Thank you for purchasing a Honda riding mower. This manual covers the operation and maintenance riding mower, type SA (side discharge). of the Honda HT-R3811 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 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 should be considered a permanent part of the riding mower and should remain with the riding mower when sold.
CONTENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 2 ........................................................... SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION . ................ ................................. CONTROLS .............................................................................. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ......................................................... .............................................................. OPERATION ................ l Starting the engine ..........................
1 m SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING LABEL LOCATIONS I PASSENGERS. GMAXIMUM SAFE OPERATING ANGLE 10 DEGREES. (17% GRADE) 10’MAX. #REDUCE SPEED WHEN TURNING OR OPERATING ON SLOPES. GSTOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING GRASS CATCHER OR CLEANING DISCHARGE CHUTE #KEEP ALL SHIELDS AND SAFETY DEVICES IN PLACE. GKEEP PEOPLE AND PETS AT A SAFE DISTANCE WHILE OPERATING.
RIDING MOWER SAFETY w Oberating a riding mower requires special efforts on your part to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Know these requirements before you operate the riding mower. SAFE OPERATING l l l l l l l l l l l RULES Always make a pre-operation inspection (page 15) before you operate the riding mower; you may prevent an accident or equipment damage. All parts, especially guards and shields, should be in good condition, and securely fastened in place.
Be alert. Do not operate the riding mower when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Watch out for and avoid rocks, roots, holes and other obstacles. If you hit an object, stop and inspect the riding mower; fix any damage before you operate the mower again. Replace damaged, worn or broken parts immediately. Do not operate near the edge of a ditch or an embankment.
l l l l l If mowing on a sloping surface, always drive up and down the face of the grade. Never turn or drive across the face of the slope. To prevent loss of control or overturning, always reduce speed and exercise extreme caution when operating on sloping or uneven surfaces. Avoid turning or stopping on sloping surfaces; see page 28 for special instructions. Do not back down or rapidly accelerate up a sloping surface; see page 28 for special instructions.
2.
POWER TAKE-OFF DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTING L CUTTER DECK / REAR Raise 8 BODY
Engine compartment AIR CLEANER FUEL’VALVE PLUG OIL DRAIN PLUG (LOCATED ON THE FRAME) OIL FILLER CAP 9
3. CONTROLS 1. Engine switch Ewm Always remove the key from the engine switch riding mower is unattended to prevent children or unauthorized starting the engine. whenever the persons from This riding mower is equipped with an automotive type ignition switch, which controls all the electrical circuits. The switch is located on the right-hand side in front of the gear shift lever. Key positions: “START” to start the engine to run the engine after starting “ON” “OFF” to stop the engine.
3. Cutter deck height adjusting lever This lever is used to raise and lower the cutter deck. To adjust the cutting height, squeeze the handle lock and then press in and hold the set button. Raise or lower the lever until the desired cutting height appears on the indicator. At that point, release the set button and the handle lock. Be sure the handle lock returns to its normal position when released. Cutting height: 1 .O, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 k-r. (Approx) CAUTION: .
5. Power Take-Off (P.T.O.) lever This lever engages and disengages the power take-off clutch to drive the blade. Lever positions: ON (Engaged) . . . . . . . . . . Blade turns OFF (Disengaged) . . . . . . . . Blade stops \ ON (Engaged) P.T.O. LEVER NOTE: An interlock switch prevents P.T.O. lever is in the OFF position. the engine from starting unless the 6. Brake pedal Depressing the pedal will first disengage the riding mower drive clutch.
7. Warning The warning A.Low buzzer buzzer has two functions oil level alarm (intermittent which beeping are described below. sound) If the oil level falls to a predetermined level while the engine is running, the warning buzzer will beep on and off. If this happens, stop the engine immediately, check the engine oil level and add enough of the recommended oil to bring the level to the upper mark on the dipstick (See page 16). CAUTION: Running engine damage. the engine B.
8. Parking brake lever This lever is used to set the brake when the riding lever fully up until the ratchet locks. mower is parked. Pull the NOTE: The parking brake lever does not operate the automatic clutch. Always put the transmission in neutral, or turn off the engine switch before setting the parking brake. A steady warning buzzer will sound if the parking brake is engaged while the transmission is in gear and the engine switch is ON.
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS m To pr’event accidental start-up, remove the engine switch key, and disconnect the spark plug cap before performing the pre-operation ‘ inspection. 1. Make sure the cooling CAUTION: overheat. If the cooling air intake screens are clean.
