Honda Automobiles HRR216VXA manual

31VL0B01 00X31-VL0-B010 50000.2006.03 PRINTED IN U.S.A. POM53850-A © 2005–2006 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved Rotary Mower Printed on Recycled Paper EM4 IPC Owner's Manual See page 44 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower . HRR216VXA K3[...]

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. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves th[...]

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 result s from your new lawn mower and to operate it safely . This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully .[...]

INTRODUCTION 2 A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Y our safety and the safety of others is very import ant, and using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility . T o help you make informed decisions about safety , we have provided operating procedures and other in formation on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential ha[...]

3 CONTENTS LAWN MOWER SAFETY .............................. .............................................................. 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ......... ....................................................... 4 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS ....... ....................................................... 5 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ..........[...]

4 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 cau[...]

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 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 de[...]

LAWN MOWER SAFETY 6 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please read them carefully. These labels are considered permanent parts of your mower. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda dealer for a replacement. UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO DETERIOR[...]

7 CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCA TIONS Use this illustration to locate a nd identify frequently used controls. REAR DISCHARGE GUARD MULCHING PLUG BLADE CONTROL LEVER FUEL VALVE SPARK PLUG CAP FUEL TANK CAP CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT THROTTLE LEVER HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2) AIR CLEANER LEVER MUFFLER OIL[...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 8 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS Fuel V alve The fuel valve controls fuel flow fr om the fuel tank to the carburetor . The fuel valve must be ON to star t and operate the mower . The fuel valve should be kept OFF when the mower is not in use. Throttle Lever  CHOKE For starting a cold engine.  F AST For restarting a warm engin[...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 9 Blade Control System Blade rotation is controlled by the blade control lever and the Roto-S top® lever . Hold the blade control lever against the handlebar and push the Roto-S top lever to engage the blade. SMART DRIVE™ Control The SMART DRIVE™ control engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheel[...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 10 Cutting Height Adjustment Levers The mower deck height can be set to any of the seven approximate settings. Each wheel should be adjust ed to the same position. T o lower the deck, move the adjusters backward. T o raise the deck, move the adjusters forward. FRONT WHEELS: Each front wheel has an independent adjustment leve[...]

11 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET ST ARTED? 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. K[...]

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. Repl ace as necessary (page 25). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 27). • Check that[...]

BEFORE OPERATION 13 GET THE LA WN MOWER READY Mulching Plug The mulching plug helps to curve the inside of the mower deck for more efficient mulching. Install and remove the mulching plug by raising the rear discharge guard as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way . Remove the mulching plug when using a grass bag. Cutting Height Set all three [...]

BEFORE OPERATION 14 Handlebar Height The handlebar height can be adjusted to either one of the two height positions. See “Handlebar Setup” on page 44 for det ails. 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[...]

15 OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for th e first time, please review the LAWN MOWER SAFETY chapter beginning on page 4 and the BEFORE OPERA TION chapter beginning on page 1 1. 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 sk[...]

OPERATION 16 3. With the blade control lever released, pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly . Return the starter grip gently . 4. If the CHOKE position was used during starting, move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position as soon as the engine warms up enough to run smoothly . Set the throttle lever at[...]

OPERATION 17 3. Release the Roto-S top lever when the blades are engaged. 4. Continue to hold the blade cont rol lever against the handlebar to maintain blade rot ation. 5. Release the blade control leve r to stop blade rotation. Always release the blade control lever before starting the engine to prevent the blades from turning. Smart Drive Contro[...]

OPERATION 18 . Slopes Mow across slopes, not up and down. Avoid steep slopes (more than 20°), and be careful when changing direction. Mowing on a slope when the grass is damp or wet could cause you to slip, fall, and lose control of the mower . Obst acles Use the side of the mower to cut close to obstacles, such as fences or walls. Release the Sma[...]

OPERATION 19 The Distributor ’ s Limited Warranty (page 57) does not cover part s damaged by accident or collision. Gravel and Loose Object s Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious personal injury and/or property damage. The best way to prevent potential[...]

OPERATION 20 If your grass gets too t all, cut it once at the highest cutting height setting, then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don’t take of f more than one third of total grass height in any one mowing, or brown p atches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained on page 10. Cutting Wid th For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swat[...]

OPERATION 21 If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn, don’t let the leaf cover get too deep before you begin. For best results, st art mulching while grass still shows through the leaf cove r . In places where fallen leaves completely cover the grass, remove the leaves by raking, or install a grass bag, so your mower can pick them up fo[...]

