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. 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.
Safety Messages Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the lawn mower. Please read these messages carefully. A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that can hurt you and others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol A and one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These mean: You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
CONTENTS Turn to the beginning of each section for a complete list of subjects. MOWER SAFETY 1 Important information about some specific hazards, and what you can do to prevent injury. BLADES AND A-ITACHMENTS Standard and optional equipment 7 for different lawn bare needs. CONTROLS 11 identification of components controls work. and information about how the BEFORE MOWING 19 How to fuel and check your mower to be sure it is ready. How to prepare your lawn and yourself before you begin mowing.
MOWER SAFETY This section explains what you need to know to operate your mower safely.
MOWER SAFETY 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.
MOWER SAFETY Keep Shields in Place Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and from touching 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. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool.
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.
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 your dealer for a replacement. Gasoline is highly flammable end explosive and you can be burned or seriously in/wed. IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR, I AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREOUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD 871.
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BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS This section shows standard and optional equipment for different lawn care needs, and it tells you how to adapt your mower for bagging, side-discharge and mulching.
BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS Blades 0 HRB215 HRB215 mowers are factory equipped with a high-lift blade for maximum bagging and side-discharge performance. ONE-PIECE HIGH-LIFT BLADE (standard for HRB215, optional for HRM215) l l Best for bagging and side-discharge. Less effective for mulching. HRM215 HRM215 mowers are factory-equipped with a special two-piece mulching blade assembly.
BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS Grass Bag (standard for HRB215, optional for HRM215) With the grass bag installed, the lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner. It blows air through the bag, which traps the clippings. Bagging should be considered where you want the lawn to be clear of loose particles, such as around swimming pools. Bagging is also a good way to deal with less frequently mowed areas where the grass has grown too tall to mulch easily.
BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS Side-Discharge Chute (optional for HRB215 and HRM215) The chute directs grass clippings away from the operator and spreads them over the lawn. The clippings will be larger than mulched particles, and they may need to be removed by raking. Side-discharge mowing should be considered for less frequently mowed areas where grass has grown too tall to mulch easily.
CONTROLS This section shows the locations of controls and other important parts of your mower, and it tells you how the controls work. Component 12 Identification Controls ThrottleLever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shift Lever (HFfB215SXA & HRM215SxA) Blade Control Lever . . . , . . . . . . . Drive Clutch Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM275SXA) . . . . . Handlebar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cutting Height Adjustment Levers . . . . 14 74 . . . . . 14 15 . . . . . . . . .
CONTROLS Component Identification BLADE CONTROL BU-KON BLADE CONTROL LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA) FUEL TANK CAP STARTER HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENT \y 2 LEVER OIL FILLER CAP MOWER DECK HEIGHT FRONT CUlllNG ADJUSTMENT LEYER HRB215PXA: Manually propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag HRB21 SSXA: Self-propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag HRM215PXA: Manually propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug HRM215SXA: Self-propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug 12
CONTROLS GEAR SHIFT LEVER (HRB21 SSXA & HRM21 SSXA) ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER FRAME SERIAL NUMBER \ w SPARK PLUG CAP \ HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB REAR CUlllNG HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER AIR CLEANER FRONT CUlllNG HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER \ CARBURETOR 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 83).
CONTROLS Controls THROTTLE LEVER Throttle Lever N CHOKE - For starting a cold engine. *FAST - For restarting a warm engine and for mowing. *SLOW - For idling the engine. a STOP - For stopping the engine and closing the fuel valve. When the mower is not in use, leave the throttle lever in the STOP position to prevent carburetor flooding and to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. Gear Shift Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA) 1 (slow) - For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas.
CONTROLS Blade Control Lever The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation. To start blade rotation, press the button on top of the blade control lever, then pull the lever back and hold it against the handlebar. Release the blade control lever to stop the blade. Operate the blade control lever with a quick and complete motion, so the blade drive is always either fully engaged or stopped.
CONTROLS Drive Clutch Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA) The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. To propel the mower, move the drive clutch lever up and hold it against the handlebar. Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower. Operate the drive clutch lever with a quick and complete motion, so the drive clutch is always either fully engaged or released. This will help to extend the service life of the clutch mechanism.