2. Check the engine oil level CAUTION: l l Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and service life. Non-detergent oil and 2-stroke engine oil are not recommended. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage. a. Place the riding mower on a level surface. b. Lift the rear body, wipe dust and dirt from around the oil filler cap, remove the cap and wipe the dipstick clean. c. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in. d.
3. Check the fuel level Raise the rear body and check the fuel level. Refill the tank to the upper level mark if necessary. Your engine is designed to use any gasoline that has a pump octane or that has a research ocnumber (R ; M ) of 86 or higher, tane number of 91 or higher. Gasoline pumps at service station normally display the pump octane number. We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends the life of exhaust system components.
Rwlm l l l l l Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Refuel in a well!ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored. Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely. Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite.
4. Check the air cleaner elements 1. Raise the rear body. 2. Remove the two wing nuts to remove the air cleaner cover and air cleaner elements. If the elements are dirty, follow AIR CLEANER the cleaning procedure described COVER WING AIR CLEANER on page 39. NUTS ELEMENTS 5. Check brake lining wear Inspect brake lining condition every time the riding mower is used. Firmly set the parking brake, and then check the position of the brake wear indicator.
6. Deck belt, primary belt and blade belt inspection 1 Wear or damage 1. Lower the cutter deck as far as it will go with the cutter deck height adjusting lever. 2. Inspect both belts for wear and damage. If the belts are worn or damaged, replace them according to the instructions on pages 47-50. n Blade belt tension 1. Move the P.T.O. lever to the ON (Engaged) position. 2. Raise the cutter deck as far as it will go with the cutter deck height adjusting lever. 3.
7. Check the battery Raise the rear body, trolyte level. remove the battery The electrolyte level must be maintained lines on the side of the battery. cover and check the battery between elec- the upper and lower level If the electrolyte level is low, remove the battery filler caps and carefully distilled water to the upper level line. add EEm . The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away.
8. Adjust the seat position 1. 2. 3. 4. Raise the rear body. Disconnect the 2-pin connectors. Loosen the four seat mounting nuts. Move the seat to a position that allows you to reach all controls easily and comfortably. 5. Tighten the seat mounting nuts securely. Be sure to re-connect the 2pin connectors. 2-pin SEAT CONNECTORS MOUNTING 9. Check the tire pressure CAUTION: Improper ‘inflation may lead to premature tire exceed the manufacturer’s maximum tire pressure specification.
5. OPERATION Starting the engine Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide. Never run ram the engine in an enclosed area. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation. 1. Raise the rear body, turn the fuel valve ON and close the rear body. REAR BODY 2. Sit on the seat and check that the parking brake lever is set, the transmission is in neutral and the P.T.O. lever is in the OFF (Disengaged) position. 3. Move the throttle lever to the START (CHOKE) position. NOTE: throttle When the engine to SLOW.
4. Turn the engine switch to START. CAUTION: Do not use the starter motor for more than 5 seconds. If the engine fails to start, release the key, and wait at least 10 seconds before operating the starter motor again. 5. After the engine starts, let the engine switch return to ON. 6. After the engine warms up, move the throttle lever to the SLOW position.
7. Seat safety switch operation check. 1. Move the P.T.O. lever to ON (Engaged). Rise off the seat - the engine should stop immediately. 2. Return the P.T.O. lever’to OFF (Disengaged) and restart the engine. Release the parking brake and place the shift lever in the 1st speed range. While driving slowly, rise off the seat - the engine should stop immediately. CAUTION: Perform this check on level ground, never on a slope.
Mowing mm understand Before operating this riding mower the safe operating rules. See page 4. you should read and CAUTION: In tall grass, first mow with the cutter deck fully raised (3% in); this will expose any hidden obstacles. When you are sure the area is completely cleared, re-mow at the desired height. NOTE: For best results, wait until 1. Set the cutter deck height adjusting 26 the lawn is dry before mowing. lever to the desired cutting height.
2. Move the throttle lever to the FAST position. CAUTION: When mowing over rough ground or on hillsides, select the gear that will give a safe ground speed when the engine is operating at full throttle. -, START CHOKE FAST SLOW \ J NOTE: The riding mower can be operated at intermediate throttle settings if desired, but always maintain sufficient engine speed for good pulling power and efficient blade operation. Use the shift lever to select the desired driving speed range. 3. Move the P.T.O.
