Honda HRX217TDA Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Honda Manuals
  4. Lawn Mower
  5. HRX217TDA
  6. Owner's manual
Honda HRX217TDA Owner's Manual

Honda HRX217TDA Owner's Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for HRX217TDA:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: Owner's Manual
' OWeF
See page 57 for instructions on
setting up your Lawn Mower.
@ 2003 American
Honda
Motor Co., Inc.--All
Rights Reserved

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Honda HRX217TDA

Summary of Contents for Honda HRX217TDA

  • Page 1 ' OWeF setting up your Lawn Mower. See page 57 for instructions on @ 2003 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...
  • 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 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 ........... IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS ..........SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ..............CONTROLS & FEATURES ..............COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS ..........BEFORE OPERATION ..............ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ..........IS 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.

  • Page 7: Important Message To Parents

    LAWN MOWER 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,...

  • Page 8: Safety Label Locations

    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 IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR,...

  • Page 9: Controls & Features

    CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT& CONTROLLOCATIONS THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD FUEL TANK CAP FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER GRASS CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER OIL FILLER CAP MUFFLER RECOIL STARTER GRIP SPARK PLUG CAP CARBURETOR HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2) CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB FUEL VALVE CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS...
  • Page 10 CONTROLS & FEATURES Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor. VALVE Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engine speed and opens and closes the choke. THROTTLE LEVER THROTTLE I h_ l CHOKE Closes the choke;...
  • Page 11 CONTROLS & FEATURES Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the ignition switch. The engine will not start unless this lever is pushed forward. FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that...
  • Page 12 CONTROLS & FEATURES Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the mower's drive speed. 1 (slow) For mowing thick 1 (SLOW) grass or maneuvering 2 (MEDIUM) small areas. For intermediate 2 (medium) self-propelled 3 (FAST) mowing speed. For maximum self- 3 (fast) propelled...

  • 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.

  • Page 14: Check Your Work Area

    BEFORE OPERATION Check 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 33).

  • Page 15: Get The Mower Ready

    BEFORE OPERATION MOWER READY Handlebar Height Adjustment Adjust handlebar height for a comfortable operating position. Loosen the handlebar locking knobs. Spread the lower ends of the handlebar to release the locating pins. Move the handlebar up or down, so the locating pins engage other holes on the handlebar...
  • Page 16 BEFORE OPERATION Clip Direction Clip Director Knob Adjustment Adjust the clip director knob in any one of the ten positions to achieve the desired mowing results. To adjust the clip director knob, pull the knob downward and towards the rear of the mower. The knob adjusts a sliding door from the fully open BAG position to the fully closed MULCH position...
  • Page 17 BEFORE OPERATION Sliding Door Position The sliding door can be positioned to produce different mowing results. If the preferred sliding door position is unknown, install a grass bag and begin mowing with the clip director knob all the way to the BAG position.
  • Page 18 BEFORE OPERATION Rear Discharge To discharge clippings to the CLIP DIRECTOR rear, remove the grass bag and KNOB position the clip director knob in the BAG range. Maximum rear discharge will occur when the clip director knob is all the way to the left (BAG) position. As the clip director knob is moved toward the right (MULCH)
  • Page 19 BEFORE OPERATION Grass A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through 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 20 BEFORE OPERATION Cutting Height ADJUSTMENT LEVERS Move all four adjustment levers to the same position. To adjust cutting height, pull each ADJUSTMENT LEVER adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch. If you are not sure what cutting height to select, start with a high setting check the appearance...

  • Page 21: Operation

    OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and BEFORE OPERA TION (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 22 OPERATION Release the drive clutch lever. If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter. Push forward on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly.

  • Page 23: Operating The Controls For Mowing

    OPERATION OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever For best cut quality, always THROTTLE LEVER 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 FAST cuts grass more efficiently.
  • Page 24 OPERATION Drive Clutch Lever Push the drive clutch lever FLYWHEEL BRAKE 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 engine.

  • Page 25: Stopping The Engine

    OPERATION STOPPING ENGINE Move the throttle leverto SLOW SLOW position. Release the flywheel brake FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER lever and the drive clutch lever. DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position, FUEL...

  • Page 26: 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...
  • Page 27 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 28: 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. best results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season.
  • Page 29 OPERATION Blade Sharpness A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving shredded ends that turn brown. When your blade doesn't cut cleanly anymore, have it sharpened or replaced. Dry Grass If the ground is too dry, mowing wilt stir up a tot of dust. Besides being unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter.
  • Page 30 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 31: Servicing Your Lawn Mower

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

  • Page 32: Maintenance Safety

    Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from all fuel-related parts. 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,...

  • Page 33: Maintenance Schedule

    Every 2 years [replace if necessary (2)] (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...

  • Page 34: Blades

    If the blades are found to be bent, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for inspection. A torque wrench must always be used when installing the blades.
  • Page 35 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 68). Blade Removal Turn the fuel valve OFF.
  • Page 36 The blade bolts and washers are specially designed for this application. When replacing bolts and washers, use only genuine Honda replacement parts. Tighten the blade bolts with a torque wrench. Use a wooden block to prevent the blades from turning when tightening the bolts.

  • Page 37: 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 68). Bag Removal Unclip the plastic edges of the bag from the frame.

  • Page 38: Engine Maintenance

    The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API babel on the oil container. Honda recommends that you use API SERVICE category SH or SJ oil with the ILSAC "starburst" certification mark displayed on the container.
  • Page 39 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. Turn the fuet valve OFF (page 8). This witl reduce the possibility fuel leakage. Wipe the oil filler area clean, then remove the oit filler cap/dipstick. Place a suitable container next to the mower to catch...
  • Page 40 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 31 ).
  • Page 41 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Spark Plug Service RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS REGULAR RESISTOR* BP6ES BPR6ES DENSO W20EP-U W20EPR-U *Resistor spark plugs reduce interference with radio and TV reception. INOTICEI Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage. For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.
  • Page 42 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a suitable gauge. 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- threading.
  • Page 43 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. Allow the engine to coot and disconnect...

