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.
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.
As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a
NOTICE symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid
damage to your mower, other property, or the environment.
We suggest you read the Distributor’s Limited Warranty (p. 50) and
the Emission Control System Warranty (p. 54) 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.
Best Wishes,
Power Equipment Division
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And using this
lawn mower safely is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided
operating procedures and other information on labels and in this
manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
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,
including:
• Safety Labels — on the lawn mower.
• Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symboland
one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
B DANGER
B WARNING
B CAUTION
• Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or
Important Safety Precautions.
• Safety Chapter — such as MOWER SAFETY.
• Instructions — how to use this mower correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information — please
read it carefully.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...................................... 50
Additional information, Honda publications available to
you, warranty, and how to contact us if you have a
question or a warranty repair problem.
INDEX ......................................................... 60
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION ................... inside back cover
3
MOWER SAFETY
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.
4
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.
5
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
an authorized Honda dealer for a replacement.
(HRT ONLY)
WARNIN GWARNIN G
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.OBJECTS THROWN BY BLADE
Follow all instructions in Owner's Manual.
Go across slopes, not up and down.
Do not mow when children or others are
around
Look down and behind, before and
while moving backwards.
Keep safety devices (guards, shields,
switches, etc.) in place and working.
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.
Inspect area and remove
debris before mowing.
Keep children and others away
Wear e ye pr otection .
Do not operate unless bag or
chute are installed or guard is
in place.
UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL IS
SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR, AND
SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG
REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO
A.N.S.I. STANDARD B71.1 ANY REPLACEMENT
MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.
CAUTION
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
6
DANGER
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HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.
Stay away if engine has been running.
CAUTION
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
DRIVE CLUTCH
LEVER (SD & S3D)
HANDLEBAR
FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER
CONTROLS
RECOIL
STARTER
GRIP
REAR CUTTING
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
OIL FILLER CAP
SIDE DISCHARGE
DOOR (HRT models only)
HRR216PD: Push model, mulchingHRT216SDA: Single speed, muching,
HRR216SD: Single speed, muchingside-discharge, grass bag
HRR216S3DA: 3-speed, muchingHRT216S3DA: 3-speed, muching,
MUFFLER
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
–––––––––––––––––side-discharge, rear bag
7
CONTROLS
57).
FUEL TANK CAP
SPARK PLUG CAP
REAR DOOR
(HRR, HRT)
MULCHING PLUG
(HRR, HRT)
GRASS BAG
(HRT)
SHIFT LEVER (S3D)
THROTTLE
LEVER
FRAME SERIAL
NUMBER
HANDLEBAR
LOCKING
KNOB (2)
FUEL VALVE
CARBURETOR
(HRT216S3DA shown)
AIR CLEANER
MOWER DECK
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 58).
Frame serial number: MZ__ __ – ______________
Engine serial number: GJAE – ______________
8
CONTROLS
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
Fuel Valve
The fuel valve controls fuel flow from the fuel tank to the carburetor.
The fuel valve must be ON to start and operate the mower. The fuel
valve should be kept OFF when the mower is not in use.
OFF
FUEL VALVE
ON
Throttle Lever
CHOKE – –For starting a cold engine.
FAST – – –For restarting a warm engine and for mowing.
SLOW – – –For idling the engine.
CHOKEFASTSLOW
Flywheel Brake Lever
This lever is connected to the
engine flywheel brake and the
ignition switch. The engine will not
start unless this lever is pulled
backward.
FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER
9
CONTROLS
Drive Clutch Lever (SD, S3D)
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SD, S3D)
The drive clutch lever engages
(push forward) and disengages
(release) the transmission that
drives the rear wheels. The drive
clutch lever should only be
engaged after the engine has
been started.
Shift Lever (S3D)
SHIFT LEVER (S3D)
The shift lever is used to select the
ground speed. 1 is the slowest,
and 3 is the fastest setting. The
shift lever may be used any time a
change in ground speed is
required.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
There are six approximate settings [3/4 ~ 3-1/4 in. (19 ~ 79 mm)]. The
adjusters move back to lower and forward to raise the mower deck.
For the best overall lawn finish, each wheel should be adjusted to the
same position.
3/4" (19 mm)
1-1/4 " (29 mm)
1-3/4" (41.5 mm)
2-1/4" (54 mm)
2-3/4" (67 mm)
3-1/4 (79 mm)
FRONT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
10
REAR ADJUSTMENT LEVER
RIGHT SIDE SHOWN
BEFORE OPERATION
ARE YOU READY TO MOW?
