Air Cleaner Inspection
Remove cover [1]. Make sure the filter [2] is clean and in good
condition. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor,
reducing engine performance. Refer to page 11 for air cleaner
service.
Mulching or Side Discharge
The mower can be used to
mulch or side discharge grass
clippings.
To mulch, make sure the side
discharge chute [2] is not
installed, and the discharge
guard [1] on the discharge
opening is fully closed.
To discharge the clippings,
stop the engine, lift the
discharge guard [1] up and
install the side discharge chute
[2] as shown.
Cutting Height
Check the mower deck
cutting height settings, and
be sure that all four
adjustment levers [1] are
set to the same cutting
height position.
To adjust cutting height,
pull each adjustment lever
[1] toward the wheel, and
move it into another notch.
If you are not sure what
cutting height to select,
start with a high setting
and check the appearance
of the lawn after mowing a
small area. Then readjust
the cutting height if
necessary.
[1]
[2]
[1]
[2]
[1]
[1]
OPERATION
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the mower for the first time, please review SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS (page 2) and PRE-OPERATION CHECKS (page 5).
Even if you have operated other mowers, take the time to become
familiar with how this mower works, and practice in a safe area until
you build up your skills.
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed
area such as a garage. Your mower's exhaust contains poisonous
carbon monoxide gas that can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and
cause illness or death.
FREQUENCY OF USE
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
(more than 4 weeks before next use) please refer to the Fuel section
of the STORAGE chapter (page 14) for additional information
regarding fuel deterioration.
STARTING THE ENGINE
The cutting means turns when you
operate the starter. It is easiest to
start the engine in a clear or mowed
area where the cutting means can
turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position (page 4).
2. Release the Smart Drive control. If
the Smart Drive control is
engaged, the mower will move
forward when you operate the
starter.
3. Pull back on the cutting-means
control lever [1] and hold it against
the handlebar.
4. Pull the starter grip lightly until you
feel resistance, then pull briskly.
Return the starter grip gently.
Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting-means enclosure
at all times when starting and running the engine.
Continue to hold the cutting-means control against the handlebar;
the engine will stop if you release the control.
High Altitude Operation
At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too
rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A
very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting.
High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications
to the carburetor. If you always operate your mower at altitudes above
1,500 meters, have a Honda dealer perform this carburetor
modification.
Even with carburetor modification, engine power will decrease about
3.5% for each 300 meter increase in altitude. The effect of altitude on
power will be greater than this if no carburetor modification is made.
NOTICE
When the carburetor has been modified for high altitude operation,
the air-fuel mixture will be too lean for low altitude use. Operation at
altitudes below 1,500 meters with a modified carburetor may cause
the engine to overheat and result in serious engine damage. For use
ENGLISH
[1]
7