Honda Automobiles HRZ216TDA manual

31VG4642 00X31- VG4-6420 40000.2003.07 PRINTED IN U .S.A . POM52774-G © 1997–2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved Rotary Mower HRS216PDA • HRS216SDA HRR216PDA • HRR216SDA HRR216TDA • HRZ216TDA Printed on Recycled Paper K2 EM3 IPC ® K0 HRS216PDA • HRS216SDA HRR216PDA • HRR216SDA HRR216TDA HRZ216TDA O wner's Ma[...]

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold. The information and specifications incl uded in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves th[...]

INTRODUCTION 1 Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are 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 result s from your new lawn mower and to operate it safely . This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully .[...]

INTRODUCTION 2 A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Y our safety and the safety of others is very import ant, and using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility . T o help you make informed decisions about safety , we have provided operating procedures and other in formation on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential ha[...]

CONTENTS 3 LAWN MOWER SAFETY ............................................................................ ................ 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.............. ............................... ....................... 4 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS ............... ..................... .............................. 5 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS .[...]

4 LAWN MOWER SAFETY IMPORTANT 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 cau[...]

LAWN MOVER SAFETY 5 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VE RY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this me ssage 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 go[...]

LAWN MOVER SAFETY 6 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please read them carefully. These labels are considered permanent parts of your mower. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda dealer for a replacement. DANGER KEEP HANDS and FEET AWA Y HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU . [...]

7 CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCA TIONS Use the illustrations on the followin g pages to locate and identify the most frequently used controls. Model Identification T o easily identify your model, refer to the chart on page 56. DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA & TDA) HANDLEBAR FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEV[...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 8 REAR DISCHARGE GUARD (HRR, HRZ) MULCHING PLUG (HRR, HRZ) SHIFT LEVER (TDA) THROTTLE LEVER HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB (2) FUEL VALVE AIR CLEANER MOWER DECK CARBURETOR SPARK PLUG CAP FUEL TANK CAP GRASS BAG (HRR, HRZ) CASTER WHEEL LOCK LEVER (HRZ) F RONT CUTTING H EIGHT A DJUSTMENT LEVERS (HRZ) REAR DISCHARGE GUARD CASTER WHEEL [...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 9 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS Fuel V alve The fuel valve controls fuel flow fr om the fuel tank to the carburetor . The fuel valve must be ON to star t and operate the mower . The fuel valve should be kept OFF wh en the mower is not in use. Throttle Lever Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake [...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 10 Drive Clutch Lever (SDA, TDA) The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. The drive clutch lever should only be engaged after the engine has been warmed up. Shif t Lever (TDA) The shift lever select s the mower ground speed. Caster Wheel Lock Lever (HRZ) The caster wheel loc[...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 11 Cutting Height Adjustment Levers The mower deck can be set to an y of the six approximate settings. Each wheel should be adjust ed to the same position. HRR, HRS HRZ Lower deck Move both the front and rear adjusters backward. Raise deck Move both the front and rear adjusters forward. Lower deck Move front adjusters forwar[...]

12 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET ST ARTED? Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury. Knowledge Read and understand this manual. Kn ow what the controls do and how to operate them. Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it. [...]

BEFORE OPERATION 13 Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower: • Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. • Look for signs of damage. • Check each control for proper operation. • Check the blades for wear. Repl ace as necessary (page 31). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 33). • Check that[...]

BEFORE OPERATION 14 Mulching Plug (HRR, HRZ) The mulching plug helps to curve the inside of the mower deck for more efficient mulching. Install and remove the mulching plug by raising the rear discharge guard as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way . Remove the mulching plug when using a grass bag. Side Discharge Chute (HRS) T o discharge cli[...]

BEFORE OPERATION 15 Grass Bag (HRR, HRZ) A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag before it becomes filled to the limit of its cap acity . Bagging performance will diminish after t he bag becomes about 90% full. Also, the bag is easier to empty when not packe[...]

16 OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the mower for th e first time, please review the LAWN MOWER SAFETY chapter beginning on page 4 and the BEFORE OPERA TION chapter beginning on page 12. Even if you have operated other mowers, take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your ski[...]

OPERATION 17 3. SDA, TDA: Release the drive clutch lever (page 10). If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter . 4. Pull back on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar . 5. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly . Return the starter grip gent[...]

