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7

The 

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY

  (

page 19

) does not

cover parts damaged by accidental impact collision.

Operating the Controls

Blade Control Lever

The blade control lever must

be pulled back against the

handlebar to start and run the

engine. The blade starts to

rotate when the lever is pulled

back against the handlebar

and the recoil starter grip is
pulled.

Continue to hold the lever fully

against the handlebar. This will

keep the engine and blade

rotating smoothly and prevent

premature wear to the flywheel

brake system. 
Release the blade control lever to stop the engine and stop blade 
rotation whenever you need to leave the mower.

Starting the Engine

The blade turns when you start the engine. Start the engine in a clear

or mowed area where the blade can turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position (

page 3

).

2. Pull back on the blade control lever and hold it against the

handlebar.

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 shutting down. This minimum run time 
will be longer if the temperature is below 70 °F (21 °C).

Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar; the

engine stops when the blade control lever is released.

Stopping the Engine

1. Release the blade control lever to stop the engine.
2. 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 17

 if you don’t plan to use your mower for a month or more.

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

page 13

.

Mowing Tips

When to Mow 

Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown ½ to 1 in 

(12 ~ 25 mm) above their recommended height. More frequent

mowing is required for mulching than for side discharge. 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 total grass height in any one mowing, or

brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained

on 

page 4

.

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,

install the 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 

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. 

Clogged Mower Deck 

Before clearing a clogged mower deck, stop the engine and turn the 
fuel valve to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap disconnected, 
tilt the mower so the carburetor side is up.

Clear a clogged deck with a stick, not your hands.

 WARNING

A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and 
pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous 
projectiles.
A blade thrown from the mower could seriously hurt or 
kill someone.
Inspect the blade regularly (see 

page 10

), and do not 

operate the mower with a worn or damaged blade.

BLADE CONTROL 
LEVER

Summary of Contents for SHRX217HYA

Page 1: ...11 Spark Plug 12 Spark Arrester optional part 12 Blade Control Check 12 TRANSPORTING 13 STORAGE 13 Fuel 13 Cleaning 13 Oil 13 Storage Location 13 Removing From Storage 13 Handlebar 14 TROUBLESHOOTING 14 Engine Will Not Start 14 Loss of Power 14 Vibration 14 Mowing Problems 14 TECHNICAL INFORMATION 15 Serial Number Locations 15 High Altitude Operation 15 Emission Control System 15 Air Index 16 Spec...

Page 2: ...r Instructions how to use this mower correctly and safely Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words DANGER WARNING or CAUTION Each message tells you what the hazard is what can happen and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury These signal words mean Damage Prevention Messages you will also see other important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE T...

Page 3: ...Do not overfill the engine with oil If the engine is overfilled the excess oil may get transferred to the air cleaner housing and air filter An indication of overfilling is white or blue smoke coming from the muffler when the engine is running After filling the engine with oil screw the filler cap dipstick in and remove the hang tag near the recoil starter grip that says The engine has no oil Plea...

Page 4: ... Their safety is your responsibility Use extra care when approaching blind corners shrubs trees or other objects that may block your view of a child Check the height and condition of the grass Adjust your lawn mower cutting height ground speed and mowing swath accordingly See page 7 for mowing tips and recommendations Rear Shield During normal use the rear shield is subject to deterioration and we...

Page 5: ... it clicks Move the mower 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 fuel tank Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR S LIMITED WARRANTY page 19 Check the Oil Level 1 Unscrew and remove the filler cap dipstick and wipe it clean 2 Insert an...

Page 6: ...tection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles will help protect your feet and give you better traction on slopes or uneven ground Stop the Engine When Not Mowing If you need to leave the mower for any reason even just to inspect the lawn ahead stop the engine by releasing the blade control lever Avoid Slopes Avoid steep slopes of more than 20 Mow across...

Page 7: ... 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 cutt...

Page 8: ...ce replacement or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual using parts that are certified to EPA standards Maintenance Safety Some of the most important safety precautions follow However we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance Only you can decide whether or not you should per...

