thank you for taking the time to post this up .it's been posted as a sticky so it's not lost

 

Honda Snow Blowers - Country of Origin
Aggregated from Robert@Honda posts and other sources​

Up to about 2002, the entire 2-stage series of Honda snow blowers including the engines were made in Japan. (HS50, HS55, HS70, HS80, HS522, HS622, HS624, HS724, HS828, HS928, HS1132) The early HSxx 2-stages used friction drive, while the HSx22 machines used gear drive. Later HS 2-stages used a Honda-built hydrostatic drive.

From 2002 to 2014, all Honda 2-stage models (both track and wheel drive) were made at Honda plants in Japan, with GX engines for these units cast, machined & assembled at the Honda plant in Thailand, and then sent to Japan for final assembly before being shipped to the USA/Canada. (HS622, HS624, HS724, HS828, HS928, HS1132, HS1332)

All single-stage machines prior to the HS520 were made in Japan. (HS35, HS521, HS621) and most had GX OHV engines; one exception was the HS35, which had a 150cc G150 flathead engine.

All current Honda single-stage machines are totally manufactured at the Swepsonville, North Carolina plant, and that includes the GC/GS engines, which are cast, machined, and assembled at that location. This includes all current HS720 models (3 versions) and late model HS520 machines (2 versions).

All current Honda 2-stage machines sold in the USA, Canada, most European locations, and Japan are the HSS series, and are built at Honda's plant in Swepsonville, North Carolina. (HSS724, HSS928, HSS1332) These machines use a HydroGear hydrostatic drive. The GX engines for these machines are made at Honda's massive engine plant in Thailand. The exceptions to this are the HS1336i & HSM1336i 'Hybrid' track models, which are made in Japan.

For the most part, the core machine is the same for all markets, as are the performance specs, tons-per-hour, fuel tank capacity, etc. Each country/distributor has the option to add/subtract specific features to fit their market and sales goals. American Honda elected to only fit the Auger Protection System to the top HSS model, while Honda Canada elected to fit it to other HSS models. It boils down to what the sales and marketing teams think the best mix will be, and still make the price and profit points.

Finally, the vast majority of small gas Honda engines are made for third party firms who fit the engines to non-Honda equipment. Think log splitters, non-Honda lawn mowers, go-karts, pressure washers, generators, etc. The exception is Honda snow engines; these are only made for installation on Honda snow blowers.

 

Honda introduces HSS Series snow blowers
New dual-stage machines incorporate advanced design and features.
August 18, 2015

Honda Power Equipment today introduced its all-new HSS Series of premium snow blowers for North American and European markets. Designed with an emphasis on quality, reliability, and ease of use, the new HSS724A, HSS928A and HSS1332A two-stage models deliver superior performance and enhanced control and handling for both residential and commercial users.

The all-new HSS Series products are being manufactured domestically at Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. (HPE) in Swepsonville, NC, using domestic and globally sourced parts, allowing for increased flexibility to meet customer demand. Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in North Carolina and Honda R&D Co., Ltd., in Japan collaborated to design and develop the all-new HSS snow blowers, integrating a host of innovative design elements that contribute to simplicity of operation, superior snow removal and exceptional quality—all with a central focus on performance that delivers.

Ten all-new U.S. HSS snow blower models, each equipped with dramatic enhancements, are replacing the existing HS Series snow blower model counterparts. Key features include:

• Finger Tip Steering Control – conveniently located hand lever controls allows for easy maneuvering, and disengagement of transmission for easy movement when not powered (all models)
• Hydrostatic Transmission (HST) – far superior than traditional disk drive; provides single-lever variable speed control when operating in forward or reverse (all models)
• Joystick Electric Chute Control – single joystick control (4-directions) provides precision control of chute rotation and discharge angle; directly powered by the engine’s power coil; no battery required (all models)
• DC Electric Start – no extension cord necessary; easy starting with the on-board battery, which is automatically charged by the engine (all electric start models)
• Blower Diameter Increased – for increased snow removal speed and discharge distance
• HSS724A increased from 252 to 300 mm (11.8 inches) over previous model
• HSS928A increased from 300 to 340 mm (13.4 inches) over previous model
• HSS1332A increased from 300 to 340 mm (13.4 inches) over previous model
• Chamfered Scraper Bar – design allows for edge of scraper to hit snow and ice patches flush and evenly for improved snow clearing to the pavement (all models)
• LED Headlight – integrated into cover for improved night visibility; brighter, long lasting, and never burns out (all models)
• Auger Height Lever – adjustable gas strut to raise/lower and position the entire auger housing precisely, providing prefect ground clearance over gravel or non-smooth surfaces. (all track models)
• Wheel Diameter – increased to 14” diameter with directional tread for more ground contact and improved traction (all wheel models)
• Oil Drain location – improved for easier access (all models)
• Offset Blower Shear Bolt – unique design that provides for quick replacement and protects both auger and blower from damage (all models)
• Auger Protection System – protects the shear bolts (HSS1332 models only)
• Hour Meter – monitors hours of operation (HSS1332 models only)
• Precision Deflector Chute – double-articulated deflector improves distance accuracy control (HSS1332AATD model only)
• Impeller Shield – optimized to more efficiently direct snow into the blower (all models)
• Reversible Skid Shoes – increased durability, offering twice the wear surface (all models)
• 3-Year Commercial and Residential Warranty (all HSS models)

