Operation; Mowing Precautions; Starting The Engine - Honda HRX217VKAA Owner's Manual

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 may require bagging. By adjusting the Clip
Director knob, various mowing conditions can be met.
Inspection
During normal use, the grass bag material is subject to deterioration
and wear.
NOTICE
Frequently inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear.
Check for necessary replacement. Make sure the new bag meets the
original specifications.
Grass bag replacement is explained on page 10.
Installation
1. Raise the discharge
guard and hook the
GRASS BAG
HANDLE
grass bag onto the
mower deck as
shown.
BAG
2. Release the
discharge guard to
secure the grass
bag.
Removal
1. Raise the discharge
guard, grasp the
grass bag handle,
and remove the
grass bag.
2. Release the
discharge guard.
3. When the grass bag
is clear of the
discharge guard, you can lift it through the handlebar opening, or
you can remove it to the rear of the mower below the handlebar.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Each wheel of the mower can be
adjusted to one of seven settings.
The cutting height figures are
approximate. The actual height of
cut grass will vary with lawn and
soil conditions.
Move all four adjustment levers to
the same position.
To adjust cutting height, pull each
adjustment lever toward the wheel,
and move it into another notch.
If you are not sure what cutting
height to select, start with a high
setting and check the appearance
of the lawn after mowing a small
area. Then readjust the cutting
height if necessary.
6
DISCHARGE GUARD
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
3/4 in (20 mm)
1-1/4 in (32 mm)
2 in (46 mm)
2-1/2 in (62 mm)
3 in (75 mm)
3-1/2 in (88 mm)
4 in (100 mm)

OPERATION

MOWING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the mower for the first time, please review LAWN
MOWER SAFETY (page 2). 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 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.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting, always release the Smart Drive™ control so that the
mower will not move forward when you operate the starter.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position.
2. Pull back on the blade control
lever and hold it against the
handlebar.
The lever must be against the
handlebar to start the engine.
The blade starts to rotate when
the lever is against the
handlebar and the recoil starter
grip is pulled.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until
you feel resistance, then pull
briskly. Return the starter grip
gently.
Keep your hands and feet away
from the mower deck at all times
when starting and running the
engine.
Continue to hold the blade
control lever against the
handlebar; the engine will stop if
you release the lever.
ON
FUEL
VALVE