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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are 
certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest 
lawn mowers on the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new mower and to 
operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do 
that; please read it carefully.

We suggest you read the 

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY

 

(page 19) and 

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

 

(page 20) 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 and is supported by the parts and service divisions of 
American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction 
and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Keep this owner’s manual handy so you can refer to it at any time. 
This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn 
mower and should remain with the lawn mower if 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.

SAFETY MESSAGES

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have 
provided important safety messages in this manual and on the 
mower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt 
you or others. Please read these messages carefully.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the 
hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You 
must use your own good judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms:

Safety Labels

 – on the lawn mower.

Instructions

 – how to use this mower correctly 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 can happen, and 
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

Damage Prevention Messages

 – You will also see other 

important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This 
word means:

CONTENTS

For more information regarding cable adjustment or how to mow 
your lawn, see FAQs at www.hondapowerequipment.com/faq/.

DANGER

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY 
HURT if you don't follow instructions.

WARNING

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY 
HURT if you don't follow instructions.

CAUTION

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow 
instructions.

NOTICE

Your lawn mower or other property can be 
damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

INTRODUCTION...................................... 1

SAFETY MESSAGES .............................. 1

LAWN MOWER SAFETY......................... 2

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO 

PARENTS......................................... 2

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS.......... 2

SETTING UP YOUR MOWER ................. 3

CONTROL LOCATIONS.......................... 4

BEFORE OPERATION ............................ 4

IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY 

TO GO? ............................................ 4

CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA ...... 4

GET THE MOWER READY.............. 5

OPERATION ............................................ 7

MOWING PRECAUTIONS ............... 7

STARTING THE ENGINE................. 7

OPERATING THE CONTROLS 

FOR MOWING.................................. 7

STOPPING THE ENGINE ................ 7

SAFE MOWING PRACTICES .......... 8

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER ....... 8

MAINTENANCE SAFETY................. 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........... 9

BLADES............................................ 9

GRASS BAG CLEANING AND 

REPLACEMENT............................. 10

ENGINE MAINTENANCE............... 11

REFUELING ................................... 13

TRANSPORTING................................... 13

STORAGE.............................................. 13

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED 

PROBLEMS ........................................... 15

TECHNICAL INFORMATION................. 16

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS..... 16

CARBURETOR 

MODIFICATION FOR HIGH 

ALTITUDE OPERATION ................ 16

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM .... 16

AIR INDEX ...................................... 17

SPECIFICATIONS .......................... 17

CONSUMER INFORMATION ................ 18

REPLACEMENT PARTS, 

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND 

SERVICE ITEMS ............................ 18

DEALER LOCATOR

INFORMATION ..........................18

CUSTOMER SERVICE 

INFORMATION............................... 18

DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED 

WARRANTY ................................... 19

ACCESSORIES, REPLACEMENT 

PARTS, AND APPAREL

WARRANTY ................................... 19

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM 

WARRANTY ................................... 20

OWNER’S MANUAL

HRX217VKA

B

WARNING:

B

The engine exhaust from this product contains 

chemicals known to the State of California to cause 

cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

© 2003-2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

31VH7V22
00X31-VH7-V220

EM5

 POM31VH7V22

XXXX.2008.09

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

 IPC

K2

Summary of Contents for HRX217VKA

Page 1: ...y 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 can happen and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury Damage Prevention Messages You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE This word means CONTENTS For more informatio...

Page 2: ...IMPORTANT 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 injuries You can help prevent injuries or property damage by making good decisions about if when and how your child operates this equipment The first question you ll need to ask is whether your chil...

Page 3: ...e category SJ or later oil to bring the oil level between the upper and lower limit marks on the dipstick as shown 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 After filling the engine with oil remove the hang tag near the recoil starter grip that says The engine has no oil A container of oil is in the ...

Page 4: ...Check the fuel level page 13 Starting with a full tank will help 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 Objects Anything that 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...

Page 5: ... view or clean around the sliding door This will prevent contact with the rotating blades and prevent objects from being thrown into the discharge area Sliding Door Position The sliding door can be positioned to produce different mowing results If the preferred sliding door position is unknown install the grass bag and begin mowing with the Clip Director knob all the way to the BAG position Check ...