When it comes to snow throwing distance, the all-new Honda HSS snow blowers boast superior performance. Lightweight, right-sized GX engines, providing reliable power and quick starts, a pulley size optimized for top speed of the impeller, and an impeller wing positioned at 90 degrees for increased efficiency all work to contribute to increased snow throwing capability for each model.

“Snow removal is a tough job, and Honda engineers developed the all-new HSS Series snow blowers with an eye on both the residential customer and the commercial operator,” said Scott Conner, senior vice president, Honda Power Equipment. “Honda has incorporated a number of advanced features into the design of the HSS models to put more power behind the job of blowing snow—resulting in enhanced performance and ease of use.”
The Power Behind the Product

At the heart of every Honda snow thrower is a world-renowned, easy-starting engine that delivers smooth, quiet, reliable 4-stroke power and low emission levels. The new HSS724A, HSS928A, and HSS1332A models are powered by Honda GX Series Engines—the 200cc GX200 overhead valve (OHV) engine, the 270cc GX270 OHV engine, and 390cc GX390 OHV engine respectively. The mid-sized GX200 model is a single-cylinder, horizontal-shaft engine equipped with a number of design enhancements, including a new carburetor chamber coating; an improved recoil rope design; and an added carburetor filter—all of which help improve its fuel efficiency, reliability and durability. Larger GX270 and GX390 engines feature a rugged OHV design, an advanced combustion chamber design, variable ignition timing, and an increased compression ratio—all working to ensure a high level of durability and reliability, increased power output, and fuel efficiency. In addition, the new HSS724AWD, HSS724ATD, HSS928AWD, HSS928ATD, and HSS1332ATD models incorporate an on-board battery for electric start capability.

The new Honda HSS snow blowers have a standard three-year warranty for residential and commercial use, and all models meet all current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards. These new snow throwers will be available nationally through Honda Power Equipment dealers starting September 1, 2015.

 

About Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing, Inc.

On August 6, 2014, Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. (HPE) marked the 30th anniversary of operations at its Swepsonville, North Carolina facility by announcing a new $8.5 million investment in plant operations to innovate production processes and add new products to its manufacturing lines, including two-stage snow blowers and generator models. Less than one year after this announcement, HPE celebrated the start of production of the all-new HSS Series two-stage snow blower line with a ceremony at its operation on June 9, 2015.

The 375,000 square-foot facility, which houses both Honda power equipment production and R&D operations, has long served as a major producer of Honda power equipment products for worldwide distribution, with the capacity to produce upwards of two million premium-quality Honda power equipment products each year. In 2013 alone, more than 400,000 North Carolina-made Honda power equipment products were exported to overseas markets, marking a record for the company. Honda's total investment in its Swepsonville operations is nearly $250 million.

The Swepsonville plant, which today employs more than 600 associates, has produced more than 30 million products using domestic and globally sourced parts during its 30-year history. HPE is the largest manufacturing operation in Alamance County, which also serves as home to Honda Aero in Burlington, maker of the HondaJet HF120 turbofan engines. Additional Honda operations based in North Carolina include Honda Aircraft Company in Greensboro, maker of the HondaJet advanced light jet, and American Honda Finance Company in Charlotte, which provides financing to consumers who buy Honda products. Honda total employment in North Carolina is nearly 3,000.

Today, HPE is the sole global production source for all Honda GC and GCV general-purpose engines and all Honda single-stage snow blowers. HPE provides these products – vital tools for residential and commercial users – to customers around the world.

