15
NOTICE
Do not charge the battery for more than 24 hours or the battery
may be damaged. Disconnect the battery charger from the battery
before storing the lawn mower.
5. After the battery has charged, disconnect the charger and
reconnect the battery connector to the harness connector.
6. Replace the battery cover. Do not operate without the battery
cover installed.

REPLACING THE FUSE (HMA)

The electric starter circuit and battery are protected by a 40 ampere
fuse. If the fuse burns out, the electric starter will not operate. The
engine can be started manually if the fuse burns out.
1. Remove the battery cover by depressing the tabs located on the
sides and releasing the tab on top of the battery cover.
2. Locate the fuse case above the battery.
3. Remove and inspect the fuse. If it is burned out, install the spare
40 ampere fuse provided with the mower as shown.
NOTICE
Never use a fuse with a rating other than 40 amperes. Serious
damage to the electrical system or a fire can result.
If a frequent fuse failure occurs, it usually indicates a short circuit or
an overload in the electrical system. Take the mower to an authorized
Honda servicing dealer for repair.
TRANSPORTING
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes
before loading the mower on the transport vehicle. A hot engine and
exhaust system can burn you and ignite some materials.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. This will prevent carburetor
flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
2. If installed, remove the grass bag.
If a suitable loading ramp is not available, two people should lift the
mower on and off the transport vehicle while holding the mower level.
Position the mower so all four wheels are on the bed of the transport
vehicle. Tie the mower down with rope or straps and block the wheels.
Keep the tie-down rope or straps away from the controls, adjustment
levers, cables, and the carburetor.
The handlebar can be folded so the mower will take up less space.
STORAGE

PREPARING FOR STORAGE

Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your lawn mower
trouble free and looking good. The following steps will help keep rust
and corrosion from impairing your lawn mower’s function and
appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use
the lawn mower again.

Cleaning

Engine

Wash the engine by hand and be careful to prevent water from
entering the air cleaner.
NOTICE
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water
into the air cleaner. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper filter
and can enter the carburetor or engine cylinder, causing damage.
Water contacting a hot engine can cause damage. If the engine has
been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before washing.

Mower Deck

Wash the lawn mower, including the underside of the mower deck.
If using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment to clean the
mower deck, be careful to avoid getting water into controls and
cables, or anywhere near the engine air cleaner or muffler opening.
Before washing the underside of the mower deck, be sure the fuel
valve is in the OFF position. Disconnect the spark plug cap. Rest the
mower on its right side so the air cleaner side is up. This will help
prevent fuel leakage and hard starting due to carburetor flooding.
Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blades.

Grass Bag

Remove the bag from the mower and wash it with a garden hose or
pressure washing equipment. Allow the bag to dry completely before
storage.

Drying

1. After washing the lawn mower, wipe dry all accessible surfaces.
2. With the mower in an upright position, open the Clip Director, start
the engine outdoors, engage the blade control lever, and let the
engine run until it reaches normal operating temperature to
evaporate any water remaining on the engine.
3. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
4. After the lawn mower is clean and dry, touch up any damaged
paint (touch-up paint part numbers are on page 20) and coat other
areas that may rust with a light film of oil. Lubricate the control
cable cores with a silicone spray lubricant (page 20).

Charging the Battery (HMA)

To assure maximum reliability, the battery should be charged both
before and after prolonged storage. A plug-in charger is provided to
charge the battery (page 14).
NOTICE
Do not charge the battery for more than 24 hours or the battery may
be damaged. Disconnect the battery charger from the battery before
storing the lawn mower.
X
40
40
SPARE
FUSE
FUSE CASE
Inspect the fuse
to see if it is
blown.
40 AMPERE FUSE
BLOWN