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Owner’sManual
M
ROTARY MOWER
HRC216PDA
K2
EM3
POM53744
IPC
1000.2004.11
31VK6600
Printed on
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
00X31-VK6-6000 Recycled Paper © 2004 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, ot
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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 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS .........................................................6 SAFETY LABEL 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 child 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 child operates this equipment. The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your child is capable of operating
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LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS As an employer, you have special responsibilities to the people who work for you. Before you ask anyone to operate this mower, you need to determine whether the person is old enough, large enough, and strong enough to safely handle and control the mower. If you decide they are, make sure the employee reads and understands all instructions and warnings in this manual and on the labels before operating the mower. Allow adequate time for hands-o
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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 WARNING UNDER NORMALUSAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL Objects thrown by blade can cause serious injury. IS SUBJECTTO DETERIORATIONAND WEAR, • Inspect area and remove debris before mowing. AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR Keep children and oth
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CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR DISCHARGE GUARD RECOIL FUEL TANK CAP STARTER GRASS BAG OIL FILLER CAP/ DIPSTICK MUFFLER MOWER DECK 8
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CONTROLS & FEATURES FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER THROTTLE LEVER SPARK PLUG CAP REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER FUEL VALVE AIR CLEANER CARBURETOR FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER 9
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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 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. 10
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the engine switch. The engine will not start or run unless this lever is held against the handlebar. FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of eight settings. The cutting height figures are approximate. The actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions. 4 in (101 mm) 3-1/2 in (89 mm) 3 in (76 mm) 2-1/2 in (63 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. Are You Ready to Mow? Be sure to wear protective clothing. Long pants and eye prot
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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 28). • Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 30). • Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened. Check the Engine • Check the air cleaner (page 34) and oil level (page 32). • Check the fuel level (page 41). Starting
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BEFORE OPERATION GET THE MOWER READY 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 eventual
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BEFORE OPERATION Mulching Plug To mulch the grass clippings SLOT rather than bag them, install the mulching plug. TAB 1. Stop the engine. 2. Raise the discharge guard. 3. Remove the grass bag. 4. Insert the mulching plug into the discharge chute at the back of the mower. Make sure the tab at the bottom rear of the mulching plug fits snugly into the slot at the back of the discharge chute. Cutting Height To adjust cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it i
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OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and the previous chapter, BEFORE OPERATION (page 12). 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 wh
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OPERATION 3. Push forward on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar. 4. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently. Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck at all times when starting and running the engine. Continue to hold the flywheel brake lever forward against the handlebar; the engine will stop if you release the lever. FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER STARTER GRIP 5. If the CHOKE position was SLOW used
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OPERATION OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever THROTTLE LEVER For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the FAST blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently. Do not try to increase the preset engine speed: the blade could fracture and come apart. Flywheel Brake Lever HANDLEBAR The lever must be pushed forward against the handlebar to start the engine. The blade