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ManualsBrandsHonda Power Equipment ManualsSnow BlowerSnow Blower HS520A

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda snowthrower! We are

certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest

snowthrowers on the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new snowthrower

and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how

to do that; please read it carefully.

We suggest you read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY

(page 20) and EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

(page 21) to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of

ownership.

When your snowthrower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind

that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in

servicing Honda snowthrowers and is supported by the parts and

service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated

to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and

concerns.

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time.

This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the

snowthrower and should remain with the snowthrower if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in

effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co.,

Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change

specifications or design at any time without notice and without

incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be

reproduced without written permission.

SAFETY MESSAGES

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have

provided important safety messages in this manual and on the

snowthrower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that

could hurt you or others. Please read these messages carefully.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the

hazards associated with operating or maintaining a snowthrower. You

must use your own good judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms:

• Safety Labels – on the snowthrower.

• Instructions – how to use this snowthrower correctly and safely.

• Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert A symbol and one

of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These

signal words mean:

Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and

what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

• Damage Prevention Messages – You will also see other

important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This

word means:

CONTENTS

B DANGER

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY

HURT if you don't follow instructions.

B WARNING

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY

HURT if you don't follow instructions.

B CAUTION

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow

instructions.

NOTICE

Your snowthrower or other property can be

damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

INTRODUCTION..............................1

SAFETY MESSAGES......................1

SNOWTHROWER SAFETY ............2

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INFORMATION.............................2

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS......3

SETTING-UP YOUR NEW

SNOWTHROWER ...........................3

CONTROL LOCATIONS..................5

CONTROLS .....................................6

BEFORE OPERATION ....................7

IS YOUR SNOWTHROWER

READY TO GO?...........................7

OPERATION....................................8

SAFE OPERATING

PRECAUTIONS............................8

STARTING THE ENGINE.............8

STOPPING THE ENGINE ............9

CLEARING SNOW .......................9

SERVICING YOUR

SNOWTHROWER .........................10

MAINTENANCE SAFETY...........10

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .....11

ENGINE MAINTENANCE...........12

AUGER.......................................13

SCRAPER BLADE......................13

REFUELING ...............................11

TRANSPORTING.......................... 14

STORAGE..................................... 14

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED

PROBLEMS................................... 16

TECHNICAL INFORMATION........ 17

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS 17

CARBURETOR

MODIFICATION FOR HIGH

ALTITUDE OPERATION............ 17

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM 17

AIR INDEX ................................. 18

SPECIFICATIONS ..................... 18

CONSUMER INFORMATION ....... 19

REPLACEMENT PARTS,

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND

SERVICE ITEMS........................ 19

DEALER LOCATOR

INFORMATION .......................... 19

CUSTOMER SERVICE

INFORMATION .......................... 19

DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED

WARRANTY............................... 20

HONDA ACCESSORIES,

REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND

APPAREL................................... 20

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

WARRANTY............................... 21

PRODUCT REGISTRATION ..

CARD...................................... Last Page

OWNER’S MANUAL

HS520A • HS520AS

SNOWTHROWER

B WARNING: B

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects, or

other reproductive harm.

31V10627

00X31-V10-6270

POM31V10627

HPE.2011.07

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

EM3

K0 HS520A

K1 HS520AS

Summary of content (24 pages)

