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Honda F501·FE500 OWNER’S MANUAL The ‘‘e-SPEC’’ mark symbolizes environmentally responsible technologies applied to Honda power equipment, which contains our wish to ‘‘preserve nature for generations to come.’’...
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All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
To ensure safe operation For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these precautions: Honda tiller is designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to instructions. Read and understand the Owner’s Manual before operat- ing the tiller.
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To ensure safe operation Operator responsibility Read the owner’s manual carefully. Be familiar with the controls and their proper use of the tiller. Use the tiller for the purpose it is intended that is, cultivating the soil. Any other use could be dangerous or damage the equipment, especially never use it to cultivate soil containing rocks, stones, wires and any other hard materials.
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To ensure safe operation Operator responsibility Stop the engine in the following cases: Whenever you leave the tiller unattended. Before refueling When stopping the engine, move the throttle lever to the LOW position, then turn the engine switch OFF. If the fuel valve is equipped on the tiller, be sure to turn the fuel valve OFF.
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To ensure safe operation Fire and burn hazard Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Keep gasoline out of reach of children. Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add gasoline while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
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To ensure safe operation Carbon monoxide poisoning hazard Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. If you run the engine in an area that is confined or even partially enclosed, the air you breathe could contain a dangerous amount of exhaust gas.
These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read the labels and safety notes and precautions described in this manual carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for a replacement. F501 EXHAUST CAUTION READ OWNER’S MANUAL...
CE mark location F501 CE MARK Manufacturer and address Description code Year of manufacture Frame serial number Machine mass (standard specification) Net power...
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FE500 CE MARK Manufacturer and address Description code Year of manufacture Frame serial number Machine mass (standard specification) Net power...
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION F501 THROTTLE LEVER ENGINE SWITCH HANDLEBAR FIXING LEVER MUFFLER FUEL TANK CAP CLUTCH LEVER SHIFT LEVER FRONT GUARD BELT COVER ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP/ DIPSTICK ENGINE OIL DRAIN BOLT FRONT WHEEL (equipped type)
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HANDLE BAR AIR CLEANER SPARK PLUG CHOKE LEVER STARTER GRIP HITCH PIN HITCH ATTACHMENT DRAG BAR A FUEL VALVE DRAG BAR B SEDIMENT CUP HITCH BOX CARBURETOR DRAIN KNOB TRANSMISSION OIL FILLER CAP Record the frame serial number in the space below. You will need this number when ordering parts.
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FE500 THROTTLE LEVER ENGINE SWITCH HANDLEBAR FIXING LEVER MUFFLER CLUTCH LEVER FUEL TANK CAP BELT COVER ROTOR (equipped type) FRONT WHEEL ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP (equipped type) ENGINE OIL DRAIN BOLT...
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HANDLE BAR SPARK PLUG AIR CLEANER CHOKE LEVER STARTER GRIP FUEL VALVE DRAG BAR SEDIMENT CUP CARBURETOR DRAIN KNOB TRANSMISSION OIL FILLER CAP Record the frame serial number in the space below. You will need this number when ordering parts. Frame serial number:...
Start the engine. Is there any abnormal sound from the engine? (See pages through for starting procedure.) Does the engine stop securely by operating the engine switch? (See pages for stopping procedure.) If you notice any other abnormal symptoms, consult with your authorized Honda dealer promptly.
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Engine oil Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage. Place the tiller on the level surface and hold the tiller level by placing wooden blocks under the front wheel (if equipped) and drag bar as shown. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
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If the level is low, fill to the top of the oil filler neck with the recom- mended oil. Recommended oil Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service classification SE or later (or equivalent). Always check the API service label on the oil container to be sure it includes the letters SE or later (or equivalent).
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Transmission gear oil Place the tiller on a level surface and remove the oil filler cap. The oil should be level with the lower edge of the oil filler hole. Add high quality engine oil if the level is low. OIL FILLER HOLE UPPER LIMIT LOWER EDGE OF...
