Honda HS720AS - User Manual

Questions and Answers

S
samuelcrossAug 16, 2025
Why Honda Snow Blower engine won't start?
- A
  Amanda AndersenAug 16, 2025
  Your Honda Snow Blower engine might not be starting because the engine switch is OFF. Ensure the engine switch is turned ON. Also, check if the fuel valve is OFF and turn it ON. Stale or old fuel can also prevent starting, so use fresh fuel and drain the carburetor. Make sure the spark plug cap is connected and that the spark plug is free of deposits and has the proper gap.
M
Meghan OliverAug 19, 2025
What to do if Honda HS720AS Snow Blower auger does not operate?
- W
  William LeeSep 12, 2025
  If your Honda Snow Blower's auger isn't working, the auger paddles may be worn out and need replacement. Ensure the auger clutch lever is fully engaged by pulling it toward the handlebar. If the clutch lever free play is excessive, it should be adjusted.
J
Joseph ReedAug 22, 2025
How to troubleshoot Honda Snow Blower electric starter not working?
- B
  Brandon HannaAug 22, 2025
  If the electric starter on your Honda Snow Blower isn't working, it could be due to no electric power from the outlet. Try using a known good electrical outlet. Another possibility is a defective power cord, so try another power cord.
S
Sarah AndersonAug 25, 2025
What to do if my Honda Snow Blower engine switch is OFF?
- A
  ashleymitchellAug 26, 2025
  If your Honda Snow Blower won't start, make sure the engine switch is turned ON.
E
Edwin PhillipsAug 28, 2025
What to do if my Honda Snow Blower has stale or old fuel?
- M
  Michael Wilkerson DVMAug 28, 2025
  If your Honda Snow Blower has stale or old fuel, be sure to fill the tank with fresh fuel and drain the carburetor.
C
Cynthia TaylorAug 31, 2025
What to do if my Honda HS720AS Snow Blower spark plug cap is off?
- D
  Derrick LutzAug 31, 2025
  Make sure the spark plug cap is securely connected.
M
Mitchell RodriguezSep 3, 2025
What to do if my Honda HS720AS fuel valve is OFF?
- E
  Eric BrownSep 3, 2025
  If the fuel valve is OFF, turn the fuel valve ON.
J
Jason MartinezSep 6, 2025
What to do if my Honda HS720AS spark plug cap is not secure?
- T
  tmartinSep 6, 2025
  Ensure the spark plug cap is securely connected.
S
Sandy IngramSep 9, 2025
What to do if my Honda Snow Blower has no electric power from the outlet?
- C
  ctaylorSep 9, 2025
  Try a known good electrical outlet or start the engine by using the recoil starter.
M
Mr. William Johnson IIISep 12, 2025
What to do if my Honda HS720AS Snow Blower power cord is defective?
- C
  Cheryl CrosbySep 12, 2025
  Try another power cord or start the engine using the recoil starter.

Summary

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Safety Instructions

Guidance on interpreting safety messages and symbols used in the manual and on the equipment.

Safety Label Locations

Identification and meaning of safety labels affixed to the snow thrower to warn of potential hazards.

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

Check Your Snow Thrower

Pre-operation inspection checklist to ensure the snow thrower is in safe working condition.

Check the Oil Level

Procedure for checking the engine oil level using the dipstick and ensuring it's within the correct range.

OPERATION

Add Fuel

Instructions for safely refueling the snow thrower, including fuel type and precautions.

Operating the Controls

Fuel Valve Operation

Proper use of the fuel valve for starting, running, and stopping the engine.

Engine Ignition and Starting

Using the engine switch, key switch, and electric starter button to operate the engine.

Starting the Engine

Electric Starter Procedure (AS type)

Step-by-step guide for starting the engine using the electric starter system.

Manual Recoil Starter Procedure

Instructions for starting the engine using the manual recoil pull-start system.

AUGER PADDLES AND SCRAPER BLADE

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Common Starting and Operation Issues

Solutions for problems like electric starter failure, engine not starting, or auger not operating.

Engine Performance and Snow Discharge Problems

Troubleshooting low engine power, stalling, and snow not discharging properly.

AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS

Summary

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Safety Instructions

Guidance on interpreting safety messages and symbols used in the manual and on the equipment.

Safety Label Locations

Identification and meaning of safety labels affixed to the snow thrower to warn of potential hazards.

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

Check Your Snow Thrower

Pre-operation inspection checklist to ensure the snow thrower is in safe working condition.

Check the Oil Level

Procedure for checking the engine oil level using the dipstick and ensuring it's within the correct range.

OPERATION

Add Fuel

Instructions for safely refueling the snow thrower, including fuel type and precautions.

Operating the Controls

Fuel Valve Operation

Proper use of the fuel valve for starting, running, and stopping the engine.

Engine Ignition and Starting

Using the engine switch, key switch, and electric starter button to operate the engine.

Starting the Engine

Electric Starter Procedure (AS type)

Step-by-step guide for starting the engine using the electric starter system.

Manual Recoil Starter Procedure

Instructions for starting the engine using the manual recoil pull-start system.

AUGER PADDLES AND SCRAPER BLADE

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Common Starting and Operation Issues

Solutions for problems like electric starter failure, engine not starting, or auger not operating.

Engine Performance and Snow Discharge Problems

Troubleshooting low engine power, stalling, and snow not discharging properly.

AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS

This document is an owner's manual for the Honda HS720A, HS720AS, and HS720AM snow throwers. It provides comprehensive information on the device's function, usage, and maintenance.

