Operation; Mowing Precautions; Starting The Engine; Operating The Controls For Mowing - Honda HRX217VKA Owner's Manual

OPERATION

MOWING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the mower for the first time, please review LAWN
MOWER SAFETY (page 2). 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. For your safety, avoid
starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area, such as a
garage. Your mower's exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide
gas, which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or
death.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting, always release the Smart Drive control so that the
mower will not move forward when you operate the starter.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position.
2. Pull back on the blade control
lever and hold it against the
handlebar.
The lever must be against the
handlebar to start the engine.
The blades start to rotate when
the lever is against the handlebar
and the recoil starter grip is
pulled.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until
you feel resistance, then pull
briskly. Return the starter grip
gently.
Keep your hands and feet away
from the mower deck at all times
when starting and running the
engine.
Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar; the
engine will stop if you release the lever.
ON
FUEL
VALVE
BLADE CONTROL LEVER

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

Smart Drive Control
Control position
adjustment is described
on page 5.
With the engine running
and the blades rotating,
slowly push the Smart
Drive control to propel the
mower forward.
Ground speed will
increase as more
pressure is applied to the
Smart Drive control. After
maximum ground speed is
obtained, applying additional force will not further increase ground
speed. Apply only enough pressure to achieve the desired speed.
Ground speed control sensitivity will vary with such factors as terrain,
grass height, slope, and grass bag weight. For example, achieving a
very slow ground speed on smooth level terrain requires very light
force applied to the Smart Drive control. However, additional force
may be required to achieve the same ground speed on slopes, in tall
grass, or on uneven terrain. The Smart Drive control is designed to
allow you to move the control to maintain the desired ground speed
under constantly changing mowing conditions.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage (stop) the rear wheels.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. Release the blade control
lever to stop the engine.
2. When the mower is not in
use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF
position.
™
CONTROL
SMART DRIVE
CONTROL
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
OFF
7