HPE is supported by a network of suppliers that provide integral components for manufacturing. Currently, 155 domestic and international suppliers work with HPE; 45 of those suppliers are based in North Carolina. HPE has purchased nearly $500 million in parts from North Carolina suppliers, and the company will continue to work closely with the local community as the Honda business grows.

The Honda power product research and development team also is based at the HPE campus, where most lawn mower, snow blower and several general-purpose engines are designed and developed. Originally based in Ohio, the Honda power product R&D team moved to North Carolina in 1993 to be closer to power product manufacturing. As a result, Honda has greater synergies between development and production teams.

 

Tabora, In the description of the expanded diameters on the new machines, I think the decimal point is one point to far to the left. (50 mm is approx. 1.8 in not 11.8 and so on)

 

That's the original Honda press release. You're misinterpreting... They're giving you the old diameter in mm, the new diameter in mm and the new diameter in inches.

 

Honda Shear Bolt Guard System
The slip sensor plate normally spins along with the driven gear, but, if the auger shaft stops turning (due to an obstruction) a lobe on the driven gear forces the plate outward, engaging a limit switch that shuts down the engine.

 

Hope I’m not mucking up the Honda Repository but I have a question here. I’m presuming this post is about the auger lock mechanism. I’ve only got 8 hours under my belt and have only replaced one shear pin in my early days: the carriage bolt one that is on what I guess is the impeller? I did not get a shut down from the auger lock which I’m guessing is pictured here. Could it be that it only functions when one of the actual two augers is locked up? a la the side shear bolts - the non carriage bolt heads?? The engine did not shut off, that’s for sure. Is there a way to test the auger lock feature? Thanks ahead of time.

Delta

 

Adjusting an HSxx Friction Disk

 

Various HS Snow Blower Information

• HSxx Snow Blower Brochure from 1985
• Dealer Setup Instructions for HS624-HS1132 Snow Blowers
• New Honda HS928 & HS1332 Snow Blowers Oct 2011
• Honda Snow Throwers - Japan
• Revised HS720 Wheels
• HS720 Press Announcement Oct 2014
• HS720 Handlebar Setup Torque

 

Various HSS Snow Blower Information & Maintenance Items #1

• Honda Two-Stage Snow Blower Maintenance Video
• Honda Snowblowers Brochure 2017-2018
• GX Carburetor Check Sheet
• BE-Type Carb Cleaning
• Coils Specs
• GX390 Bolt Torque Values
• HSS Shear Bolt Specs
• Honda GX390 Maintenance Guide
• Wiring Diagrams

 

Various HSS Snow Blower Information & Maintenance Items #2

• Track Adjustment
• Drive Belt Adjustment #1
• Drive Belt Adjustment #2
• Hydro-Gear SST Transaxle Service Manual
• Chute Removal & Installation #1
• Chute Removal & Installation #2
• Honda Extender Installation Instructions
• Fuel Lever Extension - Full Story Here: hss1332 fuel shut off lever too short
• LED A/C Volts Chart
• HSS1332ATD Hour Meter Wiring

 

Various HSS Snow Blower Information & Maintenance Items #3

• Re-jetting Video
• Speed Adjustment Video
• GX390 Torque & HP Graph
• Throttle-Idle Adjustment #1
• Throttle-Idle Adjustment #2
• Service Bulletin #30
• Service Bulletin #31
• Service Bulletin #29
• Oil Filling Procedures
• Drainzit - HON1012 for GX390 & GX270, HON1010 for GX200 - Other sizes here: Small Engines – Drainzit
• Carburetor Float Bowl Orientation
• Re-Jetting Notes & Stock Jets Lists - Note updated jetting starting at S/N 2000001:

Rejetting video:

Speed Adjustment video:

 

Honda HS High Chute Crank & High Handlebar Mods

High Chute Crank Handle mod moves the chute rotation handle on your Honda snow blower from below the handlebars by your knees, to above the handlebars at a ergonomically comfortable height. This is WAY better than the stock Honda setup.

High Handlebar with clutch lever mod adds a second set of handlebars almost six inches higher than the Honda bars, yet allows you to use the original bars as well. This is another great ergonomic modification and is especially useful if you're over about 5'9". Some drilling required.