4. Move the shift lever to select the desired gear position. engage automatically in about one second. The clutch will CAUTION: If clutch engagement occurs immediately or takes longer than one second, have the riding mower serviced by your HONDA dealer. l l Be sure the area behind the mower obstacles before backing up. Operate the mower at low speed until operating characteristics.
5. Cutting E%zm surface. Patterns These cutting patterns are only recommended See safe operating rules page 4. for a flat, level lawn 0 In a small area First make 2 or 3 turns in a clockwise continue cutting in the reverse direction. 0/ 0 JJ, direction; then turn around and ,7‘, 0 In a large area The first round of cuts is the key to making a neat finish. First, make 2 or 3 turns in a clockwise direction.
Stopping the engine 0 In an emergency; Turn the engine switch OFF. 0 In.normal use; (1) Move the P.T.O. lever to OFF (Disengaged). (2) (3) (4) (51 ON kqaged) / OFF 1Disengaged) Move the shift lever to the Neutral position. Set the parking brake. Turn the engine switch OFF. Raise the rear body, turn the fuel valve OFF and close the rear body.
High altitude operation At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will be excessively will increase. High altitude performance can be improved by installing a smaller diameter main fuel jet in the carburetor and readjusting the pilot screw. If you always operate the riding mower at altitudes higher than 6,000 feet above sea level, have your authorized Honda Riding Mower dealer perform these carburetor modifications.
6. TRANSPORTING/STORAGE Transporting Transport the riding mower suitable tie down points. on a flat, level trailer or pick-up Turn the fuel valve OFF and set the parking brake lever. Tie the riding mower down securely, using the tie down below. truck, points with shown CAUTION: To avoid damaging the tie-rods, be careful not to put the rope around or near them when securing the front end. FRONT REAR PROPER TIE-DOWN _ POINTS Spilled fuel may ignite.
Turn the fuel valve ON, loosen the carburetor drain screw, and drain the fuel into an approved gasoline container. After draining tighten the drain screw securely. lmm conditions. DRAIN Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive under Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area. certain SCREW 2. Change the engine oil (see page 40). NOTE: If the riding mower will be stored for longer than 3 months, raise the rear body and remove the spark plug and pour three tablespoons (approximately 1 oz.
3. Remove the battery and store in a cool, dry place. Recharge it once a month. 4. Remove the cutter deck: 4-l. Lower the cutter deck and be sure the P.T.O. lever is in the OFF position. Turn the front wheels all the way to the left, and then remove the belt stopper. BELT 4-2. Remove the transmission.
4-3. Remove the 7 mm lock pin collar and washer from the P.T.O. clutch rod. 4-4. Remove the four 14 mm lock pins and washers from the right and left of the cutter deck. ~~ P.TE ROD ,,, ~ WASHERLOCK PIN 7 mm \COLLAR / CUTTERDECK 4-5. Remove the front deck arms from the frame body by removing lock pins and washers. WASHER 4-6. Disengage the cutter side to side.
4-7. With the steering right and back. CAUTION: the muffler removal. wheel all the way to the left, pull the dutter deck to the Be careful to avoid hitting with the cutter deck during 5. Turn the cutter deck upside down. Clean the underside of the deck with water, and dry thoroughly. 6. For longer service-and greater efficiency, keep the underside of the mower housing clean and free of accumulated grass clippings by washing it down with a hose after use and/or cleaning it with a wire brush and scraper.
Removal from storage 1. Check the battery electrolyte level (see page 21). Fully recharge the battery, and install it in the riding mower. 2. Remove the spark plug and check that it is clean and properly gapped (see page 42). Turn the engine a few revolutions with the starter motor before reinstalling the spark plug. 3. Thread the spark plug in as far as possible by hand, then tighten it l/8 to l/4 turn further with the plug wrench. 4. Check the engine oil level (see page 16). 5.
7. MAINTENANCE l l l Shut off the engine and set the parking brake before performing any maintenance. To prevent accidental start-up, remove the engine switch key and disconnect the spark plug cap. The riding mower should be serviced by an authorized HONDA dealer unless the owner has proper tools and service data and feels he is mechanically qualified. CAUTION: maintenance may,damage Use only genuine Honda parts or their equivalent for or repair.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Air cleaner Parking operation brake Battery electrolyte Tire pressure Feul tank Front Fuel Valve Engine Check filter cable axle level Check level clearance and shroud 0 12) 0 (2) 0 and gravity 0 c-3 Clean 0 Check-Adjust 0 12) Grease 0 Check (Replace line fins 0 Check Check and Throttle NOTE: buzzer (2) 0 if necessary) (2) Check-Readjust 0 (2) Clean 0 12) (1) Service the air cleaner more frequently when used in dusty areas.
