Honda HRX217HMA, Owner'S Manual

Page 1: ...XX 2006 04 POM53618 C PRINTED IN U S A Printed on Recycled Paper Owner s Manual Rotary Mower HRX217HMA HRX217HXA EM4 See page 62 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower 2003 2006 American Honda Motor Co Inc All Rights Reserved ...

Page 2: ...f resold The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing American Honda Motor Co Inc reserves the right however to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission ...

Page 3: ...ded to help you avoid damage to your mower other property or the environment We suggest you read the Distributor s Limited Warranty page 75 and Emission Control System Warranty page 78 to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of ownership When your mower needs scheduled maintenance keep in mind that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers a...

Page 4: ... good judgment You will find important safety information in a variety of forms including Safety Labels on the lawn mower Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words DANGER WARNING or CAUTION These signal words mean Safety Headings such as IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS or IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Safety Chapter such as LAWN MOWER SAFETY Instructions how to use ...

Page 5: ...CE SAFETY 33 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 34 BLADES 35 GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT 38 ENGINE MAINTENANCE 39 CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS 45 THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTION 47 FUEL SYSTEM 48 CHARGING THE BATTERY HRX217HMA ONLY 50 REPLACING THE FUSE HRX217HMA ONLY 52 STORAGE 53 STORAGE PREPARATION 53 PLACING IN STORAGE 58 REMOVING FROM STORAGE 58 TRANSPORTING 59 BEFORE LOADING 59 LOADING AND UNLOADING 59 TAKI...

Page 6: ... area and remove all sticks stones pieces of wire and other loose objects Never operate the blades over gravel Keep Shields in Place Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and from 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 with Care Gasoline is extremely flamma...

Page 7: ...IBILITY 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 child Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety informati...

Page 8: ...AFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury Read them carefully If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement ...

Page 9: ...UTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS MUFFLER OIL FILLER CAP CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER GRASS BAG HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOB 2 RECOIL STARTER GRIP FUEL VALVE AIR CLEANER CARBURETOR SPARK PLUG CAP BLADE CONTROL LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER BLADE CONTROL BUTTON CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB FUEL VALVE KEY SWITCH HMA ONLY BATTERY HMA ONLY ...

Page 10: ...throttle lever controls engine speed and opens and closes the choke CHOKE Closes the choke use when starting a cold engine FAST For restarting a warm engine and for mowing SLOW For idling the engine STOP To stop the engine On the HRX217HMA turn the key switch OFF to stop the engine ON OFF FUEL VALVE THROTTLE LEVER THROTTLE LEVER HXA HMA ...

Page 11: ...r The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels BLADE CONTROL LEVER BUTTON DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER BLADE CONTROL LEVER BUTTON ...

Page 12: ... fully engaged the mower will move very slowly or not at all SLOW Use a slow speed for mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas FAST For maximum self propelled speed in large open areas and for transport OFF Stops the engine ON Running position the key switch must be in the ON position to use the recoil starter START Operates the electric starter T H R O T T L E STOP OR SLOW FAST KEY SWITC...

Page 13: ...gures are approximate The actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions Clip Director Knob Bagging mulching and rear discharge are controlled by this knob The knob has ten adjustment positions 3 4 in 20 mm 1 1 4 in 32 mm 2 in 46 mm 2 1 2 in 62 mm 3 in 75 mm 3 1 2 in 88 mm 4 in 100 mm ADJUSTMENT LEVER CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB ...

Page 14: ...DY TO GO For your safety and to maximize the service life of your lawn mower it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the lawn mower to check its condition Be sure to take care of any problem you find or have your servicing dealer correct it before you operate the lawn mower Before beginning your pre operation checks be sure the lawn mower is on a level surface WARNING Imprope...

Page 15: ... reduce operating interruptions for refueling CHECK YOUR WORK AREA For your safety and the safety of others always inspect the area before operating the lawn mower 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 nails and wire and remove them from the work area People and Pets People and animals near the wo...

Page 16: ...operating position 2 Loosen the handlebar locking knobs 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 4 Tighten the handlebar locking knobs securely LOCKING KNOB HANDLEBAR MID LOW HIGH ...

Page 17: ...r is fully closed To remove this grass fully open the clip director start the engine and engage the blade control lever several times If a high resistance is noticed when moving the clip director knob from side to side excessive grass may have built up on top of the sliding door IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION Always turn the engine off remove the key HRX217HMA only and disconnect the spark plug cap s...

