Honda HRB217HXA Owner's Manual
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Honda HRB217HXA Owner's Manual

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Owner's Manual
Rotary Mower
HRB217HXA
HONDA
See page
54
for instructions on
setting
up
your Lawn Mower.
Harmony"
0
1997, 2000-2002 American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.-All
Rights Reserved

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  • Page 1 Owner's Manual Rotary Mower HRB217HXA See page for instructions on HONDA setting your Lawn Mower. Harmony" 1997, 2000-2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.-All Rights Reserved...
  • Page 2 The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever.
  • Page 3 When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
  • Page 4 INTRODUCTION A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS ..............LAWN MOWER SAFETY ........... IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ..............SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ..............CONTROLS & FEATURES ..........& COMPONENT CONTROL LOCATIONS ..............BEFORE OPERATION ..........ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? .......... YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? ..............CHECK YOUR WORK AREA ..............

  • Page 6: Lawn Mower Safety

    LAWN MOWER 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 LAWN MOWER 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

    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. UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL...

  • Page 9: Controls & Features

    CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS...
  • Page 10 CONTROLS & FEATURES 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 Ih,I CHOKE Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine FAST For restarting warm engine and for mowing.
  • Page 11 CONTROLS & FEATURES Blade Control Lever The blade control lever starts BLADE CONTROL LEVER and stops blade rotation. To start blade rotation, the button must be pressed and held down before pushing the blade control lever forward. Once the blade control lever has been moved forward, the button may be released.
  • Page 12 CONTROLS & FEATURES Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the self-propelled drive speed. STOP OR SLOW STOP With the shift lever all the way back and the drive clutch lever fully engaged, the mower will move very slowly or not at all. FAST slow SLOW...

  • Page 13: Before Operation

    BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury. Knowledge 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.

  • Page 14: Check Your Work Area

    BEFORE OPERATION 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). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 32).

  • Page 15: 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 16 BEFORE OPERATION 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. Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full.
  • Page 17 BEFORE OPERATION Cutting Height BaggingBide-Discharge ADJUSTMENT LEVERS Move all 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 18: Operation

    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 11). 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 19 OPERATION 3. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently. If the CHOKE position was THROTTLE LEVER 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.

  • Page 20: 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 21 OPERATION Clutch Drive Lever BLADE CONTROL LEVER Push drive clutch lever forward to propel the mower. Release the drive clutch lever stop the mower's forward movement. You can control self-propelled speed with the drive clutch lever. The mower will move gradually faster as you push the drive clutch lever forward.
  • Page 22 OPERATION Shift Lever SHIFT LEVER Use the shift lever to select SLOW the forward speed at which you wish to mow. Do not use the throttle lever to adjust your forward speed. The throttle lever must remain in the FAST position for good mowing performance.

  • Page 23: Stopping The Engine

    OPERATION STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Release the drive clutch and BLADE CONTROL LEVER blade control levers. 2. Move the throttle lever to STOP. 3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the...

  • 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.

  • Page 29: Servicing Your Lawn Mower

    Other service tasks that are more difficult, or require special tools, are best handled by professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic. The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If...

  • Page 30: Maintenance Safety

    Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your mower best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it. To ensure the best quality and reliability, use only new, genuine Honda parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement.

  • Page 31: Maintenance Schedule

    Check line Every 2 years [replace if necessary (2)] Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing dealer, unless have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures.

  • Page 32: Blades

    When a blade needs sharpening or replacement, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench, you can remove and install the blades yourself >.
  • Page 33 BLADE SHARPENING: To avoid weakening the blades, or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the blades should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda servicing dealer. BLADE REPLACEMENT: Use genuine Honda replacement blades or their equivalent (page 65). Blade Removal Turn the fuel valve OFF.
  • Page 34 6.0 kg-m (49 59 N.m) If you do not have a torque hrench, have an authorized Honda servicing dealer tighten the blade bolts before you use the mower. If the blade bolts are overtightened, they could break. If the blade bolts are not tightened enough, they could loosen or come out.

  • Page 35: Grass Bag Cleaning And Replacement

    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 65). Bag Removal 1.

  • Page 36: Engine Maintenance

    The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API label on the oil container. Honda recommends API SERVICE category SH oil with the ILSAC "starburst" certification mark displayed on the container.
  • Page 37 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Engine Change Drain the used while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. Turn the fuel valve (page 8). This will reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. Place a suitable container next to the mower to catch the used oil, then tilt the...
  • Page 38 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Air Cleaner 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 (page 29).
  • Page 39 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Plug Service RECOMMENDED SPARKPLUGS REGULAR RESISTOR* BPGES BPRGES W20EPR-U W20EP-U D E N S 0 spark plugs with and TV *Resistor reduce interference radio reception. Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage. For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.
  • Page 40 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a suitable gauge. The gap should be 0.028 0.031 in (0.7 0.8 mm). Correct the gap, if necessary, by carefully bending the side electrode. Install the spark plug carefully, 0.028 0.031 in by hand, to avoid' cross-...
  • Page 41 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. The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed.

  • Page 42: Control Cable Adjustments

    If the blades do not start or stop as it should with the correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. BLADE CONTROL LEVER...
  • Page 43 Move the adjuster up or down, as required, until the mower operates as outlined in step 4. Tighten the lock nuts. If the mower will not operate LOCK correctly, take the mower to an NUTS authorized Honda servicing dealer. ADJUSTER...

