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Thank you for purchasing a Honda lawn mower. This manual describes operation and maintenance of Honda HRA215PDA rotary mowers. 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.
CONTENTS l.SAFETY ........................................... Safety Label Locations ............................... Safety Information .................................. Important Message to Parents ......................... 4 4 5 7 2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION 8 .......................... 3.CONTROLS ...................................... FuelValve........................................lO Throttle Lever ..................................... Flywheel Brake Lever ................................
CONTENTS 7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS 8. TRANSPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . ..a.................... 9. MAINTENANCE .................................... Maintenance Schedule. ............................. Engine Oil Change. ................................ Air Cleaner Service ................................ Spark Plug Service ................................ Spark Arrester Maintenance (optional equipment) ........... Flywheel Brake Cable Adjustment ......
1. SAFETY Read all safety instructions before operating the mower. IS SUBJECT TO DETERl&ATlON AND WEAR, AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD 871.1, ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD. I II uu IYUI .ri tnn I UNLtS3 KtAK UUUK IS CLOSEDOR BAG IS IN PLACE. READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING. DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG CAP BEFORE CUTTER DECK AND CUTTER BLADE SERVICING.
1. SAFETY SAFETY INFORMATION For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention precautions: to these 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.
1. SAFETY Fire and Burn 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.
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 judgments can result in serious injuries. You can help prevent accidents by making good decisions about it when, and how your youngster operates this equipment.
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2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER I SPARK PLUG CAP A AIR CLEANER CARBURETOR - \ FUEL VALVE 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 53).
3. CONTROLS FUEL VALVE The fuel valve opens and closes the connection between the fuel tank and the carburetor. FUEL 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. B Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode, causing injury or death.
3. CONTROLS I 1 FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the ignition switch. The engine will not start and run unless this lever is moved forward. To start the engine and blade, push the lever forward and hold it against the handlebar while operating the recoil starter. Continue to hold the lever against the handlebar while mowing. To stop the engine and blade, release the lever.
3. CONTROLS CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS w The blade can cause serious injury. Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height. l-112 iti (4.0 cm1 2-112 in (6;4 kin) There are five cutting height settings: 1 in (2.7 cm), l-1 /2 in (4.0 cm), 2 in / (5.2 cm), 2-l /2 in (6.4 cm), and 3 in (7.6 cm). These are approximate / figures, as the actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.
4. ATTACHMENTS Honda HRA215PDA mowers are provided with a grass bag as standard equipment. You can operate the mower with the grass bag (or optional hardshell 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.
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.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK Check the following items before stal rting 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 damage. NORMAL blade for wear EXCESSIVELY WORN and BENT CRACKED A dull blade can be sharpened, but a blade that is worn out, bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged must be replaced.
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.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK 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 the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in. 3. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick. If near the lower level, fill to the upper level with the recommended oil. Do not overfill. 1 NoT’CE damage.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK FUEL Fuel tank capacity: 0.26 US gal (1.0 PI Remove the filler cap and check the fuel level. Refill the tank if the fuel level is low. Refuel carefully to avoid overfilling or spilling fuel. There should be no fuel in the filler neck. B Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode, causing serious injury or death. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK Fuel Recommendation Pump octane rating: 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.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK AIR CLEANER Check that the air filter is clean and in good condition. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance, A damaged air filter will allow dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear. 1. Remove the cover screws, then remove the air cleaner cover. 2. Inspect the paper and foam elements of the air filter. Replace the filter if either of the filter elements are damaged.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK CUTTING HEIGHT Check the cutting height settings, and make any necessary adjustments (see page 12). Set both adjusting levers to the same cutting height position. B The blade can cause serious injury. Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height.
6. OPERATION STARTING THE ENGINE FUEL VALVE 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. sonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. To keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate ventilation. 1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position. 2. FOR STARTING A COLD ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position.
6. OPERATION 3. Push the flywheel brake lever forward and hold it against the handlebar. 4. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. When the engine starts, return the starter rope gently. Continue to hold the flywheel brake lever forward against the handlebar; the engine will stop if you release the lever. NOTE: The blade turns when you operate the starter. It is easiest to start the engine in a clear or mowed area where the blade can turn freely.
6. OPERATION 5. When the engine warms up, move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position. Set the lever in ’ FAST ( 6 1 position for mowing, or in S,LOW ( c)) position for idling. THROTTLE LEVER NOTE: If restarting a warm engine in the CHOKE position, move the throttle lever away from CHOKE as soon as the engine starts. CLEARING A FLOODED ENGINE If the engine won’t start, after you have operated the starter several times, .the engine may be flooded with excess fuel.