Page 18: ... way to the BAG position Check the appearance of the lawn As the knob is moved towards the MULCH position more grass will be recycled back into the lawn Adjust the clip director knob until the desired result is achieved FULL BAGGING OR REAR DISCHARGE FULL MULCHING BAGGING OR REAR DISCHARGE AND SOME MULCHING SLIDING DOOR 50 open KNOB MULCH position KNOB BAG position CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB SLIDING DOOR ...

Page 19: ...osition the clip director knob in the BAG range Maximum rear discharge will occur when the clip director knob is all the way to the left BAG position As the clip director knob is moved toward the right MULCH position less grass will be discharged though the rear discharge guard CLIP DIRECTOR KNOB ...

Page 20: ...g the clip director knob various mowing conditions can be met Inspection Inspect the grass bag for tears holes and excessive wear The grass bag wears during normal use and will eventually require replacement Grass bag replacement is explained on page 38 Installation 1 Raise the discharge guard and hook the grass bag onto the mower deck as shown 2 Release the discharge guard to secure the grass bag...

Page 21: ...ting height pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel and move it into another notch If you are not sure what cutting height to select start with a high setting and check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small area Then readjust cutting height if necessary ADJUSTMENT LEVERS ADJUSTMENT LEVER ...

Page 22: ...operating the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage Your mower s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death STARTING THE ENGINE Before starting always release the drive clutch lever so the mower will not move forward when you operate the starter 1 Turn the fuel valve to the ON position 2 Move the throttle lever to t...

Page 23: ...ion and hold it there until the engine starts When the engine starts allow the key switch to return to the ON position NOTICE Do not use the starter for more than 5 seconds or starter motor damage may occur If the engine fails to start release the switch and wait 10 seconds before operating the starter again When the engine starts release the key switch and allow it to return to the ON position ST...

Page 24: ...ower deck step Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance then pull briskly Return the starter grip gently 4 If the CHOKE position was used during starting move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position as soon as the engine warms up enough to run smoothly without using the choke Set the throttle lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle THROTTLE LEVER FAST CHOKE ...

Page 25: ...lade rotation press the button on top of the blade control lever then push the lever forward quickly and hold it against the handlebar Release the blade control lever to stop the blades Operate the blade control lever with a quick and complete motion so the blade control is always either fully engaged or stopped This will help to prevent stalling the engine and it will also extend the service life...

Page 26: ...d speed continue to fully hold the blade control lever against the handlebar This will help prevent damage to the blade control mechanism Use the shift lever page 25 to change the maximum speed so you can hold the drive clutch lever comfortably against the handlebar For self propelled mowing press the button on top of the blade control lever push the blade control lever completely forward then pus...

Page 27: ...ing performance Otherwise cut quality suffers The position of the shift lever determines the maximum ground speed when the drive clutch lever is fully engaged For maximum mowing performance use the lower speed range for mowing and the higher speed range for transporting With the shift lever all the way back and the drive clutch lever engaged the mower will move slowly or not at all T H R O T T L E...

Page 28: ...vers 2 On the HRX217HXA model move the throttle lever to STOP On HRX217HMA model turn the key switch to the OFF position 3 When the mower is not in use turn the fuel valve to the OFF position BLADE CONTROL LEVER DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER OFF HRX217HMA MODEL HRX217HXA MODEL OFF FUEL VALVE ...

Page 29: ...dlebar to control the mower 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 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 ...

Page 30: ... the engine immediately disconnect the spark plug cap and check for damage page 35 Striking objects may damage the blades bend the crankshaft and or break the mower deck or other components Vibration usually indicates serious trouble The Distributor s Limited Warranty page 75 does not cover parts damaged by accident or collision Gravel and Loose Objects Gravel loose stones and landscaping material...

Page 31: ...nd your lawn will look better If your grass gets too tall cut it once at the highest cutting height setting then mow again in 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 19 Cutting Width For an even lawn finish overlap each mowing swath by a few inches If the grass is very tall or...

Page 32: ...ctor knob in the 9 position not quite full mulching This setting will allow the leaves to be recirculated and recut until the particles are small enough to pass though the sliding door opening and into the grass bag Depending on the size type and water content of the leaves it may be necessary to open the sliding door to allow for best bagging results Using the sliding door correctly will allow be...

