Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product HRB217TDA Honda Automobiles
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© 1997, 2000–2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved Owner’ s Manual Rotary Mower HRB217TD A ®.
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 incl uded in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing.
INTRODUCTION 1 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 re sults from your new mower and to operate it safely.
INTRODUCTION 2 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 decision s about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other in formation on labels and in this manual.
3 CONTENTS LAWN MOWER SAFETY ........... ................................ ........................ 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ........ ...........................................4 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS ...... ...............................
4 LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this ma nual 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.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY 5 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VE RY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this me ssage 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.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY 6 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a la bel comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.
7 CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS HANDLEBAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD FUEL TANK CAP RECOIL STARTER GRIP CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS MUFFLER OIL FILLER C.
CONTROLS & FEATURES 8 Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fu el passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engin e speed and opens and closes the choke. CHOKE Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine.
CONTROLS & FEATURES 9 Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the 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 and disengages the transmission speed selected by the shift lever (page 10).
CONTROLS & FEATURES 10 Shift Lever The shift lever selects and cont rols 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.
11 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.
BEFORE OPERATION 12 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.
BEFORE OPERATION 13 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.
BEFORE OPERATION 14 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.
BEFORE OPERATION 15 Cutting Height 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 toward the wheel, and move it into another notch.
16 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 skill s.
OPERATION 17 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 br ake lever and hold it against the handlebar. 5. Pull the starter grip lightly until yo u feel resistance, then pull briskly.
OPERATION 18 OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever For best cut quality, always mow 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.
OPERATION 19 Drive Clutch Lever Push the drive clutch lever forward and hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward. Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward movement. Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine.
OPERATION 20 STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position. 2. Release the flywheel brake lever and the drive clutch lever. 3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
OPERATION 21 SAFE MOWING PRACTICES For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing your footing and your control of the mower. Keep a firm grip on the handlebar, and walk, ne ver run, with the mower. Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground.
OPERATION 22 Obstacles Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls. Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control.
OPERATION 23 MOWING TIPS When to Mow Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 1/2 to 1 inch above their recommended height. More frequent mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season.
OPERATION 24 Blade Speed The blade must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the FAST throttle setting, and keep the engine running at maximum rpm. If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blade trying to cut too much grass.
OPERATION 25 Mowing Patterns Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as po ssible. Mower deck and equipment design, and the direction in whic h the blade rotates, cause these mowing patterns to give the best results.
26 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 27 MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 28 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. (2) These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing dealer, unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 29 BLADES Inspection 1. Move the fuel valve to the OFF position (page 8) and disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (page 36). 2. Tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 30 Blade Removal and Installation If you remove the blades for sharp ening or replacement, you will need a torque wrench for installation.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 31 Blade Installation 1. Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area. 2. Install the blades using the two blade bolts and special washers as shown. Be sure to install the special washers with the concave side toward the blades and the conv ex side toward the bolts.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 32 GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT Grass Bag Cleaning Wash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before use; a wet bag will clog quickly. Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent (page 65).
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 33 ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Level Check 1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean. 2. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck . Check the oil level shown on the dipstick.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 34 Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engi ne is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. 1. Turn the fuel valve OFF (page 8). This will reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. 2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 35 Air Cleaner Service A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate the mowe r in very dusty areas, clean the air filter more often than specif ied in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 28).
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 36 Spark Plug Service NOTICE Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage. For good performance, the spark pl ug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. 1. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove any dirt from around the spark plug area.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 37 4. Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a suitable gauge. The gap should be 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0 .7 ~ 0.8 mm). Correct the gap, if necessary, by carefully bending the side electrode. 5. Install the spark plug carefully, by hand, to avoid cross- threading.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 38 Spark Arrester Service (optional equipment) Your lawn mower engine is not fact ory-equipped with a spark arrester. In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 39 CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS Flywheel Brake Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of th e flywheel brake lever. Free play should be 3/16 ~ 3/8 in (5 ~ 10 mm). If adjustment is necessary: 1. Loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 40 Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of the lever, as shown. Free play should be 1/16 ~ 3/16 in (1 ~ 5 mm). If adjustment is necessary: 1. Loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 41 Shift Cable Adjustment Shift cable adjustment is necessary if the shift lever will not smoothly select each gear. 1. Starting from 3rd gear, cycle the shift lever through all three gears and listen for the transmission detent click sound for each gear.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 42 THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTION Throttle cable adjustment is necessa ry if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly. Perform the inspection and adjustment with the engine stopped. You can inspect choke operation by observing the movement of the choke arm, which is located on top of the carburetor.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 43 FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 l ) If the fuel level is low, refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been r unning, allow it to cool first. T o refuel, remove the fuel t ank cap, and fill the tank with gasoline to the bottom of the filler neck.