OPERATION 18 OPERA TING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Throttle Lever For best cut quality , always mow with the throttle lever in the F AST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lift s and cuts grass more ef ficiently . Do not try to increase the preset engine speed, the blade(s) could fracture and[...]

OPERATION 19 Drive Clutch Lever (SDA, TDA) Push the drive clutch lever forward and hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward. Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower ’s forward movement. Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine. If the drive clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when you o[...]

OPERATION 20 Caster Wheel Lock Lever (HRZ) Use the caster wheel lock lever to hold the front wheels in the straight ahead direction. The lock lever ca n be moved anytime while moving forward; however , if the lever is difficult to move to the RELEASE position, do not force it. Push down on the handlebar enough to raise the front wheels off the grou[...]

OPERATION 21 STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position. 2. Release the drive clutch lever (SDA, TDA). 3. Release the flywheel brake lever . 4. When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to OFF . SLOW DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA) FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER OFF FUEL VALVE[...]

OPERATION 22 SAFE MOWING PRACTICES For your safety , keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing your footing and contro l 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 push the mower with your foot. Use the h[...]

OPERATION 23 Obst acles Use the side of the mower to cut clos e to obstacles, such as fences or walls. Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive when mowing around trees and other ob stacles. Push the mower around obstacles for better directional cont rol. Be careful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn, su ch as sprinkler he[...]

OPERATION 24 MOWING TIPS Which Blade? Grasses and lawn conditions vary greatly , so Harmony II models can use various combinations of standard and accessory blades. Use this blade application guide to help determine which blade(s) are best suited for your lawn. For more information about blades, see page 60. Always use an upper and lower blade on H[...]

OPERATION 25 Cutting Wid th For an even lawn finish, overlap eac h mowing swath by a few inches. If the grass is very tall or thick, us e more overlap and a narrower mowing swath. Blade Speed The blade(s) must spin very fast to cut properly . Always use the F AST throttle setting. If engine speed drop s, it could mean the engine is being overloaded[...]

OPERATION 26 Dry Grass If the ground is too dry , mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being unpleasant to work in, to o much dust will clog the air filter . If dust is a problem, water your lawn the day be fore mowing. Mow when the grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist. Wet Gr as s Wet grass is slippery and can make you los[...]

OPERATION 27 Mowing Patterns Y our 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 rotates, cause these mowing patterns to give the best result s. Mulching Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern. If the lawn has an irregular sha[...]

28 SERVICING YOUR MOWER THE IMPORT ANCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE Proper maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. T o help you properly care for your mower , the following pages include a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple maintenance procedures using[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 29 MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow . However , we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task. Safety Precautions • Make sure the engine is off befo re you begin any maintenance [...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 30 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. (2) T hese items should only be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing lawn mower dealer , unless you are mechanically proficient and have the proper tools. Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures. REGULAR SERVICE PERIOD Before each u[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 31 BLADE(S) 1. T urn the fuel valve to OFF (page 9). Disconnect the sp ark plug cap from the spark plug (page 37). 2. Tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up. This will help to prevent fuel leakage and hard starting. 3. Inspect the blade(s) for wear and damage. A dull blade can be sharpened, but a blade that i[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 32 Blade Removal and Inst allation If you remove the blade(s), use a to rque wrench for installation. W ear heavy gloves to protect your hands. T o avoid weakening the blade(s), or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the blade(s) should be sharpened by trained staf f at an aut horized Honda servicing dealer . If replacing the bl[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 33 Blade Installation 1. Clean around the blade holder . Install the blade(s) using the bolts and special washers as shown [concave side of the special washers toward the blade(s)]. The blade bolts and washers are sp ecially designed for the mower . Should you ever have to replace them, use only genuine Honda part s. Otherwise,[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 34 ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Level Check 1. Wipe the dipstick clean. 2. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck . Check the oil level shown on the dipstick. 3. If the oil level is low , add oil to bring the level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown. Do not overfil[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 35 Engine Oil Change Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. W arm oil drains quickly and completely . 1. T urn the fuel valve to OFF to redu ce the possibility of fuel leakage (page 21). 2. Wipe the oil filler area clean, th en remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. 3. Place a suitable container next to the mower to catch th[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 36 Air Cleaner Service A dirty air filter restricts air flow to the carburetor , reducing engine performance. If you operate the mower in very dusty areas, clean the air filter more often than specif ied in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. NOTICE Operating the engine without an air filter , or with a damaged filter , will allow dirt t[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 37 Sp ark Plug Service Recommended spark plugs: BPR6ES (NGK) or W20EPR-U (DENSO) For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. NOTICE An incorrect spark plug can cause engine damage. 1. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove dirt from the area. 2. Remove the spark plug with a spark plug wr[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 38 SP ARK ARRESTER SER VICE (optional equipment) Y our lawn mower engine is not fact ory-equipped with a spark arrester . In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester . Check local laws and regulations. An optional USDA approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer [...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 39 CASTER WHEEL LOCK PINS (HRZ) Remove both front wheel covers. Move the lock lever between the LOCK and RELEASE positions and make sure the lock pins move freely . The lock pins must comple tely lock and release the front wheels. Clean all dirt and debris aw ay from the lock pin area. If a lock pin is binding, apply multi-purp[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 40 FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel t ank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 l ) If the fuel level is low , refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been r unning, allow it to cool first. T o refuel, remove the fuel tank cap, and fill the t ank with gasoline to the bottom of the filler neck. Refuel care ful[...]

