Honda HS724 Owner's Manual

SNOWBLOWER

HS724

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o2014 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. -All Rights Reserved

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

California Proposition 65

This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the snowblower and should remain with the snowblower if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatsoever.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda snowblower. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest snowblowers on the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new snowblower and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.

As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid damage

to your snowblower, other property, or the environment.

We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your dealer.

When your snowblower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda snowblowers. Your Honda servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Best Wishes,

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

1

INTRODUCTION

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. And using this snowblower safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a snowblower. You must use your own good judgment.

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

•Safety Labels — on the snowblower.

•Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

•Safety Headings — such as IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

•Safety Section — such as SNOWBLOWER SAFETY.

•Instructions — how to use this snowblower correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully.

2

CONTENTS
SNOWBLOWER SAFETY ..............................................................	5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .........................................	5
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS......................................................	8
CONTROLS & FEATURES .............................................................	9
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS......................................	9
CONTROLS ...........................................................................	11
Fuel Valve Lever .................................................................	11
Engine Switch.....................................................................	11
Chute Crank .......................................................................	12
Starter Grip ........................................................................	12
Throttle Lever .....................................................................	13
Shift Lever .........................................................................	13
Discharge Deflector Lever.....................................................	14
Foot Pedal (track type only) ..................................................	14
Drive Clutch Lever and Auger Clutch Lever.............................	15
Transmission Release Lever ..................................................	16
FEATURES ............................................................................	17
Snow Clearing Bar...............................................................	17
BEFORE OPERATION .................................................................	18
ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?.......................................	18
IS YOUR SNOWBLOWER READY TO GO? .................................	18
Check the General Condition of the Snowblower.....................	19
Check the Engine ................................................................	19
CHECK YOUR WORK AREA.....................................................	20
OPERATION..............................................................................	21
SNOWBLOWING PRECAUTIONS ..............................................	21
STARTING THE ENGINE ..........................................................	21
STOPPING THE ENGINE ..........................................................	24
CLEARING SNOW ..................................................................	27
SNOW-CLEARING TIPS ...........................................................	30
REMOVING OBSTRUCTIONS ...................................................	31
SERVICING YOUR SNOWBLOWER...............................................	32
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE .....................................	32
MAINTENANCE SAFETY .........................................................	33
TOOL KIT..............................................................................	34
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .....................................................	35
REFUELING............................................................................	36
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS.....................................................	37

3

CONTENTS
SERVICING YOUR SNOWBLOWER (continued)
ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK ......................................................		38
ENGINE OIL CHANGE .............................................................		39
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS ...........................................		40
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.....................................		41
SPARK PLUG SERVICE............................................................		43
TRACK ADJUSTMENT ............................................................		45
TIRE INSPECTION...................................................................		46
AUGER AND BLOWER INSPECTION..........................................		46
LOCK BOLT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE..................................		47
SKID SHOES AND SCRAPER ...................................................		48
STORAGE.................................................................................		50
STORAGE PREPARATION........................................................		50
Cleaning.............................................................................		50
Fuel...................................................................................		51
Engine Oil...........................................................................		54
Tires..................................................................................		54
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS .......................................................		55
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE ....................................................		55
TRANSPORTING .......................................................................		56
BEFORE LOADING ..................................................................		56
LOADING ..............................................................................		57
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ................................		59
ENGINE PROBLEMS ................................................................		59
DRIVE PROBLEMS ..................................................................		61
SNOWBLOWER PROBLEMS .....................................................		62
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ........................................................		64
Serial Number Locations.......................................................		64
Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation.................		65
Emission Control System Information.....................................		66
Air Index ............................................................................		68
Specifications .....................................................................		69
CONSUMER INFORMATION........................................................		70
Dealer Locator Information ...................................................		70
Honda Publications ..............................................................		70
Customer Service Information...............................................		71
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION.........................	Inside back cover

4

SNOWBLOWER SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Honda snowblowers are designed to clear snow from driveways and walkways. Other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the snowblower and other property.

Most injuries or property damage with snowblowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the snowblower. The most common hazards, are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.

Avoid Rotating Impeller and Auger

Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge chute is the most common cause of injury associated with snowblowers. The snowblower auger can also cause serious injury. Keep away from the impeller and auger whenever the engine is running. If you need to work around the snowblower to clear snow for any reason, always shut off the engine. If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug cap. Use the snow clearing bar or a wooden stick to remove the obstructions. Never put your hand into the snow discharge chute while the engine is running; serious personal injury could result.

Clear Operation Area

The snowblower can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to cause serious injury. Before operating the snowblower, carefully inspect the area and remove any visible stones, sticks, bones, nails, pieces of wire, and other loose objects. Never use the snowblower to clear snow from a gravel road or driveway, as rocks may be picked up and ejected. They may cause injury to bystanders.

