Safe Mowing Practices; Stopping The Engine - Honda HRR216PKA Owner's Manual

Smart Drive Control
(VKA)
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 pressure 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
pressure be applied to the Smart Drive control. However, additional
pressure 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.
The Smart Drive control can be adjusted up or down into any one of
five positions for operator comfort

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 OFF.
3. If your equipment will not be used for
3 to 4 weeks, we recommend
running the engine's carburetor out
of fuel. You can do this by leaving the
fuel valve OFF, restarting the engine
and running it out of fuel. See the
Fuel section on page 14 for periods
of inactivity that exceed 4 weeks.
™
CONTROL
SMART DRIVE CONTROL
(page 6).
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
OFF

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.
If stuck, do not kick or shove the mower with your foot. Use the
handlebar to control the mower.
The blades are sharp and spin at high speed. A spinning blade
can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes.
• Wear protective footwear.
• Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while
the engine is running.
• Stop the engine before performing any adjustment,
inspection, or maintenance.
Slopes
Mow across slopes, not up and down.
Avoid steep slopes (more than 20
and be careful when changing direction.
Mowing on a slope when the grass is
damp or wet could cause you to slip,
fall, and lose control of the mower.
Obstacles
Use the side of the mower to cut close
to large obstacles, such as fences or
walls.
Release the Smart Drive control (VKA) to disengage the drive when
mowing around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around
obstacles for better directional control. Be careful when mowing over
obstacles embedded in the lawn, such as sprinkler heads, paving,
edging, raised tree roots, etc. Avoid anything that sticks up above the
surface of the lawn.
If the blade hits something, or if the mower starts to vibrate, stop the
engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug cap, and check for
damage (page 9). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the
crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components.
Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and pieces of
the damaged blade can become dangerous projectiles.
FUEL
Thrown objects can cause serious injury.
VALVE
Inspect the blades regularly, and do not operate the mower
with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY
cover parts damaged by collision.
Gravel and Loose Objects
Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by
the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious
personal injury and/or property damage. The best way to prevent
potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control
lever to stop the blades before reaching areas with gravel, loose
stones, or landscaping material.
 WARNING

),
 WARNING
(page 20) does not
7