Honda HRS21 Rotary Lawn Mower Owners Manual

Honda HRS21 Rotary Lawn Mower

CAUTION LABEL LOCATIONS

(SA type)

(SVA type)

GENERAL SAFETY

• Know how to stop the engine quickly and understand the operation of all the controls. Never permit anyone to operate the mower without proper instruction.
• The rear shield is for your protection; keep it in place at all times.
• The blade is sharp and dangerous. Never put your hands or feet under the mower. Never tilt the mower to expose the blade while the engine is running. If you find it necessary to work on the blade or mower, stop the engine and remove the spark plug cap.
• Never stand in front of self-propelled mowers when the engine is running. Someone may accidentally engage the drive clutch.
• Clear the lawn of sticks, stones, or debris before mowing. Mow only in cleared areas in daylight or good artificial light.
• Protect yourself by wearing long trousers and appropriate shoes. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing or sandals when mowing.
• Keep children and pets away from the mower at all times.
• If the blade strikes a stone, sprinkler head, etc., be sure the blade, blade holder, woodruff key, fasteners, crankshaft, etc. are in good condition before continuing to mow. Replace any damaged parts.
• Never operate without the grass bag or discharge adaptor.

COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

(SA type)

(SVA type)

CONTROLS

Throttle Control Lever

Flywheel Brake Lever (Black-painted lever)
The flywheel brake lever must be moved forward and held against the handlebar to allow the engine to start and run. When the flywheel brake lever is released, the engine stops.

CAUTION: If the Brake System fails to stop the engine, turn off the fuel valve and allow the engine to stop completely. Take the mower to an authorized Honda dealer for service. (See p. 19). Drive Clutch Lever (Self-propelled type)

To propel the mower, move the drive clutch lever forward against the handlebar with one hand, while holding the flywheel brake lever against the handlebar with the other hand. Both levers can be held against the handlebar with one hand while the mower is being operated. Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the drive.

NOTE: If the flywheel brake lever is also released, the engine will stop.

CAUTION: The drive clutch lever must be released for starting, otherwise the mower will move forward when the starter is pulled.

OPERATION

This MOWER should be used with the grass bag or discharge adaptor. The following suggestions and rules are intended to help you operate your Honda HRS21 under the safest conditions possible. Be alert and exercise the same care using the mower as you would using any other power tool.

WARNING

• Be especially careful when mowing uneven or rough ground. The mower may tilt, exposing the blade, and hidden objects could be thrown by the blade. Keep all four wheels on the ground.
• Mow across slopes. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Control direction by the handle, not by foot pressure on the mower housing.
• Keep a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run, with the mower. Don’t lag behind the machine or let it pull you.

CAUTION:

• Use extra care when mowing around objects to keep the blade from striking them. Never deliberately mow over any object.
• Stop the engine immediately if the blade hits an object or the mower starts to vibrate. Remove the spark plug cap (keep the wire away from the plug) and inspect for damage.

NOTE: (Self-propelled type) Do not use the drive clutch when maneuvering around trees, etc. Release the clutch and push the mower for better directional control.

BEFORE YOU START THE MOWER

• Check the engine. oil level.

CAUTION:

• Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and service life. Non-detergent oil and 2-stroke engine oil are not recommended.
• Running, an engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage.

Use Honda-4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturers’ requirements, for service classification SE or SF (Motor oils classified SE or SF will show this designation on the container).

SAE low-40 is recommended for general, all-temperature use.

• Place the mower on a level surface.
• Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
• Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
• Check the oil level shown on the dipstick. If near the lower level, fill to the upper level with the recommended oil.

• Check the fuel level.

Your engine is designed to use any gasoline that has a pump octane number (R + M/2) of 86 or higher, or that has a research octane number of 91 or higher. Gasoline pumps at the service station normally display the pump octane number.

We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends the life of exhaust system components. Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. The use of lower-octane gasoline can cause persistent “pinging” or heavy “spark knock” (a metallic rapping noise) which, if severe, can lead to engine damage.

CAUTION: If “spark knock” or “pinging” occurs at a steady engine speed under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If spark knock or pinging persists, consult your authorized Honda dealer. Failure to do so is considered misuse, and damage caused by misuse is not covered by
Honda’s Limited Warranty. Occasionally you may experience a light spark knock while operating under heavy loads. This is no cause for concern, it simply means your engine is operating efficiently.

WARNING

• Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.
• Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled, or where gasoline is stored.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.
• Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.
• Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE

Starting the Engine

WARNING: Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon mon. oxide. Never run the mower in an enclosed area. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation.

• Turn the fuel valve ON.
• Move the throttle lever to START(CHOKE).

NOTE: If the engine is warm or the air temperature is high, move the throttle to LO as soon as the engine starts.

• Move the flywheel brake lever forward and hold it against the handlebar.
• Pull the starter rope lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly.
  NOTE: Do not allow the rope to snap back; return it by hand.
• After the engine warms up, move the throttle lever to HI.

Self-propelled type only:

Push the drive clutch lever forward to propel the mower.

NOTE: The throttle lever may be moved anywhere between HI and LO to adjust engine speed during operation. However, the engine may stall if the lever is at LO when mowing starts.

