Honda Automobiles HHT31S manual

Owner's Manual Trimmer/Brush Cutter HHT25S • HHT31S © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved POM53 5 09 IPC 10000.2002.10 Printed in U.S.A. 31VJ4000 00X31-VJ4-0000 Printed on Recycled Paper EM3 See page 42 for instructions on assembling your T rimmer .[...]

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 trimmer/brush cutter and should remain with the trimmer/brush cutter if resold. The information and specifications included in this pub lication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor[...]

1 INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your selection of a Honda tri mmer/brush cutter . W e are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest trimmer/brush cutters on the market. We want to help you get the best result s from your new trimmer/brush cutter and to operate it safely . This manual contains the information on how to do[...]

2 INTRODUCTION A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Y our safety , and the safety of others, are very impo rtant. And using this trimmer/brush cutter safely is an important responsibility . T o help you make informed decisions about safety , we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This info rmation alerts you t[...]

3 CONTENTS TRIMMER SAFETY ................................................... 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORM ATION ..................... 4 ATTACHMENTS & MODIFICATI ONS ....................... 5 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS .............. 5 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS .... ................... ............ 6 RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS ..... 7 CUTTIN[...]

4 TRIMMER SAFETY IMPORT ANT SAFETY INFORMA TION The Honda HHT25S and HHT31S trimmer/brush cutters are designed to cut grass, weeds, brush, and/or wood if equipped with an appropriate cutting attachment. Other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the trimmer and other property . These Honda trimmers are intended for use by gardenin[...]

TRIMMER SAFETY 5 A TT ACHMENTS & MODIFICA TIONS Modifying your trimmer/brush cutter , or installing non-Honda attachment s, can make your trimmer unsafe. Before you make any modifications or install any att achments, be sure to read the following information. Att achments Y our Honda trimmer servicing dealer has cutting attachment s, debris shi[...]

6 TRIMMER SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCA TIONS The labels shown here contain import ant safety information. Please read them carefully . These labels are considered permanent part s of your trimmer/brus h cutter . If a label comes of f or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement. TYPE EQUIPPED WITH LOOP HANDLE [...]

7 RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS CUTTING-LINE HEADS AND SHIELDS A cutting-line head containing nylon monofilament line, and a debris shield with cutoff knife is standard equipment. The shield’ s cutoff knife automatically removes any excess line that is released from the cutting head. Honda HHT31SUNBA model trimmers are supplied with two differe[...]

8 RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS BLADES AND SHIELDS A variety of blades are available from your Honda trimmer servicing dealer . Always use a debris shield designed for use with a blade when attaching a blade to your trimmer . The blade type debris shield does not have a cutoff knife. Honda HHT31SUNBA trimmers are supplied with a blade cover surro[...]

RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS 9 Brush/Wood Blade Cover Inst allation and Removal 1. Install the blade cover over the blade so half the blade is covered. T o prevent the post end from interfering with the debris shield, pull the post end away from the blade and set it on top of the blade as shown. T urn the blade cover slowly until the post end cl[...]

10 CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT SP ARK ARRESTER PRIMING BULB FUEL T ANK CAP FUEL SUPPL Y TUBE (black) ST ARTER GRIP CHOKE LEVER HARNESS HANGER DEBRIS SHIELD WITH CUTOFF KNIFE DRIVE CABLE FRAME PIPE LOOP HANDLE THROTTLE SET BUTTON OPERA T OR PRESENCE LEVER THROTTLE TRIGGER IGNITION SWITCH CUTTING-LINE HEAD GEAR CASE OIL FILLER CAP FUEL T ANK CAP AIR CLE[...]

CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT 11 CONTROLS The location and operation of the controls are similar on both the HHT25S and HHT31S models. Choke Lever The choke lever opens and closes the choke valve. The CLOSED position enriches the fuel mixture for starting a cold engine. The OPEN position provides the correct fuel mixture for operation after st arting, a[...]

12 CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT Throttle Set Button The throttle set button is used to hold the throttle trigger at the fast idle position for starting. Do not allow the cutting line or blade to contact any obstruction when starting the engine with the throttle set button engaged. T o engage the throttle set button, press the operator presence lever by[...]

CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT 13 EQUIPMENT The Honda HHT25S and HHT31S trimmer/brush cutters are supplied with a shoulder harness and safety glasses. Refer to page 14 for a description of other equipment and protective clothing you will need. Shoulder Harness A full shoulder harness must be worn by the operator of these Honda trimmers/brush cutters when[...]

14 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO OPERA TE THE TRIMMER? Y our safety is your responsibility . A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury . Knowledge Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them. Familiarize yourself with the trimmer and its operation before you begin to [...]