  • Page 44: Control Cable Adjustments

    Move the throttle to FAST. Release flywheel brake lever; the engine should stop quickly. If the flywheel brake does not operate properly with the correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER LOCKNUTS ADJUSTER...
  • Page 45 Check that the drive clutch engages and releases properly. 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 ~ 6 mm) DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER...
  • Page 46 If the transmission does not shift properly, with the correct cable adjustment, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. SHIFT LEVER LOCK SHIFT LEVER 1/64 - 5/64 in (0.5 - 2 mm)

  • Page 47: 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. Perform the inspection and adjustment with the engine stopped. You can inspect choke operation by observing the movement of the choke arm, which is located on top of the carburetor.

  • Page 48: 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...
  • Page 49 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. LNOTICEJ Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage.

  • Page 50: 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 appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again.
  • Page 51 STORAGE With the mower in an upright position, start the engine outdoors, and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature evaporate any water remaining on the engine. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged paint (touch-up paint part numbers...
  • Page 52 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. the gasoline in your mower deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components, serviced...
  • Page 53 STORAGE Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank 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.
  • Page 54 STORAGE Engine Cylinder Remove the spark plug (see page 39). 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. Putt the starter rope slowly until resistance...

  • Page 55: 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 56: 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. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.

  • Page 57: 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.

  • Page 58: Vibration Problems

    (page 34) If blades are found to be bent or sharpening. damaged, take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for inspection (page 32). 2. Take the mower to an Mechanical damage, such as...

  • Page 59: Set-Up

    SET-UP Unpacking Remove all the cardboard from around the handlebar. Handlebar Setup Loosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar enough NYLON LOCKING to raise the handlebar into KNOB(2) the mowing position. Select a desired handlebar height adjustment position and tighten the knobs securely.

  • Page 60: Before Operation

    SET-UP Engine 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 10W-30...

  • Page 61: Technical & Consumer Information

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER MODEL NAME AND FRAME SERIAL NUMBER There are two serial numbers, one for the engine and one for the mower frame. Record the engine and frame serial numbers in the space below.
  • Page 62 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance wilt 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,...
  • Page 63 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 64: Emission Control System

    The following instructions and procedures must be followed in order to keep the Honda engine emissions within the emission standards. Tampering and Altering Tampering with or altering the emission control system may increase emissions beyond the legal limit.
  • Page 65 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.
  • Page 66 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...

  • Page 67: Specifications

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model HRX217TDA Honda rotary mower, grass bag, 21 inch mower deck, 6.5 bhp, clip director, three-speed transmission, flywheel brake, USA market Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Overall Length Handlebar high: 67.0 in (1700 mm) [Cutting...
  • Page 68 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Transmission Design and Performance Transmission Type 3 speed, manual shift Mower Ground Speed 1st: 1.8 mph (0.8 m/s), 2nd: 2.9 mph (1.3 m/s), (with engine at 3,100 rpm) 3rd: 3.6 mph (1.6 m/s) Maintenance Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane...

  • Page 69: Consumerinformation

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION CONSUMERINFORMATION Dealer Locator Information To find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United States: Call (800) 426-7701 or visit our website: www. hondapowerequipment, com/dealer Customer Service See page 73. Honda Publications These publications wilt give you additional...
  • Page 70 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 Part Number Item Notes 98079-56846 Spark plug NGK (brand) BPR6ES 17211-ZL8-003...
  • Page 71 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 72 Warranty Coverage: The 1995 and later power equipment engines are warranted for two years. If any emission- related part on your engine is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Owner's Warranty Responsibility:...
  • Page 73 To Obtain Warranty Service: You must take your Honda Power Equipment engine or the product on which it is installed, along with your warranty...
  • Page 74 OWNER'S MANUAL, SUCH AS: SPARK PLUGS AND FILTERS. Disclaimer of Consequential Damage and Limitation of Implied Warranties: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. DISCLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUCH AS LOSS OF TIME OR THE USE OF THE POWER EQUIPMENT,...
  • Page 75 If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership's management, contact the Honda Power Equipment Customer Relations Office. You can write: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Power Equipment Division Customer Relations Office 4900 Marconi Drive Alpharetta, 30005-8847...

  • Page 76: Index

    INDEX Accessories. See Parts Filter. See Air Cleaner Service Air Cleaner Service ......Flywheel Brake Lever Air Filter Part Number ....... Cable Adjustment ......Air Index ........... Operation ......... Fuel Altitude, High Altitude Operation ..60 Additive .......... Capacity ........Bag.
  • Page 77 INDEX Valve Clearance ....... Paint, Part Number ......Parts, Replacement & Optional ..68 Publications ........Warnings. See Safety Message Definitions Safety Warranty A few words ........for Emission Control System ..70 Information ........for Lawn Mower ......Label Locations .......
  • Page 78 INDEX...

  • Page 79: Quick Reference Information

    QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane Type rating of 86 or higher (page 46) Fuel Capacity 0.29 US gal (1.1_) Type SAE 10W-30, APISH or SJ (page 36) Engine oil Capacity .58 US qt (0.55 Q Regular: NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP-U Type...
  • Page 80 The power of dreams: POM53619 31VH7000 25000.2003.10 Printed 00X3!-VH7-0000 PRINTED IN U,S,A, Recycled Paper...

Table of Contents