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Honda Power Equipment HA4118H38A Lawn Mower User Manual

1. 6 Keep Shields in Place 6 Refuel with T Wear Protective 7 Turn Engine Off When Not Operating tha Lawn 7 Operation on Slopes 7 Mowing 5 7 Mowing Near 7 LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Most accidents with lawn tractors can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the lawn tractor The most common hazards according to accident statistics are discussed below along with the best way to protect yourself and others Avoid Rotating Blades rotating blade can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers hands toes or feet Keep away from the mower deck whenever the engine is running If you need to work around the deck to clear a grass accumulation or for any other reason always shut off ihe engine and remove the key Disconnect the spark plug cap and wear heavy gloves when you need to clean the mower deck or handle a blade Clear Mowing Area A lawn tractor blade can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to cause serious injury Before mowing carefully inspect the area and remove all stones sticks bones nails pieces of wire and other loose objects Never
2. 43 lift lever occ 17 lifting points 82 light headlight swtich 18 lighis indicator lamps 14 loading DO lubrication points 87 M maintenance access points 59 Schedule 58 mower height adjustment knob 18 mower deck adjusting height 34 belt primary belt 72 clogged 43 installing 86 level procedures 80 removal 83 secondary belt 73 troubleshooting 94 mowing 43 before Mowing 20 cutting width 42 mulching 43 patterns 43 precautions 29 safe practices 37 side discharge 43 HDS S 41 trimming tips sse 44 what to do after 45 mulching 43 oil changing 84 checking level 22 filter 65 lamp one eee cece eee 14 recommended 63 P parking brake eee 16 parts catalog eese 115 parts replacement 114 pedal brake
3. 44 OPERATION 28 OPERATION MOWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the lawn tractor for the first time please review both the LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY section and the BEFORE OPERATION section Even if you have operated other lawn tractors take time to become familiar with how this lawn tractor works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills Never tamper with or aiter any of the controls or safety devices on the lawn tractor For your safety avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage Your lawn tractor s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death 29 OPERATION STARTING THE ENGINE Start the engine outside in an open area with good ventilation 1 Locate the fuel valve on the left side of the engine under the engine hood Move the fuel valve to ON Lower the engine hood and sit in the operator s seat 2 Make sure the PTO is OFF disengaged 3 Engage the parking brake 4 start a cold engine move the throttle lever to FAST Pull the choke out all the way To restart a warm engine do not puli out the choke 5 Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch Turn the key clockwise to START and hold it there briefly until the engine starts When it does let the key return to the ON position 30 OPERATION H lding the ignition key in t
4. 15 forward travel 15 reverse travel 15 knob eres 17 publications eeeeussese 115 S safety important information 6 label description 2 label locations 6 maintenance 54 message to parents 10 mowing practices 37 46 scalping how to avoid 44 schedule maintenance 58 60 serial number locations 115 shop manual 115 side discharge mowing 43 slopes operation 38 starting on 39 spark arrester 118 spark plugs 66 120 specifications 108 starting the engine 30 stopping the lawn tractor emergency eese 36 ee 36 10 3 6 ee 100 1 throttle 16 tie dOWHnS 50 tire PYESSUIE 22 towing enn 46 transmission checking oil level 23 transmission release 18 transporting EM 20 trimming tips 44 troubleshooting drive rennes 93 engine oc cece cece ence ee eee 90 mower deck
5. 94 vibration 94 V vibration problems 94 W warranty service 116 121 INDEX 122 Quick Reference Information Fuel Type Unleaded gasoline with a pump actane rating of 86 or higher Engine Oil Typa SAE 10W 30 API SH or SJ for gen eral use Spark Plug Type NGK BPRSES ND W18EPRU Electrode Gap 0 028 0 031 inch 0 7 0 8 mm Blade Bolt Torque 3B deck 55 ft lb 75 deck 50 ft lb 68 N m Carburetor Idle Speed 1400 150 rpm PTO clutch lever OFF Tiros Front 10 psi 69 kPa Hear B psi 55 kPa Maintenance Before Each Use Chack blades and tightness Check grass bag Check engine oil level Check air cleaner Check cooling air intake path Check tire air pressure Check mower deck belt Check drive belt Check brake pedal operation Check parking brake operation Change engine oil Check blade bolt tightness Subsequent See Maintenance Schedule page 58 Part Number High litt blade 38 High lift blade 48 Oil filter Fuel filter Spark plug NGK Spark Plug ND Air filter Air filter o ring 50009903 52882 Printed Recycled Paper vr 2 O O E LEE LE LE IL LE IL LLL LL LLL l S E LEE LE 6100 X31 V09
6. 83 Installing 86 Lubrication Points 87 52 MAINTENANCE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe economical and trouble free operation it will also help reduce air pollution A WARNING Improper maintenance or failure to correct a problem before operation can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations and schedules in this owner s manual To help you properly care for your lawn tractor 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 pertormed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions If you operate your lawn tractor under unusual conditions consult your servicing dealer for recommendations applicable to your individual needs and use Hemember that your servicing dealer knows your lawn tractor best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it To ensure the best quality and reliability use only new genuine Honda parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement Maintenance replacement or repair of the emission control
7. REVERSE IMPLEMENT You ll need to pull the PTO knob to the REVERSE IMPLEMENT position before you press the reverse travel pedal Otherwise the mower blades will stop moving lf this happens release the reverse travel pedal then push the PTO knob to OFF to reset the system Adjusting Cutting Height 1 the lift lever all the way back to the TRANSPORT position 2 Turn the cutting height knob to the desired cutting height position The mower will now be at this cutting height each time you lower it 3 Adjust anti scalp rollers page 35 34 OPERATION 48 inch Mower Deck 1 2 Check tractor tire pressure page 82 Pull out on the J pin to move the anti scalp rollers up or down until the wheels E are approximately 1 4 1 2 inch 6 13 ZR mmy above the mowing surface i Adjust the anti scalp rollers to match in height or if desired adjust the anti scalp rollers to roll on the ground To adjust the anti scalp roller in 1 2 inch 43 mm increments set the roller one hole lower ae M ct To adjust the anti scalp roller by less than 1 2 inch 13 mm Remove the plastic cap on the outside of the wheel bolt Loosen the nut Move the wheel down in the slot Tighten nut and replace plastic cap Release the J pin to lock the anti scalp rollers in position To adjust the anti scalp rollers to correspond to narrow and wide positions of rear wheels and to optimize trimming 1 2 3
8. 5 Once the used oil has drained close the oil drain valve and tighten securely 6 Fill the engine with the correct amount of the recommended oil through the oil filler tube Oil drain only 1 9 US quarts 1 8 liters Oil drain and filter change 2 2 US quarts 2 1 liters Do not overfill measure the oil level as shown in the BEFORE OPERATION section page 22 Replace the oil filler cap 7 Verify that there is no oil leaking from the drain valve 8 Please dispose of used motor oil and the oil containers in a manner that is compatible with the environment We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your local recycling center or service station for reclamation Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground or down a drain 64 MAINTENANCE Oil Filter Change See page 114 for replacement part numbers 1 2 Drain the engine oil Remove the oil filter with a filter wrench and iet the remaining oil drain out Discard the oil filter Clean the filter base Coat the O ring on the new filter with clean engine oil Retighten the drain valve securely and hand tighten the new oil filter until the O ring seats against the filter base Tighten the oil filter to specified torque 22 0 Nem 16 Ib ft 2 20 kg m Use only a Honda genuine oil filter or a filter of equivalent quality specified for your model Using the wrong filter may cause engine damage Pour the specified amount of recommended oil into
9. Loosen the nuts Move the roller in slots to desired position Tighten the nuts 35 OPERATION STOPPING THE LAWN TRACTOR Emergency Stop 1 Press the brake pedal all the way down and hold it there 2 Turn the ignition switch off Push the PTO clutch knob to OFF 3 Setthe parking brake Normal Stop 1 Remove foot from the forward or reverse travel pedal to bring the lawn tractor to a full stop Push the PTO clutch knob to OFF Press the brake pedal down and set the parking brake Move the throttle lever to SLOW Turn the ignition switch OFF Remove the ignition key Try to park on level ground If you must park the lawn tractor on a slope set the parking brake and block the wheels to prevent the lawn tractor from rolling Always remove the key when leaving the lawn tractor unattended to prevent unauthorized use Oo POI 36 OPERATION SAFE MOWING PRACTICES For your safety keep all four wheels on the ground and be careful to avoid losing control of the lawn tractor Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel Be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground Do not operate the lawn tractor near embankments dropoffs or ditches The lawn tractor could suddenly turn over if a wheel is near the edge and it caves in or gives way Do not attempt to stabilize the lawn tractor by putting your foot on the ground Keep your feet on the platform and near the pedals Take extra care when mowing near blind c
10. position 2 Puta block of wood under each side of the mower 3 Place a block of wood between the blade and the deck to prevent the blade from turning when removing bolt 77 MAINTENANCE 4 Remove bolt washer and blade 5 Ifa blade is dull have it sharpened and balanced 6 Ifa blade is damaged instali new blade See page 114 for replacement part numbers 7 48 inch mower only Make sure deflector cups are in place between spindle and blade 8 Install blade Fasten with washer and bolt Make sure cupped side of washer is next to blade 9 Useatorque wrench to tighten bolt to 38 mower 55 ft lb 75 Nem 48 mower 50 ft ib 68 Nem 78 Blade Sharpening A dull blade may be sharpened but a blade that is worn out bent cracked or otherwise damaged must be replaced Always use a genuine Honda replacement blade or high quality equivalent See Sharpening Guidelines Maintain the original angie of the blade about 30 Sharpen the blades to a knife edge Remove an equal amount of material from each end of the blade to maintain balance Do not remove material from the inner area of the cutting edge If you need to remove material to restore the cutting edge taper the edge toward the tip Do not taper beyond 1 3 of the blade width Do not grind the back side of the blade MAINTENANCE page 114 for replacement part numbers TAPER THE CUTTING EDGE 30 DEGREES zu 1