BEFORE OPERATION 15 IS YOUR TRIMMER READY TO GO? For your safety , and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is very important to t ake a few moments before you operate the trimmer to check its condition. Be sure to t ake care of any problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the trimmer . Safety Ins[...]

16 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOUR SHOULDER HARNESS AND TRIMMER CORRECTL Y ADJUSTED? Adjusting the Harness Adjust the harness so the quick-release latch is at your right hip, as shown. Balancing the T rimmer on the Shoulder Harness Hang the trimmer on the harness hook, and see how it balances. Adjust the shoulder harness, the harness hanger on the frame [...]

17 OPERATION SAFE OPERA TING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the trimmer for the first time, please review the IMPORT ANT SAFETY INFORMA TION chapter on page 4 and BEFORE OPERA TION chapter st arting on page 14. Even if you have operated other trimmers, take ti me to become familiar with the operation of this trimmer ’s controls and handling. For yo[...]

18 OPERATION 5. Set the trimmer on the ground, resting on the debris shield and the fuel tank guard. Do not allow the cutting-line or blade to contact any obstruction. Always rest the trimmer on the ground for starting, rather than holding it in the operating position. This prevents the end of the trimmer from swinging into something as you start t[...]

OPERATION 19 STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. Release the throttle trigger . 2. Move the ignition switch to the STOP (O) position. W ait for the cutting line head or blade to stop before allowing the end of the trimmer to contact anything. TRIMMER/HARNESS QUICK DISCONNECTION T o quickly detach the trimmer from the harness, pull the quick-release latch tab up[...]

20 OPERATION Throttle Operation Pull the throttle trigger toward the grip to increase engine speed and start cutting att achment rotation. The trimmer has the greatest cutting force at maximum engine speed. Release the throttle trigger to reduce engine speed. At idle, the cutting attachment should coast to a stop. Using a Nylon Cutting-Line Head As[...]

OPERATION 21 Using Blades Refer to the chart on page 9 for appropriate blade applications. If using a blade on a Honda trimmer equipped with a loop handle, also install the optional Honda conversion kit that includes a full shoulder harness, a barrier bar , and a debris shield for blades. Follow the installation instructions and safety information [...]

22 OPERATION Blade Thrust (Kickback) Blade thrust (kickback) is the sudden, forceful, and uncontrolled movement of a blade-equipped trimmer that may occur if the blade binds in the cut or strikes a solid object. Blade thrust (kickback) throws the trimmer in the direction opposite blade rotation at the point of contact, and the jolt rece ived by the[...]

OPERATION 23 T rimming and Edging Use nylon line for cutting against a hard surface. Work from an angle where debris that strikes the hard surface will ricochet away from you. Avoid cont act with wires, wire fences, metal rods, etc. Overlapping a wire will cause the nylon line to wrap around the wire and break off. Brush Clearing Clearing brush wit[...]

24 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER THE IMPORT ANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good 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 trimmer , the following pages include a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple maintenance procedures usin[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 25 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. (2) These items should be serviced by your servicin g dealer , unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically proficient. Refer to the Honda shop manual for service procedures. (3) Log hours of operation to determine proper maintenance [...]

26 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER ENGINE Engine Oil Level Check Check the engine oil level before each use, or every 10 hours if operated continuously . Rest the trimmer on a level surface, with the engine stopped and in an upright position. 1. Remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean. 2. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it int[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 27 Engine Oil Recommendations Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use 4-stroke automotive detergent oil. SAE 10W-30 is recommended for all temperatures wi thin the recommended operating range for these trimmers. The recommended operating range extends from 23 ° F (-5 ° C) to 104 ° F (40 ° C[...]

28 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER Throttle Cable Inspection V erify the throttle trigger operates smoothly and t he throttle cable is undamaged. If there is visible damage, or if the throttle trigger does not operate smoothly , have your authorized Honda servicing dealer replace the throttle cable. Check the free play at the end of the throttle cable[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 29 CUTTING A TT ACHMENTS There are several cutting attachment s for your trimmer . Use the following section to inspect, remove, service and install a st andard (factory- installed) cutting att achment. Always move the engine switch to the STOP (O) position, and disconnect the spark plug cap before performing any inspec[...]

30 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER Manual Cutting-Line Head 1. Clean any mud, dirt, debris, etc. from the area around the trimmer head; otherwise, it will make it more difficult to service. 2. Rotate the lef t-hand threaded knob in the direction of the arrow and remove the knob. Remove the spring and spool from the housing then remove any remaining ol[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 31 5. When you have about 6 inches (150 mm) of line remaining, press the lines into the two notches on the bottom of the spool. This will hold the lines on the spool for reassembly . 6. Feed both line ends through the metal eyelet s in the housing. Be careful not to let the line slip under the spool. When the spool reac[...]