SERVICING YOUR MOWER 41 Fuel Recommendations Use unleaded gasoline with a pump oct ane rating of 86 or higher . These engines are certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposit s and extends exhaust system life. Never use stale or cont aminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid get[...]

42 STORAGE STORAGE PREP ARA TION 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 lawn mower ’ s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn mower again. Cleaning 1. W ash the l[...]

STORAGE 43 Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorat e in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum depo sit s that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline in your mower deteri orates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other f uel system components, serviced or replaced. The length of time that gasoline ca[...]

STORAGE 44 Draining the Fuel T ank and Carburetor 1. Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and drain the carburetor bowl fuel into an approved container . 2. Turn the fuel valve ON (p age 9). This will allow fuel in the fuel tank to drain through the carburetor bowl. After the fuel is completely drained, reinstall the drain bolt. En[...]

STORAGE 45 STORAGE PRECAUTIONS If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor , it is important to redu ce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated stor age 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[...]

46 TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system can burn you and can ignite some materials. T urn the fuel valve to OFF (page 21). This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage[...]

47 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS Engine Will Not Start Possible Cause Correction Check control positions. Fuel valve OFF . T urn fuel valve ON (p. 9). Throttle lever in wrong position. Move throttle lever to CHOKE position, unless the engine is warm (p. 16). Check fuel. Out of fuel. Refuel (p. 40). Bad fuel; mower stored withou[...]

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS 48 VIBRA TION PROBLEMS MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS Excessive Vibration Possible Cause Correction Check mower deck and blade(s). Grass and debris lodged under mower deck. Clean out mower deck (p. 26). T ake mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair . Mechanical damage, such as a bent crankshaft. Repl[...]

49 SET-UP Unp acking Remove all the cardboard from the mower , including the piece around the handlebar . Handlebar Setup Loosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar . Hold the flywheel brake lever against the handlebar , and unfold the handlebar into the mowing position. Remove the piece of paper between the handlebar and the frame. Once the handl[...]

SET-UP 50 Engine Oil The lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower . Add the entire contents of the oil bottle into the oil fill er opening. If the supplied oil is not used, add enough SAE 10W-30 API service category SH or SJ oil to bring the oil level between the upper and lower limit m[...]

