Operation; Safe Operating Precautions7; Starting The Engine; Operating The Controls For Mowing - Honda HRX217HZA Owner's Manual

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING 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.
FREQUENCY OF USE
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
(more than 4 weeks before next use), please refer to the Fuel section
of the STORAGE chapter (page
regarding fuel deterioration.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting, always release the drive clutch lever, so the mower
will not move forward when you operate the starter.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position.
2. Move the throttle lever to
the FAST position.
3. HYA Model:
Pull the starter grip
lightly until you feel
resistance, then pull
briskly. Return the
starter grip gently.
HZA Model:
(Electric start)
4. Turn the key switch to the START
position and hold it there until the
engine starts.
16) for additional information
ON
FAST
THROTTLE
LEVER
ON
START
NOTICE
Do not use the starter for more than 5 seconds or starter motor
damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, release the switch
and wait 10 seconds before operating the starter again.
5. When the engine starts, release the key switch and allow it to
return to the ON position.
HZA Model:
(Manual start)
6. Turn the engine switch ON.
The engine switch must be
in the ON position to start
the engine with the recoil
starter.
7. Pull the starter grip lightly
until you feel resistance,
then pull briskly. Return the
starter grip gently.
To ensure easy restarting
and maximum performance
from the Auto Choke System™, allow the engine to run for at least
three minutes after starting a cold engine before shutting down.
This minimum run time will be longer if the temperature is below
70°F (21°C).

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

Throttle Lever
For best cut quality, always
FUEL
mow with the throttle lever in
VALVE
the FAST position. When the
blades rotate at the preset
fast speed, they create 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.
Blade Control Lever
To start blade rotation, hold
down the yellow button  on
top of the blade control lever,
and then push the lever 
forward quickly and hold it
against the handlebar.
Release the yellow button.
Operate the blade control lever
with a quick and complete
motion, so the blade control is
always either fully engaged or
released. This will help to
prevent stalling the engine,
and it will also extend the
service life of the blade control mechanism.
To stop blade rotation, release the blade control lever. The engine will
continue to run. Always release the blade control lever before starting
the engine to prevent the blades from turning.
THROTTLE
LEVER
STOP
FAST
BLADE CONTROL LEVER


BUTTON
7