32 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER Semi-Matic (Bump-Feed) Cutting-Line Head 1. Clean any mud, dirt, debris, etc., from around the trimmer head area; otherwise, it will make it more difficult to service. 2. Locate the half-round locking hole on the spool. 3. It may be necessary to lightly rotate the spool in the direction of the arrow about an 1/8 turn[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 33 7. Wind both lines tightly and evenly from side to side ignoring the ridge. Feed the line while turning the spool in the direction of the arrow . Do not allow the line to get twisted. It is important to prevent the two lines from getting twisting over each other . Position a finger between the lines as you turn the s[...]

34 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER Removal & Inst allation This section shows you how to remove and install either style trimmer head from your trimmer . 1. Insert the tip of a commercially available 4 mm hex wrench or equivalent fully into the gear case hole. 2. T urn the trimmer cutting-line head until you feel the tool drop into the hole in cov[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 35 Blade Blade Inspection Always wear gloves when working around the blade. Before each use, check the blade for wear and damage, and check the tightness of the blade lock nut. Examine the entire head area, including the debris shield, and clear or clean it free from dirt, debris, loose string, wire, or any other foreig[...]

36 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 1. Install the protective plastic cover , that came with the blade, back on the blade. 2. Insert a commercially available 4 mm hex tool or equivalent fully into the gear case hole. 3. T urn the blade until you feel the tool drop into the hole in cover plate/spacer A. V erify the blade does not turn. The output shaft [...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 37 Sp ark Plug Service Recommended spark plugs: HHT25S CMR5HSB (NGK) HHT31S CR5HSB (NGK) U16FSR-UB (DENSO) Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage. 1. HHT25S model: Remove the 5 x 12 mm hex bolt and top cover . 2. Disconnect the spark plug cap, and remove any dirt from around the spark plug area. 3. Remove the spa[...]

38 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER Sp ark Arrester Service HHT31S The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed. If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Allow the muffler to cool before servicing the spark arrester . 1. Remove the four 5 x 18 mm bolts from the recoil starter , and remove t[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 39 HHT25S The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed. If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Allow the muffler to cool before servicing the sp ark arrester . 1. Remove the 5 x 12 mm hex bolt and top cover 2. Remove the two 4 x 6 mm self-tapping screws fr[...]

40 SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER FUEL SYSTEM Refueling Fuel t ank capacities : HHT25S: 0.53 qt/16.9 fl oz (0.50  ) HHT31S: 0.69 qt/22.0 fl oz (0.65  ) Check the fuel level by looking through the translucent fuel tank. If the fuel level is low , refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been running, allow it t[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER 41 Fuel Filter and Fuel T ank Cleaning 1. Remove the fuel tank cap, and empty the fuel t ank into an approved gasoline container . Use a funnel to avoid spilling gasoline. 2. Pull the fuel filter out through the fuel filler neck by hooking the black fuel supply tube with a piece of wire, such as a partly straightened p [...]

42 ASSEMBLY After assembly and before operation review the Safe Operating Precautions on p age 17. IMPORT ANCE OF PROPER ASSEMBL Y Proper assembly is essential to operator safety and the reliability of the machine. Any error or oversight made by the person assembling and servicing a machine can result in faulty operation, damage to the machine, or [...]

ASSEMBLY 43 UNP ACKING Carefully remove the trimmer and loose part s from the carton and compare the loose part s with the inventory list below . T ools Required (UNBA types only): A 4 mm hex wrench, 8 and 17 mm sockets, 0 to 25 f t-lb torque wrench. LOOSE P ARTS Check all loose part s against the following list. Cont act your authorized Honda serv[...]

44 ASSEMBLY TRIMMER ASSEMBL Y (UNBA types only) U-Shaped Handlebar Inst allation 1. Remove the four 5 x 28 mm bolt/washers and handlebar holder A. 2. Set the U-shaped handle into handlebar holder B with the throttle trigger facing to the right. 3. Adjust the handlebar position as shown. 4. T ighten the four 5 x 28 mm bolt/washers. TOR QU E: 3.6 ft [...]

ASSEMBLY 45 Saw Blade The UNBA types are shipped with a manual nylon cutting-line head installed on the trimmer . If the saw blade is needed, move the ignition switch to the STOP (O) position and disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug. W ear protec tive gloves when working around the cutting-line head and saw blade. Cutting-Line Head Rem[...]

46 ASSEMBLY Saw Blade Installation 1. Insert a 4 mm hex wrench or equivalent into the gear case hole to prevent the output shaft from turning. 2. Install cover plate/sp acer A onto the output shaft as shown. 3. With the blade cover installed on the blade, install the blade, by aligning the center of the blade with the shoulder on cover plate/spacer[...]