Page 9: ...dule could result in non warrantable failures Item Action Before each use 5 hours of use or first month First 25 hours of use 50 hours of use or every 6 months 100 hours of use or every year 150 hours of use or every two years See page Rear shield Check O 4 Blade Inspect O 10 Blade mounting bolts Inspect O 10 Engine oil Check O 5 Change O O 2 O O 11 Air filter Check O 11 Clean O 1 O 1 O 1 Replace ...

Page 10: ...the two blade bolts with a 14 mm 6 point socket wrench Use a wooden block to prevent the blade from turning when removing the bolts Remove the blade Do not loosen the center blade holder bolt 5 Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area 6 Install the sharpened or replacement blade using the two blade bolts and special washers as shown above Be sure to install the concave side of the ...

Page 11: ...your area is within the recommended range The SAE oil viscosity and service category are in the API label on the oil container Honda recommends API service category SJ or later oil Air Filter Clean the air filter after the first 25 hours of use Thereafter clean the filter every 6 months or 50 hours of use Clean the filter more often when used in dusty areas Replace the filter every 2 years or 150 ...

Page 12: ...ngine Overtightening the spark plug can damage the threads in the cylinder head 7 Install the spark plug cap on the spark plug Spark Arrester optional part The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed Your lawn mower engine is not factory equipped with a spark arrester In some areas it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester Check local la...

Page 13: ...leaner will soak the paper element and can enter the carburetor or engine cylinder causing damage Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage If the engine has been running allow it to cool before washing Drying After washing the lawn mower wipe dry all accessible surfaces Place the mower with its wheels on a level surface Start the engine outdoors and let it run until it reaches normal operati...

Page 14: ... tall Raise the cutting height page 4 cut a narrower swath push at a slower ground speed or cut more frequently Grass is too wet Allow the grass to dry Mower deck is clogged Clean out the mower deck page 13 Air filter is clogged Clean or replace the air filter page 11 Bad fuel mower stored without treating gasoline or refueled with bad gasoline Refuel with fresh gasoline page 5 Fuel filter clogged...

Page 15: ...all manufacturers to furnish written instructions 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 NOTICE Tampering is a violation of federal and California law Tampering with or altering the emissions control sy...

Page 16: ...rotary push mower 21 inch mower deck flywheel brake side discharge Auto Choke System Length 59 5 in 1 512 mm Width 22 9 in 582 mm Overall height 39 9 in 1 013 mm Dry mass 62 lb 28 kg Cutting width 20 9 in 530 mm Cutting heights 6 1 1 8 4 in 28 102 mm Model GCV160 Type 4 stroke overhead cam single cylinder air cooled Displacement 9 8 cu in 160 cc Bore and stroke 2 52 x 1 97 in 64 0 x 50 0 mm Compre...

Page 17: ...promote fuel deterioration Keep the air filter clean and properly serviced Check it before each use A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering the carburetor The small passages inside the carburetor can become blocked 3 to 4 Weeks Before Next Use Reason Keep your lawn mower s fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in use Turn the fuel valve OFF If the fuel tank is only pa...

Page 18: ...ive it to the new owner if you resell the lawn mower 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...

Page 19: ...limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to you This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state Honda Parts Accessories and Apparel This warranty is limited to Honda Power Equipment part...

Page 20: ...anty repairs and must be provided without charge to the owner A list of warranted parts is shown in the table below All emission related parts are under warranty for the remainder of the warranty period Normal maintenance items such as spark plugs and filters that are on the warranted parts list are warranted up to their required replacement interval only Honda will also replace other engine compo...

Page 21: ...21 NOTES ...

Page 22: ...22 NOTES ...

Page 23: ...ll remain confidential It will not be released to any other company or organization Failure to register your lawn mower does not diminish your warranty rights Please complete and mail the postage paid card or register online at powerequipment honda com Print your 7 digit serial number here example commercial rental users check one private homeowner use for hire use Owner s Last Name Company Name A...

Page 24: ...click Submit It s that simple Power Equipment Division American Honda Motor Co Inc 4900 Marconi Dr Alpharetta GA 30005 9956 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Product Registration BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS MAIL ALPHARETTA GA PERMIT NO 117 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE HPE 2020 01 PRINTED IN U S A EM5 K7 ...

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