11. Check for spark Spark plug cap s Make sure caps are off connected Verify that spark Improper electrode plugs are free of gap or deposits in deposits and have the spark plug s proper gap gap 91 TROUBLESHOOTING Engine has low Possible cause power Check ground Fast ground speed Mow at slower speed when mowing tall ground speed grass puts excessive load on engine Check mower deck Too low mower deck Raise height of height height for grass puts mower deck excessive load on engine Check mower deck Mower deck clogged Clear mower deck of with grass clogs Check air cleaner Dirty or clogged air Clean and repiace filter s make engine air filter s as run poorly needed Check spark plugs Spark plug caps Make sure spark secure plug caps are securely connected Improper electrode Verify the spark gap or deposits on plugs are free of gap deposits and have proper gap Check engine Cooling air intake inspect the cooling cooling path and engine fan air intake path and obstructed engine fan clear away any grass or obstructions 92 TROUBLESHOOTING Engine has low Possible cause Correction power Check spark arrester Optional spark Examine spark optional part arrester clogged or arrester and make dirty sure it is clean and free of any deposits or obstructions Check choke position Choke in wrong Check choke plate position or c
12. Sustained high load or high temperature operation or use in unusually wet or dusty conditions will require more frequent service 97 MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Action whichever comes first Page Use 13 8 12 38 Engine cil and filter thanga Air filter alaments change replace chack tighIness Blade spindle amp pins grease Ale 6 pumps ali mowers nti scalp rollers 4B mower on Front amp rear axle grease one pump Parking brake Spark plug check amp clean replace Optonal spark arrester PTS knob Idle speed thack adjust Throttle cable chesk amp adjust Fugl filter Fuel line replace H oh al E m E t js ssp ss oh oh tu Shap manual Shop manual i a io ox g fu ni 3 Valve clearance check amp adjust Shop manual Engine cooling lins amp shroud 3 Shop manual a 1 Service every 10 hours or daily when used in dusty areas 2 Replace paper filter element only These items should only be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing lawn tractor dealer unless are mechanically proficient and have the proper tools 58 MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE ACCESS POINTS Refer to the illustrations on this page for the locations of specific maintenance items and service points HYDROSTATIC FLUID RESERVOIR CARBURETOR OIL DIPSTICK FILLER CAP AIR CLEANER X Fu
13. cus cem rte m 22 lt 22 Grass Bag optional 22 Parking Brak sss E UR B dE qi munditia aci bots 23 Hydrostatic Transmission Oil Level 23 Muffler and Exhaust 23 DIVE Blocs REUS RETE KE EE TE UG 23 24 Cooling Air Intake Path and Air Filters 25 Mower 25 26 CIGINING 645284442 RUE RE RADRUIDR NEUES ARS ab doe 26 19 BEFORE OPERATION There are three areas to be checked before using the iawn tractor Check your lawn Check your lawn tractor e Are you ready to mow These are described in the following sections CHECK YOUR LAWN For your safety and the safety of others always inspect the area before mowing Objecis Anything which can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others Look for things like stones sticks bones nails and wire and remove them from the mowing area People and Pets People and animals near the mowing area can move into your mowing path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects Clear the area of people especially children and pets Their safety is your responsibility Lawn Check the length and condition of the grass Adjus
14. devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual using parts that are certified to standards o3 MAINTENANCE 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 A WARNING Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed Always follow the procedures and precautions in the owner s manual 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 54 MAINTENANCE 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 For certain operations the lawn tractor must be raised off the ground Be sure
15. in position slowly FAST when mowing Check mower deck Blades obstructedby Clear mower deck of grass mud etc any obstructions Check travel speed Lawn tractor moving Reduce travel too fast for mowing speed conditions Check mower deck Mower deck height Adjust mower deck height set too low for grass height to obtain conditions suitable cut quality Check grass Wet grass is difficult Mow only when conditions to mow grass is dry Check mower deck Mower deck not Adjust mower deck level properly level level Check blades Blade bent cracked Inspect sharpen or or dull replace blade as Check blade belt Belt worn or not Make sure belt is properly installed properly installed Check tire pressure Incorrect tire Inflate tires to correct pressure causing pressure deck misalignment Check anti scalp Rollers misadjusted Adjust rollers rollers High effort required Front draft arm on Adjust front draft to lift and latch deck mower adjusted too arm lift handle short causing lift system to bind 95 TROUBLESHOOTING Grass not Possible cause discharging properly Check throttle Blades spinning too Keep throttle in position slowly FAST when mowing Check deck height Deck set too high up Adjust deck height to adjustment lever grass conditions Check blade belt Blade belt worn not Inspect blade belt and primary belt on pulleys or not and make sure it is properiy inst
16. operation Avoid sudden starts and stops while towing The additional weight of a trailer or attachment could cause loss of control resulting in an accident Never allow anyone to ride in or on a trailer or other attachment Failure to use the proper type of trailer or attachment could cause the tractor to overturn resulting in severe personal injury The weight of a trailer or attachment increases stopping distances use extra care especially when operating on a slope To avoid loss of control use extra care when towing a trailer or attachment on a wet or rough surface This lawn tractor is intended for use on relatively flat terrain Towing a trailer or attachment on a slope exceeding 10 degrees 17 grade could cause the lawn tractor and or trailer to tip over Heduce speed when towing on slopes Avoid sharp turns when towing a trailer or attachment on a slope If the load in a trailer or attachment is unbalanced they and or the lawn tractor may overturn Secure the load in the trailer or attachment before driving If the load shifts while driving steering and or braking can be affected and in some cases the trailer or attachment and lawn tractor may Jackknife 46 OPERATION Towing Weight Limits Always adhere to the weight limits when towing a trailer or attachment with the lawn tractor Maximum Allowable Weight Maximum allowable weight for the trailer or attachment and any items carried by the trailer or attachme
17. procedures below 1 2 3 Raise the hood Remove the negative cable from the battery negative terminal then remove the positive cable from the battery positive terminal Remove rubber strap securing battery Remove the battery from the battery compartment Charging 1 A WARNING A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure seriously injuring anyone nearby Keep all sparks open flames and smoking material away from the battery Remove the battery cell caps 2 Connect the battery charger following the manufacturer s instruc tions After charging check the electrolyte level in each of the cells Add distilled water if needed then install the battery caps 3 Clean the outside of the battery and the battery compartment with a solution of baking soda and water Don t allow any of the solution to drip down the vent caps into the battery cells 70 MAINTENANCE Battery installation 1 2 3 With the hood raised install battery in the battery tray with positive terminal to right side of lawn tractor Instali rubber retaining strap Install positive cable on battery positive terminal then install negative cable on battery negative terminal Tighten clamp ing boit securely and lower hood Fuse Heplacement 1 2 3 4 Lift hood Pull defective fuse out of socket Check metal clip in fuse window Discard fuse if clip is br
18. secondary belt is the belt on the mower deck only See page 1114 for replacement part numbers 1 Remove mower deck page 2 Remove belt guard cover 3 Disconnect idler spring with a spring removai tool or self locking pliers 4 Remove mower belt 5 Installation is the reverse of removal 73 MAINTENANCE Cleaning or Replacing Mower Deck secondary Belt 48 inch mower deck See page 114 replacement part numbers 1 Remove mower deck See the Removing Mower section 2 Remove cover right hand side by loosening the cap screws 3 Remove belt guard cover left hand side by loosening the cap screws Disconnect idler spring with a spring removal tool or self locking pliers IDLER SPRING 5 Remove mower belt installation is the reverse of removal 74 MAINTENANCE BLADES Inspect check bolt tightness remove sharpen and replace the blades as described in this section Always complete these steps before working around the mower blades 1 Move the PTO clutch knob to OFF Engage the parking brake 2 Turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the key 3 Disconnect the spark plug caps Blade Inspection When the blades need resharpening or replacement take the lawn tractor to an authorized servicing Honda lawn tractor dealer Or if you have a torque wrench you can remove and install the blades yourself WARNING A worn cracked or damaged blade can break and pieces of t
19. the engine Start the engine and check the filter for leaks Stop the engine and recheck the oil level If necessary add oil to bring it up to the proper level 65 MAINTENANCE Spark Plugs Removal inspection and Replacement For good performance the spark plugs should have the correct gap and be free of deposits Follow these steps for each spark plug 1 Remove the spark plug cap Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base Use the wrench supplied to remove the spark plug 2 Visually inspect the spark plug Discard it if the insulator is cracked or chipped Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused 3 New plugs should be NGK BPRS5ES or ND W16EPR U Spark plugs of the wrong size or incorrect heat range can cause engine damage 4 Measure the plug gap with a fesier gauge Correct as necessary by carefully bending the side electrode The gap should be 0 028 to 0 031 inch 0 70 to 0 80 mm 5 Checkthat the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross threading 6 Afterthe spark plug is seated tighten with the spark plug wrench to compress the washer ff installing a new spark plug tighten 1 2 turn after the plug seats to compress the washer e lf reinstalling a used spark plug tighten 1 8 to 1 4 turn after plug seats to compress the washer The spark plug must be securely tightened An improperly tightened spark plug can become
20. the lawn tractor is solidly supported before you put any part of your body under the lawn tractor Disconnect the spark plug cap and wear heavy gloves when working near the mower deck belts or blades Never support or stand the lawn tractor on either side or end Fuel oil or battery electrolyte can leak out 55 MAINTENANCE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produces carbon monoxide oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very important because under certain conditions they react to form photochemical smog when subjected to sunlight Carbon monoxide does not react in the same way but it is toxic Honda uses lean carburetor settings and other systems to reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons The U S and California Clean Air Act EPA and California regulations require all manufacturers to furnish written instruction describing the operation and maintenance of emission control systems The following instructions and procedures must be followed in order to keep the Honda engine emissions within the emission standards Tampering and Altering Tampering with or altering the emission control system may increase emissions beyond the legal limit Among those acts that constitute tampering are Removal or alteration of any part of intake fuel or exhaust system Altering or defeating the governor lin
21. when and how to perform routine inspection service and adjustments for do it yourself maintenance More difficult maintenance tasks should be done by a servicing Honda lawn tractor dealer This dealer is best equipped and staffed to provide the level of service and safety you and your lawn tractor deserve Tampering and Altering 56 Problems That May Affect Emissions 56 Replacement 57 57 Endin PEPPER 60 Air Cleaner Service 61 susy 29 SITUE 63 Spark Plugs nah hmm Rhe 66 Changing the Fuel 67 Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation 67 5 68 Replacing Mower Drive primary Belt 72 Replacing Mower Deck secondary Belt 38 inch 73 MAINTENANCE Cleaning or Replacing Mower Deck secondary Belt 48 inch mower deck 74 Blade Inspection 15 Removing and Installing Mower Blades TT Blade Sharpening 79 Left to Right Inspection Adjustment 80 LIMING ossa ror RERBA REREN ACH CR 82 Removing Mower
