Honda HRB215 User's Manual
Contents
1. 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 s rotates cause these mowing patterns to give the best results MULCHING Mulching requires the mulching blades see page 8 and mulching plug see page 9 that are standard equipment on HRM215 mowers and optional for HRB215 mowers Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern If the lawn has an irregular shape or many obstacles divide it into sections where you can use MULCHING PATTERN counterclockwise mowing patterns BAGGING Bagging requires the grass bag see page 9 that is standard equipment on HRB215 and optional for HRM215 mowers Use a clockwise mowing pattern This will give the best bagging performance leaving the least amount of clippings on the lawn BAGGING amp SIDE DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE MOWING PATTERN The side discharge chute see page 10 is optional equipment for HRB215 and HRM215 mowers Use a clockwise mowing pattern starting at the outer edges of the lawn and working toward the center This will prevent clippings from piling up in the path of the mower TRANSPORTING THE MOWER This section explains how to load and carry your mower Safely _____ 42 42 41 TRANSPORTING THE MOWER Before Loading If the engine has been running allow it to cool for at2. Owner s Manual Rotary Mower HRMAIS HRB215 Harm Printed on 01993 American Honda Motor Co Inc All Rights Reserved Recycled Paper 2 4 This owner s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the mower if resold The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing Honda Power Equipment Mfg Inc reserves the right however to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever Honda lawn mowers meet Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC blade safety requirements for walk behind rotary mowers Your mower is not equipped with a spark arrester and it may be illegal to operate the mower in some areas Check local laws and regulations An optional spark arrester is available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers 1993 American Honda Motor Co Inc All Rights Reserved Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower We 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 This manual contains the information on how to do that please read it carefully Keep this owner s manual handy so you can refer to it any time and make sure the manual stays with the lawn mower if you
3. This word means NOTICE Your lawn mower or other property can be damaged if you don t follow instructions The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your lawn mower other property or the environment 5 Turn to the beginning of each section for complete list of subjects MOWER SAFET 1 Important information about some specific hazards and what you can do to prevent injury d 22 2 Standard optional equipment for different lawn care needs 11 Identification of components and information about how the controls work _________19 How to fuel and check your mower to be sure it is ready How to prepare your lawn and yourself before you begin mowing 1 1 1 0181 1 1 29 Starting and stopping the engine safe mowing practices and mowing tips TRANSPORTING 41 How to load and carry your mower safely S 43 When and how to perform routine inspection service and adjustments to keep your mower in good operating condition TROUBLESHOOTING 61 What to check if you have a problem with your mower 65 How to protect your mower from rust corrosion and ensure that it will start easily when you want to use it again SPECIFICATIONS 73 Dimensions capacities and other technical information INDEX AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 77 Index additional Honda publications and how to contact us if you have a question or a warra
4. oil level shown on the dipstick 3 If the oil level is low add oil to FILLER CAP DIPSTICK reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick Do not overfill lt FILLER CAP Running the engine with a low oil DIPSTICK level can cause engine damage Use high detergent premium quality 4 stroke engine oil certified to meet or exceed U S automobile manufacturers UPPER requirements for Service LIMIT Classification SG SF CC CD LIMIT Using nondetergent oil can shorten the engine s service life and using 2 stroke oil can damage the engine SAE 10W 30 is recommended for general all temperature use Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated s w o 10 3 range AMBIENT TEMPERATURE 4 After checking the engine oil level screw in the filler cap dipstick securely 22 BEFORE MOWING Fuel Fuel tank capacity 1 0 0 26 US gal Refuel in a well ventilated area before starting the engine If the engine has been running allow it to cool Remove the tank cap and check the fuel level Refill the tank if the fuel level is low Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel Do not overfill there should be no fuel in the filler neck After refueling tighten the fuel tank cap securely WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive You can be burned or seriously injured When refueling e Stop the engine an
5. and corrosion HANDLEBAR f gt m 2 o 2 70 STORAGE Removal From Storage Check your mower as described in the BEFORE MOWING chapter of this manual If the fuel was drained during storage preparation fill the tank with fresh gasoline If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time causing hard starting If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation the engine will smoke briefly at startup This is normal 72 SPECIFICATIONS This section gives dimensions capacities and other technical information Y Dimensions anc Transmissign enera pecitications 74 74 75 75 73 SPECIFICATIONS Mower Models HRB215PXA Manually propelled high lift blade and grass bag HRB215SXA Self propelled high lift blade and grass bag HRM215PXA Manually propelled mulching blades and mulching plug HRM215SXA Self propelled mulching blades and mulching plug Dimensions and General Specifications Handlebar high 1505 mm 59 Handlebar mid 1580 mm 62346 in Handlebar low 1635mm 643 in Handlebar folded 1062 mm 411346 in Handlebar high 1040 mm 401546 in Handlebar mid 985 mm 381346 agjusiedio S mm Handlebar low 925 mm 36746 in 272 in Handlebar folded 483 mm 19 in Cutting Width Cutting Height HRB215 1
6. carefully These labels are considered permanent parts of your mower So if a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your dealer for a replacement A WARNING UNDER NORMAL USAGE THiS BAG MATERIAL 15 SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR Gasoline is highly ftammable and explosive and you be burned or seriously injured When refueling Keep heat sparks and open flame away W Fill fuel tank only outdoors E Wipe up spills before starting engine BAG REPLACEMENT THIS BAG CONFORMS TO 51 STANDARD 871 1 ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD WARNING MOWER BLADE CAN CUT OFF HANDS OR FEET W Stop the engine before opening rear door Always keep feet away from mower deck THROWN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY BLINDNESS OR PROPERTY DAMAGE W Inspect area and remove debris before mowing W Keep children and others away W Wear eye protection 8 Follow all instructions In your Owner s Manual carefully KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY CAUTION HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU Stay away if engine has been running BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS This section shows standard and optional equipment for different lawn care needs and it tells you how to adapt your mower for bagging side discharge and mulching Blades HRB215 and HRM215 Mulching Plug standard for HRM215 Grass Bag standard for HRB21 Side Discharge Chute optional for HRB215 and HR
7. direction The youngster also needs enough size strength and coordination to comfortably reach and operate the controls Another tougher question you need to ask is if your youngster has enough MATURITY AND RESPONSIBILITY to safely operate this mower Does the young person think through problems and come to logical solutions Be honest Anyone who takes unnecessary risks and doesn t obey rules should not operate this lawn mower If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the mower safely CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER S MANUAL with your youngster Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety information Also be sure your youngster wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower SUPERVISION is also very important Walk with your youngster during the first few minutes of mowing Even after the youngster has become confident with the mower do not let the young person use the mower without good adult supervision An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance In fact it s up to parents to make sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition By always placing safety first your youngster will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment And you ll both get the best results from your lawn mower Safety Label Locations The labels shown here contain important safety information Please read them