PAGE 1
INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your selection of a Honda snowthrower! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest snowthrowers on the market. OWNER’S MANUAL HS520A • HS520AS SNOWTHROWER We want to help you get the best results from your new snowthrower and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.
PAGE 2
SNOWTHROWER SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Honda snowthrowers are designed to clear snow from driveways and walkways. Other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the snowthrower and other property. Most injuries and property damage with snowthrowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the snowthrower. The most common hazards are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.
PAGE 3
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS The label shown here contains important safety information. Please read it carefully. This label is considered a permanent part of your snowthrower. So if the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your authorized Honda snowthrower dealer for a replacement. SETTING-UP YOUR NEW SNOWTHROWER TOOLS REQUIRED 12 mm wrench, 10 mm wrench, and a Phillips screwdriver DANGER DANGER UNPACKING 1. Remove all the cardboard. Inspect the loose parts.
PAGE 4
3. Install the starter bracket using the hardware removed from step 2 on the previous page. For the HS520AS, snap the starter rope into the rope guide on the handlebar and secure the electric start wire using the two cable ties as shown. Trim the cable ties to a length of 3/8 inch (10 mm). 4. Install the discharge chute using the three 6 mm Phillips-head screws and 6 mm self-locking nuts. Make sure the screws go on the inside and the nuts on the outside.
PAGE 5
ADD OIL & FUEL 1. The snowthrower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. 2. Add enough of the recommended oil (page 12) to bring the oil level to the top of the filler hole. A bottle of oil is included in the box with your snowthrower. All Honda engines are run at the factory prior to packaging. Most of the oil is removed prior to shipment; however, some oil remains UPPER LIMIT in the engine. The amount of oil left in the engine varies.
PAGE 6
CONTROLS Chute Guide Handle Use this control to guide the snow discharge angle and direction. Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel line leading from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Make sure that the fuel valve is positioned exactly at either the ON or OFF position. When the snowthrower is not in use, always leave the fuel valve in the OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
PAGE 7
BEFORE OPERATION Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury. Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them. Familiarize yourself with the snowthrower and its operation before you begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the engine in case of an emergency. CHECK YOUR WORK AREA For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before operating the showthrower.
PAGE 8
OPERATION SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS 3. Start the engine. Electric Start (AS model only): Before operating the snowthrower for the first time, please review both the SNOWTHROWER SAFETY chapter (page 2) and the BEFORE OPERATION chapter above. Even if you have operated other snowthrowers, take time to become familiar with how this snowthrower works, and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills. a.
PAGE 9
Manual (Pull) Starting CLEARING SNOW a. Turn the engine switch to the ON position. 1. Press down on the handlebar to raise the front of the snowthrower slightly. Roll the snowthrower over to the area to be cleared. ON 2. ON Use the chute guide handle (page 6) to adjust the direction for the discharged snow to travel. ENGAGE AUGER 3. Engage the auger clutch lever. The auger will begin to spin. 4. Tilt the snowthrower forward slightly with the handlebar to engage the auger into the snow.
PAGE 10
SERVICING YOUR SNOWTHROWER Proper maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. B WARNING MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
PAGE 11
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Interval1 Before each use First month or 25 hours Item REFUELING Page Check the engine oil level Check the scraper blade page 12 page 13 Change the engine oil page 12 Every year Change the engine oil Before operation Check/adjust the spark plug Check auger clutch lever freeplay Check auger paddles Check/adjust the scraper blade page 12 page 12 page 13 page 13 page 13 Every year Before storage page 12 page 15 page 15 Check/adjust the spark plug Drain the fuel tank/carburetor A
PAGE 12
ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Recommendations Engine Oil Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use a high quality 4-stroke automotive detergent oil. Oil Level Check Check the engine oil level with the snowthrower stopped and in a level position. SAE 5W-30 is recommended for general use. Other 5W-30 viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average 5W-20 temperature in your area is -30 -20 0 20 40 60°F within the indicated range.
PAGE 13
AUGER SCRAPER BLADE The scraper blade wears with normal use and must be replaced when it reaches its service limit. The scraper blade thickness and adjustment determine the clearance between the rubber paddles and the ground. Clutch Lever Free Play Inspection 1. Move the clutch lever until you feel resistance from the cable. Measure the distance as shown. 7-1/2 ~ 8 inches (190 ~ 205 mm) CLUTCH LEVER DISTANCE: 7-1/2 ~ 8 inches (190 ~ 205 mm) 1.
PAGE 14
Scraper blade replacement A new scraper blade can be purchased from a servicing Honda dealer. See page 19 for scraper blade and hardware part numbers. 1. Turn the engine switch and fuel valve to the OFF position (page 6) and disconnect the spark plug cap so the engine cannot be accidentally started. 2. Tilt the snowthrower forward to provide access the underside of the scraper blade.
PAGE 15
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor B WARNING Lubrication Apply a few drops of oil or a small amount of grease to the following parts for lubrication and rust prevention. AUGER CLUTCH LEVER Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. CHUTE HINGE PIN G You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel. • Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flames away. G • Handle fuel only outdoors. CHUTE TENSION BOLTS • Wipe up spills immediately. 1.
PAGE 16
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS Electric starter does not operate Possible cause Correction No electric power from the outlet. Try a known good electrical outlet or start the engine by using the recoil starter. Defective power cord. Try another power cord or start the engine using the recoil starter. Starter operates, but the engine will not start Possible cause Correction Fuel valve is OFF. Turn the fuel valve to ON (page 6). Stale or old fuel. Be sure the tank has fresh fuel.
PAGE 17
TECHNICAL INFORMATION CARBURETOR MODIFICATION FOR HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATION SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was certified, for extended periods of time, may increase emissions.
PAGE 18
Problems That May Affect Emissions SPECIFICATIONS If you are aware of any of the following symptoms, have your engine inspected and repaired by your authorized Honda servicing dealer. Frame • Hard starting or stalling after starting Model HS520 Description code • Rough idle • Misfiring or backfiring under load • Afterburning (backfiring) SZBG Length x Width x Height 49.5 x 20.7 x 40.
PAGE 19
CONSUMER INFORMATION REPLACEMENT PARTS, OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICE ITEMS Contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer to purchase any of these (or other) Honda Genuine items for your snowthrower. DEALER LOCATOR INFORMATION To find an Authorized Honda Servicing Dealer anywhere in the United States: Visit www.hondapowerequipment.
PAGE 20
DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY Honda Power Equipment This warranty is limited to the following Honda Power Equipment products when distributed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Power Equipment Division, 4900 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005-8847. The following warranty applies to products purchased at retail or placed in rental service on or after January 1, 2010.
PAGE 21
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY Your new Honda Power Equipment engine complies with the U.S. EPA, Environment Canada, and State of California emission regulations (models certified for sale in California only). American Honda Motor Co., Inc. provides the emission warranty coverage for engines in the United States and its territories. Honda Canada Inc. provides the emission warranty for engines in the 13 provinces and territories of Canada.
PAGE 22
NOTES
PAGE 23
PRODUCT REGISTRATION PLEASE COMPLETE and MAIL or REGISTER ONLINE www.HondaPowerEquipment.com Honda HRX Mowers Honda HR Mowers Look on the left rear section of the mower deck, in front of the discharge guard door spring. Look on the center rear section of the mower deck (HRS), and in front of the discharge guard (HRR). Honda Mini-Tiller Look on the right side of the tine shield. MODEL: XXXX XXXX SERIAL NO: XXXX-XXXXXXX Honda Hand-Held Products Print the serial number here.
PAGE 24
1. Go www.hondapowerequipment.com to register your unit. 2. Click on Product Registration. 3. Complete the required information and click Submit. It’s that simple! You’ll receive e-mail confirmation of your registration. NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Product Registration BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 117 ALPHARETTA GA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Power Equipment Division American Honda Motor Co., Inc.