Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Looking at the pictures from Honda.com, the new 928 and 1332 models have auto choke and new exhaust systems.  Perhaps with the new exhaust system, the blower will be much quieter just like HS724. 

I'm shopping for one right now, hesitating between the new 928 and the 1332. How reliable is Honda's electric chute control?

Will probably buy in the next week.

I was worried bout the reliability of the chute controls too.  Bought mine last January so it's had most of one winters use with no problems, and it was a relatively hard winter too.  As to long term reliability,only time will tell. That being said, the electric chute controls are a big advantage.   I have the 928 and prefer it cause it is easier to maneuver in confined areas.  Many people complain about tracked models because they are hard to use.  They definitely take a different technique than the wheelies, but when this is learned they are not that hard.  And the advantage of the tracks is amazing when going through the tough stuff.  Tracks, coupled with the hydrostatic transmission:  it'll go through stuff that a wheelie won't even touch.  I find the big drawback of tracks is inside;  the machine is very hard to move without starting the engine.  More of a problem in the off season, since I drain the carb when it's stored.  So....I fixed up an old crawler and just put the machine on it at the end of the season.  Moving it is still a bit of a hassle, but I don't have to do  that often.

MN_Runner wrote:
I think these changes are a result of tighter emission requirements.  That's about it.

It looks like the 2012 928's also include drift breakers too - right?  So, for 2012 light, choke and drift breakers are all added to the 928.  I assume the 2012 models are going to be what the local dealers have.  If there is still a $300 between the 724 and 928 then with those options added, I assume it would be worth it?

Honda snowblowers in the US never came with drift breakers.  Most of the time, it's not needed.  It's $60 as an accessory. 

I think the extra $300 spent on a 928 is well worth it just for the additional power.

DBV1 wrote:

I owned/used an HS624WA (same as the 724 except 1 less pony) for 10 years and it worked well for most of the storms we see here in New England. I picked up an HS928TA in the spring of 2010 and used it during all of last winter which was an extremely snowy winter around these parts. Hands down - go for the 928 if you have similar snow conditions as we have here in New England. The extra 3 HP is amazingly noticeable and the 28" bucket speeds the cleaning process up a bit. Where you will really notice a difference is on the EOD slop the snowplow guy graciously leaves behind. The 9 HP goes through this without hesistation, just keep your ground speed in line with the auger/impellers' ability to process what you're clearing. The 7 HP will get the job done but it will labor a lot more and be much slower at processing the snow/slop than the 9 HP. IMO, it's well worth the extra $$$. Let us know how you make out.

Agreed.  The 2 extra HP is well worth it.   I really liked the 24" size of 724 but the power on 928 is much more balanced and uninhibited. I am planning to purchase a new Toro 621 SS in a few weeks so I can use it when we get 2-6 inches of snow or use it as a fine cleaner. Toro 621 will be something simple my wife can use without worries  Good luck and enjoy!

@DBV1

You didn't mention if you were looking at wheeled or tracked Honda snowblower.

MN_Runner wrote:

Having both is really a nice option to have, especially as you get older -  the single stage is so easy to use on the smaller storms! I love banging around with the SS when the conditions warrant its use and then using the 2 stage when the going gets tough. I picked up a decent used Honda HS621AS this past spring (unfortunately after all the snow was gone) so I can't wait to put it to use. It has the same engine that I had on my old HS624WA so I can't wait to see how it performs on a SS machine. I'm going to be selling off my HS520A as the consumer grade GC OHC engine is anemic compared to the GX OHV series.

aa335 wrote:
Leaning towards the wheeled version as we have a concrete driveway.  Looked at both the Honda 24 and 28 today.  The 2011 28 also has firmer/different tires than last years 28 and this years 24.  Price difference was $200 more than the 24 - this was for the 28 without electric start.  It sounds like the Honda's are easy to pull start.  I think the 24 would be easier for my wife to maneuver when I am traveling, but for only $200 more the 28 seems like a better deal, but probably harder for her to handle???

Below are a couple links that highlight the new features of the 2011 28:

http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6369-en

http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6368-en