain the desired ground speed under constantly changing mowing conditions.

Release the Smart Drive control to disengage the rear wheels.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. Release the blade control lever to stop the blade rotation.

2. Move the throttle lever to the STOP position to stop the engine.

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

STOP

Blade Control System

To start blade rotation, make sure the engine is running and the throttle lever is in the FAST position.

1. Push down on the Roto-Stop

button 1.

2. Pull the blade control lever

2 against the

handlebar and release the Roto-Stop button.

Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar to maintain blade rotation.

2 BLADE CONTROL LEVER

1 ROTO-STOP BUTTON

Release the blade control lever to stop blade rotation. Always release the blade control lever before starting the engine to prevent the blades from rotating.

THROTTLE LEVER

3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.

4. If your equipment will not be used for 3 to 4 weeks, we recommend running the engine’s carburetor out of fuel. Y ou can do this by leaving the fuel valve OFF, restarting the engine and running it out of fuel. See ”Fuel” on page 14 for periods of inactivity that exceed 4 weeks.

OFF

SAFE MOWING PRACTICES

For your safety, 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.

B 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.

Slopes

Mow across slopes, not up and down. Avoid steep slopes (more

°), and be careful when

than 20 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.

Obstacles

Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls.

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. Be careful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn, such as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, raised tree roots, etc. Avoid anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn.

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 9). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components. Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER

Proper maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution.

B WARNING

Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations and schedules in this owner’s manual.

To help you properly care for your mower, the following pages include a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other service tasks that are more difficult, or require special tools, are best handled by professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic.

The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If you operate your mower under severe conditions, such as sustained high-load or high-temperature operation, or use in unusually wet or dusty conditions, consult your servicing dealer for recommendations applicable to your individual needs and use.

Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your mower best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it.

To ensure the best quality and reliability, use only new, Honda Genuine parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement.

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual, using parts that are “certified” to EPA standards.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you

should perform a given task.

B 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, and do not operate the mower

with a worn or damaged blade.

The DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 19) does not cover parts damaged by collision.

Gravel and Loose Objects

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.

Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures and precautions in this owner’s manual.

Safety Precautions

• Make sure the engine is off before you begin any maintenance or repairs. This will eliminate several potential hazards:

– Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust.

Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the engine.

– Burns from hot parts.

Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching.

– Injury from moving parts.

Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so.

+ 16 hidden pages