 

Ancient History - 1970 Honda F28 / G28 Snowblower-Rototiller

 

The Hybrids - HS1336iA & HSM1336iK2ATDR

Honda Technology｜Honda

Advanced technologies for Honda's future, latest technology information

global.honda

Experiencing the $8,000 Honda Hybrid You Can't Drive

The Civic Hybrid and Accord Plug-In Hybrid may have been discontinued, but Honda's got another hybrid that’s only $8,000.

www.motortrend.com

The Mighty Mega Machine of Winter - Honda HS1336IAS Snow Blower

The Honda HS1336IAS is a <b>Hybrid Snow Blower</b>. Find out why we call this snow blower a Mega Machine.

www.snowblowersatjacks.com

 

Various HSS Snow Blower Information & Maintenance Items #4

• HSS Impeller Kit Video - More info: 100% Stainless HONDA Snowblower Direct Fit Impeller Kit HSS724 HSS928 HSS1332 | eBay
• Oxford Heated Handgrips Video
• Honda Snowblowers Brochure 2019-2020
• HST Troubleshooting
• Chute Control Removal/Installation
• Chute Control Inspection
• Oxford Heated Handgrips EL801Z Info
• Press Release HS/HSS Snow Blowers August 2015
• Avoiding Fuel-Related Problems - Honda Snow Blowers & Snowthrowers
• HSS724 Throttle/Choke Settings #1
• HSS724 Throttle/Choke Settings #2
• HSS1332ATD Maintenance Schedule

 

Various HSS Snow Blower Information & Maintenance Items #4

• HSS Impeller Kit Video - More info: 100% Stainless HONDA Snowblower Direct Fit Impeller Kit HSS724 HSS928 HSS1332 | eBay
• Oxford Heated Handgrips Video
• Honda Snowblowers Brochure 2019-2020
• HST Troubleshooting
• Chute Control Removal/Installation
• Chute Control Inspection
• Oxford Heated Handgrips EL801Z Info
• Press Release HS/HSS Snow Blowers August 2015
• Avoiding Fuel-Related Problems - Honda Snow Blowers & Snowthrowers

Great series of stickies. Thanks Tabora.

 

great writeup tabora, thanks. I don't have any Honda machines, but was interesting still. And maybe someday I'll find a fixer-upper HS here in the mid-west.

tx

 

I also don't have any Honda's but I do admire you for posting all the documentation for people who do. Scot was the Ariens historian, Todd the Toro master and your the Honda Guru. Thank you.

 

I don't have a Honda either, but always thought they were great machines.
You have compiled a vast amount of useful information for Honda owners or potential Honda owners or those that want to learn more about the red machines.
As usual, job well done, appreciate the time and effort you have put into this.

 

@tabora
Very useful information. Thanks for putting this together.

Do you have the bolt spacing dimension for side mounted skid shoes for various generations of HSxx, HSxxxx, HSSxxx models?

 

Do you have the bolt spacing dimension for side mounted skid shoes for various generations of HSxx, HSxxxx, HSSxxx models?

60mm = 2-3/8"

 

Amazing set of resources. Thank you! (as always)

 

Here is another one from Honda on maintenance and storage of the HSS line. Some good info for any type of snowblower owner. Note the clocking marks before taking the float bowl down.

 

Touchup Paint

For older HS machines courtesy of @orangputeh: Rust-oleum 2x primer/paint Colonial Red is very close. Here is example

OEM for HS machines per @Freezn: Honda 08707-R8 RED SPRAY (R8) Honda 08707-R8 - RED SPRAY, CAN (R8) | Boats.net

OEM for HSS machines: Honda 08707-R280 TUP POWER RED Honda 08707-R280 - TUP POWER RED | Boats.net

 

yes and about $4 a can ...not $17 like Honda....ridiculous.

GOT

 

Honda Small Engine Specifications

Honda Engines | Small Engine Model Information

Honda Engines offers a full line of small 4-stroke engines. Find engines for lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, go karts, and many more.

engines.honda.com

 

Honda Crawler (Track) Sizes

Here are the track (crawler) sizes for all the Honda HS blowers (12cm wide x 60mm pitch)
The pitch is the length of a link, and then the number of links determines the overall length of the crawler.

16 links: HS522, HS622
18 links: HS50, HS55, HS70, HS80
20 links: HS624, HS724
21 links: HS828, HS928, HS1132, HS1332
30 links: HS1336 (18cm width)

HSS blowers are 58.5mm pitch x 21 links

 

HSS Auger Height Damper Service

Note that the blower shown is one of the SARJ transitional Canada HSS928 models that still has the older hydrostatic and right side transmissions. Most of what is covered also applies to the current HSS928A and other models' damper. Of note is that in the case where you are not able to get the damper repaired, the new damper part number 42919-V45-A01 is vastly less expensive than the older one shown in the video;
Price: $33.91 at partspak.com
Honda 42919-V45-A01 Lock; 42919V45A01