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Owner’s Manual
Rotary Mower
HRX217HMA
HRX217HXA
See page 62 for instructions on
setting up your Lawn Mower.
EM4
POM53618-C
IPC XXXXX.2006.04
31VH7H20
Printed on
00X31-VH7-H200 Recycled Paper PRINTED IN U.S.A. © 2003-2006 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 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ..............................................................................6 CONTROLS & FEATURES.....................................................................
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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 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. 6
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CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD FUEL TANK CAP KEY SWITCH (HMA ONLY) BLADE CONTROL BLADE LEVER CONTROL BUTTON GRASS BAG CUTTING HEIGHT BATTERY ADJUSTMENT LEVER (HMA ONLY) OIL FILLER CAP MUFFLER RECOIL DRIVE STARTER GRIP CLUTCH LEVER SPARK PLUG CAP HANDLEBAR LOCKING CARBURETOR KNOB (2) CLIP DIRECTOR® CUTTING HEIGHT KNOB ADJUSTMENT LEVERS FUEL VALVE FUEL VALVE 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 THROTTLE LEVER LEVER HXA HMA CHOKE Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine. FAST For restarting a warm engine and for mowing. SLOW For idling the engine. To stop the engine. (On the HRX217HMA, turn the STOP key switch OFF to stop the engine.) 8
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Blade Control Lever The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation. BLADE CONTROL LEVER BUTTON Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. BLADE CONTROL LEVER BUTTON DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER 9
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THROTTLE CONTROLS & FEATURES Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the self-propelled drive speed. STOP With the shift lever all the way back and the drive STOP OR SLOW clutch lever fully engaged, the mower will move very slowly or not at all. SLOW Use a slow speed for mowing thick grass or FAST maneuvering in small areas. FAST For maximum self-propelled speed in large, open areas, and for transport. Engine Switch (HRX217HMA only) OFF Stops the engine. ON Running posi
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CONTROLS & FEATURES Cutting Height Adjustment Levers 3/4 in (20 mm) Each wheel of the mower can 1-1/4 in (32 mm) be adjusted to one of seven 2 in (46 mm) settings. The cutting height 2-1/2 in (62 mm) 3 in (75 mm) figures are approximate. The 3-1/2 in (88 mm) actual height of cut grass will 4 in (100 mm) vary with lawn and soil conditions. ADJUSTMENT LEVER Clip Director® Knob CLIP DIRECTOR® Bagging, mulching, and rear KNOB discharge are controlled by this knob. The knob has ten adju
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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 36). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 37). • Check that all nuts, bolts, screws are tightened. Check the Engine • Check the air cleaner (page 41) and oil level (page 39). • Check the fuel level (page 48). 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 LOW HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB 14
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BEFORE OPERATION Clip Direction Clip Director Knob Adjustment Adjust the clip director knob in any one of the ten positions to achieve the desired mowing results. To adjust the clip director knob, pull the knob downward and towards the rear of the mower. The knob adjusts a sliding door from the fully open BAG position to the fully closed MULCH position (see the following page). CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB DISCHARGE GUARD SLIDING DOOR (fully closed) Some grass accumulation in the discharge ope
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BEFORE OPERATION Sliding Door Position The sliding door can be positioned to produce different mowing results. If the preferred sliding door position is unknown, install a grass bag and begin mowing with the clip director knob all the way to the BAG position. Check the appearance of the lawn. As the knob is moved towards the MULCH position, more grass will be recycled back into the lawn. Adjust the clip director knob until the desired result is achieved. BAGGING OR REAR DISCHARGE AND SO
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BEFORE OPERATION Rear Discharge To discharge clippings to the CLIP DIRECTOR rear, remove the grass bag and KNOB position the clip director knob in the BAG range. Maximum rear discharge will occur when the clip director knob is all the way to the left (BAG) position. As the clip director knob is moved toward the right (MULCH) position, less grass will be discharged though the rear discharge guard. 17
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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. The grass bag can be left on the mower during mowing, then depending on conditions, certain areas may require full mulching where as other areas
