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Honda rotary mowers are designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to instructions. Operating this mower requires special effort on your part to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Using this mower for a purpose not intended may cause injury or property damage.
1. SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS Read all safety instructions before operating the mower. FOR YOUR SAFETY Read owner’s manual before operation and maintenance. AWARNING Gasoline is flammable. Objects hidden in the lawn can be Stop engine, avoid heat, sparks, open flame thrown by the mower...
1. SAFETY SAFETY INFORMATION For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these precautions: Operator Responsibility Know how to stop the engine quickly in case of emergency. Understand the use of all controls. Be sure that anyone who operates the lawn mower receives proper instruction, Allowing anyone, especially children, to operate the mower...
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If your mower is equipped with the optional grass bag, always empty the bag when you’ve finished mowing, even if it’s not full. Stored lawn clippings are a fire hazard. Honda HRM21 mowers are not factory-equipped with spark arresters. It is illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a USDA qualified spark arrester.
1. SAFETY IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your youngster operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, judgments can result in serious injuries.
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER THROTTLE LEVER HANDLEBAR - COIL STARTER FUEL TANK CAP CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER MUFFLER ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER MOWER DECK Record the frame and engine serial numbers for your reference. Refer to the serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or warranty inquiries (see page 51).
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2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (HRM21SVA) THROTTLE LEVER AIR CLEANER COVER RECOIL / STARTER GRIP OIL FILLER CAP FUEL VALVE CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER CUTTING HEIGHT CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT LEVER HRM21PVA: Manually propelled model HRM2lSVA: Self-propelled model...
3. BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS Honda HRM21 mulching mowers are factory-equipped with a low-lift blade and mower deck cover designed to cut grass clippings and fallen leaves into fine particles that will fall through the turf and decompose quickly. This returns nutrients to the soil and reduces the need for raking, bagging, and disposal.
3. BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS REAR BAG GRASS BAG (optional) HANDLE FRONT Installation BAG HANDLE 1. Close the grass bag zipper. 2. Hook the rear bag handle on handlebar hook. 3. Open the discharge guard, hook the mouth of the grass onto the mower deck.
4. CONTROLS FUEL VALVE The fuel valve opens and closes the connection between the fuel tank and the carburetor. The fuel valve must be in the ON position for the engine to run. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position prevent the possibility of carburetor...
4. CONTROLS FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER (all models) FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the ignition system. The engine will not start or run unless this lever is pushed forward. To start the engine and blade, push the lever forward and hold it against the handlebar while operating the recoil starter.
4. CONTROLS CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS (BWAR I II- “IcIYW ucIII cause serious injury. Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height. There are six cutting height settings: 3/4 in, l-1/4 in, l-3/4 in, 2-l/4 2-5/8 in, and 3 in. These are appro- ximate figures, as the actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.
When the blade needs sharpening or replacement, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench, you can remove and install the blade yourself (see page 42).
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK ATTACHMENTS Side-Discharge Adapter (optional) Check the side-discharge adapter to be sure it is in good condition properly attached. Operating mower with a damaged or loose side- discharge adapter will increase risk of injury from objects thrown by the blade.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK ENGINE OIL Check the engine oil level with the engine stopped and the mower on a level surface. 1. Remove the oil filler cap, and wipe the dipstick clean. 2. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK FUEL Fuel tank capacity: 0.21 US gal (0.8 e) Remove the tank cap and check the fuel level. Refill the tank if the fuel level is low. Refuel carefully to avoid overfilling or spilling fuel. There should be no fuel in the filler neck.
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Alcohol If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure its octane rating is at least as high as that recommended by Honda. There are two types of “gasohol”: one containing ethanol, and the other containing methanol. Do not use gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol.
AIR FILTER Check that the air filter is clean and .in good condition. A dirty air filter. will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance A damaged air filter will allow dirt to enter to engine, causing rapid engine wear. 1.
5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK CUTTING HEIGHT Check the cutting height settings, and make any necessary adjustments (see page 14). Set all four adjustment levers to the same cutting height position. .) AWARNING ] The blade can cause serious injury. Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height.
6. OPERATION STARTING THE ENGINE FUEL VALVE Start the engine outdoors. If you run the engine in an area that is confined, or even partially enclosed, the air can become contaminated with dangerous amount of exhaust gas. Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, colorless and odorless gas.
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6. OPERATION FLYWHEEL 4. Pull the starter grip lightly until you BRAKE feel resistance, then pull briskly. LEVER Return the starter rope gently; don’t it snap back against handlebar. Continue to hold the flywheel brake lever forward against the handlebar when the engine starts.
6. OPERATION CLEARING A FLOODED ENGINE If the engine won’t start after you have operated the starter several times, the engine may be flooded with excess fuel. Use the following procedure to clear and start a flooded engine: 13/16 INCH SPARK PLUG WRENCH 1.
6. OPERATION MOWER OPERATION For best grass cutting, mulching, THROTTLE LEVER bagging performance, and to avoid stalling the engine, always mow with the throttle lever in the HI position. operation self-propelled (HRM2lSVA), push the drive clutch lever forward, and hold it against the handlebar together with the flywheel brake lever.
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6. OPERATION For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful not to lose 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.
