7
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.
Drive Clutch Lever
Push the clutch lever forward
and hold it against the
handlebar to propel the
mower forward. Always
release the clutch lever
before starting the engine to
prevent the mower from
moving forward.
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 (
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 clutch lever.
2. Release the blade control lever to stop the engine.
3. 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
if you don’t plan to use your mower for a month or more.
4. 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.
CLUTCH LEVER
BLADE CONTROL
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.