5

SNOWBLOWER SAFETY

Keep Shields in Place

Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and to keep you from touching hot engine parts and moving components. For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place when the engine is running.

Adjust the snow discharge chute to avoid hitting the operator, bystanders, windows, and other objects with ejected snow. Stay clear of the snow discharge chute while the engine is running.

Children and pets must be kept away from the area of operation to avoid injury from flying debris and contact with the snowblower.

Refuel with Care

Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Allow the engine to cool if the snowblower has been in operation. Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away. Always store gasoline in an approved container. Make sure that any spilled fuel has been wiped up before starting the engine.

Turn Engine OFF When Not Operating the Snowblower

If you need to leave the snowblower for any reason, even just to inspect the area ahead, always turn the engine off.

Operation on Slopes

To avoid overturning, be careful when changing the direction of the snowblower while operating it on a slope. Do not use the snowblower to remove snow from roofs. The snowblower may overturn on steep slopes if left unattended, causing injury to the operator or bystanders.

6

SNOWBLOWER SAFETY

Operating Conditions

Do not use the snowblower when visibility is poor. Under conditions of poor visibility, there is a greater risk of striking an obstacle or causing injury. Adjust the snow discharge chute to avoid hitting bystanders or vehicles.

Stay clear of the snow discharge chute while the engine is running and be aware that loose clothing can get drawn into the moving parts.

Operating Near Roads

Always watch for vehicle traffic when operating the snowblower near roads and driveways.

Operator Responsibility

Know how to stop the snowblower quickly in case of emergency. Understand the use of all snowblower controls.

Never permit anyone to operate the snowblower without proper instruction. Do not let children operate the snowblower. 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.

While operating the snowblower, hold the handle firmly and walk, don’t run. Wear suitable winter boots that resist slipping.

Wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation to protect eyes from thrown objects.

Exercise caution on slippery surfaces to avoid falling, especially when operating in reverse.

7

SNOWBLOWER SAFETY

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS

These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda snowblower dealer for a replacement.

WA type

8

CONTROLS & FEATURES

COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS

Use the two illustrations on these pages to locate and identify the most frequently used controls.

Track type	DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR LEVER			AUGER CLUTCH LEVER
	FUEL TANK CAP			SHIFT LEVER
DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR				DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER

SNOW DISCHARGE CHUTE
		THROTTLE LEVER
		STARTER GRIP
		MUFFLER
AUGER		TRACK
TRANSMISSION	ENGINE SWITCH
FLUID RESERVOIR		SNOW CLEARING BAR

	ENGINE OIL
FUEL VALVE	FILLER CAP
CHUTE CRANK
FOOT PEDAL	SKID SHOE
	(rear-mount type)

FRAME SERIAL NUMBER	ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
TRANSMISSION RELEASE LEVER

9

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Wheel type

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR LEVER		AUGER CLUTCH LEVER
	FUEL TANK CAP	SHIFT LEVER
		DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR
SNOW DISCHARGE CHUTE
		THROTTLE LEVER
		STARTER GRIP
		MUFFLER
AUGER		WHEEL
	SKID SHOE (side-mount type)
TRANSMISSION
FLUID RESERVOIR	ENGINE SWITCH	SNOW CLEARING BAR

	ENGINE OIL
FUEL VALVE	FILLER CAP
CHUTE CRANK
TRANSMISSION
RELEASE LEVER

SKID SHOE (rear-mount type)

FRAME SERIAL NUMBER ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

10

CONTROLS & FEATURES

CONTROLS

Fuel Valve Lever

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 snowblower is not in use, always leave the fuel valve in the OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.

Engine Switch

The engine switch controls the ignition system. The key can only be inserted and removed while in the OFF position.

OFF – Stops the engine.

ON – Running position, and for starting with the recoil starter.

FUEL VALVE LEVER

OFF	ON

OFF ON

ENGINE SWITCH

11

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Chute Crank

Use the chute crank to turn the snow discharge chute right or left.

To throw snow to the left

To throw snow to the right

CHUTE CRANK

Starter Grip

Pull this grip to start the engine.

See page 23 for starting procedures.

STARTER GRIP

12

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Throttle Lever

The throttle lever controls engine speed from SLOW to FAST, it will stay in any designated position. Set the lever to CHOKE when the engine is cold.

THROTTLE LEVER SLOW

FAST

CHOKE

Shift Lever

The shift lever selects F (FORWARD), N (NEUTRAL), or R (REVERSE).

The shift lever also controls the transmission drive ratio; moving the lever farther from NEUTRAL increases drive speed. While clearing snow, use the shift lever to control drive speed, so you can leave the throttle lever in the FAST position for best snow-clearing performance.