8. equipment for HRB215 optional for HRM215 Grass Bag Cleaning Wash the bag with a garden hose and allow it to dry completely before use a wet bag will clog quickly Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent AWARNING Objects hit by the blade s can be thrown through a worn or damaged grass bag Thrown objects can seriously injure you Replace the grass bag if it is worn or damaged Unclip the plastic edges of the used bag and remove it from the bag frame Insert the bag frame in the new bag and clip the plastic edges onto the bag frame N PLASTIC EDGE TROUBLESHOOTING This section shows what to check if you have a problem with your mower 61 TROUBLESHOOTING Engine Problems ENGINE WILL NOT START 1 Check throttle lever _ lever in wrong position position 2 Check fuel Out of fuel PosseLe CAUSE CAUSE Bad fuel mower stored without treating or draining gasoline or refueled with bad gasoline Spark plug faulty fouled or improperly gapped Spark plug wet with fuel flooded engine 3 Remove and inspect Spark plug 4 Take mower to Honda lawn mower dealer or refer to shop manual Fuel filter clogged carburetor malfunction ignition malfunction valves stuck etc Bac throttle lever to CHOKE position unless engine is warm p 30 Refuel p 23 Drai
9. fuel storage life When adding a gasoline stabilizer fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline If only partially filled air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline 1 Add gasoline stabilizer following manufactures instructions 2 After adding a gasoline stabilizer run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the carburetor 3 Stop the engine and leave the throttle lever in the STOP position This turns OFF the fuel valve between the fuel tank and the carburetor STORAGE Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor 1 Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench and drain the carburetor bow fuel into an approved container WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive You can be burned or seriously injured When working on fuel system connections Keep heat sparks and flames away TROTTLE LEVER Wipe up spills immediately 2 Move the throttle lever to the SLOW or FAST position to OPEN the fuel valve This will allow fuel in the fuel tank to drain through the carburetor bowl 3 Reinstall the drain bolt Engine 1 Change the engine oil see OIL page 46 2 Remove the spark plug see page 49 Pour a tablespoon 5 10 cc of clean engine oil into the cy
10. least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle Remove the grass bag if so equipped Be sure the throttle lever is in the STOP position to prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage THROTTLE LEVER Loading and Unloading 42 If a suitable loading ramp is not available two people should lift the mower on and off the transport vehicle while holding the mower level Position the mower so all four wheels are on the bed of the transport vehicle Tie the mower down with rope or straps and block the wheels Keep the tie down rope or straps away from the controls adjustment levers cables and the carburetor The handlebar can be folded so the mower will take up less space see page 17 If unloading a self propelled mower backward down a loading ramp avoid touching the drive clutch lever Engaging the drive clutch while rolling backward down a ramp can damage the drive system MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS This section explains when and how to perform routine inspection service and adjustments for do it yourself maintenance More difficult maintenance tasks should be done by your dealer Your dealer is best equipped and staffed to provide the level of service and safety you and your mower deserve Maintenance Precautions 44 45 46 46 48 49 Spark Arrester Service optional equipment 51 ESPECIES 52 Carburetor Modific
11. sell it We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership The warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your dealer When your mower needs scheduled maintenance keep in mind that your Honda lawn mower dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns Best Wishes Power Equipment Division American Honda Motor Co Inc Safety Messages Your safety and the safety of others is very important We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the lawn mower Please read these messages carefully A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that can hurt you and others Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol A and one of three words DANGER WARNING or CAUTION These mean You WILL be KILLED or DANGER SERIOUSLY HURT if you don t follow instructions You CAN be KILLED or AWARNING SERIOUSLY HURT if you don t follow instructions CAUTION You CAN be HURT if you don t follow instructions Each message tells you what the hazard is what can happen and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury Damage Prevention Messages You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE
12. the blade drive is always either fully engaged or stopped This will help to prevent stalling the engine and it will also extend the service life of the blade control mechanism Always release the blade control lever before starting the engine to prevent the blade s from turning BUTTON gt BLADE CONTROL LEVER 15 CONTROLS P P Andi Drive Clutch Lever HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels To propel the mower move the drive clutch lever up and hold it against the handlebar Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower Operate the drive clutch lever with a quick and complete motion so the drive clutch is always either fully engaged or released This will help to extend the service life of the clutch mechanism For self propelled mowing press the button on top of the blade control lever pull the blade contro lever back then move the drive clutch lever up against the handlebar Hold both levers against the handlebar Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine If the drive clutch is engaged the mower will move forward when you operate the starter DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA 16 CONTROLS Handlebar The handlebar is adjustable to a high mid or low position Select the height that provides the most comfortable operating position 1 Loosen the h
13. throttle lever in the STOP position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage tilt the mower on its right side The used oil will drain through the filler neck Allow the oil to drain completely Please dispose of used engine oil in a manner that doesn t harm the environment Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground or down the drain 4 Fill with the recommended oil Do not overfill measure the oil level as shown on page 47 Engine oil capacity 0 6 0 63 US qt Use high detergent premium quality 4 stroke engine oil certified to meet or exceed U S automobile manufacturers requirements for API Service Classification SG SF CC CD Using nondetergent oil can shorten the engine s service life and using 2 stroke oil can damage the engine SAE 10W 30 is recommended for general all temperature use Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated range ud EL eL 0 20 40 60 c MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS 5 After changing the engine oil and before starting the engine check the oil level with the mower on a level surface a Wipe the dipstick clean b Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck Check the oil level shown on the dipstick c If the oil level is low add oil to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick Do not overfill Running the engine with a lo