6. OPERATION MOWER OPERATION For best grass cutting and bagging performance, and to avoid stalling the engine, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST I* 1 position. THROTTLE LEVER Release the flywheel brake lever to stop the engine and blade before reaching areas wit,h gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material. Objects hit by the blade can be thrown with great force, B Thrown objects may cause serious injury and property damage. Stop the blade before reaching any,area with loose objects.
6. OPERATION B 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 and debris. For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful not to lose 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. Mow across slopes, never up and down.
6. OPERATION STOPPING THE ENGINE Release the flywheel brake lever to stop the engine. 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. B Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode, causing injury or death. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position when the mower is not in use.
6. OPERATION 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 may 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.
i I i 7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS A cutting height of l-l /2 in (4.0 cm) or 2 in (5.2 cm) is 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. Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown half an inch to an inch above the recommended height.
7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS For best results, start at the outer edges of the lawn, and work toward the center in a clockwise direction. If you use the standard grass bag, or the optional hard-shell grass catcher, a clockwise mowing pattern, starting at the outer edges of the lawn, will give the best bagging performance, leaving the least amount of clippings on the lawn. The mower will bag most efficiently with this mowing pattern, due to cutter deck design and the direction in which the blade rotates.
If the grass is not very thick or tall, you can mow a wide swath. Keep the wheels close to the swath line for maximum cutting width. If the grass is very thick or tall, cutting a wide swath may slow or stall the engine, clog the cutter deck, and cause poor bagging performance. For thick or tall grass, cut a narrower swath, and/or push the mower more slowly. If necessary, mow twice; first with a high cut, then at final cutting height.
8. TRANSPORTING B The engine and exhaust system become hot during operation and remain hot for a while after stopping. C&tact with hot engine components can cause bums and can ignite some materials. t , Avoid touching the engine or exhaust system for at least 15 minutes after the engine has stopped. Allow the engine to cool before transporting the mower. Before Loading l Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
9. MAINTENANCE Periodic maintenance and adjustment are necessary to keep the mower in good operating condition. Service and inspect according to the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, shut the engine off before performing any maintenance. l To avoid serious burns, let the engine cool for at least 15 minutes before performing maintenance. Use genuine Honda parts or their equivalent for maintenance and repair. Parts of lower quality may damage the mower.
9. MAINTENANCE ENGINE OIL CHANGE Engine oil capacity: 0.63 US qt (0.6 PI Drain the oil while the engine is warm to assure rapid and complete draining. Place a suitable container under the cutter deck to catch the used oil. NOTE: Check to be sure the drain hole in the cutter deck is not clogged. If necessary, remove grass and debris from the cutter deck. Remove the oil filler cap and the oil drain bolt, using a 10 mm box or socket wrench.
9. MAINTENANCE 3. Install the oil drain bolt and tighten it securely. 4. Fill with the recommended oil (see page 17) to the upper level on the dipstick. Do not overfill. 5. Install the filler cap/dipstick. 6. Wipe the cutter deck drain channel clean to reduce dirt build-up when the mower is used. NOTE: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods.
9. MAINTENANCE AIR CLEANER SERVICE A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. pz?iEq Operating the engine with no air filter, or a damaged air filter, will cause rapid engine wear. 1. Remove the two cover screws, then remove the air cleaner cover. Remove the air filter, and separate the filter elements.
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9. MAINTENANCE SPARK PLUG SERVICE Recommended spark plugs: NGK BPRSES ND 16EPR-U CHAMPION RNl2Y pEiEq Spark plugs of the wrong heat range can cause engine damage. For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. 1. Disconnect the spark plug cap, and remove any dirt from around the spark plug area. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. B Touching the engine or exhaust system while hot can cause bums. Let the engine cool before servicing. Remove the spark plug with a spark plug wrench.
9. IMAINTENANCE SPARK ARRESTER MAINTENANCE (optional equipment) The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed. B Touching the engine or exhaust system while hot can cause burns. Let the engine cool before servicing. 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. Remove the spark arrester from the muffler. 4.
9. MAINTENANCE FLYWHEEL BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT 1. Measure free play at the top of the lever, as shown. Free play should be 3/16-3/8 in (5-10 mm). < 2. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required. Tighten the lock nuts and recheck free play. 3. Hold the lever forward and start the engine. Release the lever; the engine should stop quickly.
9. MAINTENANCE THROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT 1. When the throttle lever is moved to the CHOKE position, the carburetor choke arm should move all the way counterclockwise, as far as it will go. Push the choke arm with your finger to check that it has moved as far as it will go. I -----.-.l CHOKE I ARM 2. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the throttle control cable lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required. Tighten the lock nuts and recheck carburetor choke arm movement.
