Honda HRX217HYU, Owner'S Manual

9

Shift Lever

Use the shift lever to select 
the forward speed at which 
you wish to mow.

Do not use the throttle lever 
to adjust your forward speed. 
The throttle lever must 
remain in the FAST position 
for good mowing 
performance.

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.

Starting the Engine

Before starting the engine, always release the drive control lever so
the mower does not move forward when you operate the starter. Start
the engine carefully with feet well away from the blades.

1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position (page 3).

2. Move the throttle lever to the 

FAST position.

3. Pull the starter grip lightly

until you feel resistance, then
pull briskly. Return the starter
grip gently.

To ensure easy restarting and 
maximum performance from the 
Auto Choke System, allow the 
engine to run for at least three 
minutes after starting a cold 
engine before stopping the 
engine. If the temperature is 
below 21 °C, then the minimum run time will be longer.

Stopping the Engine

Turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing and reduce the throttle 
setting during engine run-out.

1. Release the drive clutch and

blade control levers.

2. Move the throttle lever to the

STOP position.

3. If your mower will not be used 

for 3 to 4 weeks, we 
recommend running the 
engine’s carburetor out of 
fuel. You can do this by 
leaving the fuel valve OFF, 
restarting the engine and 
running it until it stops. See 
“AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED 
PROBLEMS” on page 18 if 
you don’t plan to use your mower for a month or more.

4. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to “Cleaning” on

page 15.

Mowing Tips

When to Mow 

Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 12 ~ 25 mm 
above their recommended height. More frequent mowing is required 
for mulching than for bagging. For best mulching results, you may 
need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing season.

Cutting Height 

Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height 
recommendations and advice about specific types of grasses and 
growing conditions in your area.

Most grass has stems and leaves. If you cut off the leaves, you’ll scalp 
the lawn. Let the grass recover between mowings. Your mower will 
work better, and your lawn will look better.

Cutting grass that is too tall or mowing the lawn too quickly can clog 
the mower deck with grass and may cause the engine to stall. If your 
grass gets too tall, cut it once at the highest cutting height setting 
using a slow ground speed, then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don’t take 
off more than one third of the total grass height in any one mowing, or 
brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained 
on page 6.

Cutting Width 

For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few inches. 
If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower 
mowing swath.

Blade Speed 

The blades must spin very fast to cut properly. If engine speed drops, 
it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blades trying to 
cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower slower, 
use the rear discharge chute, or raise the cutting height.

Blade Sharpness 

A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving 
shredded ends that turn brown. When your blades don’t cut cleanly 
anymore, have them sharpened or replaced.

Dry Grass 

If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being 
unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter. If dust is a 
problem, water your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the 
grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist.

Wet Grass

Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing. Also, wet 
grass clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the 
lawn. Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.

Fallen Leaves 

When equipped with the grass bag, your mower can be used to pick 
up fallen leaves for disposal. If using the mower to bag large amounts 
of fallen leaves, and not for mowing, set the cutting height adjustment 
levers so the front of the mower deck is one or two settings higher 
than the rear. 

If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn, don’t let the leaf 
cover get too deep before you begin. For best results, start mulching 
while grass still shows through the leaf cover. In places where fallen 
leaves completely cover the grass, remove the leaves by raking, or 
install a grass bag, so your mower can pick them up for disposal. 
Collecting leaves while they are damp will help to control dust and 
result in more effective mulching of the leaves. You can also shred 
leaves using the Clip Director; see page 5 for details.

SHIFT 
LEVER 

SLOW

FAST

FAST

THROTTLE 
LEVER

FAST

THROTTLE 
LEVER

THROTTLE 
LEVER