CONTROLS Handlebar The handlebar is adjustable to a high, mid, or low position. Select the height that provides the most comfortable operating position. 1. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs. 2. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins. 3. Move the handlebar up or down, so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar mounting brackets. HANDLEBAR \ LOCKING KNOB (2) 4. Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely.
CONTROLS Cutting Height Adjustment Levers There are six settings to choose from, as shown in the illustration. The cutting height figures are approximate, as the actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions. ADJUSTMENT To adjust cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch. Set all four adjustment levers to the same cutting height position.
BEFORE MOWING This section explains how to fuel and check your mower to be sure it is ready, and it tells you how to prepare your lawn and yourself before you begin mowing. 20 Check Your Lawn 21 Check Your Mower Blade(s) . . , . . . . , . . . . Engine Oil. . . , . . . . . . . Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Cleaner . . . . . , . . , . Grass Bag (standard for HRB215, optional Handlebar Height . . . . . . . Cutting Height . . . . . . . . Are YOU Ready to Mow?. . . . . . . . . . . for . , . . . .
BEFORE MOWING 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 blades 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.
BEFORE MOWING Check Your Mower BLADE(S) / Blade(s) With the throttle lever in the STOP position and the spark plug cap disconnected, tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting. Inspect the blade(s) for wear and damage. NORMAL EXCESSIVELY WORN BLADE BOLTS BENT CRACKED Dull blades can be sharpened, but blades that are worn out, bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged must be replaced.
BEFORE MOWING Engine Oil 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 oil to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill. FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK - Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.
BEFORE MOWING Fuel Fuel tank capacity: 1 .O e (0.26 US gal) Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool. Remove the 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. Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured.
Fuel Recommendations Use gasoline wi.th a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. We recommend unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life. Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank. Occasionally you may hear light “spark knock’ or “pinging” (metallic rapping noise) while operating under heavy loads. This is no cause for concern.
BEFORE MOWING Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. Some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement. Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents.
BEFORE MOWING Air Cleaner Check that the air filters are clean and in good condition. Dirty air filters will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. pEEiOperating the engine without filters, or with damaged filters, will allow dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of damage is not covered by the Distributor’s Limited Warranty. 1. Unscrew and remove the air cleaner cover knob, then remove the cover. 2. Inspect the paper filter.
BEFORE MOWING Grass Bag (standard for HRB215, optional for HRM215) Check the condition of the grass bag. The grass bag wears during normal use and will eventually require replacement. Grass bag replacement is explained on page 60. Objects hit by the blade can be thrown through a worn or ~~Pdamagedgr~~ Thrown objects can senously Injure you. Replace the grass bag if worn or damaged. Check that the grass bag is not clogged. A clogged bag will not collect grass efficiently and must be cleaned.
BEFORE MOWING ARE YOU Ready to Mow? Just in case you have missed a hidden object in your lawn, 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.
MOWING This section tells you how to operate the mower safely and effectively. Starting the Engine 30 Operating the Controls for Mowing Throttle Lever , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Shift Lever (HRBZISSXA & HRM215SX4) . . Blade Control Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drive Clutch Lever (HRB215SXA & HRMZISSXA) . . . . . . . . . 31 31 32 32 Stopping the Engine 33 Safe Mowing Practices 34 34 35 35 Slopes ..................... Obstacles .................... Gravel and Loose Objects .........
MOWING Si:arting the Engine Because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, it makes good sense to start the mower outside, or at feast in an open area with good ventilation. Before starting, make sure the discharge guard is closed, or that the grass bag or side-discharge chute is in place. 1. FOR STARTING A COLD ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position. FOR RESTARTING A WARM ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to the FAST position. 2. Place your foot on the mower deck step.
MOWING Operating the Controls for Mowing Throttle Lever Blade speed is as important as sharpness. When the blade rotates at high speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently. Always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position, but F do not try to increase the preset engine speed. Gear Shift Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA) 1 (slow) - For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas.
MOWING Blade Control Lever BLADE CONTROL LEVER To start blade rotation, press the button on top of the blade control lever, then pull the lever back and hold it against the handlebar. Release the blade control lever to stop the blade. Operate the blade control lever with a quick and complete motion, so the blade drive is always either fully engaged or stopped.
