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.
CONTENTS 1. SAFETY .......................................... Safety Label Locations. ............................. Safety Information. ................................ Important Message to Parents ........................ 4 4 5 7 2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION 8 ......................... ..................................... 3. CONTROLS.. Fuel Valve ...................................... Throttle Lever .................................... ROTO-STOPLever .................................
CONTENTS 7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS 8.TRANSPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 9. MAINTENANCE .................................... Maintenance Schedule ............................. Engine Oil Change ................................ Air Cleaner Service. ............................... Spark Plug Service ................................ Spark Arrester Maintenance (optional equipment) ..........
1. SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS Read all safety instructions before operating the mower. UNDERNORMAL USAGE,THIS BAG MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATIONAND WEAR, AND SHOULDBE CHECKEDFREDUENTLYFOR BAG REPUGEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMSTO A.N.S.I. STANDARD871.1, ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD. I DO NOT START UNLESS GUARD IS CLOSED OR BAG IS IN PLACE. . READ OWNER’S NANVAL BEFORE OPERATINO.
4. SAFETY SAFETY INFORMATION For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these precautions: Operator l l l l Responsibility Know how to stop the engine quickly in case of emergency. Understand the use of all controls. 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. Wear long pants and protective footwear.
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.
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.
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2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION I ROTO-STOP BUTTON ROTO-STOP LEVER \ RECOIL STARTER I LE \ ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER AIR CLEANER / CARBURETOR ’ CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER 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 55).
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 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.
3. CONTROLS RDTO-STOP I LEVER 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.
3. CONTROLS CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS B The blade can cause serious injury. Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height. 1 In (2.8 cm) 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.
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.
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 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 damage. NORMAL blade for wear and BLADE EXCESSIVELY WORN BENT BOLTS 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. IMPORTANT NOTICE engine Running the engine with a low oil level will cause damage.
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. m explode, gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can causing serious injury or death. Use extreme care when handling 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 all four adjusting levers to the same cutting height position, m The blade can cause serious injury. Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height.
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. B Exhaust contains poisonous 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.
6. OPERATION 3. Operate the starter. 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. Place your foot on the step of the cutter deck. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. When the engine starts, return the starter rope gently. lMPOmANT NOTICE engine, it may damage 1 If you let the starter the starter.
4. When the engine warms up, move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position. Set the lever in FAST ( b ) position for mowing, or in SLOW ( -1 position for idling. 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 THROTTLE LEVER ---- 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 To mow, set the throttle lever in the FAST ( @ 1 position, press the button on top of the ROTO-STOP lever, then move the ROTO-STOP lever forward and hold it against the handlebar. The blade will turn while the ROTO-STOP lever is held forward. NOTE: For best grass cutting and bagging performance, and to avoid stalling the engine, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST 1 Ilb 1 position.
6a OPERATiON m 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 1. Release the ROTO-STOP lever. 2. Move the throttle lever to the STOP position. STOP 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.
7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS A cutting height of l-1/2 in (4.1 cm) or 2 in (5.3 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. k a 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.
7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS 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. i f 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 performanca 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. Contact 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 Wriodic 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. e, 1. 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. s 2. Remove the oil filler cap and the oil drain bolt, using a 10 mm box or socket wrench.
3. Install the oil drain bolt and tighten it securely. c. 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 (see page 34). 1 IMPORTANT NOTlCE 1 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: 1 IMPORTANT NOTICE engine damage. NGK BPRBES ND IGEPR-U CHAMPION RN1211 1 Spark plugs of the wrong heat range can cause 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. m burns. Touching the engine or exhaust system while hot can cause Let the engine cool before servicing. 2.
9. MAINTENANCE SPARK ARRESTER MAINTENANCE (optional equipment) The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed. m Touching the engine or exhaust burns. Let the engine cool before servicing. system while hot can cause 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.
RCITO-BTOP CABLE ADJUSTMENT 1. Measure free play at the tip of the lever, while holding the button down. Free play should be 3/4-l in. (20-25 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. NOTE: When mowing, check that the ROTO-STOP lever operates properly.
9. MAINTENANCE THROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT . . I 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 moved as far as it will go. 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. 3.
9. MAINTENANCE CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT 1. Start the engine outdoors, and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature B Exhaust contains poisonous 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. 2. Set the throttle lever in the SLOW (e I position. 3. Turn the pilot screw in or out to the setting that produces the highest idle rpm.
9. MAINTENANCE GRASS SAG CLEANING c i 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. SAG REMOVAL 1. Pull off one of the cap nuts, using pliers.
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: To 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 1. Clean dirt and grass from the blade mounting area. rv . 2. Position the blade and blade holder on the ROTO-STOP assembly, and install the blade bolts. NOTE: l Be sure the blade is positioned right side up (rear edges turn upward; center hole rim projects downward).
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.
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. . 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. a 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. -2’ 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-OPERATIONCHECK section of this manual (pages 15-211.
11. TROUBLESHOOTING ENGINE ENGINE WlLL NOT SWIT POSf3Sl.E CAUSE COfWECTlON 1. Check control positiona Fuel valve OFF. Throttle lever in wrong oosition. Turn fuel valve ON fp 22). Move throttle lever to CHOKE position, unless the engine is warm fp 22). 2. Check fuel. out of fuel. Sad fuel; mower stored without treating or draining gasoline or refueled with bad gas. Refuel fp 18). Drain fuel tank and carburetor fp 48). Refuel with fresh gasoline fp 18). 3. Remove and inspect spsrk plug.
11. TROUBLESHOOTING GRASS CUlTlNG POOR CUT QuALlTY ORPOORCUlllNG PERFORMANCE POSSISIJ! WSE 1. Check that throttle lever is in FAST Engine speed is too slow to cut well. ( * CORRECTfON I Move throttle lever to FAST f 49’ position fp 25). ) position. 2. Reduce forward speed. Mower is moving too fast for lawn conditions. 3. Check cutting height adjustment laws. Adjustment levers set at different positions. Push the mower more slowly. I Set all four lwara in the same cutting height position fp 121.
12. SPECIFICATIONS MOWER MODEL HRC215PXA Overall Lenath 66 in (167 cm) Width at cutter deck 22.2 in (56.5 cm) Maximum Height (cutting height adjusted to 3 in; 7.7 cm1 42 in (106 cm) Minimum Height (cutting height adiusted to 1 in: 2.6 cm) 40 in (101 cm) Dry Weight 112.5 (51 kg) Grass Bag-. Capacitv 2.36 bushels; 21.9 US gal (63 PI Cutting Width 20.9 in (53 cm) Cutting Height (adjustable) 1 in (2.8 cm), l-112 2 in (5.3 cm), 2-l/2 3 in (7.7 cm) in (4.1 cm), in (6.
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14. 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: .
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31VB5BOO 00X31-VB5BOOO I I I I lPMlll6006912 PRINTED IN U.S.A.
