Related Manuals for Honda Harmony HRB217HXA
Summary of Contents for Honda Harmony HRB217HXA
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Page 1: Rotary Mower
Owner’s Manual Rotary Mower HRB217HXA See page 54 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower. ® © 1997, 2000–2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved... - Page 2 Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold. The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing.
- 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 Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You must use your own good judgment. You will find important safety information in a variety of forms including: •...
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
CONTROLS & FEATURES ... 7 COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS ...7 BEFORE OPERATION ... 11 ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ...11 IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? ...11 CHECK YOUR WORK AREA ...12 GET THE MOWER READY ...13 OPERATION ... 16 MOWING PRECAUTIONS ...16... -
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
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, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. You can help prevent accidents by making good decisions about if, when, and how your youngster operates this equipment. -
Page 8: Safety Label Locations
LAWN MOWER SAFETY 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. -
Page 9: Controls & Features
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS GRASS CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER OIL FILLER CAP SPARK PLUG CAP CARBURETOR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS HANDLEBAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE LEVER DISCHARGE GUARD FUEL TANK CAP MUFFLER RECOIL STARTER GRIP AIR CLEANER BLADE CONTROL LEVER BLADE CONTROL BUTTON DRIVE... - 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 CHOKE Closes the choke; use when starting a cold engine. FAST For restarting a 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 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. SLOW Use a slow speed for mowing thick grass or...
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Page 13: Before Operation
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. Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency. IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? -
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). -
Page 15: Get The Mower Ready
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.
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Page 17: Cutting Height
BEFORE OPERATION Cutting Height Bagging/Side-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
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 3. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently. 4. 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.
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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 FAST cuts grass more efficiently. - Page 21 OPERATION Drive Clutch Lever BLADE CONTROL LEVER Push the drive clutch lever forward to propel the mower. Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward movement. DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER 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.
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Page 23: Stopping The Engine
STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Release the drive clutch and blade control levers. 2. Move the throttle lever to STOP. 3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. OPERATION BLADE CONTROL LEVER STOP DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER FUEL... -
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.
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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. Mulching Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern.
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Page 29: Servicing Your Lawn Mower
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. -
Page 30: Maintenance Safety
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task. -
Page 31: Maintenance Schedule
(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 the Honda shop manual for service procedures. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER First Before First... -
Page 32: Blades
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER BLADES Inspection 1. Move the fuel valve to the OFF position (page 8) and disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (page 37). 2. Tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up. - Page 33 2. Remove the two blade bolts with a 14 mm socket wrench. Use a wooden block to prevent the blades from turning when removing the bolts. Remove the blades. UPPER BLADE BLADE BOLT (2) SPECIAL WASHER SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER LOWER BLADE...
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Page 34: Blade Installation
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Blade Installation 1. Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area. 2. Install the blades using the two blade bolts and special washers as shown. Be sure to install the special washers with the concave side toward the blades and the convex side toward the bolts. -
Page 35: Grass Bag Cleaning And Replacement
2. Remove the bag from the frame. Bag Installation 1. Insert the bag frame into the bag, as shown. 2. Clip the plastic edges of the bag onto the frame, as shown. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER PLASTIC EDGE FRAME PLASTIC EDGE... -
Page 36: Engine Maintenance
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Level Check 1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean. 2. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick. - Page 37 34. NOTICE Using nondetergent oil can shorten the engine’s service life, and using 2-stroke oil can damage the engine. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER...
- 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 2. Remove the spark plug with a 13/16 in (21 mm) spark plug wrench. 3. Inspect the spark plug. Replace it if the electrodes are worn, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER REGULAR BP6ES W20EP-U SPARK PLUG CAP RESISTOR* BPR6ES...
- Page 40 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER 4. 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. 5. Install the spark plug carefully, by hand, to avoid cross- threading.
- Page 41 Spark Arrester Service (optional equipment) Your lawn mower engine is not factory-equipped with a spark arrester. 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.
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Page 42: Control Cable Adjustments
SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS Blade Control Lever Adjustment 1. Push the button down on the blade control lever and measure free play at the top of lever. Free play should be 3/8 ~ 9/16 in (10 ~ 15 mm). If adjustment is necessary: 2. - Page 43 4. Tighten the lock nuts. If the mower will not operate correctly, take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer. SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER CONTROL CABLE BANDS 14 in (355 mm) 3-1/2 in...
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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. -
Page 45: Fuel System
Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered by the Distributor’s Limited Warranty (page 66). SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING FUEL TANK CAP... - Page 46 SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER Fuel Recommendations Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life.
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Page 47: Storage
Cleaning 1. Wash the lawn mower, including the underside of the mower deck. Engine Wash the engine by hand, and be careful to prevent water from entering the air cleaner. - Page 48 4. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. 5. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up 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 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.
