12
ENGLISH
Depending on the size, type, and water content of the leaves, it may
be necessary to open the sliding door to allow for best catching
results. Using the sliding door correctly will allow better grass catcher
filling, resulting in less grass catcher emptying. Be sure there are no
obstacles, including rocks, hidden under the 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. Position the Clip
Director knob in the MULCH position. In places where fallen leaves
completely cover the grass, remove the leaves by raking, or use the
grass catcher so your mower can pick them up for disposal.
Clogged Cutting-means Enclosure
Before clearing a clogged cutting-means enclosure, stop the engine
and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap
disconnected, tilt the mower so the air cleaner side is up.
Clear a clogged cutting-means enclosure with a stick, not your hands.
Mowing Patterns
Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following
mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equipment
design, and the direction in which the cutting means rotate, cause
these mowing patterns to give the best results.
Mulching
Use a counterclockwise mowing
pattern [1] when the Clip Director
knob is in the full MULCH
position. If the lawn has an
irregular shape, or many
obstacles, divide it into sections
where you can use
counterclockwise mowing
patterns.
Catching
Use a clockwise mowing pattern
[2]. This will give the best Clip
Director and catching
performance, leaving the least
amount of clippings on the lawn.
Rear Discharge Mowing
Remove the grass catcher and
close the discharge guard.
Adjust the Clip Director knob to
the desired setting and begin
mowing in a clockwise mowing
pattern [2]. If the lawn has an
irregular shape, or many
obstacles, divide it into sections.
MAINTENANCE
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE
Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free
operation. It will also help reduce air pollution and ensure the
emissions performance of the engine continues to be met.
To help you properly care for your mower, the following pages include
a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple
maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other service tasks
that are more difficult, or require special tools, are best handled by
professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or
other qualified mechanic.
The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If
you operate your mower under unusual conditions, consult an
authorized Honda dealer for recommendations applicable to your
individual needs and use.
Remember that your Honda dealer knows your mower best and is
fully equipped to maintain and repair it.
To ensure the best quality and reliability, use only new, Honda
Genuine parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement.
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 perform a given task.
Safety Precautions
• Make sure the engine is off before you begin any maintenance or
repairs. This will eliminate several potential hazards:
– Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust.
Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the
engine.
– Burns from hot parts.
Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching.
– Injury from 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 petrol. Use only a nonflammable solvent, not
petrol, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away
from all fuel-related parts.
[1]
[2]
WARNING
Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem
before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you
can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance
recommendations and schedules in this owner’s
manual.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this
owner’s manual.
