Honda Power Equipment HS720A, HS720AM, HS720AS user guide

OWNER’S MANUAL

HS720A • HS720AS

HS720AM

SNOW THROWER

Before operating the snow thrower for the first time, please read this Owner’s Manual. Even if you have operated other snow throwers, take time to become familiar with how this snow thrower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills.

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QUICK FIND

Auger .................................................... 12

Belt Tension.......................................... 13

How to Contact Honda.......................... 20

Dealer Locator Information................... 20

FOR YOUR SAFETY.............................. 2

PARTS AND CONTROLS...................... 3

INITIAL SNOW THROWER SETUP....... 3

Assembly............................................. 4

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

Check Your Snow Thrower ................. 5

Check Your Working Area................... 5

Check the Oil Level............................. 5

Add Fuel.............................................. 6

OPERATION

Operating the Controls........................ 7

Starting the Engine.............................. 9

Stopping the Engine.......................... 10

SERVICING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Maintenance Safety........................... 10

Maintenance Schedule...................... 11

Oil Change ........................................ 11

Spark Plug......................................... 12

Auger................................................. 12

Add Fuel......................................... ......... 6

AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS 19

Maintenance Schedule.......................... 11

Oil Change ............................................ 11

Belt Tension ...................................... 13

Auger Paddle..................................... 13

Scraper Blade.................................... 13

Chute Guide Lever Cable (A, AS type) 14

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

STORAGE

Fuel ................................................... 15

Oil...................................................... 15

Cleaning............................................ 15

Storage Location............................... 15

Removing From Storage................... 16

TROUBLESHOOTING

Electric Starter Will Not Operate ....... 16

Starter Operates but the Engine Will

Not Start ............................................ 16

Engine Runs but the Auger Does Not

Operate ............................................. 16

Chute Does Not Turn ........................ 16

Engine Has Low Power..................... 16

Check the Oil Level.................................. 5

Scraper Blade........................................ 13

Spark Plug............. ... ............................. 12

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY ..... 21

Snow Not Discharging Properly ........... 16

Engine Stalls When the Clutch Lever

is Engaged ........................................... 17

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Serial Number Locations...................... 17

High Altitude Operation........................ 17

Emission Control System..................... 17

Air Index............................................... 18

Specifications....................................... 18

AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS. 19

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Parts, Accessories, and Service Items. 20

Dealer Locator Information................... 20

How to Contact Honda......................... 20

Honda Publications .............................. 20

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY 21

EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY.......... 22

PRODUCT REGISTRATION................... 23

00X31V10 Y020

QUESTIONS?

Contact your Honda dealer.

There is a dealer locator at

powerequipment.honda.com

WELCOME

NOTICE

Auger contact will cause serious injury.

Never use your hands to unclog the discharge chute. Use a stick.

Turn off engine before unclogging.

Rotating and moving parts can cause serious injury.

Keep hands and feet away from all rotating and moving parts. To prevent accidental start-up, stop the engine and remove the spark plug cap before making repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Use a shovel or long stick to clear debris from the discharge chute; never use your hand.

Stop the engine if you must leave the snow thrower unattended.

Thrown objects can cause injury to bystanders.

Do not direct discharge at bystanders or windows.

Electric shock hazard.

Do not use electric start in the rain or handle with wet hands.

Read the owner’s manual before operation.

Electric shock hazard.

Do not use electric start in the rain or handle with wet hands.

(AS type only)

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest snow throwers on the market. We want to help you get the best results from your new snow thrower and to operate it safely. This manual contains information on how to do that; please read it carefully.

When your snow thrower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that Honda Power Equipment servicing dealership personnel are specially trained in servicing Honda snow throwers and are supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda.

Please read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY on page 21 and the EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY on page 22 to fully understand what is covered by warranty and your responsibilities of ownership.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

 WARNING 

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

Important Message to Parents

The safety of your children is very important to Honda. Snow throwers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. Your child must be big enough, strong enough, and have the coordination necessary to comfortably reach and operate the controls. Anyone who takes unnecessary risks and doesn’t obey rules should not operate this snow thrower.