Be sure to wear protective clothing. Long pants and eye protection
can lower your risk of injury from thrown objects. Wear footwear that
protects your feet and won’t let you slip if you mow on slopes or
uneven ground.
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 blade 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 use.
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.
11
BEFORE OPERATION
CHECK YOUR MOWER
Blade
1. Turn the fuel valve to OFF (page
9). Disconnect the spark plug cap
from the spark plug (page 36).
2. Tilt the mower to the right, so
BLADE(S)
the carburetor side is up. This
will help to prevent fuel leakage
and hard starting.
3. Inspect the blade(s) for wear
and damage
BLADE BOLTS
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 blade(s) regularly. Do not operate
the mower with a worn or damaged blade.
NORMAL
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 servicing dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench,
you can remove and install the blade yourself (page 38).
Check that the blade bolts are tight (see page 38).
EXCESSIVELY
WORN
BENT
CRACKED
12
BEFORE OPERATION
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.
3. If the oil level is low, add the
recommended oil (see page 34)
to reach the upper limit mark on
the dipstick. Do not overfill.
FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
FILLER CAP/
DIPSTICK
UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
4. After checking the engine oil
level, screw in the filler
cap/dipstick securely.
13
BEFORE OPERATION
Fuel
Fuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 l)
Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. If the
engine has been running, allow it to cool. See page 37 for fuel
recommendations and page 56 for information on oxygenated fuels.
Remove the fuel 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.
B WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when
handling fuel.
Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and
flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors.
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.
NOTICE
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.
FUEL FILLER
NECK
FUEL TANK CAP
14
BEFORE OPERATION
Air Cleaner Inspection
Make sure the air filter is clean and
in good condition. A dirty air filter
will restrict air flow to the
carburetor, reducing engine
performance. Refer to page 35 for
air cleaner service.
Grass Bag (HRT216)
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 not
packed full.
Inspection
Inspect the grass bag before use. Check for holes, tears, and
excessive wear. The grass bag does wear during normal use, and will
eventually require replacement (page 39).
Installation
1. Raise the rear door and remove
GRASS BAG
HANDLE
the mulching plug. Hook the grass
bag frame onto the mower deck as
shown.
AIR CLEANER
HOUSING
PAPER FILTER
COVER
REAR DOOR
2. Release the rear door to secure
the grass bag in place.
Removal
3. Raise the rear door, grasp the
grass bag handle and remove the
grass bag.
4. Release the rear door.
5. When the grass bag is clear of the
rear door, you can lift the grass bag through the handlebars, or
remove it from the rear of the
mower below the handlebar.
15
BEFORE OPERATION
Mulching Plug
The mulching plug helps to
curve the inside of the mower
deck for more efficient mulching.
Install and remove the mulching
plug by raising the rear door as
shown. The mulching plug only
fits one way. Remove the
mulching plug when using a grass bag.
Side Discharge Chute (HRT216)
To discharge clippings to the side,
SIDE DOOR
install the side discharge chute as
shown here. Be sure to remove
the side discharge chute when
using the grass bag or mulching.
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. The lowest setting is
approximatily 3/4 inch (19 mm) and
the highest setting is 3-1/4 inches
(79 mm). Each position increments
about 1/2 inch (13 mm).
Rear
Door
Mulching
Plug
SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE
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. Readjust cutting height if
necessary.
16
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
OPERATION
MOWING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the mower for the first time, please review the
MOWER SAFETY beginning on page 4 and the previous chapter,
titled BEFORE OPERATION.
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.
STARTING THE ENGINE
The blade turns when you pull the starter grip. It is easiest to start the
engine in a clear or mowed area where the blade can turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
ON
2. Move the throttle lever to the proper starting position.
COLD ENGINE:
Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position.
CHOKE
FUEL VALVE
17
OPERATION
WARM ENGINE:
Move the throttle to FAST
1. SD, S3D: Release the drive clutch
lever. If the drive clutch lever is
engaged, the mower will move
forward when you operate the
starter.
2. Pull back on the flywheel brake
lever and hold it against the
handlebar.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until
you feel resistance, then pull
briskly. Return the starter grip
gently.
Keep your hands and feet away
from the mower deck at all times
when starting and running the
engine.
DRIVE CLUTCH
LEVER (SD, S3D)
FLYWHEEL
BRAKE
LEVER
STARTER
GRIP
Continue to hold the flywheel
brake lever against thehandlebar;
the engine will stop if you release
the lever.
4. If the CHOKE position was used
during starting, move the throttle
lever away from the CHOKE
position as soon as the engine
warms up enough to run
smoothly. Set the throttle lever at
FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle.
18
FAST
CHOKE
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