9. MAINTENANCE CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT Start the engine outdoors, and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature. B Exhaust contains Doisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing exha&t can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. To keep exhaust gas from building up,. provide adequate ventilation. L. Set the throttle lever in the SLOW (c) ) position. 3. Turn the pilot screw in or out to the setting that produces the highest idle rpm.
GRASS RAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT When the bag needs cleaning, wash it with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before use; a wet grass bag will clog quickly. Replace a frayed, torn, or deteriorated bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent. BAG REMOVAL Unclip the plastic edges of the bag, and remove the bag from the frame. BAG INSTALLATION 1. Insert the frame in the bag as shown. 2. Clip the plastic edges of the bag onto the frame as shown.
9. MAINTENANCE BLADE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION 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. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands. l l Blade sharpening: lb reduce the possibility of weakening the blade, or causing imbalance or poor cutting performance, have the blade sharpened by an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer.
9. MAINTENANCE Blade Installation B The blade can cause serious injury. Disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent any possibility of accidental starting. 1. Clean dirt and grass from the blade mounting area. 2. Install the blade holder and blade. NOTE: l l Be sure the blade is positioned right side up (rear edges turn upward; center hole rim projects downward). If the blade is installed upside down, the edges cannot cut properly.
10. STORAGE Preparation for Storage When the mower will not be used for one month or longer, proper storage preparation will help to prevent rust and corrosion, and will make it easier to start the engine when the mower is removed from storage. 1. Clean all surfaces of the mower, including the area underneath the cutter deck. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands. NOTE: Before cleaning under the cutter deck, turn the fuel valve OFF, and rest the mower on its right side, so the carburetor side is up.
10. STORAGE 4. For prolonged storage, perform these additional steps: For storage of 1 or 2 months: For storage of 1 or 2 months, be sure the fuel tank is full. If partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel oxidation and deterioration, resulting in bad fuel that may cause hard starting. Deteriorated fuel may also clog carburetor passages, requiring carburetor repair or replacement.
10. STORAGE For storage of more than 2 months (continued): d. Disconnect the fuel line from the fuel valve, and drain the fuel tank into an approved gasoline container. -i B Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode, causing serious injury or death. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. e. Remove the carburetor drain bolt, using a 10 mm wrench. Drain the carburetor into an approved gasoline container.
10. STORAGE Cover the mower to keep out dust. NOTE: Plastic sheets should not be used as dust covers; they trap moisture under the covers, promoting rust and corrosion. Removal from Storage Check all items described in the PRE-OPERATION CHECK section of this manual (pages 15-21). NOTE: l Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.
11. TROUBLESHOOTING ENGINE ENGINE WILL NOT START POSSIBLE CAUSE I 1. Check control positions. 2. Check fuel. Fuel valve OFF. Throttle lever in wrong position. I Out of fuel. Bad fuel; mower stored without treating or draining gasoline, or refueled with bad gas. I CORRECTION Turn fuel valve ON fp. 221. Move throttle lever to CHOKE position, unless the engine is warm (p. 22) I Refuel fp. 18). Drain fuel tank and carburetor (p. 48). Refuel with fresh gasoline 1 &I. 18). 3.
11. TROUBLESHOOTING GRASS CUTTING POOR CUT QUALITY OR POOR CUlTlNG PERFORMANCE CORRECTION POSSIBLE CAUSE Engine speed is too slow to cut well. Move throttle lever to FAST f * position Ip. 25). 2. Reduce forward speed. Mower is moving too fast for lawn conditions. Push slower. 3. Check cutting height adjustment levers. Adjustment levers set at different positions. Set all four levers in the same cutting height position (p. 12). 4. Check grass bag. Grass bag is overfilled clogged.
12. SPECIFICATIONS MOWER MODEL HR215PDA: / Manual starting, manually propelled; equipped with flywheel brake 5 -- DIMENSIONS Overall length 64.6 in (164 cm) Width at cutter deck 22.2 in (56.5 cm) Overall height 39.0 in (99 cm) Dry Weight 86 lb (39 kg) Grass Bag Capacity 2.07 bushels; 19.3 US gal (73 PI Cutting Width 21 in (53 cm) Cutting Height (adjustable) 1 in (2.7 cm), l-1/2 in (4.0 cm), 2 in (5.2 cm), 2-l /2 in (6.4 cm), 3 in (7.
13. WARRANTY SERVICE Owner Satisfaction I *-’ Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to us. All Honda warranty details are explained in the Distributor’s Limited Warranty. Normally, any problems concerning the product will be handled by your dealer’s service department.