22. you will need to know how to stop your lawn tractor Setting and Releasing the Parking Brake Setting the Parking Brake 1 Push and hold the brake pedal down 2 Pull up on the parking brake lever 3 Remove foot from brake pedal The parking brake lever should remain up and the brake pedal should remain down Releasing the Parking Brake 1 Push and hold the brake pedal down 2 Push the parking brake lever down 3 Release the brake pedal Steering To make it easier to cut various lawns your lawn tractor is very maneuverable and can turn quickly 4 WARNING Turning sharply at high ground speeds can cause the lawn tractor to lose traction The lawn tractor can tip over and you can be iniured or killed Avoid sharp turns when traveling at high ground speeds 32 OPERATION After using the lawn tractor for a while you ll get a better feel for how much effort to use on the steering wheel for a particular turn The speed of the lawn tractor greatly affects how the steering responds For this reason you should use a lower ground speed before entering turns Avoid turning the lawn tractor when operating on a sloped surface See the Operation on Slopes page 38 section for more details Direction of Travel and Ground Speed The hydrostatic transmission in your lawn tractor offers you a widely variable range of speeds in both the forward and reverse directions To travel forward push down on the forward
23. Avoid cutting more than one third of the total grass height in any one mowing Ground Speed slow the ground speed of the lawn tractor when mowing taller grass Always use the foot pedals to control the ground speed never the throttle 41 OPERATION Cutting Width Allow an adequate amount of overlap in the cutting path when mowing Four to six inches is recommended this is roughly the same width as a front tire When overlapping in a curve use a lower speed and overlap the previous cut by 50 or about half the width of the mower deck In extremely tall or thick grass you may have to cut a larger overlap Blade Speed The blades must spin very fast to cut properly When mowing always keep the throttle set to FAST 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 operate the lawn tractor at a slower ground speed or raise the cutting height of the mower deck Blade Sharpness s CIERLAP Sharp blades cut cleanty Dull blades tear grass leaving shredded ends that turn brown When the blades don t cut cleanly anymore have them sharpened or replaced Grass and Moisture Mow when the grass is dry Mowing wet grass does not produce a neat finish The inside of the mowing deck or bagging chute may clog when mowing wet grass Clumps of wet grass will collect on the lawn and can create harmful thatch wet lawn reduces traction an
24. Check the balance of the blade by placing a dowel through the center hole Should one end of the blade drop remove additional material from that end of the blade to achieve balance 79 MAINTENANCE 3 Left to Right Inspection Adjustment en 1 2 Move the lift lever to TRANSPORT Set the height adjustment knob to the 2 two inch position Set the anti scalp rollers to their highest position Move the lift lever to the LOCKOUT position Hotate the left and right side blades so they are parallel to the front axle It is easier if you move one blade into position then hold the blade belt steady while you move the other Use a blade height measuring gauge and measure the blade height at outer tips points A and B Heights must be within 1 8 inch 3 mm of each other For best results both heights shouid be about 2 51 mm Both the left and right sides of the mower deck can be adjusted Locate the adjustment links near the back of the mower deck Loosen the top or bottom nut as required to raise or lower a side of mower deck Clockwise turns raise while counter clockwise turns lowers the side height of the mower deck ADJUSTMENT LINK 9OTTOM NUT 80 MAINTENANCE Front to Rear Inspection and Adjustment 1 Pull the mower deck lift lever all the way back to the TRANSPORT position 2 Turn the mower deck height adjustment knob to the 2 position Move the mower deck lift lever forward to the LOC
25. HONDA Power Equipment Owner s Manual LAWN TRACTOR HAA4118H38A HA4120HASA k here to save this Cl manual to your comput A The engine exhaust from this product us contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer birth defects or other reproductive harm Keep this owners manual handy so you can refer to it any time This owner s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn tractor and should remain with the tractor if resold The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing Honda Power Equipment Mfg Inc reserves the right however to discontinue or change specifi cations or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your selection of the Honda 4118 or HA4120H48A lawn tractor We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase We want to help you get the best results from your new iawn tractor and to operate it safely This manual contains all the information on how to do that please read it carefully As you read this manual you will find information preceded by a NOTICE symbol That information is intended to help you avoid damage to your lawn tractor other property or the environment We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership T
26. ION OF CONTROLS Fuel Valve 14 Ignition Switch 14 Indicator t4 Travel 15 FEGA PEEL 15 PAMO DIa G 2 16 Throttle Lever 16 TIOD oreert 17 Mower Deck Lift 17 Cutting Height Adjustment Knob 18 Transmission Release T 18 Headlight Switch 18 11 CONTROLS CONTROL LOCATIONS Use the two illustrations on these pages to locate and identify the most frequently used controls THROTTLE CHOKE FUEL VALVE under hood CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOG 12 CONTROLS INDICATOR LIGHT PTO KNOB IGNITION KEY BRAKE PEDAL FORWARD 2 TRAVEL PEDAL C AU REVERSE 5 ZA TRAVEL PEDAL 6 TRANSMISSION S RELEASE PARKING BRAKE 13 CONTROLS DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS Your lawn tractor uses colors to identify control types Orange levers and knobs are used to control the movement of the lawn tractor For example the parking brake lever and throttle are color coded orange Yellow controls identify attachment controls such as the PTO clutch knob which is used to start and stop the mower deck blades Fuel Valve Am The fuel valve is located in the fuel line under the tractor hood on the lef
27. If the lawn has an irregular shape or many obstacles divide it into sections where you can use counterclockwise mowing patterns Bagging optional kit Use a clockwise mowing pattern This will give the best bagging performance leaving the least amount of clippings on the lawn Side discharge Mowing Start mowing at the outer edges of the lawn and work toward the center in a circular pattern always discharging clippings to the outside This will prevent clippings from piling up in the path of the lawn tractor 43 OPERATION Trimming Tips Turn to the left around trees bushes etc Drive slowly Avoid hitting trees bushes etc If ground slopes up to a tree or bush you may have to approach the tree or bush straight on to avoid scalping To Avoid Scalping Pay attention to the way you drive You can eliminate scalping f mower scalps easily cutting height may be too low for ground conditions especially on lawns with many small mounds and ridges Anti scalp rollers must be adjusted correctly Drive over ridges and through shallow ditches straight on not at an angle Keep blades sharp Dull blades will tear grass If grass is torn tips will turn brown Check lawn regularly for uneven cut If cut is uneven Check mower to make sure it is level Slow down before you make turns Check blades to make sure they are sharp 44 OPERATION AFTER MOWING Under most conditions t
28. KOUT position 3 Move the left and right side blades so they are perpendicular to the front axie Move one blade into position then hold the blade belt steady while you move the other 4 Use a blade height measuring tool and measure the blade height at both points A and B 5 must be 1 2 3 8 6 9 mm lower than B For best results A should be about 2 6 Both A heights can be adjusted Locate the adjustment link near the front of the mower deck 7 Loosen both the top or bottom nuts as required to raise or lower the front of the mower deck Clockwise turns raise while counter clockwise turns lowers the front of the mower deck i 81 MAINTENANCE TIRES AND WHEELS Tires should be kept at the proper inflation pressure and periodically inspected for tread wear or damage Keeping the tire treads clean and free of mud and other debris improves traction and steering control Tire pressure Front 10 psi 69 kPa Rear 8 psi 55 kPa Lifting Points Use the following points for jack pad placement When lifting the rear section of the lawn tractor don t place the jack pad on the transmission or any other parts except the frame When lifting the front of the tawn tractor be sure the jack pad is positioned on the axle housing only and not any other part of the frame or steering linkage UNDER AXLE 82 MAINTENANCE Removing Mower Deck The procedure for removing the mower deck is similar for bo
29. MAINTENANCE Remove the lift rod attaching assembly from tractor and mower Pull out on rear attaching J pins on each side of mower and turn pins to unlocked position to disconnect mower from tractor It may be necessary to manually lift up on the rear of the mower deck to pull out the J pins To prevent tension lever from catching on tractor make sure tension lever is latched back into its bracket Grip the lift lever firmly it is now under spring tension and move it to the TRANSPORT TRANSPORT upper position Slide mower deck out from under right side of tractor 85 MAINTENANCE Installing Mower Refer to the removal steps and illustrations ou Bw 9 Put the lift lever in the TRANSPORT position Push mower under tractor Turn the height adjustment knob to blank mark on knob Move the lift lever in the LOCKOUT position Install the rear mower deck lift brackets to lift arms with the J pins Attach front lift rod assembly to hooked end of tractor mounting frame brackets and hooked end of mower attaching brackets Rotate the front lift lever up so pin on lever is locked in hole on left hand side of tractor frame Install mower drive belt on tractor drive pulley and mower drive pulley Push drive belt tension lever in and over hook bracket and put in hole in bracket on the mower deck 10 Level mower pages 80 81 11 Adjust anti scalp rollers page 34 86 MAINTENANCE Lubri
30. NING You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don t follow instructions CAUTION You CAN be HURT if you don t follow instructions Safety Headings such as Important Safety Information Safety Section such as LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY Instructions how to use this lawn tractor correctly and safely This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it carefully 2 INTRODUCTION Turn to the beginning of each chapter for a complete list of subjects Important information about some specific hazards and what you can do to prevent injury Identification of components and information about how the controls work How to fuel and check the lawn tractor and how to prepare your lawn tractor and yourself before operation Starting and stopping the engine safe mowing practices and mowing tips When and how to perform routine inspection service and adjustments How to protect the lawn tractor from rust and corrosion and ensure that it will start easily when you want to use it again Additional information replacement part numbers Honda publi cations available to you warranty and how to contact us if you have a question or a warranty repair problem INFRODUCTION LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY This chapter explains what you need to know to operate your lawn tractor safely Avoid Rotating Blades 6 Clear Mowing