1. Engine oil change NOTE: Drain the complete draining. oil while the engine is still 1. Raise the rear body. 2. Remove the oil filler cap and the drain suitable container. 3. Retighten the dr‘ain bolt securely. warm plug, to assure rapid and drain and the oil into a NOTE: Before refilling the crankcase, check the operation of the Low Oil Level Alarm. Remove the spark plug cap, shift the transmission into neutral and turn the ignition key to the ON position.
2. Air cleaner service A dirty air cleaner will carburetor malfunction, frequently when operating restrict air flow to the carburetor. To prevent service the air cleaner regularly. Service more the riding mower in extremely dusty areas. Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air WMiQ cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result. CAUTION: will result. Never run the engine without 1. Raise the rear body. 2. Remove the wing nuts and the air cleaner cover.
3. Spark plug service. Recommended spark plug: BPR5ES (NGK) WlGEPR-U (ND) To ensure proper engine operation, and free of deposits. the spark plug must be properly gapped 1. Raise the rear body and remove the spark plug cap. 2. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base. 3. Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug. SPARK SPARK PLUG WRENCH 4. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard it if the insulator is cracked or chipped; Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused. 5.
6. Thread the plug in by hand to prevent cross threading. 7. After a new spark plug has been seated by hand, it should be tightened l/2 turn with a wrench to compress its washer. If a used plug is being reinstalled, it should only require l/8 to l/4 turn after being seated. CAUTION: The spark plug must be securely tightened. An improperly can become very hot and possibly damage the engine. l Never use a spark plug with an improper heat range.
4. Battery electrolyte level check Raise the rear body, remove the battery cover and check the electrolyte level in each battery cell. Fill the battery with distilled water to the upper level line. Never overfill the battery. Any corrosion around the positive and negative terminals should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Dry the terminals and retighten the terminal bolts if necessary, then coat the terminals with grease.
5. Drive clutch inspection 1. Place the shift lever in the “2” position. 2. Using light pressure, push the clutch arm toward the front of the riding mower until you feel resistance. At this point the index mark on the clutch arm should be between the two notches on the clutch cable joint. If the index mark moves to the service limit notch, the clutch disk may be worn out; consult your authorized Honda dealer. NOTE: Do not force the clutch arm during this inspection, dication will result.
6. Wheel removal Do not attempt to remove a wheel unless the riding mower is on firm and level ground. l Do not attempt to remove or replace a tire unless you have the equipment and knowledge to do SD properly. Block the wheels securely. l Front wheel 1. Remove the cotter pin. 2: Jack up the front of the mower and remove the 12 mm wheel hub nut, washer and the front wheel. 3. Install the front wheel in the reverse order of removal.‘Be sure to use a new cotter pin and bend it properly as shown.
.7. Deck belt adjustment/replacement Never attempt to change a belt while. the engine is running. mm Remove the engine key from the ignition and disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent accidental start up. CAUTION: Wear heavy gloves to protect when working with the cutter blade. your hands when replacing belts or n Adjustment 1. Set the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position. 2. Move the P.T.O. lever to the ON (Engaged) position. ’ 3.
n Replacement 1. Remove the cutter deck (see pages 34 thru. 36). 2. Remove the blade belt (see page 49). 3. Hold the bracket and move the knob to the right so that the tensioner moves in the direction indicated by the arrow. TENSIONER arm ARM .EYS BRACKET CAUTION: l Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands when replacing the blade belt, and don’t put your hands between the pulleys. l Grasp the knob on the tensioner pulley firmly, and return the tensioner arm slowly; don’t let it snap back. 4.
8. Blade belt replacement 1. Remove the cutter deck (see pages 34 thru. 36). 2. Remove the pulley covers by removing the one 8 mm bolt and three 8 mm nuts. 3. Pull the A portion of the blade belt toward the direction indicated by the arrow and remove the blade belt from the pulley A. 4. Install a new blade belt in the reverse order of removal. 5. Rotate the pulley to check that the belt moves smoothly after assembly.