Page 33: ...the lawn has an irregular shape or many obstacles divide it into sections where you can use counterclockwise mowing patterns Bagging Use a clockwise mowing pattern This will give the best clip director and bagging performance leaving the least amount of clippings on the lawn Rear Discharge Mowing Remove the grass bag and close the discharge guard Adjust the clip director knob to the desired settin...

Page 34: ...aintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions If you operate your mower under severe conditions such as sustained high load or high temperature operation or use in unusually wet or dusty conditions consult your servicing dealer for recommendations applicable to your individual needs and use Maintenance replacement or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed ...

Page 35: ...om moving parts Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so Read the instructions before you begin and make sure you have the tools and skills required To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion be careful when working around gasoline Use only a nonflammable solvent not gasoline to clean parts Keep cigarettes sparks and flames away from all fuel related parts Remember that an authorized H...

Page 36: ... month or 5 hours First 25 hours Every 50 hours Every 100 hours Every 150 hours See page Blades Inspect condition O 35 Check bolt torque O 37 Grass bag Check O 38 Engine oil Check O 39 Change O O 1 40 Air cleaner Check O 41 Clean O 1 O 1 Replace filter O Spark plug Check Adjust O 42 Replace O Spark arrester optional equipment Clean Inspect O 44 Valve clearance Check Adjust O 2 Throttle cable Adjus...

Page 37: ...ust be replaced A worn or damaged blade can break causing blade pieces to be thrown from the mower If the blades are found to be bent take the lawn mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for inspection 4 A torque wrench must always be used when installing the blades Check that the blade bolts are tight page 37 WARNING A worn cracked or damaged blade can break and pieces of the damaged blade...

Page 38: ...zed Honda servicing dealer BLADE REPLACEMENT Use genuine Honda replacement blades or their equivalent page 73 Blade Removal 1 Turn the fuel valve OFF Disconnect the spark plug cap see page 42 then 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 U...

Page 39: ...Honda replacement parts 3 Tighten the blade bolts with a torque wrench Use a wooden block to prevent the blades from turning when tightening the bolts Blade bolt torque 36 43 ft lb 5 0 6 0 kg m 49 59 N m If you do not have a torque wrench have an authorized Honda servicing dealer tighten the blade bolts before you use the mower If the blade bolts are overtightened they could break If the blade bol...

Page 40: ...clog quickly Grass Bag Replacement Replace a worn or damaged bag with a Honda replacement bag or its equivalent page 73 Bag Removal 1 Unclip the plastic edges of the bag from the frame 2 Remove the bag from the frame Bag Installation 1 Insert the bag frame into the bag as shown 2 Clip the plastic edges of the bag onto the frame as shown FRAME PLASTIC EDGE BAG PLASTIC EDGE ...

Page 41: ...ICE Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage 3 Screw in the filler cap dipstick securely 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 general use Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the recommended ran...

Page 42: ...ain through the filler neck Allow the oil to drain completely Please dispose of used motor oil and the containers in a manner that is compatible with the environment We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your local recycling center or service station for reclamation Do not throw it in the trash pour it on the ground or down a drain 4 Fill with the recommended oil Do not overfill Allow a ...

Page 43: ...Limited Warranty page 75 1 Press down on the cover tabs and remove the cover 2 Remove the filter from the air cleaner housing 3 Inspect the filter and replace it if damaged 4 Clean the filter by tapping the filter several times on a hard surface to remove dirt or blow compressed air not exceeding 30 psi 207 kPa through the filter from the inside Never try to brush off dirt brushing will force dirt...

Page 44: ... and remove any dirt from around the spark plug area 2 Remove the spark plug with a 13 16 in 21 mm spark plug wrench 3 Inspect the spark plug Replace it if the electrodes are worn or if the insulator is cracked or chipped RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS REGULAR RESISTOR NGK BP6ES BPR6ES DENSO W20EP U W20EPR U Resistor spark plugs reduce interference with radio and TV reception SPARK PLUG SPARK PLUG CAP SP...

Page 45: ... plug seats tighten with a 13 16 in 21 mm 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 NOTICE A loose spark plug can overheat and damage the engine Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the cylinder hea...

Page 46: ...viced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed 1 Allow the engine to cool and disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent accidental starting 2 Remove the three flange bolts and the heat shield Remove the two set screws and the spark arrester from the muffler 3 Check for carbon deposits on the spark arrester and the exhaust port Brush carbon deposits away Be careful to avoid damaging the sp...

