Honda HRB217TDA User Manual

© 1997, 2000–2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights ReservedOwner’s ManualRotary MowerHRB217TDA®

CONTROLS & FEATURES8Fuel ValveThe fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor.Throttle LeverThe throttle lev

CONTROLS & FEATURES9Flywheel Brake Lever This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the ignition switch. The engine will not start u

CONTROLS & FEATURES10Shift LeverThe shift lever selects and controls the mower’s drive speed.1 (slow) For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in sma

11BEFORE OPERATIONARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your r

BEFORE OPERATION12Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower:• Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks.• Look

BEFORE OPERATION13GET THE MOWER READYHandlebar Height Adjustment1. Adjust handlebar height for a comfortable operating position.2. Loosen the handleba

BEFORE OPERATION14Grass BagA lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the g

BEFORE OPERATION15Cutting HeightBagging/Side-DischargeMove all four adjustment levers to the same position.MulchingMove the front adjustment levers on

16OPERATIONMOWING PRECAUTIONSBefore operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and BEFORE OPERATION (

OPERATION173. Release the drive clutch lever. If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter.4. Push f

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 re

OPERATION18OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWINGThrottle LeverFor best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blad

OPERATION19Drive Clutch LeverPush the drive clutch lever forward and hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward.Release the drive clutc

OPERATION20STOPPING THE ENGINE1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position.2. Release the flywheel brake lever and the drive clutch lever.3. When t

OPERATION21SAFE MOWING PRACTICESFor your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing your footing and your control of t

OPERATION22ObstaclesUse the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls.Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the

OPERATION23MOWING TIPSWhen to MowMost grasses should be mowed when they have grown 1/2 to 1 inch above their recommended height.More frequent mowing i

OPERATION24Blade SpeedThe blade must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the FAST throttle setting, and keep the engine running at maximum rpm.

OPERATION25Mowing PatternsYour Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equ

26SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWERTHE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCEGood maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also h

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER27MAINTENANCE SAFETYSome of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable ha

INTRODUCTION1Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest lawn

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER28MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.(2) These items should be serviced by an

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER29BLADESInspection1. Move the fuel valve to the OFF position (page 8) and disconnect the spark plug cap from the spark plug (

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER30Blade Removal and InstallationIf you remove the blades for sharpening or replacement, you will need a torque wrench for ins

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER31Blade Installation1. Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area.2. Install the blades using the two blade bol

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER32GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENTGrass Bag CleaningWash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER33ENGINE MAINTENANCEEngine Oil Level Check1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.2. Insert and remov

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER34Engine Oil ChangeDrain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely.1. Turn the fuel valve

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER35Air Cleaner ServiceA dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER36Spark Plug ServiceNOTICEIncorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage.For good performance, the spark plug must be properly

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER374. Measure the spark plug electrode gap with a suitable gauge. The gap should be 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm). Correct t

INTRODUCTION2A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETYYour safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And using this lawn mower safely is an important respon

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER38Spark Arrester Service (optional equipment)Your lawn mower engine is not factory-equipped with a spark arrester. In some ar

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER39CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTSFlywheel Brake Cable AdjustmentMeasure free play at the top of the flywheel brake lever. Free play

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER40Drive Clutch Cable AdjustmentMeasure free play at the top of the lever, as shown. Free play should be 1/16 ~ 3/16 in (1 ~ 5

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER41Shift Cable AdjustmentShift cable adjustment is necessary if the shift lever will not smoothly select each gear.1. Starting

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER42THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTIONThrottle cable adjustment is necessary if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly.

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER43FUEL SYSTEMRefuelingFuel tank capacity: 0.29 US gal (1.1 l)If the fuel level is low, refuel in a well-ventilated area with

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER44Fuel RecommendationsUse unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.This engine is certified to operate on

45STORAGESTORAGE PREPARATIONProper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good. The following steps wil

STORAGE463. With the mower in an upright position, start the engine outdoors, and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporat

STORAGE47FuelGasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel sy

3CONTENTSLAWN MOWER SAFETY ... 4IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ...

STORAGE48Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (page 8). Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, and d

STORAGE49Engine CylinderRemove the spark plug (see page 36). Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rop

STORAGE50PLACING IN STORAGEIf your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasolin

51TRANSPORTINGBEFORE LOADINGIf the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle

52TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMSENGINE PROBLEMSEngine Will Not Start Possible Cause Correction1.Check control positions.Fuel valve OFF. Turn fuel

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS53VIBRATION PROBLEMSMOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMSExcessive Vibration Possible Cause Correction1.Check mower deck and b

54SET-UPUnpackingRemove all the cardboard from around the handlebar.Handlebar SetupLoosen the two knobs on the lower handlebar enough to raise the han

SET-UP55Engine OilThe 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 th

56TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATIONTECHNICAL INFORMATIONSerial Number LocationsThere are two serial numbers, one for the mower frame and one for th

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION57Carburetor Modification for High Altitude OperationAt high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture wi

4LAWN MOWER SAFETYIMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONMost accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual an

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION58Oxygenated FuelsSome conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION59EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSource of EmissionsThe combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, a

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION60Replacement PartsThe emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to co

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION61Air IndexAn Air Index Information hang tag/label is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION62SPECIFICATIONSMower ModelDimensions, Weights and CapacitiesEngine Design and PerformanceTransmission Design and

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION63MaintenanceTuneupFuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.page 43Engine Oil SAE 10W-30,

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION64CONSUMER INFORMATIONDealer Locator InformationTo find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the Unite

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION65Replacement Parts, Optional Equipment, and Service ItemsContact an authorized Honda servicing dealer to purchase

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION66Distributor's Limited Warranty To Qualify for this Warranty:The product must be purchased in the Unit

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION67Emission Control System WarrantyYour new Honda Power Equipment engine complies with both the U.S. EPA and State

LAWN MOWER SAFETY5IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this message before l

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION68Warranty Coverage: Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold in the State of Cal

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION69Exclusions: FAILURES OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION70Customer Service InformationHonda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be

71INDEXAAccessories. See PartsAir Cleaner Service ... 35Air Filter Part Number ... 65Air Index ...

INDEX72OOilCapacity ... 62Change ... 34Level Check ...

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATIONFuelTypeUnleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 43)Capacity 0.29 US gal (1.1l)Engine oilType SAE

31VE130000X31-VE1-3000IPC20000.2002.11POM53538PRINTED IN U.S.A.Printed onRecycled PaperEM3M

LAWN MOWER SAFETY6SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONSThese labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label come

7CONTROLS & FEATURESCOMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONSHANDLEBARSHIFT LEVERTHROTTLE LEVERDISCHARGE GUARDFUEL TANK CAPRECOIL STARTER GRIPCUTTING HEIG