Thank you for purchasing a Honda snowblower. This manual covers the operation and maintenance of the HS55 snowblower. All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes without notice and without incurring any obligation. at any time No part of this publication permission.
CONTENTS 1. POWER EQUIPMENT SAFETY ................................................. 3 2. WARNING LABEL LOCATION ................................................. 5 3. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION AND FUNCTION ....................... 6 ENGINE SWITCH AND AC STARTER BUTTON ......................... 8 FUEL VALVE .................................................. -...................... 8 CHOKE LEVER ..................................................................... 9 STARTER GRIP ...............................
1. POWER EQUIPMENT SAFETY mam To ensure * l l l l l l safe operation- Before operating the snowblower, inspect the area in which you are going to clear snow. Remove debris and other obstacles the snowblower might strike or throw, as that may cause injury or damage to the snowblower. Inspect the snowblower before operating it. Repair any damage and correct any malfunction before operation. If you hit an obstacle while operating the snowblower, stop the engine immediately, and check for damage.
Know how to stop the snowblower quickly, and understand the operation of all controls. Never permit anyone to operate the snowblower without proper instruction. If people or pets suddenly appear in front of the snowblower while it is in operation, immediately release the auger and drive clutch levers to stop the snowblower and avoid possible injury from rotating auger blades. If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and use a wooden stick to unclog it.
2. WARNING LABEL LOCATION &WARNING I STAND CLEAR OF AUGER AND ENGDISCHARGE CHUTE WHILE INE IS RUNNING. I DO NOT DIRECT DISCHARGE AT BYSTANDERS OR WINDOW. I BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION 1. DISENGAGE THROWER CLUTCH. 2. STOP ENGINE. I STOP ENGINE, WAIT FOR ALL MOVEMENT TO STOP AND REMOVE SPARK PLUG IGNITION WIRE BEFORE SERVICING MACHINE. lCHECK ‘STOP FOR SPILLEO ENGINE lCONTRdLER ARRETER OU’IL NY LE MOTEUR llNSPECClONAR PARAR FUEL BEFORE PARA MOTOR ANTES OR FUEL LEAKS. REFUELING.
3.
TRACK TYPE DRIVE FUEL CAP CLUTCH LEVER SHIFT LEVER CHUTE AUGER ENGINE THROTTLE SWITCH AUGER.
ENGINE SWITCH Use the engine switch STOP the engine. A.C. STARTER to turn the ignition \ ENGINE system ON for starting, and to SWITCH BUTTON Push the A.C. starter button to operate the electric starter. (TAS Type) STARTER BUTTON FUEL VALVE The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel line leading from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Make sure that the valve is positioned exactly at either the ON or OFF position. NOTE: Before transporting the’snowblower, to OFF to prevent possible fuel leaks.
CHOKE LEVER/ROD Close the choke when the engine is cold or difficult STARTER to start. GRIP Pull this grip to start the engine.
THROTTLE LEVER (ENGINE Use the throttle FAST position. SHIFT SPEED) lever to select engine speed. In normal operation, LEVER Use the shift lever to select drive speed or direction.
AUGER CLUTCH LEVER AND Use these controls drive mechanism. DRIVE CLUTCH to engage the snow LEVER blowing mechanism and/or the DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER Squeeze to engage the drive mechanism. AUGER CLUTCH LEVER Squeeze to engage the snow blowing mechanism. NOTE: When both levers are squeezed, the drive clutch lever locks the auger clutch lever down. Releasing the drive clutch lever then unlocks and releases the auger clutch lever.
CHUTE CRANK Use the chute crank to turn the snow discharge To throw chute right or left. snow To throw snow to the left CHUTE GUIDE ,The chute guide controls the snow discharge High and far . CHUTE angle.
SKID PLATE Adjust the skid plates for the auger housing ground clearance best suited to your snow removal conditions. AUGER HOUSING GUARD SKID’PLATE SNOW REMOVAL CONDITIONS For general use For use on uneven surfaces For use on flat surfaces RECOMMENDED AUGER HOUSING GROUND CLEARANCE 6IO-30 0- 8 mm (0.24-0.31 in) mm (0.39-1.18 in) 5 mm (O-0.20 in) NOTE: Track model only - The position of the height adjustment pedal (p. 14) also affects auger housing ground clearance.
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT PEDAL (Track model only) Use the pedal for adjusting the height and angle of the machine in relation to the tracks. 1. Hold the handles and step on the pedal. 2. Raise or lower the machine to the desired position and release the pedal. : Hard snow or fine finish LOW MIDDLE: Normal use HIGH : Deep snow or for transporting the snowblower.
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECK FUEL LEVEL Unscrew the fuel cap. Check the fuel level. Your enginf is designed to use any gasoline that has a ‘pump octane or that has a research ocnumber ( ) of 86 or higher, tane number gf 91 or higher. Gasoline pumps at service station normally display the pump octane number. We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends the life of exhaust system components.
l l l l l Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored. Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely. Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite.
. ENGINE OIL LEVEL Inspection: With the snowblower on a level surface, remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck, but do not screw it in. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. If the level is low, fill to the top of the oil filler neck with the recommended oil. OIL FILLER NE LOWER OIL CAPACITY: RECOMMENDED 0.6 P (0.63 US qt. 0.53 LIMIT Imp qt) OIL: Use high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed ‘U.S.
5. STARTING THE IENGINE m Never run the engine in an enclosed or confined area. Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas; exposure can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. 1. Turn the engine switch to the ON position. SWITCH % l Connect the female end of your power cord to the switch box and the male end to a properly grounded 120 Volt A/C outlet. (TAS Type)CAUTION USE ONLY WITH GROUNDED OUTLET AND 3-WIRE CORD. 120 VOLT A.C. ONLY.
