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Owner’s Manual
Rotary Mower
HRB217TDA
®
© 1997, 2000–2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
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Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold. The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever. No part
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INTRODUCTION 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. As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a NOTICE symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid damage to your mower, oth
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INTRODUCTION A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintai
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CONTENTS LAWN MOWER SAFETY ................................................................... 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ...................................................4 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS .................................................5 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS .................................................................6 CONTROLS & FEATURES ................................................................ 7 COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS ..................................
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LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT 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. If you need to adjus
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LAWN 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. The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your youngster is capable
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LAWN MOWER SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement. CAUTION UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR, AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD B71.1, ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD. WARNING Objects throw
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CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD FUEL TANK CAP FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER GRASS BAG CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER OIL FILLER CAP DRIVE MUFFLER CLUTCH LEVER RECOIL STARTER GRIP SPARK PLUG CAP CARBURETOR HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2) FUEL VALVE CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS AIR CLEANER 7
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor. OFF FUEL VALVE ON Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engine speed and opens and closes the choke. THROTTLE LEVER CHOKE Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine. FAST For restarting a warm engine and for mowing. SLOW For idling the engine. 8
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER engine flywheel brake and the ignition switch. The engine will not start unless this lever is pushed forward. Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER and disengages the transmission speed selected by the shift lever (page 10). The drive clutch lever should always be fully engaged or released in a quick, complete motion. The flywheel brake lever must be engaged
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the mower’s drive speed. 1 (slow) For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas. 2 (medium) For intermediate self-propelled mowing speed. 3 (fast) For maximum self-propelled transport speed. 1 (SLOW) 2 (MEDIUM) 3 (FAST) SHIFT LEVER Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of six 3/4 in (19 mm) settings. The cutting height 1 in (25 mm) figures are approximate. The 1-1/2 in (38 m
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BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury. Knowledge Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them. Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency. IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? For your safety, and to maximize the service life
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BEFORE OPERATION Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower: • Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. • Look for signs of damage. • Check each control for proper operation. • Check the blades for wear. Replace as necessary (page 30). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 31). • Check that all nuts, bolts, screws are tightened. Check the Engine • Check the air cleaner (page 35) and oil level (page 33). • Check the fuel level (page 43). Starting wit
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BEFORE OPERATION GET THE MOWER READY Handlebar Height Adjustment 1. Adjust handlebar height for a comfortable operating position. 2. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs. 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. 4. Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely. HIGH MID HANDLEBAR LOW LOCKING KNOB (2) Mulching Plug DISCHARGE GUARD The mulching plug contours the
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BEFORE OPERATION Grass Bag A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% filled. Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full. Inspection Inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear. The grass bag wears during normal use and will eventually require replaceme
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BEFORE OPERATION Cutting Height ADJUSTMENT LEVERS Bagging/Side-Discharge Move all four adjustment levers to the same position. Mulching Move the front adjustment levers one position higher than the rear levers. To adjust cutting height, pull each ADJUSTMENT LEVER adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch. If you are not sure what cutting height to select, start with a high setting and check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small area. Then readjust cuttin
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OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and BEFORE OPERATION (page 11). Even if you have operated other mowers, take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills. For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage. Your mower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidl
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OPERATION 3. Release the drive clutch lever. If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter. 4. Push forward on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar. 5. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently. Keep you hands and feet away from the mower deck at all times when starting and running the engine. Continue to hold the flywheel brake lever against the handlebar;
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OPERATION OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever For best cut quality, always mow THROTTLE LEVER with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently. Do not FAST try to increase the preset engine speed: the blade could fracture and come apart. Flywheel Brake Lever FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER The lever must be pushed forward against the handlebar to start the engine. T