9. Primary belt replacement CAUTION: Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands when replacing the belt. 1. Remove the cutter deck (see page 34 thru. 36). 2. Remove the primary belt from the pulley on the belt tensioner arm while pressing out on the arm by hand. Then, remove the primary belt from the pulley on the engine. 3. Remove the tensioner arm by removing the 10 mm bolt and remove the primary belt by pulling it out by hand. 4. Install a new primary belt.
10. Blade inspection, sharpening and replacement Never attempt to change a blade while the engine is running. cmml qemove the ignition key from the ignition and disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent accidental start up. CAUTION: Always wear heavy gloves to protect with the cutter blade. your hands when working n Blade inspection 1. Remove the cutter deck from the riding mower (see page 34 thru. 36). 2. Inspect the blade for cracks, bends or signs of wear.
W Blade sharpening CAUTION: Always wear heavy gloves to protect with the cutter blade. your hands when working 1. Remove the cutter deck (see page 34 thru. 36), and turn it upside down. 2. Remove the blade bolts and the blade. CAUTION: To avoid damaging dressing or resharpening it. the blade, be sure to hold it securely while 3. Maintain the original cutting edge bevel when resharpening or dressing the blade. Leave a l/64 inch (0.
n Blade replacement CAUTION:, Always wear heavy gloves to protect with the cutter blade. 1. Hold the blade firmly, your hands when working and remove the blade bolt, washer BLADE and blade. BOLT BLADE 2. Clean any dirt and grass from around the blade shaft and inside the deck. 3. Install a new blade onto the shaft and secure it with the blade bolt and washer. Tighten the bolts securely and install the mower deck. Blade bolt tightening torque: 4.5-5.5 TORQUE kg-m (32.55-39.
11. Spark arrester maintenance (optional part) You can purchase an optional, U.S.D.A. qualified spark arrester from your authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer. Spark arrester are required in some areas; check local laws and regulations before operating your riding mower. ‘W The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot-for a while after the engine stops. Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot. Allow it to cool before proceeding.
8. TROUBLESHOOTING Engine fails to start; 1. No fuel. 2. Shift lever in gear. 3. P.T.O. lever engaged. 4. Spark plug faulty or improperly gapped. 5. Spark plug wire looseor disconnected. 6. Fuel not reaching carburetor. 7. Discharged battery loose terminal. or - Engine loses power; 1. Dirty air cleaner elements. 2. Spark plug faulty or improperly gapped. 3. Engine overloaded. Engine overheats; 1. Cooling air intake plugged.2. Engine overloaded. 3. Spark plug improperlygapped. 4.
Erratic operation; 1. Dirty fuel. 2. Dirty air cleaner elements.3. Spark plug faulty or P improperly gapped. Excessive vi bration; 1. Loose blade or enginemounting hardware. 2. Blade damaged or out of balance. Battery will not charge; 1. Dead cell in battery. 2. Loose electrical connec-tions or broken wire. Uneven mowing; 1. Riding mower speed too fast2. Grass accumulation inside deck. 3. Dull blade. 4. Tires improperly inflated.5. Mower not level. 6. Wrong cutter deck height.7.
Clogged cutter deck discharge chute. * Use genuire Honda blades or equivalent. 1. Wrong blades + Raise deck and adjust deck height 2. Deck too low. properly. + Operate at full throttle. Use lower speed 3. Engine overloaded: range. Set cutter deck higher than desired height for first pass, then cut to desired height on second pass. 4. Grass bags full * Empty grass bags. . (Optional part). Blades do not rotate or stop. 1. Blade belt worn or broken .-Replace 2. P.T.O.
HT-R3811 MODEL Power products description code MABT ENGINE Model Type GXV340 4-stroke, overhead valve, 1 cylinder Displacement Bore and stroke Ignition timing Ignition system Cooling system Engine oil capacity Spark plug 337 cm3 (20.6 cu in) 82 x 64 mm (3.2 x 2.5 in) 20” BTDC Transistorized magneto Forced air 1.1 !? (1.
BUZZER CONTROL UNIT SEAT BUZZER RELAY CONTROL RECTIFIER RELAY STARTER RELAY SWITCH ITCH PARKING SWITCH BRAKE COMBINATION SWITCH BUZZER T PLUG TAN OIL LEVEL SWITCH MOTOR RAT7a .
11. WARRANTY SERVICE Owner Satisfaction 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. If you have a warranty problem that has not been handled to your satisfaction, we suggest you take the following action: l l Discuss your problem with a member of dealership management.
Current customer service contact information: United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands: 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.
MEMO 61
MEMO 62
MEMO 63
MEMO 64