14. to start when you use the mower again Cleaning Clean all surfaces of the mower including the underside of the mower deck Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blade Before cleaning the underside of the mower deck be sure the throttle lever is in the STOP position to shut OFF the fuel valve Rest the mower on its right side so the carburetor side is up This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting due to carburetor flooding 1 Wash the mower with a garden hose or other low pressure equipment 2 the mower has been running allow the engine to cool for at least half an hour before spraying water on it Never spray water on a hot engine Cooling the engine too quickly can cause damage 3 Try to keep water away from controls cable ends wheel hubs transmission and all other places that are difficult to dry if water enters as water may promote rust 4 After washing set the mower in an upright position again remove as much standing water as possible with a dry cloth start the engine outdoors and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine 5 With the engine running operate the blade control lever 4 or 5 times to expel water from the blade control mechanism Allow the blade to spin for several minutes to ensure that no water remains 6 Stop the engine and allow it to cool STORAGE 7 Wash the grass bag if equipped wi
15. 2 Fuel Recommendations 24 Maintenance 46 Oil Change 5 ox Er 46 Oil Level 22 Oil Recommendations 22 amp 46 Refueling s 4 2 4 2 2 8 So S 23 SerialNumber 13 Staring eius Que wen eae 30 Stopping s ag T ere ena ag 33 Troubleshooting 62 F Fallen Leaves Mulching Raking Bagging 38 Frame SerialNumber 13 Fuel Additive to Extend Storage Life 68 Gasoline Recommendations 24 Drainili es dioses 69 23 Gasoline Recommendations 24 Gear Shift Lever HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA Cable Adjustment 57 14831 Grass Bag standard for HRB215 Cleaning oi eu 60 27 Removal and Installation 9 Replacement 60 INDEX amp ADDITIONAL INFORMATION H Handlebar Height Adjustment amp Folding 17 High Altitude Operation Recommended Modifications 53 High Lift Blade standard for HRB215 8 Inspection Before Mowing CAWN ask nu S ow 20 MOWBE e St 21 L Lawn Inspection Before Mowing 20 Mowing T
16. 9 mm 34 in 25 mm 1 in 38 mm 11 in 51 mm 2 in 64 mm 25 in 76 mm 3 in Overall Length Overall Height with cutting height HRM215 25 mm 1 in 38 mm 112 in 51 mm 2 in 64 mm 2 in 76 mm 3 in 89 mm 31 in Dry Weight HRB215PXA amp HRM215PXA 40 0 kg 88 2 Ib HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA 43 0 kg 94 8 Ib 83 2 4 bushels 2 9 cu ft 21 9 US gal Grass Bag Capacity 74 SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine Model GXV140 4 stroke overhead valve single cylinder forced air cooled in 3 3 KW 4 5 PS 4 4 bhp at 3 600 rpm a D Maximum Governed 3 100 150 rpm Speed Ignition System Champion N12Y Resistor NGK BPR5ES ND W16EPR U Spark Plug Gap 0 7 0 8 mm 0 028 0 031 in Fuel Use regular gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher p 24 Unleaded gasoline is recommended Engine Cil SAE 10W 30 is recommended for general all temperature use p 46 9 0 92 kg cm 6 6 ft lb at 2 700 rpm Spark Plug Regular 5 5 ND W16EP U Champion RN12Y Fuel Tank Capacity 1 0 0 26 US gal 0 22 Imp gal Engine Oil Capacity 0 6 0 63 US qt Transmission Transmission Type 2 speed manual shift Maximum Self propelled 1 slow 2 9 km h 1 8 mph Speeds 2 fast 4 7 km h 2 9 mph 75 76 INDEX amp ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This section contains an index lists addi
17. M215 10 BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS Blades HRB215 HRB215 mowers are factory equipped with a high lift blade for maximum bagging and side discharge performance ONE PIECE HIGH LIFT BLADE standard for HRB215 optional for HRM215 20 1346 in Best for bagging and side discharge e Less effective for mulching HRM215 HRM215 mowers are factory equipped with a special two piece mulching blade assembly With the mulching plug installed page 9 the two blades recirculate cut grass under the mower deck where the clippings are chopped into small particles that fall through the turf and decompose quickly This returns nutrients to the soil and reduces the need for raking bagging and disposal When the mulching plug is removed and the optional grass bag or side discharge chute is installed the blades blow cut grass into the bag or out the side discharge chute It is not necessary to change blades when switching between mulching bagging and side discharge operation The mulching blades perform all three functions TWO PIECE MULCHING BLADE ASSEMBLY standard for HRM215 optional for HRB215 18 mm 11 in Best for mulching OK for bagging and side discharge BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS Grass Bag standard for HRB215 optional for HRM215 With the grass bag installed the lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner It blows air through the bag which traps the GUARD cl
18. Mow when the grass is dry to your touch but the soil is still moist Wet Grass Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing Also wet grass Clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the lawn Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing 37 MOWING Fallen Leaves If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn don t let the leaf cover get too deep before you begin For best results start mulching while grass still shows through the leaf cover Mulching blades see page 8 and the mulching plug see page 9 are standard equipment on HRM215 mowers They can be installed as optional equipment on HRB215 mowers In places where fallen leaves completely cover the grass remove the leaves by raking or install the grass bag so your mower can pick them up for disposal The grass bag is standard equipment on HRB215 mowers see page 9 and can be installed as optional equipment on 215 mowers If using your mower to bag large accumulations of fallen leaves for disposal and not for mowing or mulching set the cutting height adjustment levers so the front of the mower deck is one or two settings higher than the rear If the Mower Deck Clogs Before clearing a clogged mower deck stop the engine leave the throttle lever in the STOP position and disconnect the spak plug cap Tilt the mower so the carburetor side is up Clear a clogged deck with a Stick not your hands
19. Tighten the locknuts and recheck free play 3 Start the engine outdoors and operate the drive clutch lever Check to be sure the drive clutch engages and releases properly If the drive clutch does not operate properly with correct cable adjustment repair may be needed Take the mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer N 1 4 0 04 0 16 CLUTCH LEVER MAINTENANCE ADJUSTMENTS Throttle Cable Adjustment HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA 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 1 Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position The choke arm should move counterclockwise until it contacts the stop post on the carburetor THROTTLE LEVER Push the choke arm with your finger to verify that it has moved as far as it will go 2 Move the throttle lever to the FAST position The choke arm should move clockwise until it contacts the stop post on the carburetor Push the choke arm with your finger to verify that it has moved as far as it will go CHOKE ARM 3 If the choke arm does not move all the way to its stop in either direction take the mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer Throttle cable adjustment involves related control plate adjustments MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Gear Shi
20. ance of the lawn after mowing a small area then readjust the cutting height if necessary HRB215 BEFORE MOWING This section explains how to fuel and check your mower to be sure it is ready and it tells you how to prepare your lawn and yourself before you begin mowing Check Yourtawn 20 Check Your 21 21 22 23 26 standard for HRB215 optional for 215 27 ay ar NU ete a RU S E aped 27 Cutting Height 27 eadytoMow 28 19 Check Your Lawn For your safety and for the safety of others always inspect the area before mowing Objects Anything which can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others Look for things like stones sticks bones and wire Remove them from the mowing area People and Pets People and animals near the mowing area can move into your path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects Clear the area of people and pets especially children Their safety is your responsibility Lawn Check the length and condition of the grass so you will know what cutting height and mowing speed to use Avoid mowing wet grass Not only will wet grass clog your mower deck and collect in clumps on the lawn it also gives poor traction increasing your risk of losing your footing BEFORE MOWING Check Your Mower BLADE S Blade s With the thrott