MOWING Stopping the Engine 1. Release the drive clutch lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA) and blade control lever (all models). 2. Move the throttle lever to the STOP position. When the mower is not in use, leave the throttle lever in the STOP position to prevent carburetor flooding and to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
MOWING 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. The blade is sharp and spins at high speed. A spinning blade can cut .you severely and can amputate fingers and toes.
MOWING Obstacles Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls. Release the drive clutch lever 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, etc. Avoid anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn.
MOWING Mowing Tips When to Mow Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown l/2 to 1 inch above their recommended height. For best mulching results, mow the lawn frequently, cutting off less than one inch of grass each time. In growing season, you will probably need to mow the lawn twice a week. Cutting Height Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height recommendations and advice about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area.
Cutting Width For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few inches. If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower mowing swath. Blade Speed The blade must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the FAST throttle setting, and keep the engine running at maximum rpm. If engine speed drops, that means the blade is trying to cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower more slowly, or raise the cutting height.
MOWING Fallen Leaves If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn, don’t let the leaf cover get too deep before you begin. For best results, start mulching while grass still shows through the leaf cover. Mulching blades (see page 8) and the mulching plug (see page 9) are standard equipment on HRM215 mowers. They can be installed as optional equipment on HRB215 mowers.
MOWING Mowing Patterns Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equipment design, and the direction in which the blade(s) rotates, cause these mowing patterns to give the best results. MULCHING Mulching requires the mulching blades (see page 8) and mulching plug (see page 9) that are standard equipment on HRM215 mowers and optional for HRB215 mowers. Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern.
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TRANSPORTING THE MOWER This section explains how to load and carry your mower safely.
TRANSPORTING THE MOWER Before Loading If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle. LJ STOP Remove the grass bag, if so equipped. Be sure the throttle lever is in the STOP position to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS This section explains when and how to perform routine inspection, service,and adjustments for do-it-yourself maintenance. More difficult maintenance tasks should be done by your dealer. Your dealer is best equipped and staffed to provide the level of service and safety you and your mower deserve. Maintenance Precautions 44 Maintenance Schedule 45 . . . . . . . . . . . 46 46 48 49 51 52 53 . . . . . . . . 54 . . . . , . . . . . . . , . . . 55 56 . . . . . . . .
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Maintenance Precautions Periodic maintenance and adjustments are necessary to keep your mower in good operating condition. Service and inspect according to the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 45). If you do not follow these safety precautions, you can be seriously hurt or killed. Carefully read and follow all safety instructions. The engine and exhaust system become hot enough to burn you and may cause a fire if flammable materials are nearby.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Maintenance Schedule \Regular h?m Service Interval y8or First 20 Hours Use Perform at every indicated interval Every Hzirs Blade condition and blade bolt tightness Change I Air cleaner Check Clean Spark plug I.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Engine Maintenance Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. 1. Place a suitable container next to the mower to catch the used oil. 2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. 3. With the throttle lever in the STOP position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage, tilt the mower on its right side. The used oil will drain through the filler neck. Allow the oil to drain completely.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS 5. After changing the engine oil, and before starting the engine, check the oil level with the mower on a level surface: a. Wipe the dipstick clean. b. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick. c. If the oil level is low, add oil to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill. piziq Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage. d.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Air Cleaner Serwice Dirty air filters will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the air filters more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. r-lzizq Operating the engine without air filters, or damaged filters, will allow dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of damage is not covered by the Distributor’s Limited Warranty. AIR CLEANER HOUSING PAPER 1.