6. OPERATION STOPPING THE ENGINE FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER Release the flywheel brake lever to stop the engine. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position prevent the possibility of carburetor flooding, and to reduce the possibility h’...
If you always operate the mower at altitudes higher than 6,000 feet above sea level, have an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer perform this carburetor modification. ‘( Even with carburetor modification, engine horsepower will decrease about 3.5% for each 1,000 foot increase in altitude.
7. MOWING AND MULCHING RECOMMENDATIONS Cutting height settings of l-l /4 to 2-l /4 inches are appropriate for most lawns during cool weather. A higher cut may be needed to protect the lawn during hot summer months. Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for advice about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area.
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7. MOWING AND MULCHING RECOMMENDATIONS MOWING PATTERNS Your Honda HRM21 mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck equipment design, and the direction in which the blade rotates, cause these mowing patterns to give the best results.
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7. MOWING AND MULCHING RECOMMENDATIONS 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. Always empty the grass bag when you have finished mowing, even if it -1 is not full.
8. TRANSPORTING 1 ACAUTION he engine and exhaust svstem become hot durina operation and remain hot fo‘; a while after stopping. Contact with hot engin; components can cause bums and can ignite some materials. Avoid touching the engine or exhaust system for at least 15 minutes after the engine has stopped.
Every 2 years (2) NOTE: (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. (2) These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer, unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer to the Honda shop manual.
9. MAINTENANCE ENGINE OIL CHANGE Engine oil capacity: 0.37 US qt (0.35 PI Drain the oil while the engine is warm assure rapid and complete draining. Place a suitable container in front of the mower deck to catch the used oil. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick.
9. MAINTENANCE AIR FILTER SERVICE A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the air filter more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. INOTICEI o perating the engine with no air filter, or a damaged air filter, can cause rapid engine wear.
9. MAINTENANCE SPARK PLUG SERVICE REGULAR RESISTGR RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS BR4HS W14F-U W14FR-U RL90 CHAMPION NOTE: Resistor spark plugs reduce interference with radio and TV reception. 1 NOTICE 1 Spark plugs of the wrong dimensions or heat range can cause engine damage.
9. MAINTENANCE SPARK ARRESTER MAINTENANCE (optional equipment) The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed. [ACAUTI~N Touching the engine or exhaust system while hot can cause burns. Let the engine cool before servicing. 1.
3. Hold the lever forward and start the engine. Release the lever; the engine should stop quickly. If the flywheel brake does not engage and release properly with correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer for repair.
3. Start the engine and operate the drive clutch lever. Check to be sure the drive clutch engages and releases properly. If the drive clutch does not operate properly with correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer for repair. 3/16-318 in (5-10 CLUTCH LEVER...
9. MAINTENANCE THROTTLE CABLE AND STOP SCREW ADJUSTMENT When the throttle lever is moved to the START (CHOKE) position, the choke should fully close (choke arm moves inward as far as it will go), and the stop screw should contact the throttle control arm.
When the bag needs cleaning, wash it with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completly before use; a wet grass bag will clog quickly. Replace a frayed, torn, or deteriorated bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent.
BLADE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION When the blade needs sharpening or replacement, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench, you can remove and install the blade yourself. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands.
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3. Tighten the blade nuts with a torque wrench. Use a wooden block to prevent the blade from turning when tightening the nuts. If you do not have a torque wrench, have an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer tighten the blade nuts. Blade nut torque: 36.2-43.4 ft-lb (5.0-6.0...
10. ,STCIRAGE Preparation for Storage When the mower will not be used for one month or longer, proper storage preparation will help to prevent rust and corrosion, and will make it easier to start the engine when the mower is removed from storage. 1.
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Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline, and add a gasoline conditioner, such as HONDA FUEL STABILIZER, which is formulated to extend fuel storage life. b. Run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
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10. STORAGE For storage of more than 2 months (continued): d. Disconnect the fuel line from the fuel valve, and drain the fuel tank into an approved gasoline container. 1 AWARNING / Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode.
10. STORAGE Storage Select a storage area away from appliances (water heater or clothes dryer) that use an open flame as a heat source Power tools, and some battery operated toys, have electric motors that produce sparks that can ignite gasoline vapors. 1 AWARNING 1 Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode.
36). Spark plug wet with fuel. Dry spark plug and clear flooded engine (p. 24). 4. Take mower to Honda Fuel filter clogged, carburetor Take mower to Honda lawn lawn mower dealer for malfunction, ignition mower dealer, or refer to service or repair.
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Replace blade if necessary improper sharpening. (p. 15 81 42). Mechanical damage, such a Take mower to Honda lawn 2. Take mower to Honda mower dealer, or refer to lawn mower dealer for bent crankshaft. repair. shop manual.
13. WARRANTY SERVICE Owner Satisfaction Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to us. All Honda warranty details are explained in the Distributor’s Limited Warranty. Normally, any problems concerning the product will be handled by your dealer’s service department.
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When you write or call, please provide the following information: • Model and serial numbers • Name of the dealer who sold the Honda power equipment to you • Name and address of the dealer who services your equipment •...
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KINKOS POM53418 P/N 31VA2031 50.2002.08 Printed on 00X31-VA2-2031 Recycled Paper PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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