Honda Harmony HRB216TDA Owner's Manual

Honda Harmony HRB216TDA Owner's Manual

Honda rotary mower owner's manual

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®
Owner's Manual

Rotary Mower

HRB216TDA
®
© 1997, 2000–2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

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Summary of Contents for Honda Harmony HRB216TDA

  • Page 1: Rotary Mower

    ® Owner’s Manual Rotary Mower HRB216TDA ® © 1997, 2000–2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved...
  • Page 2 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 lawn mower if resold.
  • Page 3 INTRODUCTION 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.
  • Page 4 Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You must use your own good judgment. You will find important safety information in a variety of forms including: •...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    LAWNMOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ...4 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS...6 CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS...7 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ...12 IS YOUR LAWNMOWER READY TO GO? ...12 CHECK YOUR WORK AREA...13 GET THE MOWER READY...14 OPERATION ...17 MOWING PRECAUTIONS ...17...
  • Page 6: Lawnmower Safety

    LAWNMOWER 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 cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers, hands, toes, or feet.
  • Page 7 LAWNMOWER SAFETY Operating Near Roads Always watch for vehicle traffic when operating the mower near roads and driveways. Never operate the mower on public roads. Operator Responsibility Know how to stop the mower quickly in case of emergency. Understand the use of all mower controls. Never permit anyone to operate the mower without proper instruction.
  • Page 8: Safety Label Locations

    LAWNMOWER SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement. CAUTION UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR,...
  • Page 9: Controls & Features

    COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS Use these illustrations to locate and identify the most frequently used controls. RECOIL STARTER GRIP GRASS BAG HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2) ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER HANDLEBAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD OIL FILLER CAP MUFFLER FUEL TANK CAP CUTTING HEIGHT...
  • Page 10 CONTROLS & FEATURES DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER SPARK PLUG CAP CARBURETOR FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER FUEL VALVE AIR CLEANER MEETS CPSC BLADE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. MODEL: HRB216TDA SERIAL NO: MAAA — 1XXXXXXX MODEL NAME AND FRAME SERIAL NUMBER LABEL...
  • Page 11 Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engine speed and opens and closes the choke. THROTTLE LEVER CHOKE Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine. FAST For restarting a warm engine and for mowing.
  • Page 12 CONTROLS & FEATURES Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER engine flywheel brake and the ignition switch. The engine will not start unless this lever is pushed forward. Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER and disengages the transmission speed selected...
  • Page 13 Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the mower’s drive speed. 1 (slow) For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas. 2 (medium) For intermediate self-propelled mowing speed. 3 (fast) For maximum self-propelled transport speed. SHIFT LEVER Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Each wheel of the mower can be adjusted to one of six settings.
  • Page 14: Before Operation

    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. Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency. IS YOUR LAWNMOWER READY TO GO?
  • Page 15: Check Your Work Area

    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. Replace as necessary (page 31).
  • Page 16: Get The Mower Ready

    BEFORE OPERATION GET THE MOWER READY Handlebar Height Adjustment 1. Adjust handlebar height for a comfortable operating position. 2. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins. 3. Move the handlebar up or down, so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar mounting brackets.
  • Page 17 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.
  • Page 18 BEFORE OPERATION Cutting Height Bagging/Side-Discharge: Move all ADJUSTMENT LEVERS four adjustment levers to the same position. Mulching: Move the front adjustment levers one position higher than the rear levers. To adjust cutting height, pull each ADJUSTMENT LEVER adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch.
  • Page 19: Operation

    MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and the previous chapter, BEFORE OPERATION (page 12). 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.
  • Page 20 OPERATION 3. Press the flywheel brake lever against the handlebar and hold them together firmly. 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...
  • Page 21: Operating The Controls For Mowing

    OPERATION OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever THROTTLE LEVER 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.
  • Page 22 OPERATION Drive Clutch Lever BLADE CONTROL LEVER 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.
  • Page 23: Stopping The Engine

    STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Move the throttle lever to SLOW. 2. Release the drive clutch lever and flywheel brake lever. 3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. OPERATION THROTTLE LEVER FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER SLOW...
  • Page 24: Safe Mowing Practices