31. OWN SLOVILY m AVOID SUDDEN TURNS DD NOT MOY WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND m NEVER CARRY CHILDREN DANGER B LOOK GOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING KEEP SAFETY DEVICES GUARDS SHIELDS EWITCHEE ET FN PLACE AND WORKING m REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE SHARF BLADE Yeu wll ba sangay Cue hy tha rotating blade hands and feet when angine runming Ak WARNING Objects haddan In dhe lawn can Ger iren by mor blada Thom objets can SEROUS injury Clean ihe lam of gll dabis before mowing Dio ngi apola the mower without elher the discharge guard ex tha antre grees cateher In place E Wear eye protecdon E Kep people away while mecwwirg LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS YOUR CHILD S SAFETY 15 VERY IMPORTANT to Honda Read this message if you decide to permit your youngster to operate this lawn tractor Lawn tractors are tools not toys As with any equipment bad judgments can result in serious injuries You can help prevent acci dents by making good decisions about if when and how your young ster operates this equipment The first question you ll need to ask is whether your youngster is capa ble of operating this lawn tractor safely Remember young people vary widely and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR Physically a youngster must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH to easily st
32. While the engine is running sit on the operator s seat and operate the PTO clutch knob to expel water from the blade pulleys spin dles and other mower deck items Allow the blades to spin for sev eral minutes to ensure that no water remains Stop the engine and allow it to cool After the lawn tractor is clean and dry touch up any damaged paint and coat other areas with a light film oil Lubricate the throttle cable core with a silicone spray lubricant 101 STORAGE Fuel Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage Old gasoline will cause hard starting and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system If the gasoline in your lawn tractor deteriorates during storage you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components ser viced or replaced The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carbu retor without causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline biend your storage temperatures and whether the fuel tank is partially or completely filled The air in a partially filled fuel tank pro motes fuel deterioration Very warm storage temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration Fuel deterioration problems may occur within a few months or even less if the gasoline was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from neglected storage preparation are not covered under warranty You can extend fuel storage lif
33. alled properly installed Check grass Wet grass is difficult Mow only when conditions to mow grass is dry Check mowing Too little overlap Adjust overlap as overlap required for mowing conditions Check ground Lawn tractor moving Use shift lever to speed too fast for mowing reduce ground conditions speed Check blades Blades installed Make sure both incorrectly blades are correctly installed 96 TROUBLESHOOTING Engine stalls when Possible cause Correction PTO clutch lever is set to ON Check throttle Engine running too Keep throttle in position slow FAST when mowing Check mower deck Bladesobstructedby Clear mower deck of grass mud etc any obstructions Check optional grass Blades obstructedby Clear grass bag bag chute clog in grass bag chute of any clogs or chute obstructions Operator not in Safety interlock Operator must be in operator position system seated position 97 TROUBLESHOOTING 98 STORAGE This section explains how to protect your lawn tractor from rust and corrosion and ensure that it will start easily when you want to use it again Endihe 103 103 99 STORAGE STORAGE PREPARATION Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn tractor trouble free and looking good The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion fr
34. art the lawn tractor and contro its direction The youngster also needs enough size strength and coordination to com fortably reach and operate the controls Another tougher question you need to ask is if your youngster has enough MATURITY AND RESPONSIBILITY to safely operate this lawn tractor Does the young person think through problems and come to logical solutions Be honest Anyone who takes unnecessary risks and doesn t obey rules should not operate this lawn tractor If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the lawn tractor safely CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER S MANUAL with your young ster Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety infor mation Also be sure your youngster wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the lawn tractor SUPERVISION is important Walk behind your youngster during the first few minutes of mowing Even after the youngster is confident do not let them use the lawn tractor without supervision An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance Be sure the lawn tractor is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition By always placing safety first your youngster will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment And you ll both get the best results from your lawn tractor 10 CONTROLS This section helps you to identify the lawn tractor controls what they do and how they work CONTROL LOCATIONS DESCRIPT
35. cation Points Lubricate the following points Use NGLI 2 Lithium Base EP grease Front wheel spindles turn steering wheel to distribute grease Blade spindles 48 DECK belt covers removed for clarity 3B DECK left side shown MAINTENANCE TRANSMISSION To prevent contamination in hydraulic system Do not drain or change hydrostatic transmission fluid SAE 10W30 engine oil with API classifications of SE CC or CD is recommended in the transmission Do not use Honda Hydrostatic fluid Checking Hydrostatic Transmission Oil Level 1 Check transmission oil only when the tractor is cold 2 Parktractor on level surface 3 Oil must be between FILL and ADD marks on reservoir 4 If oil level is low tip seat up and loosen two seat adjusting knobs under seat 5 Slide seat forward for access to fill cap Clean the area near the reservoir filler neck Remove fill cap and foam plug then add enough oil to bring oil level to top mark 6 Install foam plug and tighten fill cap 7 Start engine and operate tractor forward and in reverse several times 8 Park the tractor on level surface Stop the engine and check oil level again 88 TROUBLESHOOTING This section helps you to identify the problems their causes and some corrective actions ENGINE PROBLEMS DRIVE PROBLEMS VIBRATION MOWER DECK PROBLEMS 89 TROUBLESHOOTING ENGINE PROBLEMS Starter does not Possible cause operate Check t
36. ctor on slopes exceeding 10 degrees 17 grade could cause the lawn tractor to tip over Always mow up and down slopes never across When mowing up and down slopes empty the optional grass bags when they are half full Mowing Conditions Mow only tn daylight or good artificial light Do not drive the lawn trac tor at night or under poor light conditions Mowing Near Roads Always watch for vehicle traffic when operating the lawn tractor near roads and driveways Never drive the lawn tractor on public roads LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury Read them carefully If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your Honda lawn tractor dealer for a replacement a CAUTION iy DANGER UNGUARDED FAN CAN CAUSE INJURY SHARP SLADE Do not start engine or operale tractor You will ba seripusly cut unless intake screen is n place by the rotating blade under hood Keep hands and feet away when engine ig running A CAUTION HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOL Slay away if engine has been running A CAUTION DRY GRASS LEAVES OR DEBRIS CAN CATCH FIRE IF ALLOWED TG CONTACT MUFFLER B Oo operate mower deck without this guard in place LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY di WARNING READ THE OPERATOR S MANUAL GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES NOT ACROSS B IP MASIKE STOPS ADING UPHILL STOP BLADE AND BACK MACHINE D
37. d braking performance of your lawn tractor Further the tires may leave marks on wet soil softened by moisture This can detract from the overall appearance 42 OPERATION Fallen Leaves When equipped with an optional grass bag kit your lawn tractor can be used to pick up fallen leaves for disposal Adjust the height of the mower deck as needed to get the best resuits When equipped with an optional mulching kit you can 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 or leaves begin piling up in front of the mower deck remove the leaves by raking or install the optional grass bag kit so your lawn tractor can pick them up for disposal Clogged Mower Deck Before clearing a clogged mower deck turn the ignition switch to OFF Disconnect the spark plug cap On mowers equipped with the optional mulch kit see the operator s manual supplied with the kit for removal instructions Clear a clogged deck with a stick not your hands Mowing Patterns Your Honda lawn tractor 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 give the best results Muiching optional kit Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern
38. e such as a furnace water heater or clothes dryer Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor or where power tools are operated If possible avoid storage areas with high humidity because that pro motes rust and corrosion Unless all fuel has been drained from the fuel tank leave the fuel valve in the off position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage Park the lawn tractor on a level surface Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage With the engine and exhaust system cool cover the lawn tractor to keep out dust hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some materials Do not use sheet plastic as a dust cover A nonporous cover will trap moisture around the lawn tractor promoting rust and corrosion 104 STORAGE REMOVAL FROM STORAGE Check your lawn tractor as described in the BEFORE OPERATION section If the fuel was drained during storage preparation fill the tank with fresh gasoline If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time causing hard starting If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation the engine may smoke briefly at start up This is normal 105 STORAGE 106 SPECIFICATIONS This chapter gives dimensions capacities and other technical information 107 SPECIFICATIONS LAWN TRACTOR MODEL HA4118H38A Hydrostatic transmission side discharge America
39. e by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is formulated for that purpose Adding a Gasoline Stabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life When adding a gasoline stabilizer fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline lf only partially filled air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration dur ing storage If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline 1 Add gasoline stabilizer following manufacturer s instructions 2 After adding a gasoline stabilizer run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the carburetor 3 Stop the engine and turn the fuel valve to the off position 102 STORAGE Engine Oil 1 5 Change the engine oil and filter 2 Remove the spark plugs page 66 3 4 Operate the electric starter for a few seconds to distribute the oil in Pour a tablespoon 5 10 cc of clean engine oil into each cylinder the cylinder Reinstall the spark plugs Grease Lubricate all grease points page 87 Tires Check tire air pressure page 82 Battery Remove battery page 70 and store in a cool dry place to preserve battery life 103 STORAGE PLACING IN STORAGE If your lawn tractor will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and car buretor it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition Select a well ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flam