Page 47: ...ve the adjuster up or down as required 3 Tighten the lock nuts and recheck free play 4 Start the engine outdoors Move the throttle to FAST Operate the blade control lever The blades should engage when you push the lever forward and the blades should stop quickly when the lever is released If the blades do not start or stop as it should with the correct cable adjustment take the mower to an authori...

Page 48: ...lf propel or creeps very slowly forward when the shift lever is moved one notch forward If the mower does not operate as outlined above go to step 5 If the mower does operate as outlined above adjustment is not required 5 Loosen the top and bottom drive clutch cable lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench Move the adjuster up or down as required until the mower operates as outlined in step 4 Tighten the loc...

Page 49: ...ove the throttle lever to the FAST position 2 Remove the air cleaner cover page 41 3 Use a feeler gauge and measure the clearance between the control choke arm and the control lever The clearance should be 0 0 040 in 0 1 mm 4 To adjust the clearance loosen the lock nuts with a 10 mm wrench Move the adjuster up or down as required to obtain the proper clearance Tighten the lock nuts FAST THROTTLE L...

Page 50: ...reach flames or sparks Keep gasoline away from appliance pilot lights barbecues electric appliances power tools etc Spilled fuel is not only a fire hazard it causes environmental damage Wipe up spills immediately Move at least 10 feet 3 meters away from the fueling source and site before starting the engine NOTICE Fuel can damage paint and plastic Be careful not to spill fuel when filling your fue...

Page 51: ...t 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 no 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 servicing dealer NOTICE Running the engine with persistent spark knock...

Page 52: ...mperature is moderate WARNING Battery posts terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds Wash hands after handling 1 Remove the battery cover by depressing the tabs located on the sides and releasing the tab on top of the battery cover 2 Disconnect the battery connector by depressing the connector tab and pulling the battery connector from the harness connector which is locate...

Page 53: ...ry charge for 20 to 24 hours The charger may become slightly warm during charging This is normal NOTICE Do not charge the battery for more than 24 hours or the battery may be damaged Disconnect the battery charger from the battery before storing the lawn mower 5 After the battery has charged disconnect the charger and reconnect the battery connector to the harness connector 6 Replace the battery c...

Page 54: ...tery cover see page 50 2 Locate the fuse case above the battery 3 Remove and inspect the fuse If it is burned out install the spare 40 ampere fuse provided with the mower as shown NOTICE Never use a fuse with a rating other than 40 amperes Serious damage to the electrical system or a fire can result If a frequent fuse failure occurs it usually indicates a short circuit or an overload in the electr...

Page 55: ... damage Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage If the engine has been running allow it to cool for at least half an hour before washing Mower Deck If using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment to clean the mower deck be careful to avoid getting water into controls and cables or anywhere near the engine air cleaner or muffler opening Before washing the underside of the mower deck be ...

Page 56: ...ouch up paint part numbers are on page 73 and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil Lubricate the control cable cores with a silicone spray lubricant page 73 Charging the Battery HMA type only To assure maximum reliability the battery should be recharged boost charged both before and after prolonged storage A plug in charger is provided to recharge the battery see page 50 NOTICE ...

Page 57: ...esh when you filled the fuel tank The Distributor s Limited Warranty page 75 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 can avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining all the fuel from the fuel tank and carburetor Adding a...

Page 58: ...tep 3 2 To drain the fuel tank turn the fuel valve ON page 8 This will allow fuel in the fuel tank to drain out through the carburetor bowl 3 After the fuel is completely drained reinstall the drain bolt Engine Oil Change the engine oil page 40 WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel Stop engine and keep heat sparks and flame awa...

Page 59: ...can not enter the engine cylinder Handlebar Folding The handlebar can be folded for storage or transport by loosening the handlebar locking knobs 1 Remove the grass bag You can place it on top of the engine with the bag opening to the front 2 Loosen the handlebar locking knobs Spread the handlebar struts to release the locating pins then swing the handlebar forward Prevent the cables from getting ...

Page 60: ... be folded for compact storage page 57 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 and corrosion REMOVING FROM STORAGE Check your mower as described in BEFORE OPERATION page 12 If the fuel was dr...

Page 61: ...ve the grass bag LOADING AND UNLOADING 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 an...

