Operation; Safe Mowing Practices - Honda HRN216PKA Owner's Manual

NOTICE
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
(more than 4 weeks before next use), refer to "AVOIDING
FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS" on
fuel deterioration.
1. Turn engine off and let cool before refueling.
2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
3. Add fuel into the neck of the fuel tank to the UPPER LIMIT line
(Approx. 2 inches (53 mm) from the top of the fuel filler neck). Do
not overfill. Wipe up any spilled fuel before starting the engine.
4. Tighten the fuel tank cap until it clicks.
Move the mower at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine.
NOTICE
Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel
when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not
covered by the DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY
(page 22).

OPERATION

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, which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area
and cause illness or death.

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can
build up to dangerous levels in closed areas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or
death.
Never run the lawn mower in a closed, or even partially closed
area where people may be present.

Safe Mowing Practices

Most injuries and property damage with walk-behind mowers can be
prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the
mower. The most common hazards are discussed below, along with
the best way to protect yourself and others.
page 20 for information regarding
2 in
(53 mm)
UPPER
LIMIT
WARNING
General
Do not pull the mower backward unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while moving backward.
Operate the mower only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the mower after consuming alcohol or drugs.
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 adjust the cutting height or work
around the deck for any other reason, always shut off the engine.
Wear heavy gloves and disconnect the spark plug cap when you need
to clean the mower deck or handle the blades.

The blades are sharp and spin at high speed. If you come in
contact with a spinning blade, it will cut you severely and can
amputate fingers and toes.
• Wear protective footwear.
• Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while
the engine is running.
• Stop the engine before performing any adjustment,
inspection, or maintenance.
Clear Mowing Area
Mower blades can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to
cause serious injury. Before mowing, carefully inspect the area and
remove all sticks, stones, pieces of wire, and other loose objects.
Never operate the blades over gravel.
NOTICE
Striking objects with the spinning blades can cause severe engine
damage, which is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED
WARRANTY.
Keep Shields in Place
Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by
thrown objects and from hot engine parts and moving components.
For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place
when the engine is running.
Refuel With Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode.
Refuel only outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, with the engine OFF.
Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away.
Always store gasoline in an approved container.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a
plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your
vehicle before filling. Remove gas powered equipment from the truck
or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel
such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury. Long pants
and eye protection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects.
Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles will help protect your feet and give
you better traction on slopes or uneven ground.
DANGER
7