I was getting tired of all the conflicting info on the Honda 928TAS so I called up Honda directly
American Honda Power Equipment Division
Customer Relations
Tel: 770-497-6400
Fax: 678-339-2519
Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 7:00 EST
I spoke with Denise at the above number. She told me that side skid shoes were for commercial use and that some 928TAS models were designated as such and that you could tell this by looking at the side of the bucket and seeing if there were indents where the side skid shoes would go. If there are then you can add standard skid shoes if no indents then you have to use commercial ones, either way you have to drill holes in the side of the bucket to add them. The side skid shoes according to her and she double checked are for commercial use and are an option you pay extra for. They make the 928TAS easier to turn and protect any bedding or concrete and they prevent the auger from scraping the ground.
I explained that my dealer had told me differently and she explained that perhaps the dealer has heard from a customer that the snowblower was easier to turn without them but Honda maintains that it's easier to turn with side skid shoes and that it does not in any way affect the operation on the snowblower even in it's fully lowered position except that the auger will not scrape the ground.
Since I had her on the phone I asked when the first oil change should be and she said at 20 hours not before or after. She said all this is available in the owners manual. She did mention that you should check your oil level each time before using the machine.
So that's the offical story from Honda America easily verified by calling up Honda and speaking with Denise or someone else in customer service.
"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England." "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
