Honda Power Equipment RC215 User Manual
HONDA
Power
1 Equipment
Owner’s Manual
Rotary Mower
HRC215
Thank you for purchasing a Honda rotary mower.
This manual describes operation and maintenance of the Honda HFlC215PXA
rotary mower. All information in this publication is based on the latest product
information available at the time of printing. Honda Power 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 HRC215 mowers meet CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-behind
rotary mowers.
Honda HRC215 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.
B
result if instructions are
B
instructions are not followed;
IMPORTANT NOTICE
could result if instructions
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.
B
damage. Read and understand this owner’s manual before operating
the mower.
M
injury or property damage.
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 that serious injury
Indicates a strong possibility that serious injury or death may
Indicates a possibility that minor iniurv could result if
Careless operation or misuse may cause injury or property
Using this product for a ournose not intended mav cause
not
followed.
1 indicates that equipment or property damage
are not followed.
Use only for mowing (cutting) grass, and for-bagging
or death WILL result if instructions
1
CONTENTS
1. SAFETY ..........................................
Safety Label Locations.
Safety Information.
Important Message to Parents
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. CONTROLS..
Fuel Valve
Throttle Lever
ROTO-STOPLever .................................
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
4. ATTACHMENTS ....................................
Grass Bag (standard)
Hard-Shell Grass Catcher (optional)
Side-Discharge Chute (optional)
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK.
Blade ..........................................
GrassBag .......................................
Optional Attachments
EngineOil.. .....................................
Fuel ...........................................
Air Cleaner
Cutting Height
.....................................
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....................................
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................................... 21
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....................... 14
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4
4
5
7
8
10
10
10
11
12
13
13
14
15
15
16
16
17
18
20
6. OPERATION .......................................
Starting the Engine
Clearing a Flooded Engine
Mower Operation
Stopping the Engine
High Altitude Operation
................................ 22
........................... 24
................................. 25
............................... 27
............................. 28
2
22
CONTENTS
7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.TRANSPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
9. MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Schedule
Engine Oil Change
Air Cleaner Service.
Spark Plug Service
Spark Arrester Maintenance (optional equipment)
ROTO-STOP Cable Adjustment,
Throttle Cable Adjustment.
Carburetor Adjustment
Grass Bag Cleaning and Replacement.
Blade Removal and Installation
10. STORAGE ........................................ 46
Preparation for Storage
Storage ........................................ 48
Removal from Storage.
11. TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . , a . , . . . . . . , , . . . . . . . . . 50
12. SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . , . 52
13. WIRING DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
14. WARRANTY SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . o . . . . . . . . . 55
....................................
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................................ 34
............................... 36
................................ 38
..........
....................... 40
.......................... 41
............................. 42
..................
........................
............................. 46
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33
33
39
43
44
49
3
1. SAFETY
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
Read all safety instructions before operating the mower.
UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL
IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR,
AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREDUENTLY FOR
BAG REPUGEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO
A.N.S.I. STANDARD 871.1, ANY REPLACEMENT
MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.
DO NOT START UNLESS GUARD
IS CLOSED OR BAG IS IN PLACE.
. READ OWNER’S NANVAL BEFORE OPERATINO.
n DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUO CIP SEFOAE SERVICINO
I
THE DECK OR SLAmL
W 00 NOT ALLOW ANIONE TO STAND IN FRON, OF “OWE&,.
. TO PREVENT lN,URV FROM THROWN OS,ECTS; CLEAR
AREA OF DEBRIS KEEP OTHERS AWAV.
. TO PREVENT SERIOUS I”.,UR”. Do NOT REICH ,NS,OE
WNEN ENGINE IS RUNNING.
. 00 NOT REYOVE WARDS.
I
ly
4. SAFETY
SAFETY INFORMATION
For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these
precautions:
Operator Responsibility
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 will 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
can 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
side-discharge 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.
5
1. SAFETY
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
. 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 HRC215 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.
To keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate ventilation.
6
1. 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 judgment
can result in serious injuries. You can help prevent accidents by making good
decisions about it 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 honest1
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 IDENTIFICATION
ROTO-STOP LEVER
\
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
ROTO-STOP BUTTON
THROTTLE LEVER
GRASS RAG
/
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
CUTTER DECK
8
I
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
ROTO-STOP BUTTON
RECOIL STARTER
/
CARBURETOR
\
AIR CLEANER
FUEL VALVE
ROTO-STOP LEVER
\ I
LE
ENGINE SERIAL
NUMBER
’ CUTTING 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 55).
Frame serial number: MZANEngine serial number: GJAB-
- - - - -
- - - -
9
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
m
explode, causing injury or death. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position when
the mower is not in use.
THRCIITLE LEVER
CHOKE position: For starting
FAST position ( * I: For mowing
SLOW position ( e I: For idling
Gasoline
is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can
FUEL VALVE
STOP position: Stops the engine
10
3. CONTROLS
RDTO-STOP LEVER
I
The ROTO-STOP lever operates the blade brake/clutch mechanism. It is used
to start and stop the blade.
To 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 ROT&TOP mechanism.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
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.
1 If you move the ROTO-STDP lever sSowly or partially,
ROTO-STOP LEVER
4
11
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-1/2 in (4.1 cm), 2 in
(5.3 cm), 2-l/2 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 l- 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)
_...
ADJUSTING LEVERS
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.
12
4. ATTACHMENTS
Honda HRC215 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 14).
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.
Removal
1. Raise the discharge guard, grip 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.
GUARD
13
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 GRASS CATCHER (optional)
SIDE-DISCHARGE CHUTE (optional)
14
SIDE DISCHARGE
CHUTE
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
BLADE BOLTS
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.
m
inspect the blade before using the mower.
A worn or damaged blade may cause serious injury. Always
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 44).
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).
15
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK
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.
B
a worn or damaged grass bag may
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 141,
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
m
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 through
Objects thrown by the blade may cause serious
injury.
Replace
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