Stopping The Engine; Safe Mowing Practices - Honda HRX217HMA Owner's Manual

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. Release the drive clutch and blade control levers.
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
2. On the HXA model, move the throttle lever to STOP.
On the HMA model, turn the key switch to the OFF position.
HRX217HXA MODEL
3. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF
position.
8
DRIVE
CLUTCH LEVER
OFF
HRX217HMA MODEL
OFF
FUEL
VALVE

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.
B
WARNING
The blades are sharp and spin at high speed.
Spinning blades 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 drive clutch lever 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 a blade hits something or the mower starts to vibrate, stop the
engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug cap, and check for
damage (page 10). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the
crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components.
Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
B
WARNING
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and pieces
of the damaged blade can become dangerous projectiles.
Thrown objects can cause serious injury.
Inspect the blades regularly, and do not operate the mower
with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 21) does not
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.
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