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7

5. Pull the starter grip lightly 

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

Keep your hands and feet 
away from the mower deck 
at all time when starting 
and running the engine.

Continue to hold the blade 
control lever against the 
handlebar; the engine 
stops when the blade 
control lever is released.

6. PDA, SDA: 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.

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

Throttle Lever

PDA, SDA: For best cut quality, 
always mow with the throttle 
lever in the FAST position. When 
the blade(s) rotate at the preset 
fast speed, it creates a strong fan 
action that lifts and cuts grass 
more efficiently. 

Do not try to increase the preset 
engine speed; the blade(s) could 
fracture and come apart.

VKA: This model has an automatic throttle that always runs at FULL 
throttle setting.

Blade Control Lever

The lever must be pulled back 
against the handlebar to start 
and run the engine. The blade(s) 
start to rotate when the lever is 
pulled back against the 
handlebar and the recoil starter 
grip is pulled.

Continue to hold the lever 
against the handlebar to keep 
the engine running and the 
blade(s) rotating.

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

Clutch Lever 
(SDA) 

Push the clutch lever forward and hold 
it against the handlebar to propel the 
mower forward.

Release the clutch lever to stop the 
mower’s forward movement.

Always release the clutch lever before 
starting the engine. If the clutch is 
engaged, the mower will move 
forward when you operate the starter.

Operate the clutch lever with a quick and complete motion, so the 
clutch is either fully engaged or fully released. Hold the clutch lever 
against the handlebar during self-propelled mowing. This will help to 
extend the service life of the clutch mechanism.

Smart Drive Control
(VKA)

The Smart Drive control 
can be adjusted up or down 
into any one of five 
positions (page 6).

With the engine running 
and the blades rotating, 
slowly push the Smart 
Drive control to propel the 
mower forward. 

Ground speed will increase 
as more pressure is applied to the Smart Drive control. After 
maximum ground speed is obtained, applying additional pressure will 
not further increase ground speed. Apply only enough pressure to 
achieve the desired speed.

Ground speed control sensitivity will vary with such factors as terrain, 
grass height, slope, and grass bag weight. For example, achieving a 
very slow ground speed on smooth level terrain requires very light 
pressure be applied to the Smart Drive control. However, additional 
pressure may be required to achieve the same ground speed on 
slopes, in tall grass, or uneven terrain. The Smart Drive control is 
designed to allow you to move the control to maintain the desired 
ground speed under constantly changing mowing conditions.

Release the Smart Drive control to disengage (stop) the rear wheels.

STARTER 
GRIP

FAST

THROTTLE LEVER

BLADE CONTROL LEVER

CLUTCH LEVER (SDA)

CONTROL

SMART DRIVE CONTROL

Summary of Contents for 00X31-VL0-U540

Page 1: ...orrectly and safely Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert A symbol and one of three signal words DANGER WARNING or CAUTION These signal words mean Each message tells you what the hazard is what c...

Page 2: ...PORTANT to Honda That s why we urge you to read this message before letting your child operate this lawn mower Lawn mowers are tools not toys As with any equipment bad judgments can result in serious...

Page 3: ...All Honda engines are run at the factory prior to packaging Most of the oil is removed prior to shipment however some oil remains in the engine The amount of oil left in the engine varies If not usin...

Page 4: ...ank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA For your safety and the safety of others always inspect the area before operating the lawn mower Objec...

Page 5: ...chute as shown Mulching Plug HRR The mulching plug helps to curve the inside of the mower deck for more efficient mulching Install and remove the mulching plug by raising the rear discharge guard as...

Page 6: ...en if you have operated other mowers take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills For your safety avoid starting or operating the e...

Page 7: ...hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward Release the clutch lever to stop the mower s forward movement Always release the clutch lever before starting the engine If the clutch is enga...

Page 8: ...wer deck or other components Vibration usually indicates serious trouble The DISTRIBUTOR S LIMITED WARRANTY page 20 does not cover parts damaged by collision Gravel and Loose Objects Gravel loose ston...

Page 9: ...egin 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 p...

Page 10: ...ning the blade s or causing imbalance or poor cutting the blade s should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda servicing dealer BLADE REPLACEMENT Use Honda Genuine replacement blade s o...

Page 11: ...nsert the frame into the bag as shown 2 Clip the plastic edges of the bag onto the frame as shown ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Level Check 1 Unscrew and remove the filler cap dipstick and wipe it cle...

Page 12: ...nd using 2 stroke oil can damage the engine Air Cleaner Service A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor reducing engine performance If you operate the mower in very dusty areas cl...

Page 13: ...e spark plug cap on the spark plug Spark Arrester Service optional equipment Your lawn mower engine is not factory equipped with a spark arrester In some areas it is illegal to operate an engine witho...

Page 14: ...e 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 and the carburetor Fold the...

Page 15: ...ing from neglected storage preparation Engine Oil Change the engine oil page 12 Engine Cylinder 1 Remove the spark plug page 13 2 Pour 1 2 teaspoons 5 10 cc of clean engine oil into the cylinder to ke...

Page 16: ...logged Clean out the mower deck page 14 Air filter is clogged Clean or replace the air filter page 12 Bad fuel mower stored without treating gasoline or refueled with bad gasoline Refuel with fresh ga...

Page 17: ...ions control system may increase emissions beyond the legal limit Among those acts that constitute tampering are Removal or alteration of any part of the intake fuel or exhaust systems Altering or def...

Page 18: ...del GCV160 Engine 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 x 50 mm Compression ratio 8 5 1 Ignition system Transistorized m...

Page 19: ...publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your lawn mower Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures It is intended to be used by...

Page 20: ...l rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state Honda Accessories Replacement Parts And Apparel This warranty is limited to Honda Power Equipment parts accessories and appar...

Page 21: ...nda approved replacement parts may be used in the performance of any warranty repairs and must be provided without charge to the owner The use of replacement parts not equivalent to the original parts...

Page 22: ...NOTES...

Page 23: ...NLINE www hondapowerequipment com commercial rental users check one private homeowner use for hire use Owner s Last Name Company Name Address City Date of Purchase First Name Telephone State ZIP Code...

Page 24: ...RETTA GA 30005 9956 POWER EQUIPMENT DIVISION Product Registration FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO 117 ALPHARETTA GA 1 Go www hondapowerequipment com to register your unit 2 Click on Product Registration 3...

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