9
Adjusting the Smart Drive Control
The Smart Drive control can be
adjusted up or down into any one of
five positions for operator comfort.
Do not attempt to adjust the position
of the Smart Drive control while the
mower is in motion.
Slide the multi-position adjuster to
the left to unlock the control, move
the Smart Drive control up or down
into the most comfortable position,
and then release the multi-position adjuster and allow it to engage.
Starting the Engine
Before starting, always release the Smart Drive control so that the
mower will not move forward when you operate the starter.
NOTICE
Before starting the mower, make sure
the starter rope is
not
routed below the
right handlebar support tab as shown.
The rope will quickly be damaged
during starting.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position (
2. Move the throttle lever to the FAST
position.
3. With the blade control lever released,
pull the starter grip lightly until you
feel resistance, and 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. This minimum run time will
be longer if the temperature is below 70°F (21°C).
Stopping the Engine
1. Release the blade
control lever to stop
blade rotation.
2. Move the throttle lever to
the STOP position to
stop the engine.
3. When you finish
mowing, turn the fuel
valve OFF.
4. 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 the engine stops. See
“AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS” on
don’t plan to use your mower for a month or more.
5. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to “Cleaning” on
SERVICING YOUR MOWER
Proper maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and
trouble-free operation. It also helps reduce air pollution.
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 severe conditions, such as sustained
high load, high temperature, or unusually wet or dusty conditions,
consult your servicing dealer for recommendations applicable to your
individual needs and use.
Remember that an authorized Honda servicing 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, 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 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 gasoline. Use only a nonflammable solvent, not
gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away
from all fuel-related parts.
MULTI-POSITION
ADJUSTER
SUPPORT
TAB
CORRECT
ROUTING
ST
OP
SLOW
FAST
FAST
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
STOP
THROTTLE
LEVER
WARNING
Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem
before operation, can cause a serious malfunction.
Some malfunctions can seriously hurt or kill you.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance
recommendations and schedules in this owner’s manual.
WARNING
Improper maintenance can cause an unsafe condition.
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
manual.