2.Turn the fuel valve to the ON position. 3. In cold weather CLOSE position.
4. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. I CAUTION: l Don’t allow the rope to snap back; return it gently by hand. Otherwise, the starting mechanism might be damaged. l Damage may result if the starter grip is pulled while the engine is running. STARTER Push the starter button GRIP until the engine ‘starts. (TAS, WAS Type) CAUTION: l Do not operate the starter for more than 1 minute.
6. SNOWBLOWER OPERATION m. Before operating this equipment you should read and understand the POWER EQUIPMENT SAFETY information on page 3, 4. 1. Move the throttle lever (p. IO) to the FAST position for normal operation. 2. Move the shift lever (p. IO) to select .the desired drive sljeed. DRIVE SPEED WITH THROTTLE ( LEVER IN THE FAST POSITION 1 Wheel type Track type 1 0.43 m/s (0.9 mile/h) 0.28 m/s (0.6 mile/h) 2 0.74 m/s (I .6 mile/h) 0.47 m/s (I .O mile/h) 3 1 .Ol m/s (2.2 mile/h) 1.
Adjust the snow discharge chute to avoid hitting the operator, bystanders, windows, and other objects with thrown snow. Stay clear of the snow discharge chute while the engine is running. If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and use a wooden stick to unclog it. Never put your hand into the snow discharge chute while the engine is running; serious personal injury could result.
7. STOPPING THE ENGINE To stop the engine in an emergency, turn the engine switch OFF immediately. 1. Turn the throttle lever to the SLOW position and turn the engine switch to the OFF position. 2. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF positon.
8. MAINTENANCE The purpose of inspection and maintenance is to keep the snowblower the best operating condition. Inspect or service as scheduled in the table below. l l in Shut off the engine before performing inspection and maintenance, and disconnect the spark plug wire from the plug so the engine cannot be started. If the engine must be run, make sure the area is well ventilated. Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide; exposure may cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.
SPARK ( I WRENCH PLUG WRENCH HANDLE 14 X 10 mm WRENCH 14X 12 mm WRENCH TOOL BAG 25
ENGINE OIL CHANGE Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete draining. 1. Remove the drain plug and filler cap, and drain the oil. Retighten the plug securely. 2. Fill the crankcase with the recommended oil (see page 17) and check the level. OIL CAPACITY: 0.6 e (0.63 US qt, 0.53 Imp qt) UPPER LIMIT LOWER LIMIT OIL FILLER CAP c CAUTION: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods.
/; SPARK PLUG SERVICE Recommended m!am careful spark plug: BPR5ES (NGK). WlGEPB-U If the engine has been running, the muffler not to touch the muffler while it is hot. (ND) will be very hot. Be To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. 1. Remove the spark plug cap. 2. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base. 3. Use the wrench supplied in the tool kit to remove the spark plug. 4.
TRACK-ADJUSTMENT (Track model only) Clean and thaw the tracks before adjustment. The tracks cannot be correctly adjusted if clogged with snow or debris, or coated with ice. Check track deflection midway between the wheels. When correctly adjusted, the track will deflect 19-25. I mm (3/4- 1 in) when pressed with a force of 15 Kg (33 lb). Adjustment: 1. Loosen the left and right tension bolt lock nuts at the rear axle, and turn the adjusting nuts to correctly tension both tracks. 2.
9. STORAGE Before storing the snowblower for an extended period: 1. Be sure the storage area is free of excessive humidity 2. Drain the fuel- l l and dust. Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain tions. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area. Do not drain the fuel tank when the exhaust system is hot. condi- a. Turn the fuel valve ON. b. Loosen the carburetor drain screw, and drain the gasoline into a suitable container.
Remove the spark plug and pour three tablespoonsful of clean motor oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly two or three times to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug. Pull the starter grip until resistance is felt. This closes the valves and protects the engine from internal corrosion.
Apply oil to the following parts for lubrication 3 CHUTE ADJUSTING and rust prevention.
IO. TROUBLESHBOUUNG I When the engine will not start: 1. Is there enough fuel? 2. Is the fuel valve on? 3. Is gasoline reaching the carburetor? To check, loosen the drain screw with the fuel valve on. Fuel should flow freely. c, lmm If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before testing the spark plug or starting the engine. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. 4. Is the engine switch on? 5. Is there a spark at the spark plug? a. Remove the spark plug cap.
‘I 1. SPE@FICATIOMS Engine HONDA GX140 5.5 HP/4200 r.p.m 144 cm3 (8.8 cu. in) 64 X 45 mm (2.5 X 1.8 in) Recoil starter Transistorized magneto 0.6P (0.63 US qt, 0.53 Imp qt) 3.5P (0.92 US gal, 0.77 Imp gal) BPR5ES (NGK), WlGEPR-U (ND) Model: Maximum output: Displacement: Bore x stroke: Starting method: Ignition system: Oil capacity: Fuel tank capacity: Spark plug: Frame Wheel type Track type 1310 mm (51.6 in) 1235 mm (48.6 in) 663 mm (26.1 in) 550 mm (21.7 in) 1,029 mm (40.5 in) 975 mm (38.
12. WARRANTY Owner SERVICE Satisfaction Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to us. All Honda warranty details are explained in the Distributor’s Limited Warranty. Normally, any problems concerning the product will be handled by your dealer’s service department. If you have a warranty problem that has not been handled to ,your satisfaction, we suggest you take the following action: l Discuss your problem with a member of dealership management.
Current customer service contact information: United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands: Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer any question you may have. If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's management. The Service Manager or General Manager can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way.