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the snow thrower. 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 snow thrower. Y ou must use your own good judgment.

Safety Instructions

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

• Safety Labels – on the snow thrower.

• Instructions – how to use this snow thrower correctly and safely.

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

of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury. These signal words mean:

 DANGER

 WARNING

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.

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 an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.

 CAUTION

follow instructions.

• Damage Prevention Messages – You will also see other important

You CAN be HUR T if you don't

messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This word means:

Your snow thrower or other property can be damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

PARTS AND CONTROLS INITIAL SNOW THROWER

CHUTE GUIDE CONTROL (A, AS type)

FUEL CAP

AUGER CLUTCH LEVER

SPARK PLUG COVER

(A, AM type)

OIL FILLER CAP

ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUG

(AS

type)

CHUTE TURN CONTROL (A, AS type)

ELECTRIC START BUTTON (AS type)

CHUTE HANDLE (AM type)











CONTENTS

QUICK FIND

Auger.....................................................12

Contact Honda.......................................20

Find a Dealer.........................................20

Fuel..........................................................6

Fuel System Maintenance......................19

Maintenance Schedule...........................11

Oil Change.............................................11

Oil Level Check........................................5

Scraper blade.........................................13

Spark Plug..............................................12

Warranty Coverage.................................21

FOR YOUR SAFETY..............................2

PARTS AND CONTROLS......................3

INITIAL SNOWTHROWER SETUP........3

Assembly.............................................4

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

Check Your Snowthrower....................5

Check Your Working Area...................5

Check the Oil Level.............................5

Add Fuel..............................................6

OPERATION

Operating the Controls........................7

Starting the Engine..............................9

Stopping the Engine..........................10

SERVICING YOUR SNOWTHROWER

Maintenance Safety...........................10

Maintenance Schedule......................11

Oil Change........................................ 11

Spark Plug.........................................12

Auger.................................................12

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

STORAGE

Fuel...................................................14

Oil......................................................14

Cleaning............................................15

Storage Location...............................15

Removing From Storage...................15

TROUBLESHOOTING

Electric Starter Will Not Operate (AS type)

Starter Operates But Engine Will Not Start

(AS type)...........................................15

Engine Runs, But Snowthrower Does Not

Operate.............................................15

Engine Has Low Power.....................16

Snow Not Discharging Properly........16

Engine Stalls When the Auger Clutch Lever

is Engaged...........................................16

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Serial Number Locations......................16

High Altitude Operation........................16

Emission Control System.....................

Air Index...............................................17

Specifications.......................................

FUEL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE.............19

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Parts, Accessories, and Service Items.20

Dealer Locator Information...................20

How to Contact Honda.........................20

Honda Publications..............................20

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY.21

EMISSION SYSTEM WARRANTY..........22

PRODUCT REGISTRATION...................23

OWNER’S MANUAL

HS720A • HS720AS

HS720AM

SNOWTHROWER

Before operating the snowthrower for the first time, please read this Owner’s Manual. 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.

For more information about your snowthrower, visit

www.powerequipment.honda.com

and click on FAQs or scan the QR code shown here.

QUESTIONS?

Contact your Honda dealer.

There is a dealer locator at

www.powerequipment.honda.com



SETUP

Tools Required

12 mm wrench, 10 mm wrench, and a Phillips screwdriver (AM type only)

List of Loose Parts

With help from an assistant, carefully remove the snow thrower and loose parts from the carton and compare the loose parts against the following list. Contact the authorized Honda dealer from whom you purchased the snow thrower if any of the loose parts shown are not included with your snow thrower.

Ref. No.

Description Qty.

