Honda Power Equipment HRR216VXA owner manual Lawn Mower Safety, Important Message to Parents

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LAWN MOWER SAFETY

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

Avoid Rotating Blades

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.

Clear Mowing Area

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.

Keep Shields in Place

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.

Refuel with Care

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.

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 will help protect your feet and give you better traction on slopes or uneven ground.

Turn Engine Off When Not Mowing

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

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS

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 injuries 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.

Another, 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.

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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.

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 an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.

DANGER

KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY

CAUTION

HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.

Stay away if engine has been running.

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Contents Introduction Safety MessagesContents Important Message to Parents Lawn Mower SafetySafety Label Locations Setting UP Your NEW Mower Check Your Mowing Area Control Locations Before OperationIs Your Lawn Mower Ready to GO? Mulching Plug Handlebar Height AdjustmentGET the Mower Ready Grass BagOperation Safe Operating PrecautionsCutting Height Adjustment Starting the EngineThrottle Lever Operating the Controls for MowingStopping the Engine Blade Control SystemSafe Mowing Practices Maintenance SafetyServicing Your Lawn Mower Blades Maintenance ScheduleRegular Service Period Fuel CAP Blade Bolts BladesCleaning Grass BAG Cleaning and ReplacementBlade Removal and Installation ReplacementEngine Oil Level Check Engine MaintenanceAir Cleaner Service Engine Oil RecommendationsRefueling Spark Plug ServiceSpark Arrester Service if equipped Recommended spark plug NGK BPR5ESPreparing for Storage TransportingStorage Fuel Storage ContainerDrying Placing in StorageRemoving from Storage Handlebar FoldingMowing And Bagging Problems Taking Care of Unexpected ProblemsLoss Of Power Engine Will Not StartCarburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation Technical InformationSerial Number Locations Emission Control SystemSpecifications AIR IndexConsumer Information Replacement Parts Optional EQUIPMENT, and Service ItemsCustomer Service Information Dealer Locator InformationHonda Accessories, Replacement Parts, And Apparel Distributors Limited WarrantyHonda Power Equipment Emission Control System Warranty Systems Covered Parts By this Warranty DescriptionPage Page Print the serial Business Reply Mail