honda-automobiles hrx217hxa User Manual

2

Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you 
follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most 
common hazards, according to accident statistics, are discussed 
below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.

Rotating blades 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 adjust the cutting height or work 
around the deck for any other reason, always shut off the engine. 
Wear heavy gloves and disconnect the spark plug cap when you need 
to clean the mower deck or handle the blades.

Mower blades can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to 
cause serious injury. Before mowing, carefully inspect the area and 
remove all sticks, stones, pieces of wire, and other loose objects. 
Never operate the blades over gravel.

Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by 
thrown objects and from hot engine parts and moving components. 
For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place 
when the engine is running.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode. 
Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF. 
Never smoke near gasoline and keep other flames and sparks away. 
Always store gasoline in an approved container.

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 slopes or uneven ground.

If you need to leave the mower for any reason, even just to inspect the 
lawn ahead, always turn the engine OFF.

YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. 
That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your child 
operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with 
any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. You can 
help prevent accidents by making good decisions about if, when, and 
how your child operates this equipment.

The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your child is capable of 
operating this mower safely. Remember, young people vary widely, 
and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.

Physically, a child must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG 
ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its direction. The child 
also needs enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably 
reach and operate the controls.

A tougher question you need to ask is if your child has enough 
MATURITY AND RESPONSIBILITY to safely operate this mower. 
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 mower.

If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the mower safely, 
CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL with your child. Make 
sure you both understand all instructions and safety information. Also, 
be sure your child wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing 
when operating or handling the mower.

SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your child during the 
first few minutes of mowing. Even after he or she has become 
confident with the mower, do not let him or her use the mower without 
good adult supervision. An adult should also be present during 
refueling and maintenance. In fact, it’s up to the adult owner to make 
sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating 
condition.

By always placing safety first, your child will acquire useful skills and a 
sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from 
your lawn mower.

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 an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.