  • Page 44: Throttle Cable Inspection

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTION Throttle cable adjustment is necessary if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly. You can inspect choke operation by observing the movement of the choke arm, which is located on top of the carburetor. 1.

  • Page 45: Fuel System

    SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 ! ) If the fuel level is low, refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool first. To refuel, remove the fuel tank cap, and fill the tank with gasoline to the bottom of the filler neck.
  • Page 46 If spark knock or pinging occurs at a steady engine speed, under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If spark knock or pinging persists, see an authorized Honda servicing dealer. Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage.

  • Page 47: Storage

    STORAGE STORAGE PREPARATION Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your lawn mower’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again.
  • Page 48 STORAGE With the mower in an upright position, start the engine outdoors, and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch any damaged paint (touch-up paint part numbers are on page 65), 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 (page 8). 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. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.
  • Page 51 STORAGE ylinder Engine Remove the spark plug (page 37). Pour a tablespoon 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

    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.

  • Page 54: Taking Care Of Unexpected Problems

    Spark plug wet with fuel (flooded Dry and reinstall spark plug. engine). 4. Take the mower to an Fuel filter clogged, carburetor Replace or repair faulty authorized Honda malfunction, ignition components as necessary. servicing dealer, or malfunction, valves stuck, etc. refer to shop manual.

  • Page 55: Vibration Problems

    Replace damaged blades sharpening. (page 37 ). 2. Take the mower to an Mechanical damage, such as Replace or repair faulty authorized Honda a bent crankshaft. components as necessary. servicing dealer for repair. MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Poor Cut Quality or Poor...

  • Page 56: Set-Up

    SET-UP Unpacking Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar. Handlebar Setup Loosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar enough to raise the handlebar into the mowing position. Select a desired handlebar height adjustment position and tighten the knobs securely.

  • Page 57: Before Operation

    Engine Oil The mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower. Add the entire contents of the oil bottle into the oil filler opening. If not using the supplied oil, add enough SAE 1 OW-30 API service category SH or oil to...

  • Page 58: Technical & Consumer Information

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations There are two serial numbers, one for the mower frame and one for th,e engine. Record the frame and engine serial numbers in the space below. You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page 70).
  • Page 59 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was certified, for extended periods time, may increase emissions.
  • Page 60 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 61: Emission Control System

    Carbon monoxide does not react in the same way, but it is toxic. Honda uses lean carburetor settings and other systems to reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons.
  • Page 62 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Replacement Parts The emission control systems your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EPA and California emission regulations. We recommend the use 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 63 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 64: Specifications

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model HRB217HXA Honda rotary mower, with grass bag, 21 inch mower deck, 6.5 hp, hydrostatic transmission, blade-brake clutch, USA market Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Overall Length 68.1 in (1730 mm) (handlebar adjusted to mid position)
  • Page 65 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Transmission Design and Performance Transmission Type Hydrostatic, fluid-drive, infinitely variable speeds Maximum Mower Maximum: 3.2 3.8 mph (5.2 6.1 km/h) Ground Speed (engine at 3,100 rpm) Maintenance /Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of page 44 86 or higher.

  • Page 66: Consumer Information

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION CONSUMER INFORMATION Dealer Locator Information To find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United States: Visit our website: www.hondapowerequipment.com www.hondapowerequipment.com Customer Service See page 70. Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your lawn mower.
  • Page 67 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 lawn mower. Replacement Parts Item Notes Part Number 98079-56846 Spark plug...
  • Page 68 What American Honda will Repair or Replace Under Warranty: American Honda will repair or replace, at its option, any part that is proven to be defective in material or workmanship under normal use during the applicable warranty time period. Warranty repairs and replacements will be made without charge for parts or labor.
  • Page 69 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. recommends that you retain all receipts covering maintenance on your power equipment engine, but American Honda Motor Co., Inc. cannot deny warranty coverage solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance.
  • Page 70 If such a replacement part is used in the repair or maintenance of your engine, and an authorized Honda dealer determines it is defective or causes a failure of a warranted part, your claim for repair of your engine may be denied.
  • Page 71 Disclaimer Consequential Damage and Limitation of Implied Warranties: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUCH AS LOSS OF TIME OR THE USE OF THE POWER EQUIPMENT, OR ANY COMMERCIAL LOSS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE EQUIPMENT;...
  • Page 72 Service Customer 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.

  • Page 73: Index

    INDEX Cleaner Service See Parts Filter Accessories Air Cleaner Service ......Fuel ............... Additive Air Filter Part Number ................... Capacity Air Index ......Oxygenated Fuels ..Altitude, High Altitude Operation ......Recommendations Tank Draining ........ See Grass Fuel Valve ......
  • Page 74 INDEX Throttle ..................Lever Capacity ..............Cable inspection Change ................Operation Level Check ........Troubleshooting Part Number ................. Engine Recommended ............... Mowing and Bagging Operation ........Vibration ...... Tuneup Specifications ......Paint. Part Number ..Parts.

  • Page 75: Quick Reference Information

    QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 44) Fuel (I.I.!) Capacity 0.29 US gal IOW-30, (page Engine oil (0.55 . ! ) Capacity 0.58 US qt Regular: BPGES DENSQ W20EP-U Spark plug Resistor: BPRGES DENSQ...
  • Page 76 The power of dreams:. POM53497 20000.2002.11 31VE1000 Printed on U.S.A. PRINTED IN 00x31 -VE1-0000 Recycled Paper...

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