21. andlebar locking knobs 2 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 HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB 2 4 Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely The handlebar can be folded for compact storage or transport 5 Loosen the handlebar locking knobs 6 Spread the lower ends of the handlebar struts to release the locating pins 7 Fold the handlebar forward over the top of the mower _ When folding the handlebar be careful to avoid kinking or pinching the control cables HANDLEBAR A 17 CONTROLS Cutting Height Adjustment Levers 18 There are six settings to choose from as shown in the ADJUSTMENT LEVERS illustration The cutting height figures are approximate as the actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions To adjust cutting height pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel and move it into another notch Set all four adjustment levers to the same cutting height position A WARNING The blades will start spinning if the blade contro lever is pulled back while the engine is running ADJUSTMENT LEVER Spinning blades can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes Stop the engine before placing your hands near the mower If you are not sure what cutting height to select check the appear
22. ation for High Altitude 53 PNE 54 Drive Clutch 2 Adjustment gt 2 55 56 Gear Shift Cable Adjustment RB 4 amp HRM XA 57 ER 58 59 Grass Bag Cleaning and Replacement 60 rass Bag Cleaning 60 rass Bag Replacement 60 MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Maintenance Precautions Periodic maintenance and adjustments are necessary to keep your mower in good operating condition Service and inspect according to the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE page 45 A WARNING If you do not follow these safety precautions you can be seriously hurt or killed Carefully read and follow all safety instructions The engine and exhaust system become hot enough to burn you and may cause a fire if flammable materials are nearby Allow the engine to cool for at least 15 minutes before maintenance or indoor storage Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive Refuel outdoors with the engine stopped Wipe up spills immediately Never use gasoline to clean parts To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning stop the engine before making any inspection or repair If you must run the engine do it outdoors or provide adequate ventilation If you start feeling drowsy stop the engine immediately and get fresh air Use genuine Honda parts or their exact equivalent for maintenance and repair Lower quality parts may damage the mower or reduce its performance Keep all nuts bolts and s
23. bolts 3 Remove the blade s from the blade control assembly UPPER MULCHING BLADE standard for HRM215 not used with high lift blade BLADE BOLT 2 LOWER MULCHING BLADE n M standard for HRM215 or SPECIAL WASHER 2 HIGH LIFT BLADE standard for HRB215 MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Blade Installation 1 Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area 2 Install the blade s using the two blade bolts and special washers as shown Be sure to install the special washers with the concave side toward the blade s and the convex side toward the bolts The blade bolts are specially designed for this application and must not be replaced with other bolts 3 Tighten the blade bolts with a torque wrench Use a wooden block to prevent the blade s from turning when tightening the bolts Blade bolt torque 49 59 N m 5 0 6 0 kg m 36 43 ft Ib If you do not have a torque wrench have an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer tighten the blade bolts before you use the mower If the blade bolts are overtightened they could break If the blade bolts are not tightened enough they could loosen or come out In either case it would be possible for the blade s to fly off while you are operating the mower BLADE S BLADE S SPECIAL WASHER 2 BLADE BOLT 2 BLADE CONTROL ASSEMBLY TORQUE WRENCH 59 MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Grass Bag Cleaning and Replacement standard
24. crews tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working order Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands when working on the mower especially when you work on or near the blade s MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Maintenance Schedule Regular Service Interval ji Every Every Every 50 100 300 Item Perform at every indicated interval louis Hours Hours Hours Blade condition and Check blade bolt tightness Grass bag Check a EE if equipped Engine oil Check E d Change Air cleaner Check Spark plug Check amp clean Spark arrester Check optional equipment Blade control mechanism Check Blade control cable Adjust Drive clutch cable Adjust HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA only Throttle cable Adjust Shift cable djust HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA Valve Clearance Adjust Fuel tank Clean Fuel Replace Every 2 years Service more frequently when used in dusty areas These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient Refer to the Honda shop manual e N MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Engine Maintenance Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm Warm oil drains quickly and completely 1 Place a suitable container next to the mower to catch the used oil 2 Wipe the oil filler area clean then remove the oil filler cap dipstick 3 With the
25. d be able to answer any question you may have If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your Satisfaction please discuss it with the dealership s management The Service Manager or Genera Manager can help Almost all problems are solved in this way If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership s management contact the Honda Power Equipment Customer Service Office You can write American Honda Motor Co Inc Honda Power Equipment Division Customer Service Office 4475 River Green Parkway Duluth GA 30136 2565 Or telephone 404 497 6400 When you write or call please give us this information Model and serial numbers see pages 12 amp 13 Name of the dealer who sold the lawn mower to you Name and address of the dealer who services your lawn mower Date of purchase Your name address and telephone number detailed description of the problem HONDA 31VEZA10 60009304 00X31 VEZ A10 PRINTED IN U S A
26. d keep heat sparks and flames away Refuel only outside e Wipe up spills immediately Never refuel the mower inside a building where fumes may reach flames or sparks Keep gasoline away from appliance pilot lights barbecue electric appliances power tools etc Spilled fuel is not only a fire hazard it causes environmental damage Wipe up spills immediately Dispose of gasoline properly 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 under warranty pee FUEL TANK CAP FUEL FILLER NECK BEFORE MOWING Fuel Recommendations 24 Use gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher We recommend unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil gasoline mixture Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank Occasionally you may hear light spark knock or pinging metallic rapping noise while operating under heavy loads This is cause for concern If spark knock or pinging occurs at a steady engine speed under normal load change brands of gasoline If spark knock or pinging persists see an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is misuse and the Distributor
