honda-power-equipment hrx217vka User Manual

1

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are 
certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest 
lawn mowers on the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new mower and to 
operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do 
that; please read it carefully.

We suggest you read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY 
(page 19) and EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY 
(page 20) to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of 
ownership.

When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that 
an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing 
Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of 
American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction 
and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Keep this owner’s manual handy so you can refer to it at any time. 
This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn 
mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in 
effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., 
Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change 
specifications or design at any time without notice and without 
incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be 
reproduced without written permission.

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have 
provided important safety messages in this manual and on the 
mower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt 
you or others. Please read these messages carefully.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the 
hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You 
must use your own good judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms:

• Safety Labels – on the lawn mower.

• Instructions – how to use this mower correctly and safely.

• Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert 

A symbol and one 

of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These 
signal words mean:

Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and 
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

• Damage Prevention Messages – You will also see other 

important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This 
word means:

∗

∗ For more information regarding cable adjustment or how to mow 

your lawn, see FAQs at www.hondapowerequipment.com/faq/.

B 

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY 
HURT if you don't follow instructions.

B 

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY 
HURT if you don't follow instructions.

B 

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow 
instructions.

Your lawn mower or other property can be 
damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

INTRODUCTION...................................... 1

SAFETY MESSAGES .............................. 1

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO 

PARENTS......................................... 2

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS.......... 2

IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY 

TO GO? ............................................ 4

CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA ...... 4

GET THE MOWER READY.............. 5

MOWING PRECAUTIONS ............... 7

STARTING THE ENGINE................. 7

OPERATING THE CONTROLS 

FOR MOWING.................................. 7

STOPPING THE ENGINE ................ 7

SAFE MOWING PRACTICES .......... 8

MAINTENANCE SAFETY................. 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........... 9

BLADES............................................ 9

GRASS BAG CLEANING AND 

REPLACEMENT............................. 10

ENGINE MAINTENANCE............... 11

REFUELING ................................... 13

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS..... 16

CARBURETOR 

MODIFICATION FOR HIGH 

ALTITUDE OPERATION ................ 16

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM .... 16

AIR INDEX ...................................... 17

SPECIFICATIONS .......................... 17

REPLACEMENT PARTS, 

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND 

SERVICE ITEMS ............................ 18

DEALER LOCATOR

INFORMATION ..........................18

CUSTOMER SERVICE 

INFORMATION............................... 18

DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED 

WARRANTY ................................... 19

ACCESSORIES, REPLACEMENT 

PARTS, AND APPAREL

WARRANTY ................................... 19

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM 

WARRANTY ................................... 20

B

B

The engine exhaust from this product contains 

chemicals known to the State of California to cause 

cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

© 2003-2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

31VH7V22
00X31-VH7-V220

 POM31VH7V22

XXXX.2008.09

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

 IPC