Operating The Controls For Mowing; Stopping The Engine; Safe Mowing Practices - Honda HRC216PDA Owner's Manual

5. 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 to run smoothly
without use of the choke. Set
the throttle lever at FAST to
mow or at SLOW to idle.

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

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.
Do not try to increase the preset engine speed; the blades could
fracture and come apart.
Blade Control Lever
The lever must be pushed
forward against the handlebar
to start the engine. The blade
starts to rotate when the lever
is pushed forward against the
handlebar and the recoil starter
grip is pulled.
Continue to hold the lever
against the handlebar to keep
the engine running and the
blade rotating.
Release the lever to stop the
engine and stop blade rotation.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. Move the throttle lever to
the SLOW position.
2. Release the blade control
lever to stop the engine.
3. When the mower is not in
use, turn the fuel valve to
the OFF position.
8
SLOW
FAST
CHOKE
HANDLEBAR
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
OFF

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 shove the mower with your foot. Use the
handlebar to control the mower.
B
WARNING
The blades are sharp and spin at high speed.
Spinning blades can 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.
Slopes
Mow across slopes, not up and
down. Avoid steep slopes (more
°
than 20 ), and be careful when
changing direction. Mowing on a
slope when the grass is damp or
wet could cause you to slip, fall,
and lose control of the mower.
Obstacles
Use the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as
fences or walls.
Be careful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn, such
as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, raised tree roots, etc. Avoid
anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn.
If a blade hits something, or the mower starts to vibrate, stop the
engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug cap, and check for
damage (page 10). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the
crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components.
Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
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 blades regularly, and do not operate the
mower with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20) does not
cover parts damaged by collision.
Gravel and Loose Objects
Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by
the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious
personal injury and/or property damage. The best way to prevent
potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control
lever to stop the engine, and then push the mower across areas with
gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material.