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Page 51: Handlebar Folding
Engine Cylinder Remove the spark plug (page 37). 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. 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
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. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. -
Page 54: Taking Care Of Unexpected Problems
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS Engine Will Not Start 1. Check control positions. 2. Check fuel. 3. Remove and inspect spark plug. 4. Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer, or refer to shop manual. Loss of Power 1. -
Page 55: Vibration Problems
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS VIBRATION PROBLEMS Excessive Vibration 1. Check mower deck and blades. 2. Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair. MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Poor Cut Quality or Poor Mowing/Bagging Performance 1. Check that the throttle lever is in the FAST position. -
Page 56: 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. Grass Bag Assembly Slide the grass bag frame into the grass bag and install the clips as shown. -
Page 57: Before Operation
Fuel Refer to page 43. BEFORE OPERATION Before using the lawn mower, all mower operator’s must read the following chapters and sections: • LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 4) •... -
Page 58: Technical & Consumer Information
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER There are two serial numbers, one for the mower frame and one for the 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 High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications to the carburetor. If you always operate your lawn mower at altitudes above 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), have your servicing dealer perform this carburetor modification.
- 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.
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Page 61: Emission Control System
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very important because, under certain conditions, they react to form photochemical smog when subjected to sunlight. Carbon monoxide does not react in the same way, but it is toxic. - Page 62 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. 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.
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Page 64: Specifications
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Mower Model HRB217HXA Honda rotary mower, with grass bag, 21 inch mower deck, 6.5 bhp, hydrostatic transmission, blade-brake clutch, USA market Dimensions, Weights and Capacities Overall Length (handlebar adjusted to mid position) Width at Mower Deck Height [Cutting height set to 1 in (25 mm)] Dry Weight... - Page 65 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Transmission Design and Performance Transmission Type Hydrostatic, fluid-drive, infinitely variable speeds Maximum Mower Maximum: 3.2 ~ 3.6 mph (5.2 ~ 6.1 km/h) Ground Speed (engine at 3,100 rpm) Maintenance Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.
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Page 66: Consumer Information
Customer Service See page 70. Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your lawn mower. You may order them from an authorized Honda servicing dealer. Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures. - 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 Spark plug Air filter Mulching plug...
- Page 68 To Obtain Warranty Service: You must take the Honda Harmony lawn mower and proof of original retail purchase date, at your expense, to any Honda Power Equipment dealer in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S.
- Page 69 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Emission Control System Warranty Your new Honda Power Equipment engine complies with both the U.S. EPA and State of California emission regulations. American Honda provides the same emission warranty coverage for engines sold in all 50 states. Your Warranty Rights And Obligations: California The California Air Resources Board and American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
- Page 70 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Warranty Coverage: Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold in the State of California, and U.S. EPA certified engines manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and sold in all of the United States, are covered by this warranty for a period of two years from the date of delivery to the original retail purchaser.
- Page 71 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Exclusions: FAILURES OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS WHICH ARE AFFECTED OR DAMAGED BY OWNER ABUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, MISUSE, MISFUELING, IMPROPER STORAGE, ACCIDENT AND/ OR COLLISION, THE INCORPORATION OF, OR ANY USE OF, ANY ADD-ON OR MODIFIED PARTS, UNSUITABLE ATTACHMENTS, OR THE UNAUTHORIZED...
- Page 72 When you write or call, please give us this information: • Model and serial numbers (page 56) • Name of the dealer who sold the lawn mower to you • Name and address of the dealer who services your lawn mower •...
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Page 73: Index
Accessories. See Parts Air Cleaner Service ... 36 Air Filter Part Number ... 65 Air Index ... 61 Altitude, High Altitude Operation ... 57 Bag. See Grass Bag Before Operation ... 11 Blade Inspection ... 30 Installation ... 32 Part Numbers ... 65 Blade Control Lever Cable Adjustment ... - Page 74 Warnings. See Safety Message Defini- tions Warranty Customer Service ... 70 for Emission Control System ... 67 for Lawn Mower ... 66 for Xenoy Mower Deck ... 66 Washing Grass Bag ... 33 Mower ... 45 Web Address ... 64...
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Page 75: Quick Reference Information
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Type Fuel Capacity Type Engine oil Capacity Type Spark plug Electrode gap Carburetor Idle speed Before each use Maintenance First 5 hours Subsequent Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 44) 0.29 US gal (1.1l) SAE 10W-30, API SH or SJ (page 34) 0.58 US qt (0.55 l) Regular:... - Page 76 POM53497 IPC 20000.2002.11 31VE1000 Printed on PRINTED IN U.S.A. 00X31-VE1-0000 Recycled Paper...