9
Starting the Engine
The blades turn when you start the engine. Start the engine in a clear
or mowed area where the blades 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, and then pull
briskly. Return the starter grip
gently.
4. 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 the
engine and blade
rotation.
2. When you finish
mowing, turn the fuel
valve OFF.
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
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
Mowing Tips
When to Mow
Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown ½ to 1 in
(12 ~ 25 mm) above their recommended height. More frequent
mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best mulching
results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the
growing season.
Cutting Height
Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height
recommendations and advice about specific types of grasses and
growing conditions in your area.
Most grass has stems and leaves. If you cut off the leaves, you’ll scalp
the lawn. Let the grass recover between mowings. Your mower will
work better, and your lawn will look better.
Cutting grass that is too tall or mowing the lawn too quickly can clog
the mower deck with grass and may cause the engine to stall. If your
grass gets too tall, cut it once at the highest cutting height setting
using a slow ground speed, then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don’t take
off more than one third of the total grass height in any one mowing, or
brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained
on
Cutting Width
For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few inches.
If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower
mowing swath.
Blade Speed
The blades must spin very fast to cut properly. If engine speed drops,
it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blades trying to
cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower slower,
use the rear discharge chute, or raise the cutting height.
Blade Sharpness
A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving
shredded ends that turn brown. When your blades don’t cut cleanly
anymore, have them sharpened or replaced.
Dry Grass
If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being
unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter. If dust is a
problem, water your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the
grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist.
Wet Grass
Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing. Also, wet
grass clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the
lawn. Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
When equipped with the grass bag, your mower can be used to pick
up fallen leaves for disposal. If using the mower to bag large amounts
of fallen leaves, and not for mowing, set the cutting height adjustment
levers so the front of the mower deck is one or two settings higher
than the rear.
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. In places where fallen
leaves completely cover the grass, remove the leaves by raking, or
install a grass bag, so your mower can pick them up for disposal.
Collecting leaves while they are damp will help to control dust and
result in more effective mulching of the leaves. You can also shred
leaves using the Clip Director; see
for details.
Clogged Mower Deck
Before clearing a clogged mower deck, stop the engine and turn the
fuel valve to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap disconnected,
tilt the mower so the carburetor side is up.
Clear a clogged deck 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 blade rotates, cause these
mowing patterns to provide the best results.
Mulching
Use a counterclockwise mowing
pattern. If the lawn has an
irregular shape, or many
obstacles, divide it into sections
where you can use
counterclockwise patterns.
Bagging
Use a clockwise mowing pattern.
This will give the best bagging
performance, leaving the least
amount of clippings on the lawn.
BLADE
CONTROL
LEVER
STARTER
GRIP
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
MULCHING PATTERN
BAGGING PATTERN