40. eadlight switch 18 height adjustment knob 18 igntion switch 14 indicator lamps 14 lift lever 17 locations o ar 12 parking brake 16 pedals 15 PTO knob 17 throttle 16 INDEX transmission release lever 18 D drive problems 93 driving the lawn tractor 32 E emission control 56 engine starting 30 stopping 36 troubleshooting 90 engine hood eee 60 F filter fuel E T filter 61 filter 65 fuel capacity 24 filter eese 67 OCtane eene 24 oxygenated 117 recommendations 68 refueling eeeseere 24 valve esee mmm 14 I T RR 7 1 H headlights replacing bulb s 71 height adjusting mower deck 34 adjustment knob 18 hood latch adjustment 60 ignition Switch 14 inspection before mowing 20 introduction ooo cee 1 J jacking up the lawn tractor 82 119 INDEX L lamps checking indicator 31 lamps indicator 14 latch hood eeen nnn 60 leaves
41. ed profession als They should be able to answer any question you may have If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your satisfac tion please discuss ft with the dealerships management The service Manager or General Manager can help Almost all problems are solved in this way If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership s man agement contact the Honda Power Equipment Customer Helations Office You can write American Honda Motor Co Inc Power Equipment Division Customer Relations Office 4475 River Green Parkway Duluth G 30096 25650 Or telephone 770 497 6400 When you write or call please give us this information Model and serial numbers see page 124 Name of the dealer who sold the iawn tractor to you Name and address of the dealer who services your lawn tractor Date of purchase Your name address and telephone number A detailed description of the problem 116 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OXYGENATED FUELS Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcoho or an ether compound These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxy genated fuels To meet clean air standards some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions If you use an oxygenated fuel be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement Before using an oxygenated fuel try to confirm the fuel s contents Some states p
42. gine damage Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is misuse and the Distributor s Limited Warranty does not cover parts damaged by misuse 68 MAINTENANCE ELECTRICAL Battery Service Your lawn tractor charging system charges the battery while the engine is running However if the lawn tractor is only used periodically the battery must be charged monthly to maintain the battery service life A WARNING The battery contains sulfuric acid electrolyte which is highly corrosive and poisonous Getting electrolyte in your eyes or on your skin can cause serious burns Wear protective clothing and eye protection when working near the battery KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM THE BATTERY Emergency Procedures Eyes Flush with water from a cup or other container for at least fifteen minutes Water under pressure can damage the eye Immediately call 911 USA only or a physician Skin Remove contaminated clothing Fiush the skin with large quantities of water Call a physician immediately Swallowing Drink water or milk Call your local Poison Control Center USA only or a physician immediately 69 MAINTENANCE inspection 1 Raise the hood Remove the battery cell caps 2 Inspect the electrolyte level of each cell The electrolyte liquid should cover all the plates plates are not covered add distilled water as necessary Hemoval To charge the battery follow the
43. hat brake Safety interlock Push down brake applied system pedal Check PTO knob PTO knob is ON Move PTO knob to position OFF Safety interlock system operating No electric current to starter Indicator lamps BATTEHY DISCHARGE lamp stays on when engine is running PRESSURE lamp stays on when engine is running wag FSS ans f LS _ I L I Interlock switch on seat or parking brake not set Biown fuse dead or partially discharged battery or defective starter relay Sit on seat or set the parking Drake lever Check fuse relay replace if necessary Check battery charge or replace Excessive load on charging system charging system not working or disconnected voltage regulator broken Low oil level Defective oil pump See your authorized servicing Honda lawn tractor dealer Check oil level and add as necessary See your authorized servicing Honda lawn tractor dealer TROUBLESHOOTING Starter operates Possible cause but engine will not start Check throttle Throttle notin proper Throttle must be in position and choke position FAST position choke ON for a hot start choke OFF for a cold start Check fuel delivery Fuel valve is OFF Turn fuel valve to to engine ON Fuel filter clogged Check for clogged fuel filter or obstructions in fuel tank Check fuel condition Stale or old fuel Be sure tank has fresh fuel
44. he blade can become dangerous projectiles Thrown objects can cause serious injury Inspect the blades regularly and do not operate the lawn tractor with a worn or damaged blade NORMAL CRACKED 75 MAINTENANCE Inspecting For A Bent Biade Perform this inspection prior to attempting any mower deck leveling adjustments 1 Wearing heavy gloves then position the right discharge side blade so it is parallel to the front axle Measure the height of the right side blade at point B and record this mea surement Hotate the right side blade 180 degrees and measure the other tip at point B The two measurements should be the same if they are not the blade or blade spindie may be bent Hepeat steps 1 4 for the left side blade but measure at point 76 MAINTENANCE Blade Bolt Tightness Blade bolt tightness should be checked as specified in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE section 4 amp WARNING The blades are sharp and spin at high speed A spinning blade can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes Wear protective footwear Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while the engine is running Stop the engine before performing any adjustment inspection or maintenance Removing and Installing Mower Blades 48 Mower Remove the mower page 83 Skip ahead to step 3 38 Mower Start with step 1 below 1 Pull ift lever all the way back to the TRANSPORT upper
45. he lawn tractor accumulates clippings mud dirt and other debris on the mower deck and other areas Frequently such debris contains moisture which if allowed to remain on the mower frame mower deck or other metal parts can form rust Regular cleaning not only helps prevent such rusting but also makes the lawn tractor operate better Also it is much easier to clean these parts when the debris or clippings are fresh rather than stuck on the lawn tractor for days or weeks at a time Mower Deck Cleaning Wash the mower deck only when the lawn tractor is cool The bearings on the blade pulley shafts expand as they heat up Cooling rapidly with water can allow moisture to be trapped inside the bearings This can cause rust to form on the bearing surfaces and shorten bearing life Cleaning Other Areas Certain parts other than the mower deck can accumulate clippings and other debris When the lawn tractor is cool you should inspect these areas and brush or wipe off any debris with a soft brush or damp rag Look around the top of the engine exhaust area and muffler and by the rear axle near the frame Do not spray water directly on the engine 45 OPERATION TOWING An optional rear hitch kit is specifically designed for your lawn tractor Do not use any other type of hitch on the lawn tractor Towing Safety When the optional hitch ts installed and you use a trailer or other attachment pay attention to these important points for safe
46. he start position for more than five seconds may damage the starter If the engine fails to start wait at least ten seconds before trying again If you can t get the engine to start after multiple tries refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section on page 99 After the engine has started gradually push the choke knob in to the OFF position Allow the engine to continue warming for several minutes before operating the tractor Once the engine has warmed you should keep the throttle in the FAST position while mowing This keeps the blades spinning at the proper speed and provides the best cut quality Do not use the throttle lever to adjust the lawn tractor ground speed while mowing Use the forward travel pedal and the reverse travel pedal to adjust ground speed Slowing the ground speed with the throttle lever will adversely affect cut quality Checking Indicator Lamps After the engine has started Battery discharge light should go out within 10 seconds Oil pressure light should go out within 5 seconds If lights stay on longer than indicated time stop engine and refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section on page 99 31 OPERATION DRIVING THE LAWN TRACTOR Once your lawn tractor is started you will need to know how to set and release the parking brake steer correctly change the direction of travel adjust ground speed begin mowing including raising and lowering the mower deck and adjusting the cutting height and mower wheels and
47. he warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your dealer When your lawn tractor needs scheduled maintenance keep in mind that your Honda lawn tractor dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda lawn tractors and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda Your authorized Honda lawn tractor servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns Best Wishes Power Equipment Division American Honda Motor Co Inc INTRODUCTION A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety and the safety of others is very important And using this lawn tractor safely is an important responsibility To help you make informed decisions about safety we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and inthis manual This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others Of course it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn tractor You must use your own good judgment You will find important safety information in a variety of forms including Safety Labels on the lawn tractor Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words DANGER WARNING or CAUTION These signal words mean DANGER You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don t follow instructions amp WAR
48. hoke movement plate sticking DRIVE PROBLEMS Engine runs but Possible cause lawn tractor doesn t move Check speed Travel pedal not Press either travel direction control pressed pedal down Check parking Parking brake lever Release parking brake is engaged brake lever Check pedal Brake pedal not fully Make sure brake position released pedal is fully released Check drive belt Drive belt worn See servicing Honda broken or not on lawn tractor dealer pulleys Check transmission Lever is in the Move lever to the release RELEASED position ENGAGED position 93 TROUBLESHOOTING VIBRATION Lawn tractor Possible cause Correction vibrates Check blades Blades not in good Inspect blades and condition replace if necessary Check mower deck Bladesobstructed by Clear mower deck of grass mud etc any obstructions Check blade belt Blade belt worn or Inspect blade bett not properly and make sure it is installed properly installed MOWER DECK PROBLEMS Check PTO knob PTO knob not ON Move PTO knob to position ON Check deck height Deck height not Adjust deck height to adjustment lever properly set grass conditions Check blade belt Blade belt worn not Inspect blade belt and primary belt on pulleys or not and make sure it is properly installed properly installed 94 TROUBLESHOOTING Check throttle Blades spinning too Keep throttle