22 SERVICING YOUR MOWER THE IMPORT ANCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE Proper maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. T o help you properly care for your mower , the following p ages include a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple maintenance procedures usin[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 23 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. Safety Precautions • Make sure the engine is off befo re you begin any maintenance [...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 24 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. (2) These items should only be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing lawn mower dealer , unless you are mechanically proficient and have the proper tools. Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures. Failure to follow this mainte nance s[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 25 BLADES 1. T urn the fuel valve to the OFF position (page 8). and discon- nect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (p age 32). 2. Tilt the mower to the right, so the air filter side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting. 3. Inspect the blades for wear and damage. A dull blade can be sharpened, but[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 26 Blade Removal and Inst allation If you remove the blades for shar pening or replacement, use a torque wrench for installation. W ear heavy gloves to protect your hands. BLADE SHARPENING: T o avoid weak ening the blades, or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the bla des should be sharpened by trained staf f at an authorized H[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 27 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 (concave side of the special washers toward the blades). The blade bolts and washers are sp ecially designed for the mower . When replacing bolts and wash ers, use only [...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 28 GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT Grass Bag Cleaning W ash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before use; a wet bag will clog quickly . Grass Bag Replacement Carefully inspect the bag for wear , tears or holes. Replace a worn or damaged bag with a genuine Honda bag or its equivalent (p age 56). Do no[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 29 ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Level Check 1. Remove the 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. 3. If the oil level is low , add oil to bring the level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown. [...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 30 The SAE oil viscosity and service classi fication are in the API label on the oil container . Honda recommends that you use API SERVICE category SJ or later oil. Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. W arm oil drains quickly and completely . 1. T urn the fuel valve to the OFF posi tion to reduce the [...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 31 Air Cleaner Service A dirty air filter restricts 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 24). NOTICE Operating the engine without an air fi lter , or with a damaged filter , will [...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 32 Sp ark Plug Service Recommended spark plugs: BPR6ES (NGK) or W20EPR-U (DENSO) For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. NOTICE An incorrect spark plug can cause engine damage 1. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove dirt from the area. 2. Remove the spark plug with a spark plug wre[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 33 Sp ark Arrester Service (optional equipment) Y our 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 r egulations. An optional USDA approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer [...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 34 CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS Smart Drive Cable Check With the engine not running, apply finger pressure to the Smart Drive control until it stops. Cable adjustment is correct if the Smart Drive control is aligned with the handlebar with finger pressure. If the Smart Drive control is not properly aligned, adjust the cable as fol[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 35 FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel t ank 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 tank cap, and fill the t ank with gasoline to the bottom of the filler neck. Refuel care ful[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 36 Fuel Recommendations Use unleaded gasoline with a pump oct ane rating of 86 or higher . These engines are certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposit s and extends exhaust system life. Never use stale or cont aminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid get[...]

37 STORAGE PREP ARING FOR ST ORAGE Proper storage preparation is esse ntial for keeping your lawn mower trouble-free and looking good. The follo wing steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your la wn mower ’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again. Cleaning 1. W ash t[...]

STORAGE 38 5. After the lawn mower is clean and dry , touch up any damaged paint and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil. Lubricate the control cable cores with a silicone spray lubricant. (page 56) Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum depos its that clog[...]

STORAGE 39 Draining the Fuel T ank and Carburetor 1. Make sure the fuel valve is in the OFF position. Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain fuel from the carburetor bowl into an approved container . 2. Turn the fuel valve ON (p age 8). This will allow fuel in the fuel tank to drain through the carburetor bowl. 3. After the[...]

STORAGE 40 Handlebar Folding Remove the grass bag (if installed). T w ist the handlebar locking knobs 90 degrees to unlock the handle. Swing the handlebar down, being careful not to bend or pinch the cables. PLACING IN STORAGE If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburet or , it is important to reduce the hazard of gasol[...]

41 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. T urn the fuel valve to the OFF position. This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel l[...]

42 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE WILL NOT ST ART LOSS OF POWER Possible Cause Correction Fuel valve is OFF T urn the fuel valve ON (page 8) Throttle lever is in the wrong position Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position, unless the engine is warm (page 15) Out of fuel Refuel (page 35) Bad fuel; mower was stored without treating or[...]

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS 43 VIBRA TION PROBLEMS MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Possible Cause Correction Grass and debris is lodged under the mower deck Clean out the mower deck (page 21) Blades are loose, bent, damaged, or unbalanced by improper sharpening Tighten loose blades bolts. If the blades are found to be bent or damaged, take the l[...]

44 SET-UP ASSEMBL Y Unpack the lawn mower and remove all the cardboard and p aper from around the handlebar . Handlebar Setup 1. Raise the handlebar into the mowing position with the handlebar adjust knobs in the unlock position. 2. Select the desired handlebar height by aligning the adjust knobs with the handlebar lower hole or the handlebar highe[...]

