Snow Blowers

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I'm going to look at Honda track blowers. Also Cub Cadet and Toros.

I really do want a Cub Cadet 1X single but we've gotten seriously dumped on in past years, 1, 3 and 6 foot snowfalls. I have a bad feeling about this year.

The Cub Cadet 2X's look really good but the Honda tractor style sort of has me hooked. Even used at half price are pricey though.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Given we have had the rainiest summer in the history of MA, I think we're going to have well over 10 feet of snowfall this winter. Didn't get one last year and that worked out. This year, not so much I predict.

[rockfan4]

Now is the time to buy if you can work with a used one. People are moving and are dumping them, I see several on CL for under $200. I was in the twin cities last weekend and there were people giving them away, ones that ran.

I might have to look closer and find one for the step-daughter, now that they have a house. The issue is her husband is a lazy piece of S*** and probably can't be bothered to use it.

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

want something that will power through the snow mounds the plow makes.

Any suggestions on good and bad brands? Ones that have lasted for years?

Two stage for sure. Don't let my profile fool you. I lived in Watertown NY very close to Canadian border and Lake Ontario for 3 years.

To cut thru the crap the plow leaves at the end of driveway you need something with some guts. I had a single stage living near DC and it was ok but on the one time where we had a very big snow it was not up to the task.

My regret was not getting one with a tall enough opening and possibly slightly wider. I'd go minimum 24 inch tall now if doing it again. I had several snow events that required multiple passes because my rig was only about 18 to 20 inch tall intake and the snow would just go over the top.

Also get electric start, where you can plug into wall and hit a button.

[matthewb0051]

Or just go big!!!

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

Two stage for sure. Don't let my profile fool you. I lived in Watertown NY very close to Canadian border and Lake Ontario for 3 years.

To cut thru the crap the plow leaves at the end of driveway you need something with some guts. I had a single stage living near DC and it was ok but on the one time where we had a very big snow it was not up to the task.

My regret was not getting one with a tall enough opening and possibly slightly wider. I'd go minimum 24 inch tall now if doing it again. I had several snow events that required multiple passes because my rig was only about 18 to 20 inch tall intake and the snow would just go over the top.

Also get electric start, where you can plug into wall and hit a button.

All great advice, thank you. I'm only clearing a small area at work and while the plow truck pushes a ton of snow into my entrance area, I don't mind a little shovel work breaking up the tough stuff.

Have missed to track-based Hondas in the last few days, everyone knows we're going to have a rough winter this year.

[Robert Coats]

As the former product planning guy for Honda snowblowers (now retired) I can tell you a few things.

Honda revamped their 2-stage product line a few years back. Production moved out of Japan and the engines are made at Honda's plant in Thailand, then shipped to Swepsonville, NC, where Honda's plant mates the engine to the frame and completes final assembly, so yeah, pretty much Made in the USA.

Track models are idea when operating at odd angles or where a wheel model might not have enough traction or for use in heavy, packed-in snow you need to really dig out; otherwise, a wheel model is just fine for mostly level conditions.

The electric start is nice, but is done via an on-board 12v battery, unlike many other models which are 120VAC (extension cord) starting. Be sure to hook it up to a trickle charger in the off season.

All 2-stage models have a 3-year warranty, even if used commercially.

Lots more good info in the full-line brochure here:

https://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/Brochures/snowblower_brochure.pdf?v=1

Caveat: I used to work at Honda, but the above is my opinion alone.

[Crowbob]

IMO, track-drive is essential on a slope.

[dad911]

Jeez, I never had a commercial tenant than had to plow their own snow.

Have a chat with contractor/landlord and remind him it's not legal to block (fire) entrances.

If it really is your responsibility, slip the guy some cash to keep it clear. Last thing I would want is another piece of equipment to maintain that you may use only a few times. Or never.

[908/930]

I have a Airens Deluxe 27, so far I have been quite happy with it, does not snow here that much but when it does we can get lots of wet snow. It is two stage and will toss snow clear across a roadway.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Robert Coats

As the former product planning guy for Honda snowblowers (now retired) I can tell you a few things.