49. ht adjust ments plus anti scalp roller height adjust ments 110 SPECIFICATIONS MAINTENANCE Fuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher Engine Oil SAE 10W 30 API SH or SJ for general use Spark Plug Type NGK BPR5ES or ND W1i6EPRU Maximum Governed 3 200 rpm x 150 Engine Speed Blade Bolt Torque 38 deck 55 ft lb 75 48 deck 50 ft lb 68 N m TUNEUP Spark Plug Gap 0 028 0 031 inch 0 7 0 8 mm Engine Idle PTO OFF 1400 150 rpm Valve Clearance cold Intake 0 13 0 17 mm Exhaust 0 18 0 22 mm Other Specifications No adjustments needed MISCELLANEOUS SPECIFICATIONS Minimum Uncut Grass 29 5 inches 750 mm 38 deck Diameter left turn 20 5 inches 520 mm 48 deck Minimum turning radius 111 SPECIFICATIONS 112 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This chapter contains additional information including replacement part number serial number locations Honda publications available to you and tells you how to contact us if you have a question or warranty repair problem Shop Mantia uu mio deat HE aod do de peewee Parts 2 SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE optional part 118 113 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REPLACEMENT PARTS Replacement parts may be purchased from an authorized servicing Honda lawn tractor dealer Mower Deck Parts Description 48 Mower Deck Be
50. in mowing Know what to do in case of emergencies Clothing Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury Long pants and eye protection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles will help protect your feet and give you better traction on the pedals and platform of the lawn tractor While the sound level of the lawn tractor is well within safe limits hearing protection will further protect your hearing 26 OPERATION This chapter tells you how to operate the lawn tractor safely and effectively Setting and Releasing the Parking Brake 32 32 Direction of Travel and Ground Speed 33 MOWING ae rene ote eee eats 34 Operation on Slopes 0 6 ee eee 38 Obstacles 2 0 ce es 39 When to 41 Cutting esseet ada sga aaaea PIE 41 Ground Speed 41 Cutting Width 42 Blade 5 42 Blade 55 42 Grass and Moisture 42 Fallen 43 Clogged Mower 43 Mowing Patterns 43 THMMAG TIPS uuu sem 44 To Avoid Scalping
51. kage or speed adjusting mechanism to cause the engine to operate outside its design parameters Problems That May Affect Emissions If you are aware of any of the following symptoms have your engine inspected and repaired by your authorized Honda servicing dealer Hard starting or stalling after starting Rough idle Misfiring or backfiring under load Afterburning backfiring Black exhaust smoke or high fuel consumption 96 MAINTENANCE Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed built and certified to conform with EPA and California emission regulations We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts whenever you have maintenance done These original design replacement parts are manufactured to the same standards as the original parts so you can be confident of their performance The use of replacement parts that are not of the original design and quality may impair the effectiveness of your emission control system A manufacturer of an aftermarket part assumes the responsibility that the part will not adversely affect emission performance The manufacturer or rebuilder of the part must certify that use of the part will not result in a failure of the engine to comply with emission reguiations Maintenance Follow the Maintenance Schedule in this section Remember that this schedule is based on the assumption that your machine will be used for its designed purpose
52. l to the upper limit Recheck the oil level after adding any new oil eV UPPER LIMIT If the oil level is close to the upper A v LOWER LIMIT limit mark no additional oil is V a needed Replace the dipstick and screw it back in securely Do not overfill Running the engine at a low oil level or with no oil causes engine damage Tire Pressure Make sure all tires are properly inflated Front 10 psi 69 kPa Rear 8 psi 55 kPa Grass Bag optional kit It your lawn tractor has the optional grass bag kit installed check the kit for proper installation and verify the grass bags are in good condition 22 BEFORE OPERATION Parking Brake Make sure the brake pedal remains locked down when the parking brake is set Hydrostatic Transmission Oil Level The hydrostatic fluid level should be between the 2 marks on the reservoir If the fluid is below the bottom line add 10W30 API SE CC or CD oil to bring the level to the upper line Do not use Honda Hydrostatic Fluid in this lawn tractor See page 88 Muffler and Exhaust Area lt i gt uM d Inspect the muffler and exhaust AUT amp area around the front guard Sa bumper Make sure the entire area 58 is free of grass leaves debris OI any other obstructions NS ba SER amp The front guard must remain on the NT ho lawn tractor when the mower deck Is used FRONT GUARD Drive Belt Verify that the drive belt is good condi
53. lt blade 76181 V09 D01 Belt PTO to mower deck 76182 V09 D01 High lift blade left side not applicable High lift blade right side not applicable High lift blade left right or not applicable 72531 V09 DO1 center Blade bolt 90119 V08 A01 90104 V09 D01 Blade bolt washer 90527 V09 A01 930501 V09 DO1 Filter Spark Plugs Etc Air filter paper element with large and small 17010 2J1 000 o ring gaskets Air filter foam pre cleaner element 17218 ZJ1 000 Oil filter engine 15410 ZJ4 999AH Spark plug NGK BPRH6eES 98079 56846 Fuel fitter 16910 2 8 015 Headlight bulb 33115 V09 A01 Ignition key 35110 772 003 Part numbers are subject to change 114 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS Your lawn tractor has both a frame and engine serial number The frame serial number is on the back frame between the rear wheels The engine serial number is next to the starter motor on the right rear side of the engine HONDA PUBLICATIONS These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your lawn tractor You may order them from your Honda lawn tractor dealer Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures It is intended to be used by a skilled technician Parts Catalog This manual provides complete illustrated parts lists 115 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WARRANTY SERVICE INFORMATION Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are train
54. n key If the engine has been running the muffler will be very hot Allow the muffler to cool before servicing the spark arrester 1 Remove the front lift link page 84 SCHEEN SPE IAL BOLT 4 SCREW 4 MUFFLER EXHAUST DEFLECTOR SHIELD 2 Remove the four bolts from the muffler shield then remove the four special screws from the muffler Remove the exhaust deflector and arrester screen 3 Inspect the screen and use a wire brush to clean any debris or deposits Replace the screen if it is bent damaged or if the screen has any holes 4 Installation is the reverse of removal 118 air 61 air intake screen 25 anti scalp rollers adjusting 34 B bagging esses 43 battery charging enne 70 emergency procedures 69 RENE 14 SefViCe 69 belt mower primary 72 belt mower secondary 73 blades bolt tightness FE inspection 7 5 removal amp installation 77 sharpening 79 brake parking 16 pedal 15 C carburetor modifications for altitude 67 choke 16 clogged mower deck 43 controls brake pedal 15 Choke 16 fuel 14 h
55. n model 18 HP engine 38 inch deck HA4120H48A Hydrostatic transmission side discharge American model 20 HP engine 48 inch deck DIMENSIONS WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES Length 68 4 inches 1724 mm Width 49 7 inches 1262 mm 38 deck 59 2 inches 1504 mm 48 deck Height 40 7 inches 1042 mm Wheel Base 45 9 inches 1165 mm Weight 538 Ib 244 0 kg HA4118 w 38 deck 559 Ib 253 6 kg HA4120 w 48 deck Front Tires 15 x 6 00 6 10 psi 69 kPa Rear Tires 20 x 10 00 8 8 psi 55 kPa 108 SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE LN Governed Speed 3 200 150 rpm Valve Clearance cold Intake 0 13 0 17 mm Exhaust 0 18 0 22 mm NGK W16EPR U 0 028 0 031 inch 0 7 0 8 mm 109 SPECIFICATIONS TRANSMISSION DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE Type Hydrostatic fluid drive Speeds Infinitely variable Ground Forward 0 5 mph 0 8 0 km h Speeds Reverse 0 2 4 mph 0 3 8 km h Lube 3 6 quarts 3 4 liters SAE 10W 30 API classification SH only MOWER DECK DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE Twin blade belt Tri blade belt drive drive four point link four point link four three anti scalp roll anti scalp rollers 4 ers side discharge adjustable 1 fixed model side discharge model Cutting Width 38 inches 974 mm 48 inches 1230 mm Height Range 1 4inches 25mm 101 mm Blade Brake Mechanical arms Adjustments Left amp right and front amp rear heig
56. nstalled Never operate the lawn tractor without the screen IBS as m i pU Ne oia 2 Ti or installed Nd en mw Inspect the engine air cleaner v C g 1 i filter elements for damage or excessive dirt and dust Mower Deck Clear the top and bottom of the mower deck of any grass debris etc Make sure the discharge guard is properly installed Mulching Side discharge or Bagging The mower deck on your lawn tractor was manufactured with high lift blades for side discharge mowing Optional kits are available for mulching and baging Refer to the operator s manual supplied with the kit for specific installation and operation instructions Blades Make sure the mower deck blades are in good condition and the blade bolts are properly tightened The blades are subject to wear during operation and should be inspected each time the lawn tractor is used Duii blades can be sharpened but a blade that is worn out bent cracked or otherwise damaged must be replaced Height Adjustment Knob Set this knob to the appropriate position for mowing conditions 25 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO MOW Your safety is your responsibility A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk Knowledge Read and understand this manual Know what the controls do and how to operate them Familiarize yourself with the lawn tractor and its operation before you beg
57. nstalling the mower deck 17 CONTROLS Cutting Height Adjustment Knob Z M TL Lift lever must be in the TRANSPORT A position before turning cutting height knob E Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 1 4 inches 25 100 mm C d When lift lever is in TRANSPORT position lift EN lever all the way back cutting height is approximately 4 inches 100 mm The cutting height adjustment knob has cutting height adjustment numbers embossed in it Transmission Release This control is used to engage or disengage the hydrostatic transmission When operating the lawn tractor under its own power leave the control in the engaged position If you ever need to push the lawn tractor pull the control out and lock it in the released position Pushing or towing the lawn tractor with the transmission release control in the engaged position will damage the hydrostatic transmission Headlight Switch This switch is used to turn the headlights on or off This switch only works when the ignition key is in the ON position 18 BEFORE OPERATION This chapter explains how to fuel and check your lawn tractor to be sure it is ready and it tells you how to prepare your lawn and yourself before you begin mowing aeea tags theese heen eee nt Fees 20 People and 20 General 5 21 Engine Ol ESUVel
58. nt On a flat surface 500 Ib 227 kg On a grade 10 degrees or less 200 Ib 90 kg Maximum Tongue Weight Maximum allowable weight exerted by the trailer or attachment tongue onto the optional rear hitch Maximum tongue weight 44 Ib 20 kg 47 OPERATION 48 TRANSPORTING This section explains how to load and transport your lawn tractor safely 49 TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING 1 2 If your lawn tractor is equipped with an optional grass bag kit remove the bags hopper cover lower and upper chute If the engine has been running allow it to cool for at least 15 min utes before loading the lawn tractor Make sure to turn the fuel valve OFF Move the lift lever all the way back to TRANSPORT If you need to push the lawn tractor into position make sure the transmission release control is in the RELEASED position See page 18 LOADING AND UNLOADING 1 2 Transport the lawn tractor on a flat level trailer or truck bed The tiedown points should be near or on the floor Securely tie the lawn tractor down front and rear with ropes or straps Use front and rear axles when attaching the tiedowns Do not attach tiedowns to the steering rods When the lawn tractor is in position turn the fuel valve OFF to reduce the possibility of fuel leaking The lawn tractor may spill fuel if tited during loading or transport ing Wipe up spilled fuel immediately 90 MAINTENANCE This chapter explains
