Snow Blowers

This is our first review of a Hybrid snow blower and it also happens to be the first  from Honda which is also a first on this web site. We plan to review many more of the Honda machines this quarter, so stay tuned. Back to the  Honda hybrid snow blower model HS1336iAS.

Most snow blowers have a single four stroke engine that powers the auger which grinds the snow and breaks it up, the impeller which ejects or throws the snow into the air and also the drive train which moves your snow blower forward. Not so with the new Honda Hybrid Snow Blower HS1336iAS.

Electric Power

This Honda hybrid snow blower uses electricity to power two electric motors to propel the machine forward or backwards. The engine generates electricity and charges two on board batteries which in turn provides power to the electrical motors which rive the machine forward or backwards. It is a hybrid snow blower for this reason.

Aside from the fact this is one of the larger snow throwers, they claim that this machine will run quieter and smoother, be more efficient on fuel and contribute less pollution to the environment. It is controlled by an intelligent system that apparently delivers a 19% improvement in the fuel economy area.

We cannot support or detract from these claims since this is a brand new machine to the North American market and only time will tell as to it’s improvements and reliability. We did see prices of $7999, which is certainly up there for a snow thrower. Do you really need this hybrid technology in a snow blower? Also we wonder about all of the added technology and how long it will last under harsh conditions. Some snow blowers stand up very well, however you only know that once it has been tested by a North American winter.

Honda Hybrid Snow Blower HS1336iAS – Specifications:

• Drive by wire controls
• Intelligent technology controls motor speed, power output based on need
• Reversible 2-position skid shoes
• 24V DC starter
• Electronic indicators to track vital information for monitoring of all operating systems
• Heavy-duty, serrated augers to break ice and automatically lift in reverse when automatic or semi-automatic modes are engaged
• Convenient electric transport mode for relocating unit from garage or storage unit to work areas
• Electric starting via two heavy-duty batteries – offers a clean, no hassle solution for starting the engine
• 36″ clearing width, 23″ clearing height
• Discharges snow up to 62.3 ‘
• Clears up to 83.0 tons/hour
• Runs up to 2.2 hours per tank of gasoline
• Pedal-adjustable auger height
• Control panel designed for ease-of-use
• Front cover integrating tough and stable design
• Auto choke standard
• Rear cover integrated with tool box

Engine:

Powered by the intelligent, commercial-grade Honda iGX390 engine to offer motor-track operation

Transmission: Two parallel electric motors control the track drive forward and reverse  propulsion. Self-propelled, infinitely variable electric drive. Track drive  provides excellent  traction.

Warranty:

• 3 year residential / commercial warranty

Description of the Honda Hybrid Snow Blower HS1336iAS

Aside from this particular snow blower being a hybrid machine, it does come with a lot of features that may appeal to many buyers. These are listed above, however several notable features are the drive by wire approach which means it takes no more effort to steer this machine than pressing a button. It is also electric start, so no tugging on a pull chord and it clears 36 inches of snow width at a time.

This is a large powerful machine with excellent traction, clearing width and snow throwing distance of up to 62 feet, which is huge for this size of machine. If you have a large area, you will appreciate the speed at which you get the job done with this machine.

The information we read indicates that there are electronic indicators to keep you posted on various components. However they did not indicate what these were. We assume electrical generation, battery charging, engine speed, perhaps oil pressure, however we have no information on these areas.

This is a new machine to this market. W would really appreciate your comments from people who have purchased this machine. Having used a snow blower myself of a smaller size, I can appreciate how controlling this machine using buttons rather than leavers and manual strength will be a huge improvement.

For information about delivery methods for your snow blower,  accessories that you can purchase, safety rules to follow, proper operation and maintenance information, go to our page General Snow Blower Information, to read more about these topics.

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