51 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMA TION Serial Number Locations There are two serial numbers, one for the mower frame and one for the engine. Record the frame and engin e serial numbers in the space below . Y ou will need these serial numbers when ordering part s and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page 65). Fram[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 52 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 st arting. Operation at an altitude that differs from t[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 53 Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. T o meet clean air standards, some areas of the United S tates and Canada use oxy genated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated f[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 54 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produce s carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very important because, under cert ain conditions, they react to form photochemical smog when su bjected to sunlight. Carbon monox[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 55 Replacement Part s The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EP A and California emission regulations. We recommen d the use of genuine Honda part s whenever you have maintenance done. These original-design replacement part s are manufactured to th[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 56 Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag/labe l is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board. The bar graph is intended to provide you, our customer , the ability to compare the emissions performance of availab[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 57 FRAME Model HRS216K2 HRR216K2 HRZ216 Ty p e PDA SDA PDA SDA TDA TDA Length 61 1/8 in (1554 mm) 63 7/8 in (1621 mm) 61 5/8 in (1566 mm) 64 1/2 in (1637 mm) 70 5/16 in (1785 mm) Width 23.0 in (585 mm) Overall height 37-3/8 in (948 mm) 38 1/4 in (970 mm) Dry weight 62.2 lb (28.2 kg) 69.4 lb (31.5 kg) 75.0 lb (34.0[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 58 MAINTENANCE Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher See page 41. Engine oil SAE 10W-30 See page 34. T ransmission lubricant (SDA, TDA) Grease (NLGI #2) See shop manual. S park plug type (Resistor plugs reduce interference with radio and television reception.) Regular: NGK - BP6ES DENSO [...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 59 CONSUMER INFORMA TION Honda Publications These publications will give you addi tional information for maintaining and repairing your lawn mower . Y ou may order them from your servicing Honda lawn mower dealer . Shop Manual This manual covers complete ma intenance and overhaul procedures. It is intended to be u[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 60 Accessories and Replacement Part s Contact a servicing Honda lawn mower dealer to purchase any of these accessories or genuine replacem ent part s. Be sure to have the lawn mower frame and engine serial numbers when you contact your dealer (page 51). Y our dealer can also help you purchase other part s for your[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 61 Distributor's Limited W arranty T o Qualify for this Warranty: The product must be purchased in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U. S. Virgin Islands from American Honda or a dealer authorized by American Honda to sell those products. This warranty appl ies to the first retail purchaser and each subs[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 62 Accessories, Replacement Part s, and Apparel W arranty T o Qualify for this Warranty: 1. The accessories, replacement pa rts, or apparel must be purchased in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from American Honda or a dealer authorized by Americ an Honda to sell those products. 2. Y ou m[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 63 Emission Control System W arranty Y our new Honda Power Equipm ent engine complies with both the U.S. EP A and State of California emission regulations. American Honda provides the same emission warranty cove rage for engines sold in all 50 states. Y our Warranty Rights And Obligations: California The Californi[...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 64 Only Honda approved replacement part s may be used in the performance of any warranty repa irs and must be provided without charge to the owner . The use of replacement parts not equivalent to the original parts may impair the effectiveness of your engine emission co ntrol system. If such a replacement part is [...]

TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 65 Customer Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should 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 Manage[...]

66 INDEX A air cleaner inspection ........................ 36 service............................. 36 air index............................. 56 altitude, modifications for .5 2 assembly see set-up B blade inspection ....................... 31 installation ...................... 33 removal ........................... 32 C carburetor draining .......[...]

INDEX 67 G grass bag bagging ............................ 27 cleaning ........................... 33 installation........................ 33 removal ............................ 33 replacement ..................... 33 H handlebar folding ............... 44 high altitude operation ....... 52 I Introduction ......................... 1 L lawn inspecti[...]

INDEX 68 mowing............................ 22 serial number locations .... 51 set-up ............................... 49 shift lever (TDA) description....................... 10 operation ......................... 19 shop manual ..................... 59 spark knock ...................... 41 spark arrester service........ 38 spark plug gap ..........[...]

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Fuel Ty p e Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 40) Capacity 0.29 US gal (1.1 l ) Engine oil T ype SAE 10W-30, API SH or SJ (page 34) Capacity 0.58 US qt (0.55 l ) S park plug Ty p e Regular: NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP-U Resistor: NGK BPR6ES DENSO W20EPR-U Electrode gap 0.028 – 0.031 in (0.70 ?[...]

31VG4642 00X31- VG4-6420 40000.2003.07 PRINTED IN U .S.A . POM52774-G © 1997–2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved Rotary Mower HRS216PDA • HRS216SDA HRR216PDA • HRR216SDA HRR216TDA • HRZ216TDA Printed on Recycled Paper K2 EM3 IPC ® K0 HRS216PDA • HRS216SDA HRR216PDA • HRR216SDA HRR216TDA HRZ216TDA O wner's Ma[...]