Honda Automobiles HRT216PDA manual

31VG4631 00X31- VG4-6310 IPC 30000.2001.03 PRINTED IN U .S.A . POM52774-D © 1997, 2000–2001 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved ¿Necesita un manual en Español? V ea a la página 59. O wner's Manual Rotary Mower HRS216PDA HRS216SDA HR T216PDA • HR T216SDA • HR T216TDA • Printed on Recycled Paper K1 EM3[...]

Keep this owner ’s manual handy , so you can refer to it any time, and make sure the manual stays with the lawn mower if you sell it. This owner ’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the mower if resold. The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of appr[...]

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 manua[...]

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibi lity. 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 h[...]

MOWER SAFETY ..... ............... ............... ......... 4 A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIO N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIO NS . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

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. A v o i dR o t a t i n gB l a d e s Rotating blades can cause ser[...]

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFE TY 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 prev ent accidents by making good decisions about i[...]

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. DANGE R KEEP HANDS and FEET AWA Y H O TM U F F L E RC A NB U R NY O U . Stay awa[...]

COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION Model Identification To easily identify your model, refer to the chart on page 47. RECOIL STARTER GRIP FRONT CUT TING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS MUFFLER OIL FILLER CAP SIDE DISCHARGE DOOR (HRS, HRT) REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUST MENT LEVER HANDLEBAR DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA) FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER CONTROLS[...]

Record the frame and engine serial numbers in the space below. You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries (see page 59). Fr am e s er ia l num be r: MZ__ __ – ______________ Engine serial number:GJAE – ______________ THROTTLE LEVER HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2) AIR CLEANER CARBURETOR SPAR[...]

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROL S Fuel Valve The fuel valve controls fuel flow from the fuel tank to the carburetor. The fuel valve must be ON to start and operate the mower. The fuel valve should be kept OFF when the mower is not in use. Throttle Lev er CHOKE – – For starting a cold engine. FAST – – – For restarting a warm engine and for mowing. [...]

Drive Clutch Lever (SDA, TDA) The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. The drive clutch lever should only be engaged after the engine has been started. Shift Lever (TDA) The shift lever is used to select the ground speed. 1 is the slowest, 2 is medium, and 3 is the fastest setting. The shift lever [...]

ARE YOU READY TO MOW? Be sure to wear protective clothing. Long pants and eye protection can lower your risk of injury from thrown objects. Wear footwear that protects your feet and won ’t let you slip if you mow on slopes or uneven ground. CHECK YOUR LAWN For your safety and for the safety of others, always inspect the area before mowing. Object[...]

CHECK YOUR MOWER Blade 1. Turn the fuel valve to OFF (page 9 ) . Disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (page 37). 2. Tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting. 3. Inspect the blade(s) for wear and damage B WARNING A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and p[...]

Engine Oil Level Check the engine oil level with the engine stopped and the mower on a level surface. 1. Remove the oil filler cap, and wipe the dipstick clean. 2. Insert and remove the dipstick without screw ing it into the filler neck . Check the oil level shown on the dipstick. 3. If the oil level is low, add the recommended oil (see page 35) to[...]

Fuel Fuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 liter) If the engine has been running, allow it to cool. Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. See page 38 for fuel recommendations and page 60 for information on oxygenated fuels. Remove the fuel tank cap and check the fuel level. Refill the tank if the fuel level is low. Refuel care[...]

Air Cleaner Inspecti on Make sure the air filter is clean and in good condition. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. Refer to page 36 for air cleaner service. Grass Bag (HRT216) A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty [...]

Mulching Plug (HRT) 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 door as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way. Remove the mulching plug when using a grass bag. Side Discharg e Chute (HRS, HRT) To discharge clippings to the side, install the [...]

MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please rev iew MOWER SAFETY and BEFORE OPE RATION, beginning on page 4. 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 i[...]

1. SDA, TDA: Release the drive clutch lever (page 10). If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter. 2. Pull back on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar. 3. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently. Keep your ha[...]

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lev er 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. Do not try to increase the preset engine speed, the blades could fracture and come apart. When yo[...]

Drive Clutch Lever (SDA, TDA) 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. If the drive clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the sta[...]

STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position. 2. Release the drive clutch lever (SDA, TDA). 3. Release the flywheel brake lever. 4. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to OFF. FUEL VALVE OFF SLOW FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA) 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, never run, with the mower. Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground. If stuck, do not kick or push the mower with your foot. Use the handlebar on[...]