27. ft Cable Adjustment HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA only With the transmission in 1st gear pull the gear shift lever all the way back and release it the lever should be centered on the number 1 on the lever cover If adjustment is necessary 1 Loosen the locknuts with a 10 mm wrench and move the adjuster up or down as required 2 Tighten the locknuts and recheck lever alignment 3 Verify that the lever operates smoothly 4 Start the engine and verify that the shift lever engages 1st and 2nd gear by engaging the drive clutch lever Readjust if necessary GEAR SHIFT LEVER ADJUSTER MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Blade Removal and Installation If you remove the blade s for sharpening or replacement you will need a torque wrench for installation Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands BLADE SHARPENING To avoid weakening the blade s or causing imbalance or poor cutting the blade s should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer BLADE REPLACEMENT Use genuine Honda replacement blades or their equivalent Blade Removal 1 With the throttle lever in the STOP position and the spark plug cap disconnected tilt the mower to the right side so the carburetor side is up This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting due to carburetor flooding 2 Remove the two blade bolts with a 14 mm socket wrench Use a wooden block to prevent the blade s from turning when removing the
28. g needs cleaning wash it with a garden hose and allow it to dry completely before use a wet bag will clog quickly Handlebar Check that the handlebar is adjusted to a comfortable operating position Handlebar height adjustment is explained on page 17 Cutting Height Check the mower deck cutting height settings and be sure that all four adjustment levers are set to the same cutting height position Cutting height adjustment is explained on page 18 A WARNING The blades will start spinning if the blade control lever is pulled back while the engine is running ADJUSTMENT LEVERS Spinning blades can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes Stop the engine before placing your hands near the mower deck 27 ARE YOU Ready to Mow Just in case you have missed a hidden object in your lawn be sure to wear protective clothing Long pants and eye protection can lower your risk of injury from thrown objects Wear footwear that protects your feet and won t let you slip if you mow on slopes or uneven ground n h id q M DAP yle f Yu Ihe v ye 28 MOWING This section tells you how to operate the mower safely and effectively Starting the ________________30 i 31 31 31 32 Drive Clutch Lever 2155 8 2155 32 St
29. ippings Bagging should be considered where you want the lawn to be clear of loose particles such as around swimming pools Bagging is also a good way to deal with less frequently mowed areas where the grass has grown too tall to mulch easily To attach the grass bag lift the discharge guard remove the mulching plug if so equipped and hook the bag onto the mower deck as shown Release the discharge guard to secure the grass bag Mulching Plug standard for HRM215 optional for HRB215 The mulching plug contours the DISCHARGE GUARD mower deck for efficient mulching when the mower is equipped with the two piece mulching blade assembly page 8 You can quickly remove the plug to install a grass bag or side discharge chute Raise the discharge guard to remove or install the mulching plug When installing be sure the plug is fully inserted and the discharge guard is closed MULCHING PLUG BLADES AND ATTACHMENTS Side Discharge Chute optional for HRB215 and HRM215 The chute directs grass clippings away from the operator and spreads them over the lawn The clippings will be larger than mulched particles and they may need to be removed by raking Side discharge mowing should be considered for less frequently mowed areas where grass has grown too tall to mulch easily To attach the chute lift the discharge guard remove the mulching plug if so equipped and hook the chute onto the mower deck as shown Relea
30. ips 36 Safe Mowing Practices 34 Leaves Mulching Raking Bagging 38 M Maintenance Blade s Removal and Installation 58 Cable Adjustments 54 Enginen E de 46 Grass Bag Cleaning 4 Replacement 60 Precautions nurs a e a ex RIS E 44 ee s 45 Mower Deck Clogging 38 Mowing Around Obstacles Gravel Objects 35 Dry amp Wet Grass 37 Falen Leaves 38 Paltems v sso SS he 39 Slope Snan 34 eer Puoi 36 When to Mow 36 39 Mulching Blade 2 standard for HRM215 8 Mulching Plug Removal amp Installation 9 INDEX amp ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 0 Oil for engine lt 552 IR 46 Level Check 22 Recommendations 22 amp 46 Pre Operation Check LAWD 52 Bie Re Rae 20 MOWBI ta ur gee RE 21 S Safety Important Message to Parents 4 Safe Mowing Practices 34 Safety Information 2 Safety Label Locations 5 Safety Message Definitions Serial Numbers 13 Shift Lever HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA Cable Adjustment 57 Operations wen 9 ess 4252 14 8 31 Side Discharge Chute optional equipment Removal and Installati
31. ith Care Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode Refuel only outdoors in a well ventilated area with the engine OFF If the engine has been running allow it to cool Never smoke near gasoline and keep other flames and sparks away Always store gasoline in an approved container Wear Protective Clothing Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury Long pants and eye protection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles will help protect your feet and give you better traction on slopes or uneven ground Turn Engine Off When Not Mowing If you need to leave the mower for any reason even just to inspect the lawn ahead always turn the engine off THROTTLE LEVER MOWER SAFETY 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 The first question you ll need to ask is whether your youngster is capable of operating this mower safely Remember young people vary widely and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR Physically a youngster must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its
32. 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 contro the mower WARNING The blade is sharp and spins 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 Never tilt the mower while the engine is running Be careful to avoid losing your balance and slipping 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 MAXIMUM SLOPE 20 MOWING 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 etc Avoid anything that sticks up above the surface of the law
33. l er MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Excess oil will restrict air flow through the foam filter and may transfer to the paper filter soaking and clogging it 5 Wipe dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover using a moist rag Be careful to prevent dirt from entering the air duct that leads to the carburetor 6 Reinstall the filters and cover Tighten the cover knob securely Spark Plug Service RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS REGULAR BPSES BPRSES ND weu CHAMPION RN12Y NOTICE An incorrect spark plug can cause engine damage For good performance the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits 1 Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove any dirt from around the spark plug SPARK PLUG _ area 2 Remove the spark plug with a 20 6 mm 13 16 in spark plug wrench 3 Inspect the spark plug Replace it if the electrodes are worn or if the insulator is cracked or chipped Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if you are going to reuse it SPARK PLUG WRENCH 49 MAINTENANCE ADJUSTMENTS 4 Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a feeler gauge The gap should be 0 7 0 8 mm 0 028 0 031 0028 ons Ini in Correct the gap if necessary by carefully bending the side electrode 5 Install the spark plug carefully by hand to avoid cross threading 6 After the spark plug seat
34. le lever in the STOP position and the spark plug cap disconnected tilt the mower to the right so the carburetor side is up This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting Inspect the blade s for wear and damage BLADE BOLTS NORMAL EXCESSIVELY CRACKED WORN Dull blades can be sharpened but blades that are worn out bent cracked or otherwise damaged must be replaced Worn or damaged blades can break causing blade pieces to be thrown from the mower When the blade s needs sharpening or replacement take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer Or if you have a torque wrench you can remove and install the blade s yourself see pages 58 59 BLADE SHARPENING To avoid weakening the blade s or causing imbalance or poor cutting the blade s should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer BLADE REPLACEMENT Use genuine Honda replacement blades or their equivalent Check that the blade bolts are tight Use a wooden block to prevent the blade s from turning when tightening the bolts Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands Blade bolt torque 49 59 N m 5 0 6 0 kg m 36 43 ft Ib 21 BEFORE MOWING Engine Oil Check the engine oil level with the engine stopped and the mower on a level surface 1 Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean 2 Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck Check the