Page 6: ...replacement is explained on page 10 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 Removal 1 Raise the discharge guard grasp the grass bag handle and remove the grass bag 2 Release the discharge guard 3 When the grass bag is clear of the discharge guard you can lift it through the handlebar opening ...

Page 7: ...e control lever against the handlebar the engine will stop if you release the lever OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING Smart Drive Control Control position adjustment is described on page 5 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 gro...

Page 8: ... performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic The maintenance 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 Remember that an authorized H...

Page 9: ...installation Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands BLADE SHARPENING To avoid weakening the blades or causing imbalance or poor cutting the blades should be sharpened by trained staff at an authorized Honda servicing dealer BLADE REPLACEMENT Use Honda Genuine replacement blades or their equivalent page 18 Interval Item Before each use Inspect the blades page 9 Check the blade bolt torque page 10 ...

Page 10: ...torque 36 43 ft lb 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 bolts are not tightened enough they could loosen or come out In either case it would be possible for the blades to fly off while you are operating the mower GRASS BAG CLEANING AN...

Page 11: ... to drain completely Please dispose of used motor oil and the container 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 pour it down a drain 4 Fill with the recommended oil Do not overfill Allow a couple of minutes for the oil to s...

Page 12: ...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 without a spark arrester Check local laws and regulations An optional USDA approved spark arrester is available from an authorized Honda servicing dealer See page 18 for part numbers The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 ...

Page 13: ...uitable loading ramp is not available two people should lift the mower onto 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 and the carburetor The handlebar can be folde...

Page 14: ... problems 1 Add gasoline stabilizer following the manufacturer s instructions When adding a gasoline stabilizer fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline If only partially filled air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage 2 After adding a gasoline stabilizer run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the fuel syst...

Page 15: ...place the spark plug page 12 Spark plug wet with fuel flooded engine Dry and reinstall the spark plug Fuel filter clogged carburetor malfunction ignition malfunction valves stuck etc Take the mower to an authorized Honda servicing dealer for repair Possible Cause Correction Grass too tall or wet Raise the cutting height page 8 cut a narrower swath use a slower ground speed cut more frequently when...

Page 16: ...ons control systems to reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons Additionally Honda fuel systems utilize components and control technologies to reduce evaporative emissions The U S California Clean Air Act and Environment Canada EPA California and Canadian regulations require all manufacturers to furnish written instructions describing the operation and maintenanc...

Page 17: ...gher page 13 Engine oil SAE 10W 30 API SJ or later page 11 Spark plug type NGK BPR5ES page 12 Maximum governed speed 2 950 3 100 rpm Shop manual Blade bolt torque 36 43 ft lb 49 59 N m page 10 Do not try to increase the engine speed above the maximum governed speed the blades could fracture and come apart Spark plug gap 0 028 0 031 in 0 7 0 8 mm page 12 Valve clearance cold Intake 0 15 0 04 mm Exh...

Page 18: ...intaining and repairing your lawn mower Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures It is intended to be used by a skilled technician Available through your Honda dealer or through Helm Inc at 888 292 5395 or visit www hondapowerequipment com products manuals Parts Catalog This manual provides complete illustrated parts lists and is available through your Honda deal...

Page 19: ...mited to the duration of this written limited warranty Some states do not allow 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 ACCESSORIE...

Page 20: ...da Inc will be referred to as Honda Your Warranty Rights and Obligations California The California Air Resources Board and Honda are pleased to explain the emission control system warranty on your Honda Power Equipment engine In California new utility and lawn and garden equipment engines must be designed built and equipped to meet the State s stringent anti smog standards Other States U S Territo...

Page 21: ... However if you require further assistance write or call the Power Equipment Customer Relations Department of American Honda Motor Co Inc Refer to page 18 for contact information Exclusions Failures other than those resulting from defects in material or workmanship are not covered by this warranty This warranty does not extend to emission control systems or parts which are affected or damaged by o...

Page 22: ...22 Notes ...

Page 23: ...23 Notes ...

Page 24: ...Printed on Recycled Paper ...

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