    OPERATION 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.
  • Page 25 OPERATION Obstacles Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls. Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional control.
  • Page 26: Mowing Tips

    OPERATION MOWING TIPS 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 results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season.
  • Page 27 OPERATION Blade Speed The blade must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the FAST throttle setting, and keep the engine running at maximum rpm. If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blade trying to cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower slower, or raise the cutting height.
  • Page 28 OPERATION 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.
  • Page 29: Servicing Your Lawnmower

    SERVICING YOUR LAWNMOWER THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
  • Page 30: Maintenance Safety

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 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.
  • Page 31: Maintenance Schedule

    (1) Service more frequently 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. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER first Before First...
  • Page 32: Blades

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER BLADES Inspection 1. Move the fuel valve to the OFF position (see page 9) and disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (see page 36). 2. Tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up.
  • Page 33: Servicing Your Lawn Mower

    2. Remove the two blade bolts with a 14 mm socket wrench. Use a wooden block to prevent the blades from turning when removing the bolts. Remove the blades. UPPER BLADE BLADE BOLT (2) SPECIAL WASHER (2) SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER LOWER BLADE...
  • Page 34 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 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. Be sure to install the special washers with the concave side toward the blades and the convex side toward the bolts.
  • Page 35: Engine Maintenance

    4. Fill with the recommended oil. Do not overfill; measure the oil level as shown on page 34. NOTICE Using nondetergent oil can shorten the engine’s service life, and using 2-stroke oil can damage the engine. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER...
  • Page 36 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Engine Oil Level Check 1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/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.
  • Page 37 5. Wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover, using a moist rag. Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air duct that leads to the carburetor. 6. Reinstall the filter and cover. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER FILTER COVER...
  • Page 38 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Plug Service RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS DENSO *Resistor spark plugs reduce interference with radio and TV reception. NOTICE Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage. For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.
  • Page 39 A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the cylinder head. 7. Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm)
  • Page 40: Fuel

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER FUEL Fuel Information This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life. Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture.
  • Page 41 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 64). SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER  WARNING FUEL TANK CAP...
  • Page 42: Control Cable Adjustments

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS Flywheel Brake Cable Adjustment 1. Measure free play at the top of the flywheel brake lever. Free play should be 3/16 ~ 3/8 in (5 ~ 10 mm). If adjustment is necessary: 2. Loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench, and move the adjuster up or down as required.
  • Page 43 If the drive clutch does not operate as it should, with correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. 1/16 ~ 3/16 in (1 ~ 5 mm) DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER LOCK NUTS ADJUSTER...
  • Page 44 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Shift Cable Adjustment Shift cable adjustment is necessary if the shift lever does not operate smoothly, does not shift properly into a gear, or does not align with the numbers beside the lever. With the shift lever in 2nd gear, check that the lever, throughout its free play range, is well-centered on the number “2”...
  • Page 45 10 mm wrench. Move the adjuster up or down as required to obtain the proper clearance. Tighten the lock nuts. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THROTTLE LEVER CONTROL CHOKE ARM 0 ~ 0.04 in (0 ~ 1 mm)
  • Page 46: Grass Bag Cleaning And Replacement

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT Grass Bag Cleaning Wash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before use; a wet bag will clog quickly. Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent (page 63).
  • Page 47: Storage

    Cleaning 1. Wash the lawn mower, including the underside of the mower deck. Engine Wash the engine by hand, and be careful to prevent water from entering the air cleaner.
  • Page 48 4. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. 5. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged paint (touch-up paint part numbers are on page 63), and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
  • Page 49 STORAGE 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.
  • Page 50 STORAGE Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank 1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (see page 9). Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl into an approved container. Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
  • Page 51 Engine Cylinder Remove the spark plug (see page 36). Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall the spark plug. Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt then return the starter grip gently.
  • Page 52: Placing In Storage

    STORAGE PLACING IN STORAGE 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, water heater, or clothes dryer.
  • Page 53: 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. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
  • Page 54: Taking Care Of Unexpected Problems

    TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS Engine Will Not Start 1. Check control positions. 2. Check fuel. 3. Remove and inspect spark plug. 4. Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer, or refer to shop manual. Loss of Power 1.
  • Page 55: Vibration Problems

    TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS VIBRATION PROBLEMS Excessive Vibration 1. Check mower deck and blades. 2. Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Poor Cut Quality or Poor Mowing/Bagging Performance 1. Check that the throttle lever is in the FAST position.
  • Page 56: Technical & Consumer Information

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Numbers Record the engine and frame serial numbers (locations are shown on page 8) in the spaces below. You may need these serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page 68).
  • Page 57 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer.
  • Page 58 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
  • Page 59: Emission Control System

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions 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 same way, but it is toxic.
  • Page 60 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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, our customer, the ability to compare the emissions performance of available engines.
  • Page 61 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement 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 you can be confident of their performance.
  • Page 62: Specifications

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model HRB216TDA Honda rotary mower, 21 inch mower deck, 5.5 hp, three-speed transmission, zone start, USA market Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Length Width at Mower Deck Height Dry Weight Cutting Width Approximate Cutting Height (adjustable)
  • Page 63 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Maintenance Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Engine Oil SAE 10W-30, API SH or SJ Spark Plug Type Regular: NGK - BP6ES or DENSO - W20EP-U Resistor: NGK - BPR6ES or DENSO - W20EPR-U Maximum Governed 2,950 ~ 3,100 rpm...
  • Page 64: Consumer Information

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION CONSUMER INFORMATION Find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer in Your Area Call (800) 426-7701, or visit the Find A Dealer section of the Honda Power Equipment World Wide Web site: www.hondapowerequipment.com Customer Service See page 68. Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your lawnmower.
  • Page 65 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts. Optional Equipment and Service Items Contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer to purchase any of these (or other) genuine, original Honda items for your lawnmower. Replacement Parts Item Spark plug Air filter Mulching plug Upper blade Lower blade Grass bag...
  • Page 66 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Distributor's Limited Warranty PRODUCTS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY Harmony Lawnmower Harmony Xenoy Mower Deck Parts & Accessories To 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.
  • Page 67 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Emission Control System Warranty Your new Honda Power Equipment engine complies with both the U.S. EPA and State of California emission regulations. American Honda provides the same emission warranty coverage for engines sold in all 50 states. Your Warranty Rights And Obligations: California The California Air Resources Board and American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
  • Page 68 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Warranty Coverage: Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold in the State of California, and U.S. EPA certified engines manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and sold in all of the United States, are covered by this warranty for a period of two years from the date of delivery to the original retail purchaser.
  • Page 69 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Exclusions: FAILURES OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP ARE NOT COVERED 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, MISFUELING, IMPROPER STORAGE, ACCIDENT AND/ OR COLLISION, THE INCORPORATION OF, OR ANY USE OF, ANY ADD-ON OR MODIFIED PARTS, UNSUITABLE ATTACHMENTS, OR THE UNAUTHORIZED...
  • Page 70 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 Manager or General Manager can help.
  • Page 71: Index

    Accessories. See Parts Air Cleaner Service ... 35 Air Filter Part Number ... 63 Air Index ... 58 Altitude, High Altitude Operation ... 54 Bag. See Grass Bag Before Operation... 12 Blades Inspection... 30 Installation ... 32 Part Numbers ... 63 Cable Adjustments Drive Clutch Cable ...
  • Page 72 INDEX Change... 33 Level Check... 34 Part Number ... 63 Recommended ... 34 Paint, Part Number... 63 Parts, Replacement & Optional ... 63 Publications ... 62 Safety A few words... 2 Information ... 4 Label Locations ... 6 Message Definitions ... 2 Safe Mowing Practices...
  • Page 73: Quick Reference Information

    QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Fuel type capacity Engine Oil type capacity Spark Plug type Maintenance before each use / subsequent Unleaded gasoline with a pum p octane of 86 or higher 0.29 U.S. gallon (1.1 liter) SAE 10W-30 0.58 U.S. quart (0.55 liter) Regular: NGK- BP6ES, Denso –...
  • Page 74 POM53249-C IPC 10000.2002.04 31VE2752 Printed on PRINTED IN U.S.A. 00X31-VE2-7520 Recycled Paper...

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