35. linder Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder Reinstall the spark plug SPARK PLUG HOLE 69 STORAGE 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 Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor or where power tools are operated If possible avoid storage areas with high humidity because that promotes rust and corrosion Unless all fuel has been drained from the fuel tank leave the throttle lever in the OFF position to CLOSE the fuel valve and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage Place the mower with its wheels on a level surface Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage The handlebar can be folded for compact storage 1 Loosen the handlebar locking knobs 2 Spread the lower ends of the handlebar struts to release the locking pins 3 Fold the handlebar forward over the top of the mower When folding the handlebar be careful to avoid kinking or pinching the control cables With the engine and exhaust system cool cover the mower to keep out dust A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some materials Do not use sheet plastic as a dust cover A nonporous cover will trap moisture around the mower promoting rust
36. n If the blade s hit something or if the mower starts to vibrate stop the engine immediately and check for damage Striking objects may damage the blade s bend the crankshaft and or break the mower deck or other components Vibration usually indicates serious trouble WARNING Worn cracked or damaged blades can break and pieces of damaged blades can become dangerous projectiles Thrown objects can cause serious injury Inspect the blades regularly and do not operate the mower with worn or damaged blades The Distributor s Limited Warranty does not cover parts damaged by accident or collision Gravel and Loose Objects The best way to prevent potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control lever to stop the blade s before reaching areas with gravel loose stones or landscaping material MOWING Mowing Tips When to Mow Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 1 2 to 1 inch above their recommended height For best mulching results mow the lawn frequently cutting off less than one inch of grass each time In growing season you will probably need to mow the lawn twice a week Cutting Height Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height recommendations and advice about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area if RM AN If you look clo
37. n fuel tank and carburetor p 69 Refuel with fresh gasoline p 23 Clean gap or replace spark plug p 49 Dry and reinstall spark plug Start engine with throttle lever in FAST position Take mower to Honda lawn mower dealer or refer to shop manual LOSS OF POWER POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION 1 Check under mower Mower deck clogged deck 2 Check air filters Air filters clogged 3 Check fuel Bad fuel mower stored without treating or draining gasoline or refueled with bad gasoline Clean out mower deck p 38 Clean or replace air filters p 48 Drain fuel tank and carburetor p 69 Refuel with fresh gasoline p 23 4 Check vent inside Fuel tank cap vent Clean fuel tank fuel tank cap clogged vent 5 Take mower to Honda lawn mower dealer or refer to shop manual Fuel filter clogged carburetor malfunction ignition malfunction valves stuck etc 62 Take mower to Honda lawn mower dealer or refer to shop manual TROUBLESHOOTING Vibration Problems EXCESSIVE POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION VIBRATION 1 Check mower deck Grass and debris lodged Tighten loose blade and blade s under mower deck bolts Replace damaged blade s p 58 59 Blade s loose bent damaged or unbalanced by improper sharpening 2 Take mower to Mechanical damage Take mower to Honda Honda lawn mower such as a bent lawn mower dealer or dealer f
38. ngine outdoors and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature 2 Set the throttle lever in the SLOW position 3 Turn the pilot screw in or out to the setting that produces the highest idle rom The correct setting will usually be approximately 2 turns out from the fully closed position PILOT SCREW 4 After the pilot screw is correctly adjusted turn the throttle stop screw to obtain the standard idle speed iio cM Vnde Standard idle speed 2 000 150 rpm THROTTLE STOP SCREW 52 MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS 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 High altitude performance can be improved by installing a smaller diameter main fuel jet in the carburetor and readjusting the pilot screw If you always operate the mower at altitudes higher than 1 800 meters 6 000 feet above sea level have an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer perform this carburetor modification Even with carburetor modification engine horsepower will decrease about 3 5 for each 300 meter 1 000 foot increase in altitude The effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no carburetor modification is made A reduction in engine horsepower will reduce mowing performance When the carbureto
39. nty repair problem MOWER SAFETY This section explains what you need to know to operate your mower Safely Important Message to Parents 24 Safety Label Locations 5 MOWER SAFETY 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 Avoid Rotating Blades Rotating blades can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers hands toes or feet Keep away from the mower deck whenever the engine is running If you need to work around the deck to clear grass accumulation adjust the cutting height or for any other reason always shut off the engine Disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug Wear heavy gloves when you need to clean the mower deck or handle the blade s Clear Mowing Area Mower blades can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to cause serious injury Before mowing carefully inspect the area and remove all sticks stones pieces of wire and other loose objects Never operate the blade s over gravel MOWER SAFETY Keep Shields in Place Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and from touching hot engine parts and moving components For your safety and the safety of others keep all shields in place when the engine is running Refuel w
40. on 10 Side Discharge Mowing requires optional side discharge chute 39 Spark Arrester Service optional equipment 51 Spark Plug Recommendations amp Service 49 Specifications 74 ENGINE due dob ex o 75 Transmission 75 Starting the Engine 30 Stopping Engine 33 Storage 66 Removal From Storage 71 Storage Area 70 81 INDEX amp ADDITIONAL INFORMATION T Throttle Lever Cable Adjustment 56 14 amp 31 Transporting 42 Troubleshooting Engine Problems 62 Mowing Mulching Bagging Problems 63 Vibration Problems 63 W Washing Grass Bag standard on HRB215 60 MOWOL ze Dy oie Y aru ls 66 Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your mower You may order them from your Honda lawn mower dealer Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures It is intended to be used by a skilled technician _ Parts Catalog This manual provides complete illustrated parts lists 82 INDEX ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Customer Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals They shoul
41. opping the Engine 33 Sate Mowing Practices 34 SIOPOS 34 35 142 35 36 X dn ee ye Axe 36 Cutting Height 36 ee Get 36 37 4 37 37 ee eee 37 38 ifthe Mower Deck 1095 38 MOWING Starting the Engine Because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning it makes good sense to start the mower outside or at least in an open area with good ventilation Before starting make sure the discharge guard is closed or that the grass bag or side discharge chute is in place 1 FOR STARTING A COLD ENGINE Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position FOR RESTARTING A WARM ENGINE Move the throttle lever to the FAST position 2 Place your foot on the mower deck step Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance then pull briskly Return the rope gently Always release the blade control lever before starting the engine to prevent the blade s from turning HRB215SXA amp 2155 Always release the drive clutch lever before using the starter If the drive clutch is engaged the mower will move forward when you operate the starter Even though the blade does not turn until you pull back the blade control lever it is good practice to keep hands and feet away from the mower deck at all times