Flooded Engine

If the engine won’t start after several pulls on the starter rope, the engine may be flooded. To clear a flooded engine:

1. Turn off the fuel valve.
2. Remove the spark plug and dry it. When reinstalling the plug, thread it in by hand until it sits. Then tighten it an additional l/8-1/4 turn with the spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
3. Move the throttle to HI, turn on the fuel valve, and repeat steps 3-5 under “Starting the Engine”.

Stopping the Engine

1. Release the drive clutch (self-propelled type only 8) and flywheel brake lever.
2. Turn off the fuel valve.

High altitude operation

At high altitudes, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be excessively rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. 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 rotary mower at altitudes higher than 6,000 feet above sea level, have your authorized Honda Rotary Mower dealer perform these carburetor modifications. Even with suitable carburetor jetting, engine horsepower will decrease approximately 3.5% for each 1,000-foot increase in altitude: The effect of altitude on ‘(horsepower will be greater than this if no carburetor modification is made.

CAUTION: Operation of the mower at an altitude lower than the carburetor is jetted for may result in reduced performance, overheating, and serious engine damage caused by an excessively lean air/fuel mixture.

Cutting Height Adjustment
Six settings are available: 3/4”, 1 “, 1 -l/2”, 2”, 2-l /2”, 3”.

1. Stop the engine.
2. Push the front and rear adjusting levers toward the wheels and move them up or down to raise or lower cutting height. Adjust all four wheels to the same height.

WARNING: Be careful not to touch the muffler when adjusting the left rear wheel height. The muffler will stay hot for a while after the engine is stopped.

Grass Bag

The bag is subject to wear under normal usage; check frequently for fraying and tears. Replace deteriorated bags only with Honda replacement bags or their equivalent. When the bag needs cleaning, wash it with water and make sure it is dry before using it.

Clogged mesh will result in poor grass cutting and a wet bag will clog quickly.

Removal

1. Stop the engine.
2. Raise the discharge guard. Grasp the bag handle. Remove and raise the front end of the grass bag.
3. Unhook the rear bag grip, and remove the bag.
4. Open the fastener to empty the bag.

Installation

1. Close the grass bag fastener.,
2. Hook the rear bag grip on the handlebar hook.
3. Open the discharge guard and set the front end of the bag frame onto the recesses.

WARNING: Make sure the grass bag fastener is securely closed before installation.

Discharge Adaptor

The adaptor is subject to wear under normal usage; check frequently for damage, and make sure the nuts and bolts are tightened. Replace, if damaged, with a Honda genuine adaptor. When the adaptor ‘needs cleaning, wash it with water and dry it thoroughly before using.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: To prevent accidental start-up, shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug cap before performing any maintenance.

CAUTION: Use only genuine Honda parts or their equivalent for maintenance or repair. Replacement parts that are not of equivalent quality may damage the mower.

Periodic inspection and adjustment of the Honda HRS21 are essential if ’ high-level performance is to be maintained. Regular maintenance will also help to extend service life. The required service intervals and the kind of, maintenance to be performed are described in the chart on the following paw.

Maintenance Schedule

1. Service the air cleaner more frequently when used in dusty areas.
2. These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda dealer unless the owner has the proper tools and is mechanically proficient. See the Honda Shop Manual.
3. For professional commercial use, log hours of operation to determine proper maintenance intervals.

Engine Oil Change

Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to ensure rapid and complete draining.

1. Remove the filler cap.
2. Tilt the mower to drain the oil.
3. Refill to the “Upper” level mark with the recommended oil (see p. 12). Tighten the cap securely to prevent leakage.

CAUTION: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.

NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground.

Air Cleaner Service

A dirty air cleaner will restrict airflow to the carburetor. To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner frequently.

1. Remove the wing nuts and the air cleaner cover. Remove the element. Carefully check the element for holes or tears and replace it if damaged.
2. Tap the element lightly several times on a hard surface to remove excess dirt, or blow compressed air through the filter from the inside out. Never try to brush the dirt off; brushing will force dirt into the fibers. If the element is excessively dirty, replace it.

TROUBLESHOOTING

WARRANTY SERVICE

Owner Satisfaction

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to us. All Honda warranty details are explained in the Distributor’s Limited Warranty. Normally, any problems concerning the product will be handled by your dealer’s service department. If you have a warranty problem that has not been handled to your satisfaction, we suggest you take the following action:

• Discuss your problem with a member of dealership management. Often complaints can be quickly resolved at that level. If the problem has already been reviewed with the Service Manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the General Manager.
• If your problem still has not been resolved to your satisfaction, contact the Power Equipment Customer Relations Department of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Power Equipment Customer Relations Department P.O. Box 50
  Gardena, California 90247-0805
  Telephone: (2 13) 604-2400
  We will need the following information in order to assist you:
  • Your name, address, and telephone number
  • Product model and serial number
  • Date of purchase
  • Dealer name and address
  • Nature of the problem

After reviewing all the facts involved, you will be advised of what action can be taken. Please bear in mind that your problem will likely be resolved at the dealership, using the dealer’s facilities, equipment, and personnel, so it is very important that your initial contact be with the dealer. Your purchase of a Honda product is greatly appreciated by both your dealer and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. We want to assist you in every way possible to assure your complete satisfaction with your purchase.

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Honda HRS21 Rotary Lawn Mower-FAQs