59. oes not cover parts damaged by accident or collision Gravel and Loose Objects Gravel loose stones and landscaping material can be picked up by the lawn tractor and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious personal injury and or property damage The best way to prevent potential injury from thrown objects is to push the PTO clutch knob to the OFF position prior to reaching areas with gravel loose stones or landscaping material 40 OPERATION MOWING TIPS Here are some tips for getting a quality cut with your lawn tractor When to Mow A well groomed lawn requires mowing at short regular intervals During the growing season a lawn may require mowing twice a week Cutting Height To prevent possible damage to the mower deck always raise it to the TRANSPORT position when driving the lawn tractor to and from the mowing area this provides maximum ground clearance To avoid damaging or disabling the mower deck height adjustment lever never attempt to move the lever when the lawn tractor is moving A higher cut may be needed to protect the lawn during the summer months Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for advice about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area Most grasses should be cut when they have grown 1 2 to 1 inch above the recommended height If your grass grows too tall cut it back a little at a time allowing a few days for the grass to recover between mowings
60. oken Make sure to replace fuse of proper amperage See your Honda dealer or an automotive parts store for fuse replacement Push new fuse into proper socket Lower hood Headlight Bulb Replacement See page 114 for replacement bulb part number 1 2 3 Open the engine hood Push and twist the bulb connector counterclockwise then remove the connector and bulb Push the bulb into the connector slightly and turn counterclock wise Remove bulb install the new bulb then align the tab on the bulb connector with the cutout in the headlight case Turn the bulb connector clockwise while pushing it in 71 MAINTENANCE MOWER DECK Replacing Mower Drive primary Belt The primary belt runs from the crankshaft pulley on the engine back to the main pulley on the mower deck Cleaning and replacing drive belt steps are similar for both 38 inch and 48 inch mowers See page 114 for replacement part numbers 1 2 3 Stop the engine disconnect both spark plug caps engage the parking brake and remove the key from the ignition Move the lift lever to the LOCKOUT position Disconnect the so rat lever from the hook bracket Pt and move lever all the way out LA toward you as far as it will go Remove the drive belt from TT the engine drive pulley and mower pulley Installation is the reverse of removal 72 MAINTENANCE Replacing Mower Deck secondary Belt 38 inch mower deck The
61. om impairing your lawn tractor s function and appear ance and will make the engine easier to start when you use the lawn tractor again Cleaning 1 Wash the lawn tractor including the underside of the mower deck Engine Wash the engine by hand and be careful to prevent water from entering the air cleaner Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water into the air cleaner Water in the air cleaner will soak the filter elements and can enter the carburetor or engine cylinder causing damage Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage If the engine has been running allow it to cool for at least half an hour before washing Mower Deck If using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment to clean the mower deck be careful to avoid getting water on the belts Spraying water on hot mower deck bearings can cause them to be damaged from cooling too quickly Before washing the underside of the mower deck be sure the park ing brake is set and the height adjustment lever is all the way up 100 STORAGE e Grass Bag optional kit Remove the grass bags from the hopper frame and wash them with a garden hose or pressure washing equipment Allow the bags to completely dry before storage After washing the lawn tractor wipe dry all accessible surfaces start the engine outdoors and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature to evaporate any water remaining on the engine
62. operate the lawn tractor over gravel or any other loose objects Be aware if children are in the area stop the lawn tractor and remove the ignition key to prevent accidental starting Keep Shields in Place Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and to keep you from touching hot engine parts and moving components For your safety and the safety of others keep all shields in place when the engine is running LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY Refuel with Care Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode Allow the engine to cool if the lawn tractor has been in operation Refuel only outdoors in a well ventilated area with the engine OFF Never fill the fuel tank beyond the maximum fill mark Never smoke near gasoline and keep other flames and sparks away Always store gasoline in an approved container Wear Protective Clothing Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury Long pants and eye protection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles provide better traction on the lawn tractor s plattorm and pedals Turn Engine Off When Not Operating the Lawn Tractor If you need to leave the lawn tractor for any reason even just to inspect the lawn ahead always turn the engine off And take the key if you go farther away Operation on Slopes This lawn tractor is intended for use on relatively flat terrain Operating the lawn tra
63. orm this carburetor modification 67 MAINTENANCE Even with carburetor modification engine horsepower will decrease about 3 5 for each 1 000 foot 300 meter increase in altitude The effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no carburetor modification is made 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 5 000 feet 1 500 meters with a modified carburetor may cause the engine to overheat and result in serious engine damage For use at low altitudes have an authorized Honda lawn tractor dealer return the carburetor to original factory specification Fuel Recommendations Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil gasoline mixture Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank Occasionally you may hear light spark knock or pinging metallic rapping noise while operating under heavy loads This is no cause for concern If spark knock or pinging occurs at a steady engine speed under normal load change brands of gasoline If spark knock or pinging persists see an authorized Honda lawn tractor dealer Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause en
64. orners shrubs trees or any other objects that may obscure your vision If you do strike an object stop set the parking brake remove the ignition key and inspect the lawn tractor for damage Repair any damage A WARNING The blades are sharp and spin at high speed A spinning blade can cut you severely and can amputate fingers and toes Wear protective footwear Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck while the engine is running Stop the engine before perform ing any adjustment inspection or maintenance 37 OPERATION Operation on Slopes Never mow on a sloped surface greater than 10 degrees 17 grade since this can cause the lawn tractor to tip over Use a slower speed for better control and avoid sudden stops or starts when on a sloped surface if you are unsure of the grade obtain an inclinometer from a hardware store to measure the area in question 10 DEGREES 17 GRADE MAXIMUM Always mow up and down a sloped surface never across Avoid sharp turns when operating the lawn tractor on a sloped surface When mowing on slopes empty the optional grass bags when they are half full Never operate the shift lever when mowing on a stoped surface Never mow a sloped surface when the grass is wet Avoid stopping on a sloped surface H it becomes necessary to stop on a sloped surface use the following special procedure when restarting the lawn tractor 38 OPERATION Sta
65. re pressing the forward or reverse travel pedal BRAKE PEDAL Throttle Lever Choke Your lawn tractor has separate throttle and choke controls located on the left side of the instrument panel The throttle lever controls the engine speed There is a detent in the throttle at the FAST position This is the location that will give optimum cutting performance CHOKE OFF Avoid using the throttle to control ground travel speed of the tractor Instead use the forward or reverse travel pedal The choke knob should be pulled out completely when starting a cold engine and gradually pushed in as the engine warms 16 CONTROLS PTO Knob PTO stands for Power Takeoff The PTO knob is used to apply power to the mower deck or other attachment The PTO knob has three positions OFF ON and REVERSE IMPLEMENT ON and OFF are used for normal operation when moving forward The spring loaded REVERSE IMPLEMENT position allows the mower deck to work when the lawn tractor is operated with the reverse travel pedal Lift Lever TRANSPORT oat Raises mower for transport LOCK OUT TRANSPORT FLOAT Mower should drop to desired cutting height by itself Under normal conditions mow with lever in FLOAT position LOCKOUT This position locks out the lift assist spring Use when mowing in rough terrain to prevent mower from inadvertently latching into transport position LOCKOUT is also used when removing and i
66. rovinces require this information to be posted on the pump The following are the approved percentages of oxygenates ETHANOL ethyl or grain alcohol 1096 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 10 ethanol by volume Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name Gasohol MTBE Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether 15 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 15 MTBE by volume METHANOL methyl or wood alcohol 5 by volume You may use gasoline containing up to 5 methanol by volume as long as it also contains cosolvents and cor rosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system Gasoline containing more than 5 methanol by volume may cause starting and or performance problems li may also damage metal rubber and plastic parts of your fuel system If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxy genates mentioned above are not covered under warranty 117 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE optional part The spark arrester is not standard on your lawn tractor but may be required for legal operation in some areas A spark arrester must be inspected cleaned every 100 hours of operation Park the lawn tractor on a flat level surface Set the parking brake ON and remove the ignitio
67. rting on a Sloped Surface WARNING Improper starting on sloped surfaces cause the lawn tractor to lose traction and tip over The lawn tractor can fall you and cause serious inju v or death Use the following procedure if you must start the lawn tractor on a sloped surface 1 Press the brake pedal all the way down and hold it there 2 Helease the parking brake 3 Quickly let up on the brake pedal and move your right foot to either the forward or reverse travel pedal 4 Gradually depress the forward or reverse travel pedal as required for a safe ground speed Obstacles Use the side of the mower deck to cut close to large obstacles such as fences or walls Be careful when mowing over obstacles embedded in the lawn such as sprinkler heads paving edging etc Avoid anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn If a blade hits something or if any part of the lawn tractor starts to vibrate stop the engine immediately and check for damage Striking objects may damage a blade belt and or break the mower deck or other components Vibration usually indicates serious trouble 39 OPERATION WARNING A worn cracked or damaged blade can break and pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous projectiles Thrown objects can cause serious injury Inspect the blade regularly and do not operate the lawn tractor with a worn or damaged blade The Distributor s Limited Warranty d