42. or repair crankshaft refer to shop manual Mowing Mulching Bagging Problems POOR CUT QUALITY POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION OR POOR MOWING MULCHING BAGGING PERFORMANCE 1 Check that the Engine speed is too Move throttle lever to throttle lever is in slow the FAST position the FAST position to cut well p 27 2 Reduce forward Mower is moving too Shift to slow speed speed fast for lawn conditions HRB215SXA 4 2155 p 31 or push slower 3 Check cutting height Adjustment levers set at Set all levers at the adjustment levers different positions same cutting height position p 11 4 Check grass bag Grass bag overfilled or Empty the grass bag if equipped clogged Wash the grass bag if clogged with dirt p 60 5 Check cutting height Cutting height set to Raise the cutting height low for grass height or use more overlap p 36 37 STORAGE This section explains how to protect your mower from rust and corrosion and ensure that it will start easily when you want to use it again Basic Preparation for Storage 66 67 68 Storage 7 0 71 STORAGE Storage Preparation Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your 5 function and appearance and will make the engine easier
43. p to prevent stalling the engine and it will also extend the service life of the blade control mechanism Drive Clutch Lever HRB215SXA HRM215SXA 32 To propel the mower move the drive clutch lever up and hold it against the handlebar Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower Operate the drive clutch lever with a quick and complete motion so the drive clutch is always either fully engaged or released This will help to extend the service life of the clutch mechanism For self propelled mowing press the button on top of the blade control lever pull the blade control lever back then move the drive clutch lever up against the handlebar Hold both levers against the handlebar BLADE CONTROL LEVER BUTTON DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA TO START BLADE ROTATION DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA CONTROL LEVER TO MOVE MOWER WITHOUT BLADE ROTATION BLADE CONTROL LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA FOR SELF PROPELLED MOWING MOWING Stopping the Engine 1 Release the drive clutch lever HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA and blade control lever all models 2 Move the throttle lever to the STOP position When the mower is not in use leave the throttle lever in the STOP position to prevent carburetor flooding and to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage sro THROTTLE LEVER MOWING Safe Mowing Practices For your safety
44. r is modified for high altitude operation the air fuel mixture will be too lean for low altitude use Operation at altitudes below 1 800 meters 6 000 feet with high altitude carburetor modifications may cause the engine to overheat and result in serious engine damage For low altitude use reinstall the standard main fuel jet and readjust the pilot screw MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Control Cable Adjustments Blade Control Cable Adjustment Measure free play at the top of the lever while holding the button down Free play should be 20 25 mm 3 4 1 in If adjustment is necessary 1 Loosen the locknuts with a 10 mm wrench and move the adjuster up or down as required 2 Tighten the locknuts and recheck free play 3 Start the engine outdoors and operate the blade control lever Check that the blade starts when you pull back the lever and stops quickly when you release the lever If the blade does not start or stop as it should with correct cable adjustment repair may be needed Take the mower to an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer 20 25 mm 0 75 1 0 in BLADE CONTROL LEVER MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA Measure free play at the edge of the lever as shown Free play should be 1 4 mm 1 16 3 16 in If adjustment is necessary 1 Loosen the locknuts with a 10 mm wrench and move the adjuster up or down as required 2
45. s tighten with a 20 6 mm 13 16 in spark plug wrench to compress the washer If reinstalling the old spark plug tighten 1 8 to 1 4 turn after the spark plug seats If installing a new spark plug tighten 1 2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the cylinder head 7 Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Spark Arrester Service optional equipment In some areas it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester Check local laws and regulations A spark arrester is available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed 1 Remove the two nuts from the muffler shield using a 10 mm wrench 2 Remove the muffler shield identification plate muffler and gasket 3 Remove the spark arrester from the muffler 4 Check for carbon deposits on the spark arrester and the exhaust port Brush carbon deposits away Be careful to avoid damaging the spark arrester screen 5 Install the spark arrester in the muffler 6 Install the muffler components on the engine and tighten the two nuts securely GASKET MUFFLER MUFFLER SHIELD IDENTIFICATION PLATE SCREEN 51 MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Carburetor Adjustment 1 Start the e
46. s Limited Warranty does not cover parts damaged by misuse BEFORE MOWING Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels Some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions If you use an oxygenated fuel be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement Before using an oxygenated fuel try to confirm the fuel s contents Some states provinces require this information to be posted on the pump The following are the EPA approved percentages of oxygenates e ETHANOL ethyl or grain alcohol 10 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 10 ethanol by volume Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name Gasohol MTBE Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether 1596 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 15 MTBE by volume METHANOL methyl or wood alcohol 5 You may use gasoline containing up to 5 methanol by volume as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system Gasoline containing more than 5 methanol by volume may cause starting and or performance problems It may also damage metal rubber and plastic parts of your fuel system If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline Fuel system damage or performance problem
47. s resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates mentioned above are not covered under warranty BEFORE MOWING Air Cleaner Check that the air filters are clean and in good condition Dirty air filters will restrict air flow to the carburetor reducing engine performance Operating the engine without filters or with damaged filters will allow dirt to enter the engine causing rapid engine wear This type of damage is not covered by the Distributor s Limited Warranty 1 Unscrew and remove the air cleaner cover knob then remove the cover 2 Inspect the paper filter Remove and inspect the foam filter Replace damaged filters Clean or replace dirty filters See page 48 for cleaning instructions 3 Reinstall the filters and cover Tighten the cover knob securely AIR CLEANER HOUSING PAPER FILTER FOAM FILTER COVER LU A COVER KNOB BEFORE MOWING Grass Bag standard for HRB215 optional for HRM215 Check the condition of the grass bag The grass bag wears during normal use and will eventually require replacement Grass bag replacement is explained on page 60 amp WARNING Objects hit by the blade can be thrown through a worn or damaged grass bag Thrown objects can seriously injure you Replace the grass bag if worn or damaged Check that the grass bag is not clogged A clogged bag will not collect grass efficiently and must be cleaned When the ba