Chute guide and handle (AM type only) 1



6 mm flange bolt (AM type only) 3



6 mm self-locking nut (AM type only) 3



Key (AS type only) 2



Honda Genuine oil (16 oz) 1



Owner’s Manual 1



Assembly

8 mm FLANGE NUT (2)

(A type shown)

6 mm FLANGE BOLT (3) (inside chute)

(AM type only)

6 mm NUT (3)

(outside chute)

UPPER LIMIT

1. Loosen the two 8 mm flange nuts.

2. Raise the handlebar into position and then tighten the two 8 mm flange nuts securely.

3. AM type only: Install the discharge chute using the three 6 mm flange bolts and 6 mm self-locking nuts. Make sure the bolt head goes on the inside and the nuts on the outside. Tighten the nuts to the specified torque:

TORQUE: 7 ft-lbs (10 N•m).

4. Lift the spark plug door and attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug.

5. Remove any packing material from the handlebar and side of the snow thrower.

Add Engine Oil

1. The snow thrower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine.

2. With the snow thrower on a level surface, remove the oil filler cap/dipstick.

3. Add oil from the included bottle of oil into the oil filler opening to the top of the filler opening (upper limit).

All Honda engines are run at the factory prior to packaging. Most of the oil is removed prior to shipment; however, some oil remains in the engine. The amount of oil left in the engine varies.

4. If you don’t use the supplied oil, add enough recommended oil (page 12) to bring the oil level to the top of the oil filler opening.

5. Do not overfill the engine with oil. After filling the engine with oil, screw the filler/cap dipstick in and remove the hang tag near the recoil starter grip that says “The engine has no oil”.

Please Register Your Snow Thrower

Please take a few minutes and register your purchase with Honda. You can register by completing and mailing the registration card on

the back cover of this book or going on-line to

powerequipment.honda.com and clicking on Product Registration.

Before Using Your Snow Thrower

Before using the snow thrower, all operators must read the following sections:

• FOR YOUR SAFETY (page 2)

• BEFORE EACH OPERATION (page 5)

• OPERATION (page 6)

• MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 11)

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

NOTICE

UPPER LIMIT

SCRAPER BLADE

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 snow thrower and its operation before you begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the snow thrower in case of an emergency.

Check Your Snow Thrower

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your snow thrower, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the snow thrower 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 snow thrower.

Check the Oil Level

1. With the snow thrower on a level surface , remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.

2. Insert and remove the dipstick without

screwing it into the filler neck. Make sure oil

is showing on the dipstick.

3. If the oil level is low, add enough recommended oil to bring the level to the top of the oil filler opening.

Do not overfill. For oil recommendations, see

page 12.

 WARNING

Improperly maintaining this snow thrower, or failing to correct a problem before operation, could cause a significant malfunction.

Some malfunctions can seriously hurt or kill you. Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each

operation, and correct any problem.

• Make sure th e snow thrower is on a level surface.

• Look around an d underneath the snow thrower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks.

• Look for signs of damage.

• Check each control for proper operation.

• Check the auger paddles for wear. Replace as necessary (page 13).

• Check the scraper blade for wear. Replace as necessary (page 13).

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

• Check the oil level ( page 5).

• Check the fuel level (page 6). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

Check Your Working Area

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

Anything that can be picked up by the auger blades and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks, nails, and wire, and remove them from the area.

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

Check the condition of the snow. Adjust your snow throwers ground speed and swath accordingly.

Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.

4. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

Check the Scraper Blade

Check the scraper blade for excessive wear.

Refer to “Scraper Blade” on

page 13 for complete

inspection and adjustment procedures.

Add Fuel

NOTICE

MAXIMUM FILL POINT

This engine is certified to operate on regular gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.

Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.

Y ou may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume. In addition, methanol must contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.

Use of fuels with content of ethanol or methanol greater th an shown above may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of the fuel system.

Engine damage or performance problems that result from using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above are not covered under warranty.

 WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be burned or seriously injured when refueling.

• Stop the engine and let it cool before refueling

• Keep heat, sparks, and flame away

• Refuel only outdoors

• Wipe up spills immediately

OPERATION

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

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

Avoid Rotating Auger

The snow thrower auger can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers, hands, toes, or feet. Keep away from the auger whenever the engine is running. If you need to work around the snow thrower 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 a wooden stick to remove the obstruction. Never put your hand into the snow discharge chute while the engine is running; serious personal injury could result.