SET-UP 45 Grass Bag Assembly Slide the grass bag frame into the grass bag and attach the clip s as shown. Lift the rear discharge guard, remove the mulching plug, then install the grass bag. GRASS BAG BAG FRAME PLASTIC CLIP BAG FRAME GRASS BAG HANDLE REAR DISCHARGE GUARD[...]

SET-UP 46 ENGINE OIL The lawn 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. Check that the oil level is between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown. If the supplied oil is not used, add enough SAE 10W-30[...]

47 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMA TION 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 62). Engin[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 48 Carburetor Modification for 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 will also foul the spark plug and cause hard st arting. Operation at an altitude that differs from t[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 49 Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. T o meet clean air standards, some areas of the United S tates and Canada use oxy genated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated f[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 50 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 cert ain conditions, they react to form photochemical smog when su bjected to sunlight. Carbon monox[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 51 Replacement Part s The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EP A, California and Canadian emission regulations. We recommend the use of genuine Honda part s whenever you have maintenance done. These original- design replacement part s are manufact[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 52 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. There is a bar graph on the hang ta g that is intended to provide you, our customer , the ability to comp are the em[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 53 SPECIFICA TIONS Frame Engine T ransmission Model HRR216 T ype VXA Length 63 in (1600 mm) Width 23.0 in (582 mm) Overall height 40.4 in (1027 mm) Dry weight 94.1 lb (42.7 kg) Cutting width 21.0 in (530 mm) Cutting height (7 adjustable positions) 3/4 ~ 4 in (20 ~ 100 mm) Wheel base 24.8 in (630 mm) Fuel tank capa[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 54 Maintenance T uneup Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher page 36 Engine oil SAE 10W-30 page 29 T ransmission lubricant SAE 10W-30 Shop manual S park plug type Regular: NGK - BP6ES DENSO - W20EP-U Resistor: NGK - BPR6ES DENSO - W20EPR-U page 32 Maximum governed speed 2, 950 ~ 3,100 rp[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 55 CONSUMER INFORMA TION Dealer Locator Information T o find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United St a t e s : Call (800) 426-7701 or visit our website: www.hondapowerequipment.com/dealer Customer Service See page 62. Honda Publications These publications will give you addi tional informatio[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 56 Replacement Part s, Optional Equipment, and Service Items Contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer to purchase any of these (or other) accessories or genuine replacement part s. Be sure to have the lawn mower frame and engine serial numbers when you contact your dealer (p age 47). Replacement Part s Optiona[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 57 Distributor's Limited W arranty T o 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 American Honda to sell those products. This warranty appl ies to the first retail purchaser and each subs[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 58 Accessories, Replacement Pa rt s, and Apparel W arranty This warranty is limited to Honda Po wer Equipment parts, acce ssories and apparel when distributed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., 490 0 Marconi Drive, Alphar etta, Georgia 30005-8847 T o Qualify for this Warranty: 1. The accessories, replacement pa rt[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 59 Emission Control System W arranty Y our new Honda Power Equipmen t engine complies with the U. S. EP A, Environment Canada and State of California emission regulations. American Honda Mo tor Co., Inc. provides the emission warranty coverage for engines in the United States, and its territories. Hond a Canada In[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 60 Warranty Coverage: Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold in the State of California, and U.S. EP A certified engines manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and sold in all of th e United States, and Canadian certified engines manufactured on or afte r January 1, 2005 are [...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 61 Exclusions: Failures other than those resulting from defects in material or workmanship are not cove red by this warranty . This warranty does not extend to emission control systems or parts which are affected or damaged by owner abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, misuse, mi sfueling, improper storage, accid[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 62 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. The Service Manage[...]

63 INDEX A Accessories warranty . . . . . . . . 58 Air cleaner service . . . . . . . . . . 31 Air index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Altitude, high altitude operation . 48 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 B Blade Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Wear . . . . . . . . . [...]

INDEX 64 P Parts Catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 R Replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . 56 S Safety A few words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Mower[...]

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Fuel T ype Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 36) Engine oil T ype SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later (p age 29) S park plug T ype Regular: NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP-U Resistor: NGK BPR6ES DENSO W20EPR-U Maintenance Before each use Check condition of blades (page 25) Check torque of blade bolts (page [...]

31VL0B01 00X31-VL0-B010 50000.2006.03 PRINTED IN U.S.A. POM53850-A © 2005–2006 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved Rotary Mower Printed on Recycled Paper EM4 IPC Owner's Manual See page 44 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower . HRR216VXA K3[...]