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Air cleaner Never run the engine without the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear will result. Remove the air cleaner cover. Check the air cleaner elements for dirt or obstruction. Clean if necessary (see page AIR CLEANER COVER AIR CLEANER ELEMENTS...
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Fuel Check the fuel level, and refill the tank if the fuel level is low. Use automotive unleaded gasoline with a Research Octane Number of 91 or higher (a Pump Octane Number of 86 or higher). Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
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Gasolines containing alcohol If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure it’s octane rating is at least as high as that recommended by Honda. There are two types of ‘‘gasohol’’: one containing ethanol, and the other containing methanol.
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Tools and Attachments To install a tool or attachment on the tiller, follow the instructions furnished with the tool or attachment. Ask your Honda dealer for advice if you encouter any problem or difficulty in installing a tool or attachment.
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Clutch lever operation (check and cleaning) Check that the clutch lever operates smoothly. Check that there are no foreign objects (such as sand, soil, twigs, etc.) on the roller surface. If the clutch lever roller does not move smoothly or if it is dirty, clean the clutch lever and roller (see page Do not apply any oil or cleaner liquid to the clutch lever roller.
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Pull off the snap pin from the lever fulcrum pin. By holding the clutch lever, pull out the lever fulcrum pin. Detach the clutch lever and the wave washer. Remove any dirt or foreign objects. Wipe off and clean the roller surface of the clutch lever. Set the inside and upper side direction of the wave washer as shown in the illustration.
STARTING THE ENGINE Be sure the clutch is disengaged and the shift lever (except FE500) is in the neutral position to prevent sudden uncontrolled movement when the engine starts. The clutch is engaged by pulling in the clutch lever and disengaged by releasing the lever.
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Turn the engine switch ON. ENGINE SWITCH Align the mark ‘‘ ’’ on the throttle lever with the mark ‘‘ ’’ (START position) as shown. • START THROTTLE LEVER...
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Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull the STARTER GRIP starter grip briskly toward the arrow mark as shown. Hold the handle with your left hand and start the engine by pulling out the starter grip. Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine.
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 of time, may increase emissions.
TILLER OPERATION Handlebar position adjustment Before adjusting the handlebar, place the tiller on the firm level ground to prevent the handle from collapsing accidentally. To adjust the handlebar height, loosen the handlebar fixing lever, move the handlebar to a desired position and tighten the lever. HANDLEBAR FIXING LEVER If the handlebar angle adjustment is needed, loosen the handlebar fixing lever, move the handlebar to a required position and tighten the...
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Tilling depth adjustment F501 Install the hitch attachment in the hitch box with a hitch pin. The tilling depth adjustment can be made as follows: Remove the lock pin and pin, loosen the lock nuts and bolts securing the drag bars A and B, and slid the drag bars up or down as necessary. After adjustment, tighten the bolts and lock nuts securely.
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FE500 The tilling depth adjustment can be made by removing the pin and lock pin and sliding the drag bar up or down as necessary. DRAG BAR LOCK PIN...
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Clutch operation The clutch engages and disengages the power from the engine to the transmission. When the clutch lever is squeezed, the clutch is engaged and power is transmitted to the tool. When the lever is released, the clutch is disengaged and power is not transmitted to the tool.
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Gear selection (F501 only) The transmission can be shifted into two forward speeds and one reverse speed. The shift lever should be operated in accordance with the attached gear shifting plate. GEAR SHIFTING PLATE FORWARD 1 REVERSE NEUTRAL NEUTRAL SHIFT LEVER Gear shifting Return the throttle lever to the extreme right.
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Use of the hitch box (F501 only) Install the hitch attachment in the hitch box with a hitch pin. (Hitch pin clip snaps into relief in hitch pin to retain pin.) HITCH BOX HITCH PIN HITCH PIN CLIP...
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(When used in the field) DOWN POSITION (When moved on road) F501 Move the front wheel up by replacing the pin. FE500 LOCK PIN Move the front wheel up by shifting the pivot at the front UPPER NOTCH wheel fork into the upper notch.