Clear Operation Area

The snow thrower can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to cause serious injury. Before operating the snow thrower, carefully inspect the area and remove all obvious hazards. Never use the snow thrower to clear snow from a gravel road or driveway, as rocks may be picked up and ejected. They may cause injury to bystanders.

If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis, (more than 4 weeks before next use), refer to “AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS” on page 19 for information regarding fuel deterioration.

1. Remove the fuel tank cap.

2. Add fuel to the shoulder of the filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe up spilled fuel before starting the engine.

3. Tighten the fuel tank cap securel y. Move the snow thrower at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the

fueling source and site before starting the engine.

Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 21).

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 snow thrower.

Refuel with Care

Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Allow the engine to cool if the snow thrower has been in operation. Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF. Never fill the fuel tank beyond the maximum fill mark. Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away. Always store gasoline in an approved container.

Turn Engine Off When Not Operating the Snow Thrower

If you need to leave the snow thrower 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 snow thrower while operating it on a slope. Do not use the snow thrower to remove snow from roofs. The snow thrower may overturn on steep slopes if left unattended, causing injury to the operator or bystanders.

Do not operate on slopes greater than 20°.

Operating Conditions

TILT FORWARD SLIGHTLY

OFF

STARTER BOX

STARTER BUTTON

EXTENSION CORD

Do not use the snow thrower 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 passing bystanders or vehicles. Stay clear of the snow discharge chute while the engine is running.

Operator Responsibility

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

Never permit anyone to operate the snow thrower without proper instruction. Do not let children operate the snow thrower. If people or pets suddenly appear in front of the snow thrower while it is in operation, immediately release the drive clutch lever to stop the snow thrower and avoid possible injury from the rotating auger.

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

Hot Exhaust

The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a while after stopping the engine. Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot. Let the engine cool before transporting the snow thrower or storing it indoors.

To prevent fire hazards, keep the snow thrower at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from building walls and other equipment during operation. Do not place flammable objects close to the engine.

Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.

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

 WARNING

Engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can build up to dangerous levels in an enclosed or partially enclosed area.

Breathing carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.

Never run the snow thrower in an enclosed or partially enclosed area.

To propel the snow thrower, tilt the handlebar forward (UP) slightly to allow the auger blades to contact the ground and provide propel assist. Tilt the handlebar back (DOWN) to slow or stop the propel assist.

Operating the Controls

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

Engine Switch (A, AM type)

The engine OFF-ON-OFF switch controls the ignition system.

OFF — Stops the engine. ON — Starting and running.

Engine Key Switch (AS type)

The engine ON-OFF key switch controls the ignition system.

OFF — Stops the engine. ON — Starting and running (using recoil or electric starter).

Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute

Never use your hands, even with gloves, to clear the discharge chute. Stop the engine and wait for the blades to stop turning. Use a

clean-out tool, like a wooden stick, to unclog the discharge chute.

Semi-Self Propel Operation

Electric Starter Button (AS type)

The starter button is used to operate the electric starter when an outdoor 3-prong extension cord (page 9) is plugged into the starter box.

Disconnect the extension cord after the engine starts.

Choke Knob

OPEN

CLOSED

HIGH AND FAR

LOW AND NEAR

RIGHT

LEFT

CHUTE

HIGH

LOW AND NEAR

HIGH AND FAR

The choke knob is used to open or close the choke. CLOSED is used when the engine is cold.

The OPEN position provides the correct fuel mixture for operation after the engine has warmed up, and for starting a warm engine.

Chute Guide Handle (AM type)

Use this control to guide the snow discharge angle and direction.

Move guide handle UP or DOWN to change the distance of snow discharge.

Move guide handle LEFT to direct snow discharge to the right.

Remote Chute Guide Control (A, AS type)

The remote chute guide control moves the discharge chute UP or DOWN to change the distance of snow discharge.

FORWARD – Low and near REARWARD – High and far To move the lever, push left

slightly out of the detent and then forward or rearward.

Move guide handle RIGHT to direct snow discharge to the left.

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