B WARNING A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous projectiles. Thrown objects can cause serious injury. Inspect the blade(s) regularl y, and do not operate the mower with a worn or damaged blade. The Distributor’s Limited Warranty (page 52) does not cover parts damaged by accident or colli[...]

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 mulching results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season. Cutting Height Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting h[...]

Dry Grass If the groun d is too dry, mow i ng will stir up a lot of d ust. Besides being un pl eas an t t o w ork i n, t oo m uc h dus t wi ll cl og the a ir fi lte r. If dust is a problem, wat er your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist. Wet Grass Wet grass is slippery and can make you l[...]

Mowing Patterns Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equipment design, and the direction in which the blade rotates, cause these mowing patterns to give the best results. Mulching Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern. If the lawn has an irregular shape, or many obs[...]

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. Turn the fuel valve to OFF. This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. If equipped, remove the g[...]

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. B WARNING Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Alway s foll ow the inspe ction an d maintenanc [...]

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. B WARNING Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hur[...]

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM INFORMATION Source of Emissi ons The combustion process produces 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 when subjected to sunlight. Carbon monoxide does not react in the s[...]

Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag/label is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board. The bar graph is intended to provide you, the customer, the ability to compare the emissions performance of available engines. The lower the Air Index, the[...]

Replacemen t 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. These original-design replacement parts are manufactured to the same standards as the original parts, so[...]

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 1 Service more frequentl y 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. REGULAR SERVICE PERIOD Before Each Use first month or 5 hours every year or 25 ho[...]

ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. 1. Turn the fuel valve to OFF to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage (see page 9). 2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. 3. Place a suitable container next to the mower to catch the used [...]

Engine Oil Level Check 1. Wipe the dipstick 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 reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill. If the engine is overfilled, the excess oil may transfer to the air cleaner hous[...]

Air Cleaner Service A dirty air filter restricts air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHE DULE. NOTICE Operating the engine without an air filter, or with a damaged filter, will allow dirt to enter the engine, causing[...]

Spark Plu g Service 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. Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug. 2. Inspect the plug; replace it if the electrodes are worn, or if the insulat[...]

Carbureto r Modification for High Altitud e 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 starting. Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was certifie[...]

BLADE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION If you remove the bl ade(s), use a torque wrenc h for inst allati on. Wear heavy gloves to pro tect your hands. To avoid w eakening the blade(s), o r causing imbalance or poo r cutting, the blade( s) should be sharpe ned by t rained s taff at an author ized Ho n da s ervi cing dealer. I f replacing the blade, u se a g[...]

If you don’t have a torque wrench, have an authorized Honda servicing dealer tighten the blade bolts before you use the mower. If the blade bolts are overtightened, they could break. If the blade bolts are not tightened enough, they could loosen or come out. In either case, it would be possible for the blade to fly off while you are operating the[...]

ENGINE PROBLEMS Engine Will Not Start Possible Cause Correction 1. Check contr ol positions. Fuel valve OFF. Turn fuel valve ON (p. 9). Throttle le ver in wrong position. Move th rottle lever to CHOKE position , unless the engine is warm (p. 17). 2. Check fuel. Out of fuel. Refuel (p. 14). Bad fuel; mower stored without treat ing or draining gasoli[...]

VIBRATION PROBLEMS Excessive Vibrat ion Possible Cause Correction 1. Check mower deck and blade(s). Grass and debris lodge d under mower deck. Clean out mower deck (p. 25). Blade(s) loose, be nt, damaged, or unbalanced by improper sharpening. Tighten loose blade bolts. Replace damaged blade(s) (p. 39). 2. Take mower to an authorized Hon da servicin[...]

STORAGE PREPARATION Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble-free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your lawn mower’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again. Cleaning 1. Wash the lawn mower, inclu[...]

Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced. The length of time that gasoline can be left in you[...]

Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor 1. Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the carburetor bowl fuel into an approved container. B WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriousl y injured when handling fuel. • Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. • Handle fuel onl[...]

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS 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, wat er heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-producing elec[...]

ll ll l l mm l l l mm l l l lllll • SPECIFICA TIONS 47[...]

• ± ± ± SPECIFICATIONS 48[...]

Unpacking & Handlebar Setup Remove all the protective cardboard from the mower, including the piece around the handlebar. Loosen the two knobs on the lower section of the handlebar enough to raise the handlebar into the mowing position. Once the handlebar is in place, tighten the knobs securely. Install Starter Rope Disconnect the spark plug ca[...]