Function Description

The Honda snow thrower is designed to clear snow from driveways and walkways. It utilizes an auger system to collect and discharge snow. The engine powers the auger paddles, which spin to gather snow and propel it through a discharge chute. The chute's direction and angle can be adjusted to control where the snow is thrown, allowing for efficient clearing of various areas. The device is intended for outdoor use in snowy conditions.

Usage Features

The manual outlines several key usage features and controls:

Fuel Valve: Controls the fuel supply to the carburetor. It has ON and OFF positions. For operation, it must be ON; for storage or when not in use, it should be OFF to prevent fuel leakage.
Engine Switch (A, AM type) / Engine Key Switch (AS type): Controls the ignition system. The OFF position stops the engine, while the ON position allows for starting and running. The AS type uses a key for ignition.
Electric Starter Button (AS type): For AS type models, an electric starter button is available. It requires an outdoor 3-prong extension cord connected to a 120-volt AC outlet and the starter box. The button is pushed to start the engine, and the extension cord should be disconnected afterward.
Manual Recoil Starter: All models feature a manual recoil starter. To use it, the engine switch is turned ON, the starter grip is pulled slowly until resistance is felt, and then pulled briskly. It should be returned gently to prevent damage.
Choke Knob: Used to adjust the air-fuel mixture for starting. The CLOSED position is for cold engines, providing a richer mixture. As the engine warms up, the choke knob is gradually pushed to the OPEN position for normal operation.
Auger Clutch Lever: When engaged, this lever causes the auger paddles to spin and can propel the snow thrower forward. Engaging it on cleared ground may cause sudden forward movement. Releasing the lever stops the auger.
Chute Guide Handle (AM type) / Remote Chute Guide Control (A, AS type): These controls adjust the snow discharge angle and distance. The AM type uses a handle that moves UP or DOWN. The A and AS types use a remote control lever that moves FORWARD (low and near) or REARWARD (high and far).
Chute Turn Control (A, AS type): This control changes the direction of snow discharge to the LEFT or RIGHT. The lever is pulled back slightly out of the detent and then moved left or right.
Semi-Self Propel Operation: The snow thrower can be propelled by tilting the handlebar. Tilting it forward (UP) allows the auger blades to contact the ground, providing assist. Tilting it back (DOWN) slows or stops the propel assist.
Operating Conditions: The manual emphasizes safe operation, including not using the snow thrower in poor visibility, adjusting the discharge chute to avoid hitting bystanders or vehicles, holding the handle firmly, walking (not running), and wearing suitable winter boots. It also warns against touching the hot muffler and operating the engine in enclosed areas due to carbon monoxide hazards.
Clearing Clogged Discharge Chute: Users are instructed to never use hands to clear the chute. The engine must be stopped, and a wooden stick should be used to remove obstructions.
Refueling: Gasoline is highly flammable. Refueling must be done outdoors with the engine OFF and cool. The fuel tank should not be overfilled, and sources of heat, sparks, or flames must be kept away.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation, and to reduce air pollution. The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule and procedures:

Pre-Operation Inspection: Before each use, check the snow thrower's condition, including for leaks, damage, proper control operation, auger paddle wear, scraper blade wear, tightened nuts/bolts/screws, oil level, and fuel level.
Oil Level Check: The oil level should be checked on a level surface by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean, inserting it without screwing it in, and checking the oil mark. If low, recommended oil should be added to the upper limit.
Oil Change: The engine oil should be changed after the initial 5 hours of use, and then every 6 months or 50 hours of use. The procedure involves draining warm, used oil into a container and refilling with recommended oil to the upper limit.
Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement: The spark plug should be replaced every 150 hours. Inspection involves checking for wear, cracks, and proper electrode gap (0.028–0.031 in or 0.7–0.8 mm).
Auger Clutch Lever Free Play Adjustment: The distance the clutch lever moves before resistance is felt should be checked (7-1/2 to 8 inches or 190–205 mm). Adjustment involves changing the position of the cable or spring on the metal plate.
Belt Tension Inspection and Adjustment: The length of the exposed clutch spring coils should be measured (2.95–3.15 inches or 75–80 mm). Adjustment involves moving the Z-bend fitting from the lower to the upper hole on the auger clutch lever.
Auger Paddle Inspection and Replacement: Paddles should be inspected for wear. The service limit for the distance between the paddle edge and metal auger support is 5/8 inch (15 mm). Replacement should be done by a Honda servicing dealer.
Scraper Blade Inspection and Replacement: The scraper blade should be checked for excessive wear and even contact with the ground. The paddle ground clearance should be 1/16–1/8 inches (1–3 mm). If the blade thickness is less than 1/16 inch (2 mm), it needs replacement. Adjustment involves loosening flange nuts and moving the blade down slightly.
Chute Guide Lever Cable Check/Adjustment (A, AS type): Ensure the discharge chute moves smoothly. Adjust the lock nut and adjusting nut to achieve full travel up and down.
Fuel System Maintenance: This includes draining or treating the fuel for storage to prevent deterioration. The manual provides detailed guidance on avoiding fuel-related problems, especially for infrequent use.
Engine Cylinder Coating: For storage, a teaspoon of clean engine oil should be poured into the cylinder to prevent rust, and the starter rope pulled several times to distribute the oil.
Cleaning: The auger housing and wheels can be rinsed with a garden hose, and the rest of the snow thrower wiped with a moist rag.
Storage Location: Store in a well-ventilated, dry area away from ignition sources. Cover the snow thrower to keep out dust, but avoid nonporous covers that trap moisture.
Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting section for common issues such as the electric starter not operating, engine not starting, auger not operating, chute not turning, low engine power, snow not discharging properly, and engine stalling when the clutch lever is engaged.
Emission Control System: The manual details the emission control systems, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and warning against tampering. It also provides information on high altitude operation and its impact on performance and emissions.