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 44 Fuel Recommendations Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life.
45 STORAGE STORAGE PREPARATION Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good. The follo wing steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing yo ur lawn mower’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again.
STORAGE 46 3. With the mower in an upright po sition, start the engine outdoors, and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine.
STORAGE 47 Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorat e in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum d eposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in your mower deteri orates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other f uel system components, serviced or replaced.
STORAGE 48 Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank 1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (page 8). Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl into an approved container. If you only need to drain the carburetor, skip to step 3.
STORAGE 49 Engine Cylinder Remove the spark plug (see page 36). Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall the spark plug. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt then return the starter grip gently.
STORAGE 50 PLACING IN STORAGE If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer.
51 TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system can burn you and can ignite some materials. 1. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
52 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS Engine Will Not Start Possible Cause Correction 1. Check control positions. Fuel valve OFF. Turn fuel valve ON (page 8). Throttle lever in wrong position. Move throttle lever to CHOKE position, unless the engine is warm (page 16).
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS 53 VIBRATION PROBLEMS MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Excessive Vibration Possible Cause Correction 1. Check mower deck and blades. Grass and debris lodged under mower deck. Clear out mower deck (page 24). Blades loose, bent, damaged, or unbalanced by improper sharpening.
54 SET-UP Unpacking Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar. Handlebar Setup Loosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar enough to raise the handlebar into the mowing position. Select a desired handlebar height adjustment position and tighten the knobs securely.
SET-UP 55 Engine Oil The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower. Add the entire contents of the oil bottle into the oil filler opening.
56 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations There are two serial numbers, one for the mower frame and one for the engine. Record the frame and engin e serial numbers in the space below . Y ou will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page 70).
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 57 Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburet or air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the sp ark plug and cause hard starting.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 58 Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 59 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produce s carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very important because, under certain conditions, they react to form photochemical smog w hen subjected to sunlight.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 60 Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EPA and California emission regulations. We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts whenever you have maintenance done.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 61 Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag/labe l is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 62 SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Engine Design and Performance Transmission Design and Performance HRB217TDA Honda rotary mower, 21 inch mower deck, 6.5 bhp, three- speed transmission, zone start, USA market Length 68.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 63 Maintenance Tuneup Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. page 43 Engine Oil SAE 10W-30, API SH or SJ page 33 Spark Plug Type Regular.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 64 CONSUMER INFORMATION Dealer Locator Information To find an Authorized Honda Serv icing Dealer anywhere in the United States: Call (800) 426-7701 or visit our website: www.hondapowerequipment.com/dealer Customer Service See page 70.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 65 Replacement Parts, Optional E quipment, and Service Items Contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer to purchase any of these (or other) genuine, original Honda items for your lawn mower.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 66 Distributor's Limited Warranty To Qualify for this Warranty: The product must be purchased in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from American Honda or a dealer authorized by Americ an Honda to sell those products.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 67 Emission Control System Warranty Your new Honda Power Equipment engine comp lies with both the U.S. EPA and State of California emission regulations. American Hon da provides the same emission warranty coverage for engines sold in all 50 states.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 68 Warranty Coverage: Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold in the State of California, and U.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 69 Exclusions: FAILURES OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 70 Customer Service Information 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.
71 INDEX A Accessories. See Parts Air Cleaner Service .......................... 35 Air Filter Part Num ber ...................... 65 Air Index ............... ............................ 61 Altitude, High Altitude Operation ...... 57 B Bag. See Grass Bag Before Operation .
INDEX 72 O Oil Capacity ............ ............................ 62 Change ................. ......................... 34 Level Check .......... ......................... 33 Part Number ...... ............................ 65 Recommended ..... .......
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Fuel Ty p e Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 43) Capacity 0.29 US gal (1.1 l ) Engine oil T ype SAE 10W-30, API SH or SJ (p age 33) Capacity .58 US qt (0.55 l ) S park plug Ty p e Regular: NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP-U Resistor: NGK BPR6ES DENSO: W20EPR-U Electrode gap 0.
31VE1300 00X31-VE1-3000 IPC 20000.2002.1 1 POM53538 PRINTED IN U.S.A. Printed on Recycled Paper EM3 M.
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