MAINTENANCE 1 NOTICE & ADJUSTMENTS 1 Excess oil will restrict air flow through the foam filter and may transfer to the paper filter, soaking and clogging it. 5. Wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover, using a moist rag. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air duct that leads to the carburetor. 6. Reinstall the filters and cover. Tighten the cover knob securely.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS 4. Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a feeler gauge. The gap should be 0.7 - 0.8 mm (0.028 - 0.031 in). Correct the gap, if necessary, by carefully bending the side electrode. 0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.031 in) 5. Install the spark plug carefully, by hand, to avoid cross-threading. 6. After the spark plug seats, tighten with a 20.6 mm (13/16 in) spark plug wrench to compress the washer. If reinstalling the old spark plug, tighten l/8 to l/4 turn after the spark plug seats.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Spark Arrester Service (optional equipment) In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. A spark arrester is available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers. The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed. 1. Remove the two nuts from the muffler shield, using a 10 mm wrench. 2. Remove the muffler shield, identification plate, muffler, and gasket. 3.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Carburetor Adjustment 1. Start the engine outdoors, and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature. Lw/-- 2. Set the throttle lever in the SLOW position. 3. Turn the pilot screw in or out to the setting that produces the highest idle rpm. The correct setting will usually be approximately 2 turns out from the fully closed position. 4. After the pilot screw is correctly adjusted, turn the throttle stop screw to obtain the standard idle speed.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. High altitude performance can be improved by installing a smaller diameter main fuel jet in the carburetor and readjusting the pilot screw.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Control Cable Adjustments. Blade Control Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of the lever, while holding the button down. Free play should be 20 - 25 mm (3/4 - 1 in). If adjustment is necessary: 1. Loosen the locknuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required. 2. Tighten the locknuts and recheck free play. 3. Start the engine outdoors, and operate the blade control lever.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA) Measure free play at the edge of the lever, as shown. Free play should be 1 - 4 mm (l/l 6 - 3/l 6 in). If adjustment is necessary: 1. Loosen the locknuts with a 10 mm wrench and move the adjuster up or down as required. 2. Tighten the locknuts and recheck free play. 3. Start the engine outdoors, and operate the drive clutch lever. Check to be sure the drive clutch engages and releases properly.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Throttle Cable Adjustment (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA) Throttle cable adjustment is necessary if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly. You can inspect choke operation by observing the movement of the choke arm, which is located on top of the carburetor. 1. Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position. The choke arm should move counterclockwise, until it contacts the stop post on the carburetor.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Gear Shift Cable Adjustment (HRB21 SSXA & HRM215SXA only) With the transmission in 1st gear, pull the gear shift lever all the way back and release it; the lever should be centered on the number “1” on the lever cover. If adjustment is necessary: 1. Loosen the locknuts with a 10 mm wrench and move the adjuster up or down as required. 2. Tighten the locknuts and recheck lever alignment. 3. Verify that the lever operates smoothly. 4.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Blade Removal and Installation If you remove the blade(s) for sharpening or replacement, you will need a torque wrench for installation. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands. BLADE SHARPENING: To avoid weakening the blade(s), or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the blade(s) should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer. BLADE REPLACEMENT: Use genuine Honda replacement blades or their equivalent. Blade Removal 1.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Blade Installation 1. Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area. 2. Install the blade(s) using the two blade bolts and special washers as shown. Be sure to install the special washers with the concave side toward the blade(s) and the convex side toward the bolts. The blade bolts are specially designed for this application and must not be replaced with other bolts. 3. Tighten the blade bolts with a torque wrench.
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Grass Bag Cleaning and Replacement (standard equipment for HRB215, optional for HRM215) Grass Bag Cleaning Wash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before use; a wet bag will clog quickly. Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent. BAG FRAME \ Objects hit by the blade(s) can be thrown through a worn or damaged grass bag. Thrown objects can seriously injure you.
TROUBLESHOOTING This section shows what to check if you have a problem with your mower. Engine Problems Engine will not start . . . . . . . . . . , , . , 62 62 loss of power . . , , . . , . . . , , , . . . .
TROUBLESHOOTING Engine Problems ENGINE WILL NOT START POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Check throttle lever position. Throttle lever in wrong position. 2. Check fuel. Out of fuel. Move throttle lever to CHOKE position unless engine is warm (p.30). Refuel (p. 23). 3. Remove and inspect spark plug. Bad fuel; mower stored without treating or draining gasoline, or refueled with bad gasoline. Drain fuel tank and carburetor (p.69). Refuel with fresh gasoline (p. 23).
TROUBLESHOOTING Vibration Problems EXCESSIVE VIBRATION 1. Check mower deck and blade(s). 2. Take mower to Honda lawn mower dealer for repair. POSSIBLE CAUSE Grass and debris lodged Tighten loose blade under mower deck. bolts. Replace damaged Blade(s) loose, bent, blade(s) (p. 58 - 59). damaged, or unbalanced by improper sharpening. Mechanical damage, Take mower to Honda lawn mower dealer, or such as a bent crankshaft.
