Hard cold start on 5.5 Hp Honda push mower but once warm it starts on first pull. Seems to be after it sits between mow jobs?

Hard cold start on 5.5 Hp Honda push mower but once warm it starts on first pull. Seems to be after it sits between mow jobs?

Every lawn mower I've had starts a lot easier after it has run for a while.

Check the spark gap of the sparking plug. If it's too wide the spark won't be strong enough to ignite the fuel and air mixture. Also ensure you use the choke to make the mixture richer (ie more petrol than air) when it's cold.

Tune it up. New spark plugs. Clean, new gasoline. Clean the air filter.

Is there a primer button to push a few times prior to pulling the cord?

If there's a primer pump button it's probably bad.

I have a honda -self propelled mower and I had that problem. The 1st year after tuning
it, The mower mechanic suggested I put a cap full of Marvel mystery oil per tank of gas
and so, after doing that, now for 3 years it seems to have down wonders. Still takes 2
pulls every spring & the rest of the year, but has not missed a beat.

I have same mower and 2 or 3 pulls after sitting quiet for 6 months is not unusual. Push the lever to CHOKE or START which is the farthest point so it pulls the cable the farthest. I don't add anything to my gas, nor do I drain it over the winter. Just check to see if the oil is the right level and then start it.
Honda motor is sensitive when the oil is too low. The mower will not start. It is to protect the motor.