ASSEMBLY 47 BLADE COVER REMOV AL 1. T urn the blade cover slowly until the cover latch is clear of the debris shield. Unfasten the latch by lifting the t ab off the post. 2. Pull the post end away from the blade and set it on top of the blade as shown. 3. T urn the blade cover slowly until the post end is clear of the debris shield, then remove the[...]

48 ASSEMBLY ENGINE OIL 1. Working on a level surface, remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. 2. Slowly add the recommended oil (included in the box) to the bottom edge of the oil fill hole. Do not overfill, as the engine oil tank cap acity is small. Engine oil cap acity: HHT25S 2.7 fl oz (80 cc) HHT31S 3.4 fl oz (100 cc) Running the engine with too li[...]

49 STORAGE STORAGE PREP ARA TION Proper storage preparation is essential to keep your trimmer trouble free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your trimmer's function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the trimmer again. Cleaning W ash the trimmer , includ[...]

50 STORAGE Adding Fuel S tabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life When adding a fuel 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. Add fuel stabilizer followin[...]

51 TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the trimmer on the transport vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system can burn you and can ignite some materials. Always turn the ignition switch to the STOP (O) position. Make sure the fuel cap is securely tightened. LOADING The t[...]

52 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ST ARTING PROBLEMS ENGINE OPERA TING PROBLEMS Engine Will Not S tart Possible Cause Correction Check control positions. Ignition switch STOP (O). T urn ignition switch ON (I). Choke not in CLOSED (cold engine). Move choke to the CLOSED position. Check fuel. Out of fuel. Add fuel and press priming bulb to fill c[...]

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS 53 CUTTING HEAD PROBLEMS Blade or Cutting-line head Won’t S top T urning When Throttle is at SLOW Position Possible Cause Correction Check throttle control and cable. Fault in throttle control or cable; throttle cable out of adjustment or bent. Check throttle control part s, adjust or replace cable if necessary [...]

54 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMA TION This chapter contains import ant information about serial number locations, high altitude operation, oxygenated fuels, and emissions control systems. Serial Number Locations There are two serial numbers, one for the trimmer and one for the engine. Record these numbers in the space provi[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 55 Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with al cohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. T o meet clean air standards, some areas of the USA and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated fuel, be s[...]

56 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Emissions Control System Information Source of Emissions The combustion process produces 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 subjected to sunlight.[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 57 Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag/label is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirement s of the California Air Resources Board. The bar graph is intended to provide you, our customer , the ability to compare the emissions performance of avail[...]

58 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Specifications 1 with saw blade installed FEA TURES HHT25S HHT31S HHT31SUNBA GX25 1.1 hp • GX31 1.5 hp •• Loop handle •• U-type handle • Manual feed head optional optional • Semi-matic fe e d head •• optional Saw blade optional (requires optional Barrier Kit) optional (requires optional Barr[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 59 Tu n e u p ENGINE HHT25S HHT31S Model GX25 GX31 Engine type 4-stroke, overhead-cam, single-cylinder 4-stroke, overhead-valve, single-cylinder Displacement 1.5 cu in (25 cc) 1.9 cu in (31 cc) Bore & stroke 1.4 x 1.0 in (35 x 26 mm) 1.5 x 1.0 in (39 x 26 mm) Maximum output 1.1 hp (0.82 kW) at 7, 000 rpm 1.5[...]

60 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION CONSUMER INFORMA TION Dealer Locator Information T o find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United S t ates: Call (800) 426-7701 or visit our website: www.hondapowerequipment.com/dealer W arranty Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They [...]

61 INDEX A Air Filter Check ........................................................ 27 Cleaning .................................................... 27 Air Index....................... ................................... 57 Assembly ........................................................ 42 Loose Parts ............................................[...]

62 INDEX M Maintenance Air Filter ..................................................... 27 Engine Oil . ................................................. 26 Fuel System .............................................. 40 Importance ................................................ 24 Safety ........................................................ 24 S[...]

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION HHT25S HHT31S Fuel T ype Unleaded gasoline with a pump oct ane rating of 86 or higher (p age 40) Capacity 0.53 qt/16.9 fl oz (0.50 l ) 0.69 qt/22.0 fl oz (0.65 l ) Engine oil T ype SAE 10W-30, API SJ or SL (p age 27) Capacity 2.71 fl oz (80 cc) 3.4 fl oz (100 cc) S park plug T ype NGK: CMR5H NGK: CR5HSB DENSO: U16FSR-UB [...]

Owner's Manual Trimmer/Brush Cutter HHT25S • HHT31S © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved POM53 5 09 IPC 10000.2002.10 Printed in U.S.A. 31VJ4000 00X31-VJ4-0000 Printed on Recycled Paper EM3 See page 42 for instructions on assembling your T rimmer .[...]