14

REFUELING

Honda recommends using a No Spill® gas can, which meets the
demanding requirements of the California Air Resources Board
(page 20).
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane rating of 86 or higher.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine
has been running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside a
building where gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks.
You may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10%
ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume. In addition, methanol must
contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. Use of fuels with content
of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above may cause starting
and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and
plastic parts of the fuel system. Engine damage or performance
problems that result from using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or
methanol greater than shown above are not covered under warranty.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
please refer to the fuel section of the STORAGE chapter (page 16) for
additional information regarding fuel deterioration.
NOTICE
Fuel can damage paint and some types of plastic. Be careful not to
spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is
not covered under your DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (see
page 21).
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or oil/gasoline mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
Adding Fuel
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Add fuel to the bottom of the
fuel level limit in the neck of
the fuel tank. Do not overfill.
Wipe up spilled fuel before
starting the engine.
3. After refueling, tighten the
cap until it clicks.
Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine.

CHARGING THE BATTERY (HMA)

The lawn mower does not have an internal charging system. A plug-in
charger is provided to recharge the battery. Use the plug-in charger
after prolonged storage or anytime you notice a decrease in starter
motor speed.
To assure maximum reliability, the battery should be charged before
prolonged storage and charged again at the beginning of the mowing
season. Charge the battery in a dry, well-ventilated area where the
temperature is moderate.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
1. Remove the battery cover by depressing the tabs located on the
sides and releasing the tab on top of the battery cover.
2. Disconnect the battery connector by depressing the connector tab
and pulling the battery connector from the harness connector,
which is located inside the battery case, above the battery.
3. Connect the battery connector to the charger supplied with the
mower.
NOTICE
Do not attempt to charge the battery with any charger other than the
one supplied with the mower. Use of a charger other than the one
supplied may result in damage to the electrical system or fire.
4. Plug the charger into a standard 120 Vac power outlet and let the
battery charge for 20 to 24 hours. The charger may become
slightly warm during charging. This is normal.
B WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can
be burned or seriously injured when refueling.
• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
• Refuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
MAXIMUM FUEL LEVEL
FUEL
TANK
CAP
BWARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct
procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away
from the battery.
X
40
40
TABS
BATTERY
COVER
BATTERY
CONNECTOR
HARNESS
CONNECTOR
CONNECTOR
TABS
X
40
BATTERY
CHARGER
BATTERY
CHARGER
CONNECTOR
PLUG INTO A
STANDARD
120 VAC
POWER
OUTLET.
BATTERY
CONNECTOR
HARNESS
CONNECTOR