Page 62: ...attery page 50 Fuse burned out Replace the fuse page 52 Fuel filter clogged carburetor malfunction ignition malfunction valves stuck etc Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair Possible Cause Correction Throttle not set to FAST Move the throttle to FAST page 23 Grass too tall or wet Raise the cutting height page 10 cut a narrower swath page 29 use a slower ground speed pa...

Page 63: ... mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair Possible Cause Correction Engine speed is too slow to cut well Move the throttle lever to the FAST position page 23 Mower is moving too fast for lawn conditions Shift to slow speed page 25 Cutting height adjustment levers set at different positions Set all levers at the same cutting height position page 19 Grass bag overfilled or clogged Em...

Page 64: ...ing position Select a desired handlebar height adjustment position and tighten the knobs securely Battery HRX217HMA only The mower is shipped with the battery disconnected The battery is shipped with a partial charge and should be charged for 20 to 24 hours before use Refer to CHARGING THE BATTERY HRX217HMA ONLY on page 50 Install the key in the switch NYLON LOCKING KNOB 2 ...

Page 65: ...SET UP 63 Grass Bag Assembly Slide the grass bag frame into the grass bag and install the clips as shown Lift the the discharge guard and install the grass bag GRASS BAG BAG FRAME PLASTIC CLIP BAG FRAME ...

Page 66: ...engine is overfilled the excess oil may get transferred to the air cleaner housing and air filter After filling the engine with oil remove the hang tag near the recoil starter grip which says The engine has no oil A container of oil is in the shipping box Fuel Refer to page 48 BEFORE OPERATION Before using the lawn mower all mower operators must read the following chapters and sections LAWN MOWER ...

Page 67: ...ou will need these serial numbers when ordering parts and when making technical or warranty inquiries page 74 Engine serial number ______________________________________ Frame serial number ______________________________________ Date of purchase ________________________________________ HRX217HXA DH MAGA XXXXXXX AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO INC ALPHARETTA GA 30005 8847 MODEL NAME AND FRAME SERIAL NUMBER...

Page 68: ...dealer perform this carburetor modification This engine when operated at high altitude with the carburetor modifications for high altitude use will meet each emission standard throughout its useful life Even with carburetor modification engine horsepower will decrease about 3 5 for each 1 000 foot 300 meter increase in altitude The effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no c...

Page 69: ...HANOL 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 15 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 15 MTBE by volume METHANOL methyl or wood alcohol 5 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 5 methanol by volume as long as it also contains...

Page 70: ...s describing the operation and maintenance of emissions control systems The following instructions and procedures must be followed in order to keep the emissions from your Honda engine within the emissions standards Tampering and Altering Tampering with or altering the emissions control system may increase emissions beyond the legal limit Among those acts that constitute tampering are Removal or a...

Page 71: ...ot of the original design and quality may impair the effectiveness of your emissions control system A manufacturer of an aftermarket part assumes the responsibility that the part will not adversely affect emissions performance The manufacturer or rebuilder of the part must certify that use of the part will not result in a failure of the engine to comply with emissions regulations Maintenance Follo...

Page 72: ...tended to provide you with information relating the engine s emission durability period The descriptive term indicates the useful life period for the engine s emission control system See your Emission Control System Warranty page 78 for additional information The Air Index Information hang tag label must remain on the lawn mower until it is sold Remove the hang tag before operating the lawn mower ...

Page 73: ...usters set to 1 1 4 in 32 mm Handlebar high 43 5 in 1105 mm Handlebar mid 40 0 in 1015 mm Handlebar in low 36 4 in 925 mm Folded no bag 17 4 in 441 mm 18 in 457 mm for HRX217HMA Dry Weight 93 lb 42 1 kg HRX217HXA 104 lb 47 2 kg HRX217HMA Wheelbase Cutting height adjusters set to 1 1 4 in 32 mm 26 7 in 678 mm Cutting Width 21 in 530 mm Approximate Cutting Height 7 adjustable positions 3 4 in 20 mm ...

Page 74: ...ing conditions and other variables Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher page 49 Engine Oil SAE 10W 30 API SJ or later page 39 Spark Plug Type Regular NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP U Resistor NGK BPR6ES DENSO W20EPR U page 42 Maximum Governed Speed 2 950 3 100 rpm Shop manual Blade Control Cable Adjust for 3 8 9 16 in 10 15 mm free play at the blade control lever page 45 Drive C...

