Champion Power Equipment 72531i Owner's Manual

31VK671000X31-VK6-7100IPC3240.2006.08POM53745-A PRINTED IN U.S.A.Printed onRecycled PaperEM4© 2004–2005 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Res

8CONTROLS & FEATURESCOMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS BLADE CONTROL LEVERHANDLEBARSHIFT LEVERTHROTTLE LEVERDISCHARGE GUARDRECOIL STARTERFUEL TANK

CONTROLS & FEATURES9BLADE CONTROLLEVERHANDLEBARBLADE CONTROL BUTTONAIR CLEANERCARBURETOR AND FUEL VALVECUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

CONTROLS & FEATURES10DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLSFuel ValveThe fuel valve opens and closes the fuel passage from the fuel tank to the carburetor.Thrott

CONTROLS & FEATURES11Blade Control Lever The blade control lever starts and stops blade rotation. Drive Clutch Lever The drive clutch lever engage

CONTROLS & FEATURES12Shift Lever The shift lever selects and controls the self-propelled drive speed.SLOW Use a slow speed for mowing thick gra

13BEFORE OPERATIONARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your r

BEFORE OPERATION14Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower• Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks.• Look f

BEFORE OPERATION15GET THE MOWER READYGrass BagA lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings.

BEFORE OPERATION16Mulching PlugTo mulch the grass clippings rather than bag them, install the mulching plug.1. Stop the engine.2. Raise the discharge

17OPERATIONMOWING PRECAUTIONSBefore operating the mower for the first time, please review IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (page 4) and the previous chapt

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 re

OPERATION183. Place your foot on the mower deck step. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter g

OPERATION19OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWINGThrottle LeverFor best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blad

OPERATION20Drive Clutch LeverPush the drive clutch lever forward to propel the mower.Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward moveme

OPERATION21Shift Lever Use the shift lever to select the forward speed at which you wish to mow.Do not use the throttle lever to adjust your forward s

OPERATION22STOPPING THE ENGINE1. Release the drive clutch and blade control levers.2. Move the throttle lever to STOP.3. When the mower is not in use,

OPERATION23SAFE MOWING PRACTICESFor your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to avoid losing your footing and your control of t

OPERATION24ObstaclesUse the side of the mower to cut close to large obstacles, such as fences or walls.Release the drive clutch lever to disengage the

OPERATION25MOWING TIPS When to MowMost grasses should be mowed when they have grown 1/2 to 1 inch above their recommended height.More frequent mowing

OPERATION26Blade SharpnessA sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving shredded ends that turn brown. When your blade doesn’t cut

OPERATION27Mowing PatternsYour Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equ

INTRODUCTION1Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest lawn

28SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWERTHE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCEGood maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also h

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER29MAINTENANCE SAFETYSome of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable ha

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER30MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE(1) For commercial use, log hours of operation to determine the proper maintenance intervals.(2) Servic

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER31BLADESInspection1. Move the throttle lever to STOP and the fuel valve to OFF (page 10).2. Disconnect the spark plug cap fro

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER32Blade Removal and InstallationIf you remove the blades for sharpening or replacement, you will need a torque wrench for ins

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER33Blade Installation 1. Clean dirt and grass from around the blade mounting area.2. Install the blades using the two blade

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER34GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENTGrass Bag CleaningWash the bag with a garden hose, and allow it to dry completely before

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER35ENGINE MAINTENANCEEngine Oil Level Check1. Unscrew and remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.2. Insert and remov

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER36Engine Oil ChangeDrain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely.1. Put the throttle le

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER37Air Cleaner ServiceA dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine performance. If you operate

INTRODUCTION2A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETYYour safety and the safety of others are very important. Using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibil

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER38Foam element: Clean it in warm soapy water and rinse or clean it in nonflammable solvent; allow it to dry thoroughly. Apply

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER392. Remove the spark plug with a 13/16 in (21 mm) spark plug wrench. 3. Inspect the spark plug. Replace it if the electrodes

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER40Spark Arrester Service (optional equipment)Your lawn mower engine is not factory-equipped with a spark arrester. In some ar

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER41CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTSBlade Control Lever Adjustment1. Push the button down on the blade control lever and measure free

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER42Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment1. Remove the grass bag and raise the discharge guard.2. Remove the screw from the transmissio

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER436. While holding the drive clutch lever all the way forward, look through the cover plate hole and check the position of th

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER44THROTTLE CABLE INSPECTIONThrottle cable adjustment is necessary if the throttle lever does not operate the choke properly.Y

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER45FUEL SYSTEMRefueling Fuel tank capacity: 0.53 US gal (2.0 l)If the fuel level is low, refuel in a well-ventilated area w

SERVICING YOUR LAWN MOWER46Never refuel the engine inside a building where gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks. Keep gasoline away from applianc

47STORAGESTORAGE PREPARATIONProper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower trouble free and looking good. The following steps wil

3CONTENTSLAWN MOWER SAFETY ...4IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ...