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Handling tips If the tiller tends to move forward rapidly, push down on the handlebars to allow the drag bar to penetrate the soil and slow the forward motion on the tiller. Continue to press down until the tiller tines have dug to a desired depth that allows easy tiller handling. If the tines dig in but the tiller will not move forward, ease up on the handlebars and move the handlebars from side-to-side.
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Normal operating angle Lower the handle slightly so the front of the machine is raised about 8°. 6 8° To get the maximum advantage from the tiller, try to hold the machine at the angle shown while you are tilling the ground: Do not use the tiller with a rotor whose diameter is in excess of 325 mm (12.8 in).
STOPPING THE ENGINE In an emergency: Turn the engine switch OFF. ENGINE SWITCH In normal use: Release the clutch lever to DISENGAGED position and shift lever is in neutral position. CLUTCH LEVER...
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Move the throttle lever fully to the right. THROTTLE LEVER Turn the engine switch OFF. ENGINE SWITCH Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. FUEL VALVE...
If the engine must be run, make sure the area is well ventilated. Use only genuine Honda parts or their equivalent for maintenance or repair. Replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may damage the tiller.
These items should be serviced by your servicing dealer, unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer to Honda shop manual for service procedures. Check that there is no crack and abnormal wear-out in the belt, and replace if it is abnormal.
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Changing oil Change the oil when the engine is warm to assure rapid and complete draining. Remove the oil filler cap and drain plug to drain the oil. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely. Refill with the recommended oil (see page ) and check the oil level.
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Air cleaner service A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor. To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner regularly. Service more frequently when operating the engine in extremely dusty areas. Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element.
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Sediment cup cleaning Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position and remove the sediment cup and the O-ring. Wash the sediment cup in solvent, dry it thoroughly.
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Spark plug service Recommended spark plug: BPR5ES (NGK) W16EPR-U (DENSO) To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. Remove the spark plug cap. Use the spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug. If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot.
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Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading. SPARK PLUG WRENCH After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer. After seating it by hand, tighten a new spark plug 1/2 turn with the wrench to compress the washer.
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Throttle cable adjustment Measure the free play at the lever tip. Free play: 5 10 mm (0.2 0.4 in) THROTTLE LEVER FREE PLAY: 5 10 mm (0.2 0.4 in) If the free play is incorrect, loosen the lock nut and turn the adjusting bolt in or out as required.
TRANSPORTING/STORAGE When transporting the tiller, turn the fuel valve OFF and keep the tiller level to prevent fuel spillage. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may ignite. Before storing the unit for an extended period: Be sure the storage area is free of excessive humidity and dust. Drain the fuel: Gasoline is flammable and explosive under certain conditions.
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Pull the starter grip until resistance is felt. Continue pulling until the notch on the starter pulley aligns with the hole on the recoil starter (see illustration below). At this point, the intake and exhaust valves are closed, and this will help to the engine from internal corrosion.
Is the spark plug in good condition? Remove and inspect the spark plug. Clean, readjust gap and dry the spark plug. Replace it if necessary. If the engine still does not start, take the tiller to an authorized Honda dealer.
SPECIFICATIONS Model F501-GE F501-HE Power equipment FZAZ description code Dimensions and weight Model F501-GE F501-HE Length 1,600 mm (63.0 in) 1,385 mm (54.5 in) Width 610 mm (24.0 in) Height 980 mm (38.6 in) Dry mass [weight] 49 kg (108 lbs) 46 kg (101 lbs) Engine Model...
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Model FE500-EI FE500-EIT Power equipment FARJ description code Dimensions and weight Model FE500-EI FE500-EIT Length 1,460 mm (57.5 in) 1,460 mm (57.5 in) Width 925 mm (36.4 in) 600 mm (23.6 in) Height 990 mm (39.0 in) Dry mass [weight]...
12. MAJOR Honda DISTRIBUTOR ADDRESSES For further information, please contact Honda Customer Information Centre at the following address or telephone number: AUSTRIA CROATIA FINLAND Honda Motor Europe (North) Hongoldonia d.o.o. OY Brandt AB. Hondastraße 1 Jelkovecka Cesta 5 Tuupakantie 7B...
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