48. se the discharge guard to secure the chute DISCHARGE GUARD SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE 10 CONTROLS This section shows the locations of controls and other important parts of your mower and it tells you how the controls work Component Identification 12 4 Lk Cede Guat eb ee 14 Shift Lever 2155 amp 2155 14 qp 15 16 Handlebar 17 Height Adjustment Levers 18 11 CONTROLS Component Identification BLADE CONTROL BUTTON BLADE CONTROL LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA FUEL TANK CAP RECOIL STARTER DISCHARGE GUARD REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER MUFFLER OIL FILLER CAP FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT MOWER DECK ADJUSTMENT LEVER HRB215PXA Manually propelled high lift blade and grass bag HRB215SXA Self propelled high lift blade and grass bag HRM215PXA Manually propelled mulching blades and mulching plug HRM215SXA Self propelled mulching blades and mulching plug 12 CONTROLS GEAR SHIFT LEVER HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA ENGINE FRAME SERIAL SERIAL NUMBER NUMBER THROTTLE LEVER SPARK PLUG CAP N HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB REAR CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER AIR CLEANER FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER CARBURETOR Record the frame and engine serial numbers in the space below You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making
49. sely you ll see that most grass has stems and leaves If you cut off the leaves you ll scalp the lawn Let grass recover between mowings Your mower will work better and your lawn will look better If your grass gets too tall cut it once at the highest cutting height setting then mow again 2 or 3 days Don t take off more than one third of total grass height in any one mowing or brown patches may develop Cutting height adjustment is explained on page 18 LONG TOO SHORT ENOUGH MOWING Cutting Width For an even lawn finish overlap each mowing swath by a few inches If the grass is very tall or thick use more overlap and a narrower mowing swath 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 that means the blade is trying to cut too much grass Mow a narrower swath move the mower more slowly or raise the cutting height TROTTLE LEVER Blade Sharpness Sharp blades cut cleanly Dull blades tear the grass leaving shredded ends that turn brown When your blade s doesn t cut cleanly anymore have it sharpened or replaced see page 58 Dry Grass If the ground is too dry mowing will stir up a lot of dust Besides being unpleasant to work in too much dust will clog the carburetor air filter If dust is a problem water your lawn the day before mowing
50. technical or warranty inquiries see page 83 Frame serial number MZB Engine serial number GJAB 13 CONTROLS Controls THROTTLE LEVER Throttle Lever IN CHOKE For starting a cold engine FAST For restarting a warm engine and for mowing SLOW For idling the engine STOP For stopping the engine and closing the fuel valve When the mower is not in use leave the throttle lever in the STOP position to prevent carburetor flooding and to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage Gear Shift Lever HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA 1 slow For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas 2 fast For maximum self propelled speed in large open areas To avoid incomplete gear engagement move the gear shift lever all the way forward or all the way back You can shift gears without releasing the drive clutch lever page 16 but the transmission may not shift smoothly if the mower is pulling hard For smoother operation release the drive clutch lever before shifting gears GEAR SHIFT LEVER HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA 14 CONTROLS Blade Control Lever The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation To start blade rotation press the button on top of the blade control lever then pull the lever back and hold it against the handlebar Release the blade control lever to stop the blade Operate the blade control lever with a quick and complete motion so
51. th a garden hose and allow it to dry completely 8 After the mower is clean and dry touch up any damaged paint and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil Lubricate all control cable cores with a silicone spray lubricant 67 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 The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline blend your storage temperatures and whether the fuel tank is partially or completely filled The air in partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration Very warm storage temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration Fuel deterioration problems may occur within a few months or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank The Distributor s Limited Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from neglected storage preparation You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is formulated for that purpose or you avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and carburetor Adding a gasoline stabilizer to extend
52. tional Honda publications and tells you how to contact us if you have a question or a warranty repair problem 78 Honda Publications 82 Customer Service Information 83 INDEX amp ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Index A Air Cleaner Inspection Air Cleaner Service Attachments Standard and Optional B Bagging requires optional grass bag Blade s Inspection s 246 eas Installation Removal Sharpness 45x 5x 3 x3 Standard and Optional Types Blade Control Lever Cable Adjustment Carburetor Adjustment Modification for High Altitude CHOKE eee Clogged Mower Deck Clothing Recommendations Component Identification CONTERIS Cable Adjustments Blade Control Lever Drive Clutch Lever Gear Shift Lever Throttle Lever Controls Operation Customer Service Information Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Recommendations Cutting Width Recommendations 78 INDEX ADDITIONAL INFORMATION D Damage Prevention Message Definition I Drive Clutch Lever 2155 amp HRM215SXA Cable 55 16 amp 3
53. w oil level can cause engine damage d Screw in the filler cap dipstick securely FILLER CAP DIPSTICK UPPER LIMIT LOWER LIMIT 47 MAINTENANCE amp ADJUSTMENTS Air Cleaner Service Dirty air filters will restrict air flow to the carburetor reducing engine performance If you operate the mower in very dusty areas clean the air filters more often than specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Operating the engine without air filters or damaged filters will allow dirt to enter the engine causing rapid engine wear This type of damage is not covered by the Distributor s Limited Warranty AIR CLEANER HOUSING PAPER FOAM FILTER FILTER KNOB 1 Unscrew and remove the air cleaner cover knob then remove the air cleaner cover 2 Remove the paper filter from the air cleaner housing Remove the foam filter from the cover 3 Inspect the filters and replace them if they are damaged 4 Clean the filters Paper filter Tap the filter several times on a hard surface to remove dirt or blow compressed air not exceeding 207 kPa 30 psi through the filter from the inside Never try to brush off dirt brushing will force dirt into the fibers Foam filter Clean in warm soapy water rinse and allow to dry thoroughly Or clean in nonflammable solvent and allow to dry Dip the filter in clean engine oil and squeeze out all excess oi
54. when the engine is running 3 When the engine warms up move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position Set the lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle MOWING Operating the Controls for Mowing Throttle Lever Blade speed is as important as sharpness When the blade rotates at high speed it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently Always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position but Fast do not try to increase the preset engine speed THROTTLE LEVER Gear Shift Lever HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA 1 slow For mowing thick GEAR SHIFT LEVER grass or HRB215SXA amp HRM215SXA maneuvering in small areas 2 fast For maximum self propelled speed in large open areas To avoid incomplete gear engagement move the shift lever all the way forward or all the way back You can shift gears without releasing the drive clutch lever page 32 but the transmission may not shift smoothly if the mower is pulling hard For smoother operation release the drive clutch lever before shifting gears 31 MOWING Blade Control Lever To start blade rotation press the button on top of the blade control lever then pull the lever back and hold it against the handlebar Release the blade control lever to stop the blade Operate the blade control lever with a quick and complete motion so the blade drive is always either fully engaged or stopped This will hel
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