Stopping The Engine; Mowing Tips - Honda HRN216PKA Owner's Manual

Electric start:
Turn the starter key switch to
the START position. Let the
key return to the RUN position
when the engine starts.
The starter should not be
cranked for more than 5
seconds at a time. If the
engine fails to start, release
the switch and wait 10
seconds before operating the
starter again.
If the battery does not have sufficient charge to start the engine,
possibly due to a long storage period, use the recoil starter to
start the engine for at least one mowing session. The battery
should have sufficient charge after one mowing session
(approximately 1 hr), or an optional accessory battery charger is
available from your Honda dealer and can be used to fully charge
the battery.
Manual start:
Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, and 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 stopping the engine. This minimum run
time will be longer if the temperature is below 70 °F (21 °C).
Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar; the
engine stops when the blade control lever is released.

Stopping the Engine

1. Release the blade control lever to stop the engine.
2. When you finish mowing, turn the fuel valve OFF.
3. If your mower will not be used for 3 to 4 weeks, we recommend
running the engine's carburetor out of fuel. You can do this by
leaving the fuel valve OFF, restarting the engine and running it
until the engine stops. See "AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED
PROBLEMS" on page 20
a month or more.
4. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to "Cleaning" on
page 16.

Mowing Tips

When to Mow
Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown ½ to 1 in
(12 ~ 25 mm) above their recommended height. More frequent
mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best mulching
results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the
growing season.
Cutting Height
Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height
recommendations and advice about specific types of grasses and
growing conditions in your area.
Most grass has stems and leaves. If you cut off the leaves, you'll scalp
the lawn. Let the grass recover between mowings. Your mower will
work better, and your lawn will look better.
Cutting grass that is too tall or mowing the lawn too quickly can clog
the mower deck with grass and may cause the engine to stall. If your
grass gets too tall, cut it once at the highest cutting height setting
using a slow ground speed, then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don't take
off more than one third of the total grass height in any one mowing, or
START
if you don't plan to use your mower for
brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained
on page 6.
RUN
Cutting Width
For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few inches.
If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower
mowing swath.
Blade Speed
The blades must spin very fast to cut properly. If engine speed drops,
it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blades trying to
cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower slower,
use the rear discharge chute, or raise the cutting height.
Blade Sharpness
A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving
shredded ends that turn brown. When your blades don't cut cleanly
anymore, have them sharpened or replaced.
Dry Grass
If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being
unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter. If dust is a
problem, water your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the
grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist.
Wet Grass
Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing. Also, wet
grass clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the
lawn. Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
When equipped with the grass bag, your mower can be used to pick
up fallen leaves for disposal. If using the mower to bag large amounts
of fallen leaves, and not for mowing, adjust the front cutting height
adjustment lever so the front of the mower deck is one or two settings
higher than the rear.
If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn, don't let the leaf
cover get too deep before you begin. For best results, start mulching
while grass still shows through the leaf cover. In places where fallen
leaves completely cover the grass, remove the leaves by raking, or
install a grass bag, so your mower can pick them up for disposal.
Clogged Mower Deck
Before clearing a clogged mower deck, stop the engine and turn the
fuel valve to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap disconnected,
tilt the mower so the carburetor side is up.
Clear a clogged deck with a stick, not your hands.
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 provide the best
results.
Mulching
Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern. If
the lawn has an irregular shape, or many
obstacles, divide it into sections where you
can use counterclockwise patterns.
Bagging
Use a clockwise mowing pattern. This will
give the best bagging performance, leaving
the least amount of clippings on the lawn.
MULCHING PATTERN
BAGGING PATTERN
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