Page 75: ...frame Front wheel tire 44710 VH7 000ZA HRX217HXA only 44710 VH7 B00ZA HRX217HMA only Rear wheel tire 42710 VH7 000 Battery 31500 VH7 B01 HRX217HMA only Spare key 35110 772 013 HRX217HMA only Optional Equipment Item Part Number Notes Spark arrester parts 18350 ZL8 000 Arrester and deflector 18356 ZL8 000 ID Plate 90055 ZE1 000 Screw two required Mower deck guard kit 06761 VH7 000AH Protects the sid...

Page 76: ...American Honda Motor Co Inc Power Equipment Division Customer Relations Office 4900 Marconi Drive Alpharetta GA 30005 8847 Or telephone 770 497 6400 M F 8 30 a m 8 00 p m ET When you write or call please give us this information Model and serial numbers page 65 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 a...

Page 77: ...s option any part that is proven to be defective in material or workmanship under normal use during the applicable warranty time period Warranty repairs and replacements will be made without charge for parts or labor Anything replaced under warranty becomes the property of American Honda Motor Company Inc All parts replaced under warranty will be considered as part of the original product and any ...

Page 78: ...not designed or any other misuse neglect incorporation or use of unsuitable attachments or parts unauthorized alteration or any causes other than defects in material or workmanship of the product The auger and paddle assemblies of snowthrowers tiller tines of roto tillers mower blades and mower deck housings are specifically not warranted against impact damage including but not limited to abrasive...

Page 79: ...xpense to any Honda Power Equipment dealer in the United States Puerto Rico or the U S Virgin Islands who is authorized to service that product during the dealer s normal business hours If you are unable to obtain warranty service or are dissatisfied with the warranty service you receive take the following steps First contact the owner of the dealership involved normally this will resolve the prob...

Page 80: ... including diagnosis parts and labor Your emission control system may include such parts as the carburetor or fuel injection system the ignition system and catalytic converter Also included may be hoses connectors and other emission related assemblies Manufacturer s Warranty Coverage The 1995 and later power equipment engines are warranted for two years If any emission related part on your engine ...

Page 81: ...ur warranty registration card or other proof of original purchase date at your expense to any Honda Power Equipment dealer who is authorized by Honda to sell and service that Honda product during his normal business hours Claims for repair or adjustment found to be caused solely by defects in material or workmanship will not be denied because the engine was not properly maintained and used If you ...

Page 82: ...orative Fuel hoses Exhaust Catalyst Exhaust manifold Air Induction Air filter housing Air filter element Crankcase breather tube Ignition Flywheel magneto Ignition pulse generator Crankshaft position sensor Power coil Ignition coil assembly Ignition control module Spark plug cap Spark plug Miscellaneous Parts Tubing fittings seals gaskets and clamps associated with these listed systems Covered up ...

Page 83: ...Controls Features 7 10 Cutting Height Adjustment Levers 10 Recommendations 29 Cutting Width 29 D Dealer locator information 74 Dimensions 71 Distributor s warranty 75 Drive Clutch Lever Cable Adjustment 46 Operation 24 E Emission Control System 68 Emissions Warranty 78 Engine starting 20 Engine Switch 21 Ethanol 67 F Filter 41 Fuel Additive 55 Capacity 71 Oxygenated Fuels 67 Recommendations 49 Tan...

Page 84: ...r Part Numbers 73 Service 44 Spark Plug Part Number 73 Service 42 Specifications Dimensions 71 Engine 72 Maintenance 72 Tuneup 72 Speed Ground Speeds 71 Starting the Engine 20 Stopping the Engine 26 Storage Placing in Storage 58 Preparation 53 Removing from Storage 58 T Throttle 8 Throttle Lever 8 Cable Inspection 47 Operation 23 Troubleshooting Mowing and Bagging 61 Vibration 61 Tuneup Specificat...

Page 85: ...ater page 39 Spark plug Type Regular NGK BP6ES DENSO W20EP U Resistor NGK BPR6ES DENSO W20EPR U Maintenance Before each use Check engine oil page 39 Check air cleaner page 41 First 5 hours Change engine oil page 40 Subsequent Refer to the Maintenance Schedule page 34 Before and after each mowing season HRX217HMA only Charge the battery page 50 ...

Page 86: ...XX 2006 04 POM53618 C PRINTED IN U S A Printed on Recycled Paper Owner s Manual Rotary Mower HRX217HMA HRX217HXA EM4 See page 62 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower 2003 2006 American Honda Motor Co Inc All Rights Reserved ...