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STORAGE This secfion explains how to protect your mower from rust and corrosion, and ensure that if will start easily when you want to use if again.
STORAGE Storage Preparation Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your mower’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the mower again. Cleaning Clean all surfaces of the mower, including the underside of the mower deck. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blade.
STORAGE 7. Wash the grass bag (if equipped) with a garden hose and allow it to dry completely. 8. After the mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil. Lubricate all control cable cores with a silicone spray lubricant.
. STORAGE FUEL Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
STORAGE Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor 1. Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the carburetor bowl fuel into an approved container. Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured. BOLT When working on fuel system connections: l l Keep heat, sparks, and flames away. TROlTLE LEVER Wipe up spills immediately. 2. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW or FAST position to OPEN the fuel valve.
STORAGE Storage If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated. If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust and corrosion.
STORAGE Removal From Storage Check your mower as described in the BEFORE MOWING chapter of this manual. If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting. If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
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SPECIFICATIONS This section gives dimensions, capacities, and other technical information.
SPECIFICATIONS Mower Models HRB215PXA: Manually propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag HRB215SXA: Self-propelled, high-lift blade, and grass bag HRM215PXA: Manually propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug HRM21 SSXA: Self-propelled, mulching blades, and mulching plug Dimensions and General Specifications Overall Length Handlebar Handlebar Handlebar Handlebar high: 1505 mm (59% in) mid: 1580 mm (623/6 in) low: 1635mm (643/a in) folded: 1062 mm (41 13/16 in) Overall Height with cutting height adj
SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine Model Engine Type 1 GXV140 4-stroke, overhead-valve, single cylinder, forced air-cooled Displacement Bore and Stroke 135 cc (8.2 cu in) 64 x 42 mm (2.52 x 1.65 in) Compression Ratio 8:l Maximum Horsepower Maximum Torque 3.3 kW, 4.5 PS, (4.4 bhp) at 3,600 rpm 9.0 N-m ,92 kg-cm, (6.
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INDEX & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This section contains an index, lists additional Honda publications, and tells you how to contact us if you have a question or a warranty repair problem.
INDEX & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Index A Air Cleaner Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Air Cleaner Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Attachments: Standard and Optional . . . . . . 9 B Bagging (requires optional grass bag) Blade(s): Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation Removal . : : : : : : : : : : : Sharpness . . . . . . , , . . . Standard and Optional Types . . Blade Control Lever: Cable Adjustment . . . . . . . . Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 . . . . . .
INDEX & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION D Damage Prevention Message Definition . . . . . III Drive Clutch Lever (HRB215SXA & HRM215SXA): Cable Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 16 & 32 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E Engine: Fuel Recommendations . . Maintenance . . . . . . . . Oil Change . . . . . . . . . Oil Level Check . . . . . . . Oil Recommendations Refueling . . . Serial Number Starting . . . . Stopping . . . Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INDEX & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION H Handlebar Height Adjustment & Folding . . . . . 17 High Altitude Operation: Recommended Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 High-Lift Blade (standard for HRB215) . . . . . . 8 I Inspection Before Mowing: Lawn ................... Mower. .................. Introduction .................... .20 .21 II L Lawn: Inspection Before Mowing ......... Mowing Tips ................ Safe Mowing Practices ........... Leaves: Mulching, Raking, Bagging .......
INDEX & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 0 Oil (for engine): Change .................. Level Check ................ Recommendations ......... .46 22 22 & 46 P Pre-Operation Check: Lawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . .20 Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 S Safety: 4 Important Message to Parents ....... 34 Safe Mowing Practices ........... 2 Safety Information ............. 5 Safety Label Locations ........... III Safety Message Definitions ......... 13 Serial Numbers .................
INDEX & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION T Throttle Lever: Cable Adjustment . . . . Operation . . . . . . . . Transporting . . . . . . . . . Troubleshooting: Engine Problems . . . . Mowing/Mulching/Bagging Vibration Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 . . . . . . 14 & 31 . . . . . . . . . . 42 . . . . . . . . . . 62 Problems . . . . 63 . . . . . . . . . . 63 W Washing: Grass Bag (standard on HRB215) . . . . . 60 Mower. . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . .
INDEX & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Customer Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer any question you may have. If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership’s management. The Service Manager or General Manager can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way.