HONDA HRX217HXA - Manual (Page 7)

7
Model HRX217HMA:
(Electric start)
4. Turn the key switch to the
START position and hold it
there until the engine starts.
NOTICE
Do not use the starter for
more than 5 seconds or
starter motor damage may
occur. If the engine fails to
start, release the switch and wait 10 seconds before operating the
starter again.
5. When the engine starts, release the key switch and allow it to
return to the ON position.
Model HRX217HMA:
(Manual start)
6. Turn the engine switch ON.
The engine switch must be
in the ON position to start
the engine with the recoil
starter.
7. Place your foot on the
mower deck step. Pull the
starter grip lightly until you
feel resistance, then pull
briskly. Return the starter
grip gently.
8. If the CHOKE position was
used during starting, move
the throttle lever away from
the CHOKE position as
soon as the engine warms
up enough to run smoothly
without using the choke. Set
the throttle lever at FAST to
mow or at SLOW to idle.
OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING
Throttle Lever
For best cut quality, always
mow with the throttle lever in
the FAST position. When the
blades rotate at the preset
fast speed, they create a
strong fan action that lifts and
cuts grass more efficiently.
Do not try to increase the
preset engine speed; the
blades could fracture and
come apart.
Blade Control Lever
To start blade rotation, press
the yellow button on top of
the blade control lever, then
push the lever forward
quickly and hold it against
the handlebar.
Release the blade control
lever to stop the blades.
Operate the blade control
lever with a quick and
complete motion, so the
blade control is always either
fully engaged or stopped. This will help to prevent stalling the engine,
and it will also extend the service life of the blade control mechanism.
Always release the blade control lever before starting the engine to
prevent the blades from turning.
Drive Clutch Lever
Push the drive clutch
lever forward to propel
the mower.
Release the drive
clutch lever to stop the
mower’s forward
movement.
You can control the
self-propelled speed
with the drive clutch
lever. The mower will
move gradually faster as you push the drive clutch lever forward. If
you push the lever all the way forward to the handlebar, the mower
will move at the speed determined by the shift lever setting (below).
When moving and using the drive clutch lever to change the
self-propelled speed, continue to fully hold the blade control lever
against the handlebar. This will help prevent damage to the blade
control mechanism. Use the shift lever (see below) to change the
maximum speed so you can hold the drive clutch lever comfortably
against the handlebar.
For self-propelled mowing, press the button on top of the blade control
lever, push the blade control lever completely forward, then push the
drive clutch lever forward. The drive clutch lever can be used to hold
the blade control lever against the handlebar.
Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine. If the
drive clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when you
operate the starter.
Shift Lever
Use the shift lever to select the
forward speed at which you wish to
mow.
Do not use the throttle lever to
adjust your forward speed. The
throttle lever must remain in the
FAST position for good mowing
performance. Otherwise, cut quality
suffers.
The position of the shift lever determines the maximum ground speed
when the drive clutch lever is fully engaged.
For maximum mowing performance, use the lower speed range for
mowing and the higher speed range for transporting.
With the shift lever all the way back and the drive clutch lever
engaged, the mower will move slowly or not at all.
START
ON
THROTTLE LEVER
FAST
CHOKE
FAST
THROTTLE
LEVER
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
BUTTON
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
THROTTLE
SHIFT
LEVER
SLOW
FAST