Add Oil & Fuel The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. Add enough SAE 10W-30 (API service category SH or SJ) oil to bring the oil level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown. Do not overfill engine oil. Add regular unleaded fuel to the fuel tank. The fuel capacity is 0.29 US gallons (1.1 liter). See page 14 fo[...]

ACCESSORIES, REPLACEMENT PARTS & SERVICE ITEMS Contact an authorized servi cing Honda lawn mower dealer to purchase any of these items. Be sure to have the serial number from the engine and lawn mower (page 7 & 8) when you call the dealer. ACCESSORIES Item For model Part Number notes Grass bag kit HRS 06813-VG3-010 includes grass bag, frame[...]

WARRANTY Distributor’s Limi ted Warranty To Qualify for this Wa rranty: The product mus t be purchased in the U nited States, Puerto Ric o, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from Ameri can Honda or a dealer authorized by American Honda to sell those products. Thi s warranty applies t o the first retail pur chaser and each s ubsequent owner during the ap[...]

Exclusions: THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO PARTS AFFECTED OR DAMAGED BY ACCIDENT AND/OR COLLISION, NORMAL WEAR, FUEL CONTAMINATION, USE IN AN APPLICATION FOR WHICH THE PRODUCT WAS NOT DESIGNED, OR ANY OTHER MISUSE, NEGLECT, INCORPORATION OR USE OF UNSUITA BLE ATTACHMENTS OR PARTS, UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION, OR ANY CAUSES OTHER THAN DEFECTS IN MATER[...]

Accessories, Replacemen t Parts, and Apparel Warranty To Qualify for this Wa rranty: 1. The accessories , replacement parts , or apparel must be purchase d in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Isla nds from American Honda or a dealer authorized by American Honda to sell thos e products. 2. You must be the fi rst retail purcha ser. [...]

Exclusions : THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ACCESSORIES, PARTS, OR APPAREL AFFECTED OR DAMA GED BY ACCIDENT AND/OR COLLISION, NORMAL WEAR, USE IN AN AP PLICATION FOR WHICH THE PRODUCT WAS NOT DESIGNED, OR ANY OTHER MISUSE, NEGLECT, INCORPORATION OR USE OF UNSUITABLE ATTACHMENTS OR PARTS, UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION, IMPROPER INSTALLATION, OR ANY CAUS[...]

Emission Control Sy stem Warranty Your new Honda P ower Equipment engine compl ies with both the U.S. EPA and State of Califo rnia emission regul ations. American Honda p rovides the same emission war ranty coverage for engines sol d in all 50 states. Your Warranty Right s And Obligations: California The California Air Resources Board and American [...]

Warranty Coverage: Honda power equi pment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold i n the State of Califo rnia, and U.S. EPA c ertified engines ma nufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and sold i n all of the United Sta tes, are covered by th is warranty for a perio d of two years from the dat e of delivery to the origi nal retail pu[...]

Exclusions: FAILURES OTHER THAN THOS E RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP ARE NOT COVE RED BY THIS WARRANTY. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO EM ISSION CO NTROL SYSTEM S OR PARTS WHICH ARE A FFECTED OR DAMAGED BY OW NER ABUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER MAINTE NANCE, MISUSE, MISFUELING, IMPROPE R STORAGE, A CCIDENT AND/OR COLLI SION, THE INCO[...]

Manual en Español Una versión de este manual en Español esta disponible. Favor de ponerse en contacto con el departamento de relaciónes al cliente a la dirección o teléfono listado abajo. Warranty Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer any question you may have. [...]

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 USA and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissi ons. If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum [...]

HONDA PUBLICATIONS Two other documents are available from your Honda dealer (see page 51). There is a shop manual, which covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures. It is intended to be used by a skilled technician. There is also a parts catalog, that provides a complete, illustrated parts lists. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 61[...]

SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE (optional equipment) Your lawn mower engine is not factory-equipped with a spark arrester. In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional USDA approved spark arrester is av ailable from an authorized Honda servicing dealer. See page 51 for part numbers[...]

A B C D E F G H L M INDEX 63[...]

O P S T W INDEX 64[...]

Keep this owner ’s manual handy , so you can refer to it any time, and make sure the manual stays with the lawn mower if you sell it. This owner ’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the mower if resold. The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of appr[...]

31VG4631 00X31- VG4-6310 IPC 30000.2001.03 PRINTED IN U .S.A . POM52774-D © 1997, 2000–2001 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved ¿Necesita un manual en Español? V ea a la página 59. O wner's Manual Rotary Mower HRS216PDA HRS216SDA HR T216PDA • HR T216SDA • HR T216TDA • Printed on Recycled Paper K1 EM3[...]