R (Reverse)

N (Neutral)

SHIFT LEVER

F (Forward)

13

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Discharge Deflector Lever

The discharge deflector lever controls the snow discharge angle.

HIGH AND FAR	HIGH AND FAR
	LOW AND NEAR
	LOW AND NEAR

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR LEVER

Foot Pedal (track type only)

Use the pedal for adjusting the height and angle of the machine in relation to the tracks.

Hold the handles and step on the pedal.

Raise or lower the machine to the desired position and release the pedal.

LOW – Smooth, ice-covered surfaces only. MIDDLE – Normal use.

HIGH – Deep snow or for transporting the snowblower.

HIGH

MIDDLE

LOW

FOOT PEDAL

14

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Drive Clutch Lever and Auger Clutch Lever

Use these controls to engage the snow blowing mechanism and/or the drive mechanism.

AUGER CLUTCH LEVER Squeeze to engage the snow blowing mechanism.

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER Squeeze to engage the drive transmission.

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.

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER

LOCKED

Both levers squeezed	The auger clutch lever
	remains locked down as
	long as one hand continues
	to squeeze the drive clutch lever.

15

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Transmission Release Lever

The transmission release lever has two positions, RELEASED and ENGAGED. Set the lever to the ENGAGED position for self-propelled operation. Set it to the RELEASED position when pushing the snowblower with the engine stopped.

Operating the transmission release lever while the engine is running can damage the transmission.

1.Stop the engine.

2.Set the shift lever in the ‘‘N’’ (Neutral) position.

3.Set the lever in the ENGAGED or RELEASED position.

Pushing or towing the snowblower with the transmission release control in the engaged position will damage the hydrostatic transmission.

RELEASED

ENGAGED

TRANSMISSION RELEASE LEVER

16

CONTROLS & FEATURES

FEATURES

Snow Clearing Bar

If the snow discharge chute or snow blowing mechanism becomes restricted, stop the engine, and make sure all rotating parts have come to a complete stop. Remove the spark plug cap from the spark plug.

Use the snow clearing bar to remove the obstruction.

After clearing the obstruction, wipe the bar clean, and store it in the holders. Replace the spark plug cap.

SNOW CLEARING BAR

HOLDERS

17

BEFORE OPERATION

ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Knowledge

Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them.

Familiarize yourself with the snowblower and its operation before you begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the snowblower in case of an emergency.

IS YOUR SNOWBLOWER READY TO GO?

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the snowblower to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the snowblower.

Improperly maintaining this snowblower, or failing to correct a problem before operation, could cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.

Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each operation, and correct any problem.

Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the snowblower is on a level surface and the engine switch is in the OFF position.

18

BEFORE OPERATION

Check the General Condition of the Snowblower:

•Before each use, look around and underneath the snowblower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks.

•Check the auger housing and the discharge chute for accumulation of packed snow or ice. Clean the auger housing and discharge chute before starting the snowblower.

•Look for signs of damage.

•Check each control for proper operation.

•Check the auger and blower for loose or broken bolts. If broken, replace them with new ones (see page 47).

•Check the skid shoes and scraper for wear. Replace them if necessary (see page 48).

•Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened.

Check the Engine

•Check the oil level (see page 38).

•Check the fuel level (see page 36). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

•Check the hydrostatic fluid level in the reservoir (see page 41). Use only Honda Hydrostatic Fluid.

19

BEFORE OPERATION

CHECK YOUR WORK AREA

For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before operating the snowblower.

Objects

Anything that can be picked up by the augers and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, stones, and nails from the work area.

People and Pets

People and animals near the work area can move into your snowblower’s path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects. Clear the area of people, especially children, and pets. Their safety is your responsibility.

Work Area

Check the condition of the snow. Adjust your snowblower ground speed (not engine speed) and snowblowing swath accordingly.

Check the skid shoes for proper adjustment. Adjust the skid shoes to obtain the auger ground clearance for the type of surface the snowblower will be operated over (see page 49).

20

OPERATION

SNOWBLOWING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the snowblower for the first time, please review both the SNOWBLOWER SAFETY chapter (see page 5) and the BEFORE OPERATION chapter (see page 18).

Even if you have operated other snowblowers, take time to become familiar with how this snowblower works, and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills.

Never tamper with or alter any of the controls or safety devices on the snowblower.

For your safety, do not start or operate the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage. Your snowblower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can build up to dangerous levels in closed areas.

Breathing carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death.

Never run the engine in a closed, or even partly closed area where people may be present.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1.Move the shift lever to ‘‘N’’ (Neutral) position.

N (Neutral)

SHIFT LEVER

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