68. rty go to step 2 2 Remove the two 5 mm screws from the air cleaner cover and remove the paper element from the cover 3 Carefully check both elements for holes or tears Replace any ele ment that is damaged or excessively dirty Always use new o rings when you replace the elements See page 114 for replacement part numbers 4 Clean the foam element by squeezing it in warm soapy water rins ing it and allowing it to dry You may also use a nonflammable sol vent and then allow it to dry 61 MAINTENANCE A WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive You can be burned or seriously injured Never use gasoline to clean engine parts Use a nonflammable solvent 5 Oil the foam element by dipping it in clean engine oil and squeez ing out all excess oil If too much oil is left in the foam the engine will smoke when you first start it 6 Clean the paper element by lightly tapping it on a hard surface to knock off dirt or by blowing compressed air at less than 30 psi through the filter from the cover side Never try to brush off the dirt that will just force it into the filter fibers 7 Usea damp cloth to wipe any dirt from the inside of the air cleaner housing and cover Be careful not to allow dirt into the duct leading to the carburetor Be sure the rubber gaskets are in place an in good condition 8 Install the paper element in the cover and the foam element in the body 9 Install the co
69. ses s w DL LM 7 1 SPARK PLUGS MUFFLER SPARK ARRESTER eta FRONT BRACKET TENSION LEVER mower deck removal mower deck removal 99 MAINTENANCE SEAT Adjusting the Seat 1 Tip seat forward and loosen two knobs to slide seat assembly for ward or back to the most comfort able position 2 Tighten knobs after adjustment to Keep seat in place ENGINE Engine Hood The engine hood must be raised to perform some maintenance procedures on the lawn tractor The engine hood does not tock in the open position so be careful not to bump or knock it when it is open Open hood and loosen cap screw to adjust hood latch on Adjusting Hood Latch A jl both sides of tractor 2 Move latch up or down and FE 7 tighten cap screw Verify hood Sy CA closes properly and readjust s cap screws as needed Z ET li CAP SCREW 60 MAINTENANCE Air Cleaner Service Check that the air cleaner elements are clean and in good condition A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the engine reducing performance A damaged air cleaner will allow dirt to enter the engine causing rapid engine wear 1 Remove the wing bolt air cleaner cover and the foam element If the foam element appears clean over more than half its surface it does not need cleaning Reinstall the cover PAPER ELEMENT SMALL O RING FOAM ELEMENT lf the foam element appears di
70. t side of the engine The fuel valve must be ON to start the engine and should be OFF when transporting the lawn tractor Q C Ignition Switch The ignition switch is used to start and stop the engine The key can only be inserted and removed when turned to STOP Indicator Lamps The battery discharge lamp indicates the battery is discharging The low oil c7 pressure lamp indicates low oil pressure Both lights will come on _ briefly when starting the engine but should go off after the engine starts See TROUBLESHOOTING DISCHARGE LOW OIL PRESSURE page 90 for more details 14 CONTROLS Travel Pedals The travel pedals are used to control the forward and reverse movement of the lawn tractor The farther the pedal is pushed the greater the speed The pedals are linked so only one pedal may be pressed at one time REVERSE Brake Pedal The brake pedal is located on the right side of the lawn tractor When the brake pedal is pressed down the transmission drive is disengaged and a brake is applied to the rear wheels 15 CONTROLS Parking Brake PARKING BRAKE LEVER This lever located under the ignition switch is used to prevent movement of the lawn tractor when parked The lever can be set or released only when the brake pedal is fully pressed The parking brake lever should always be set before getting off the lawn tractor The parking brake lever should be released befo
71. t your mowing speed and cutting height accordingly Avoid mowing wet grass Not only does mowing wet grass result in poor cut quality it also affords poor traction increasing the risk of loss of control of your lawn tractor 20 BEFORE OPERATION CHECK YOUR LAWN TRACTOR For your safety and the service life of your equipment always inspect your lawn tractor before using it Before beginning your pre operation checks sure The lawn tractor is parked on a level surface The PTO clutch knob is OFF The ignition switch is OFF and the key is removed The parking brake is set General Items Walk around the lawn tractor and check its general condition Look around and underneath it for signs of fluid leaks Remove any excessive dirt and debris especially around the engine mower deck and moving components Look for signs of damage Check nuts bolts screws and pins for tightness Keep all shields and covers in place while operating the lawn tractor If you find any problems have them repaired before mowing 21 BEFORE OPERATION Engine Oil Level 1 Raise the engine hood The oil filler cap is located on the left side of the engine Clean the area around the oil filler cap unscrew it and wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth Insert the dipstick don t screw it back and remove it If the oil level is low near the bot tom add enough of the 3 recommended oil to bring the leve
72. th the 38 inch mower deck and the 48 inch mower deck except for the positioning of the anti scalp rollers on the 48 inch mower deck 1 Park the lawn tractor on a level surface Stop the engine Engage the parking brake Hemove the ignition key Allow the engine to fully cool Disconnect both spark plug caps If tire chains are installed remove them to prevent damage to the mower deck Put the lift lever all the way back to TRANSPORT upper position Turn the height adjustment knob to the blank mark on knob On 48 inch mowers only Pull out on J pins and turn anti scalp rollers 90 degrees on both sides of mower This position makes it easy to move the mower out from under the tractor Release J pins in shaft holes to lock rollers in position CAUTION The lift assist spring is under tension when the lift lever is not in the LOCKOUT position You can be injured by the lift spring Always move the lift lever to the LOCKOUT position before removing the mower deck 83 MAINTENANCE 5 Push lift lever all the way forward to LOCKOUT lower position LOCKOUT 6 Disconnect drive belt tension lever from hook bracket by pulling lever out of hole on bracket then up and toward you to relieve belt tension 7 Remove drive belt from tractor and mower pulieys 8 Puil out and down on front lift lever to disconnect front lift rod assembly from mower LIFT LEVER 04 9 10 11 12 13
73. tion 23 BEFORE OPERATION Fuel Capacity 2 5 US gal 9 5 liters Minimum pump octane rating 86 Refuel in a well ventilated area before starting the engine If the engine has been running allow it to cool before refueling Avoid overfilling or spilling fuel Fuel the lawn tractor with pump octane 86 or higher unleaded fuel Make sure the fuel cap is secure 1 Remove the cap and strainer empty any debris from the strainer Heplace the strainer when clean 2 Avoid overfilling or spilling fuel Fuel to the maximur fill mark WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive You can be burned or seriously injured when refueling otop the engine and keep heat sparks and flame away Refuel only outdoors Wipe up spills immediately 3 Never refuel the lawn tractor inside a building where fumes may reach a flame or spark Keep gasoline away from appliance pilot lights electric motors etc 4 Spilled fuel not only creates a tire hazard it can cause environmental damage Wipe up spills immediately Dispose of gasoline properly Fuel can damage paint and plastic Do not spill fuel when filling the fuel tank Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered under the Distributor s Limited Warranty 24 BEFORE OPERATION Cooling Air Intake Path and Air Filters Raise the engine hood then make sure the cooling air intake screen on the top of the engine is clear of grass and debris and is securely i
74. travel pedal To travel in reverse push down on the reverse travel pedal Your ground speed is controlled by the amount of pressure you use to push down on the travel pedals To increase speed in either direction increase pressure push down further on the appropriate travel pedal To decrease speed in either direction decrease pressure let up on the appropriate travel pedal On slopes and hills maintain a slow steady speed Also use slower ground speeds under the following conditions Sharp turns Mowing in narrow areas or near trees Trimming near obstructions Cutting tall or very thick grass For best cutting performance mowing speed should be determined based on grass conditions 33 OPERATION MOWING When you are ready to begin mowing approach the mowing area at a reduced ground speed Bring the lawn tractor to a full stop and adjust the cutting height of the mower see Adjusting Cutting Height To begin mowing make sure the throttle is set to FAST then engage the blades by pulling up on the PTO knob To stop the blades push down on the PTO knob Mowing In Reverse Use the HEVERSE IMPLEMENT position of the PTO knob to mow in reverse 1 Check behind you to be sure the area is clear of any peo ple pets or objects 2 Pullup and hold the PTO knob in the REVERSE IMPLEMENT position 3 Press the reverse travel pedal You can release the PTO knob once the reverse pedal is pressed
75. ver with its wing bolt Operating the engine with no air cleaner or with damaged elements can cause rapid engine wear 62 MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Engine oil capacity 2 2 US quarts 2 1 liters with filter change Recommended Oil Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life Use a 4 stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service classification SH SJ or equivalent Always check the API service label on the oil container to be sure it includes the letters SH SJ or equivalent 20 D 2n 40 en 80 1007F 30 20 10 0 Iu 20 3D 4D AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SAE 10W 30 is recommended for general use Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated range Using nondetergent oil can shorten the engine s service life and using 2 stroke oil can damage the engine 63 MAINTENANCE Changing the Change the oil at the recommended interval or more frequently under extreme operating conditions Drain the oil while the engine is warm to assure rapid and complete draining 1 Raise the engine hood 2 Clean the area around the oil filler cap and unscrew it 3 Nearthe bottom of the oil filler tube is the oil drain valve Position a suitable oil collection container that can hold at least 3 US quarts 3 3 liters below the oil drain valve 4 Loosen the drain valve and allow the engine oil to drain out
76. very hot and may cause engine damage Use only the recommended spark plug or equivalent A spark plug which has an improper heat range may cause engine damage 66 MAINTENANCE FUEL SYSTEM Changing the Fuel Filter We suggest you perform this procedure when the fuel tank is nearly empty Change the fuel filter at the recommended interval See page 114 for replacement part numbers 1 Start the lawn tractor and engage the parking brake 2 Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position 3 Place a container under the filter to catch umm any spilled fuel Oe SE 4 Squeeze the hose clamps remove 2 the lines from the filter 27 5 Install the new filter with the arrow point Py IE D u ing toward the engine 6 Be sure the clamps securely hold the fuel Oy par 5 SS lines to the new filter Open fuel valve start the engine and check for leaks 7 Dispose of the old filter and any spilled fuel properly Carburetor Modification for 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 a specific modification to the carburetor If you always operate your lawn tractor at altitudes above 5 000 feet 1 500 meters have an authorized Honda lawn tractor dealer perf

Honda Power Equipment HA4118H38A Lawn Mower User Manual

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