STORAGE482. After washing the lawn mower, wipe dry all accessible surfaces.3. With the mower in an upright position, start the engine outdoors, and le

STORAGE49FuelGasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel sy

STORAGE50Draining the Carburetor and Fuel Tank1. Make sure the fuel valve is OFF (page 22).2. Remove the carburetor drain bolt with a 10 mm wrench, an

STORAGE51Engine CylinderRemove the spark plug (page 38). Pour a tablespoon(5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope sev

STORAGE52PLACING IN STORAGE If your mower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gaso

53TRANSPORTINGBEFORE LOADINGIf the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the mower on the transport vehicle

54TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMSENGINE WILL NOT STARTLOSS OF POWERPossible Cause CorrectionFuel valve OFF. Turn the fuel valve ON. (page 10)Thrott

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS55VIBRATION PROBLEMSMOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMSPossible Cause CorrectionGrass and debris lodged under mower deck. Cl

56SET-UPTools Required12 mm wrenchLoose PartsUse the following included loose parts to set up the lawn mower.Handlebar Setup1. Slip a handle support h

SET-UP572. Insert the 8 x 40 mm lower handle bolts and finger tighten them.3. Insert the 8 x 40 mm upper handle bolts into one of the holes at the des

4LAWN MOWER SAFETYIMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONMost accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual an

SET-UP587. From the grass bag side of the handle, insert the stud on the end of the handle support plate through the handle support hanger. Make sure

SET-UP59Engine OilThe mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine.A bottle of oil is included in the box with your mower. Add the entire contents of th

SET-UP60Before OperationBefore using the lawn mower, all mower operator’s must read the following chapters and sections:• LAWN MOWER SAFETY (page 4)•

61TECHNICAL & CONSUMERINFORMATIONTECHNICAL INFORMATIONSerial Number LocationsThere are two serial numbers, one for the engine and one for the mowe

Technical & Consumer Information62Carburetor Modification for High Altitude OperationAt high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture wi

Technical Consumer Information63Oxygenated FuelsSome conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are c

Technical & Consumer Information64EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSource of EmissionsThe combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, a

Technical Consumer Information65Replacement PartsThe emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform

Technical & Consumer Information66Air IndexAn Air Index Information hang tag/label is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time

Technical Consumer Information67SPECIFICATIONSMower ModelDimensions, Weights and CapacitiesHRC216HXA Manual starting, self-propelled, hydrostatic tran

LAWN MOWER SAFETY5IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTSYOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this message before le

Technical & Consumer Information68Engine Design and PerformanceTransmission Design and PerformanceEngine Model GXV160AEngine Type 4-stroke, overhe

Technical Consumer Information69MaintenanceTune-upFuel Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.page 46Engine Oil SAE 10W-30, API S

Technical & Consumer Information70CONSUMER INFORMATIONReplacement Parts, Optional Equipment, and Service ItemsContact an authorized Honda servicin

Technical Consumer Information71Dealer Locator InformationTo find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United States:Visit our website

Technical & Consumer Information72Distributor's Limited WarrantyThis warranty is limited to the following Honda Power Equipment products when

Technical Consumer Information73To Obtain Warranty Service:You must take the Honda Power Equipment product, accessory, replacement part, apparel or th

Technical & Consumer Information74Accessories, Replacement Parts, and Apparel WarrantyThis warranty is limited to Honda Power Equipment parts, acc

Technical Consumer Information75Emission Control System WarrantyYour new Honda Power Equipment engine complies with the U.S. EPA, Environment Canada a

Technical & Consumer Information76Warranty Coverage: Honda power equipment engines manufactured after January 1, 1995 and sold in the State of Cal

Technical Consumer Information77Emission Control System Warranty Parts:SYSTEMS COVEREDBY THIS WARRANTY:PARTSDESCRIPTION:Fuel Metering Carburetor assem

LAWN MOWER SAFETY6IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERSAs an employer, you have special responsibilities to the people who work for you.Before you ask anyone

78INDEXAAccessories warranty . . . . . 74Air Cleaner Service . . . . . . . 37Air Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Altitude, High Altitude Opera

INDEX79NNOTICE symbol . . . . . . . . . . 1OOilCapacity . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Level Check . . . . . . . .

INDEX80

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATIONFuel TypeUnleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (page 46)Engine oil Type SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later (

31VK671000X31-VK6-7100IPC3240.2006.08POM53745-A PRINTED IN U.S.A.Printed onRecycled PaperEM4© 2004–2005 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Res

LAWN MOWER SAFETY7TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD B71.4, ANY REPLACEMENTUNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIALAND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FORBAG REPLACEMENT.