Honda revamped their 2-stage product line a few years back. Production moved out of Japan and the engines are made at Honda's plant in Thailand, then shipped to Swepsonville, NC, where Honda's plant mates the engine to the frame and completes final assembly, so yeah, pretty much Made in the USA.

Track models are idea when operating at odd angles or where a wheel model might not have enough traction or for use in heavy, packed-in snow you need to really dig out; otherwise, a wheel model is just fine for mostly level conditions.

The electric start is nice, but is done via an on-board 12v battery, unlike many other models which are 120VAC (extension cord) starting. Be sure to hook it up to a trickle charger in the off season.

All 2-stage models have a 3-year warranty, even if used commercially.

Lots more good info in the full-line brochure here:

https://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/Brochures/snowblower_brochure.pdf?v=1

Caveat: I used to work at Honda, but the above is my opinion alone.

Great stuff Robert, thank you for posting! Since I will be buying used, is there a better year range than others? I am sure a wheel model would be fine for me, no hill, but the tracks are so cool they are sort of a must have. Are Thai engines as good as Japanese engines?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by dad911

Jeez, I never had a commercial tenant than had to plow their own snow.

Have a chat with contractor/landlord and remind him it's not legal to block (fire) entrances.

If it really is your responsibility, slip the guy some cash to keep it clear. Last thing I would want is another piece of equipment to maintain that you may use only a few times. Or never.

The whole parking lot is plowed, it's just that a lot of snow gets pushed into my entrance at the corner. I'm happy to clear my own snow in this area, just want to make it easier especially with the paint shop,

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by 908/930

I have a Airens Deluxe 27, so far I have been quite happy with it, does not snow here that much but when it does we can get lots of wet snow. It is two stage and will toss snow clear across a roadway.

Those get great reviews.

[pavulon]

To be unable to pull start a Honda would require some serious arm or shoulder issues. I think a 10 year old would have enough strength.

[Robert Coats]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Great stuff Robert, thank you for posting! Since I will be buying used, is there a better year range than others? I am sure a wheel model would be fine for me, no hill, but the tracks are so cool they are sort of a must have. Are Thai engines as good as Japanese engines?

So Honda snowblowers, mowers, etc. don't have model years like cars. Instead, they have a code called a K-number. The K-number changes only when the product does, so a model may remain at the K0 or K1 version for years. I believe all the new Honda 2-stage models are at the initial K0 version right now. A dealer would be able to tell you for sure.

The older, Japan-built models are "HS928T" or "HS724W"
• HS = first gen, made in Japan
• 9 = horsepower
• 28 = clearing width
• T (or W) = track or wheel
• S = 120V electric start

The made in USA models are "HSS_____"
• HSS = 2nd gen, made in USA
• S = 12V on-board battery for electric start

Tip: Find the frame serial number (format is SA__-1234567) on a used unit, and call Honda Customer Service to find out if there is any warranty remaining. The 3-year warranty stays with the blower, even when sold used. Honda Customer Service: https://powerequipment.honda.com/support/contact-us



The Honda plant in Thailand adheres to the same QC and best practices as other Honda locations, including Japan. I believe all Honda engines > 200cc < 700cc are built at the Thai plant. (Smaller engines--mostly for lawn mowers are cast, machined, and assembled at the Swepsonville, NC plant.)

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thank you Robert, that is so helpful! The search goes on.

[Oracle]

Originally Posted by Robert Coats

As the former product planning guy for Honda snowblowers (now retired) I can tell you a few things.

You're robert@honda !!

For those who don't know, Robert is a celebrity in the snowblower industry.

Seriously, thank you for all the information you provided over the years.
Your contributions and advise helped many people stay loyal to Honda, which happen to be the best snowblower

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I found this HS724 for a decent price. It's beat up but owner says it starts and runs like it should. 2 hour drive though.

[matthewb0051]

^^^^

Dang, that thing is bad a$$

And it has a spot light!!!!

[Shaun @ Tru6]

By serial number it was made in 2000 and sold to a dealer in January 2001. The 724 with tracks is exactly what I need. So if I don't get this one, that's what I'll be looking for. For $800, this one may be a little too well loved for my taste.