Honda HS520A

$729

Type: Single-Stage
Engine: 5HP OHC Premium Residential
Clearing Width: 20”″
Starter: Recoil

Snowblower Specifications

Brand	Honda GC160
Type	Single stage
Horsepower	5HP OHC Premium Residential
Starting System	Recoil
Fuel Tank	.3 gal

Overview

In-Dash_Headlights	N/A
Heated_Handles	N/A
Weight	76.0 lbs
Consumer_Warranty	2-Yr Limited
Commercial_Warranty	3 months

Drive System

Drive	Manual, Auger-assisted
Forward_Speeds	N/A
Reverse_Speeds	N/A
Tire_Type	N/A
Tire_Size	N/A
Skid_Shoes	N/A

Impeller

Diameter N/A

Profile N/A
Auger

Clearing Width 20”

Clearing Height 12"

Material Metal
Chute

Chute_Rotation Manual

Turning_Radius 220º

Max_Throwing_Distance 26 feet

Snowblower Reviews

Honda HS520A Snowthrower Review
By Frank from Massachusetts(Owner), Apr. 24, 2011
I picked up a nice used HS520A last fall mainly for use clearing my large deck. I also wanted to use it on my driveway for the lighter snowfall amounts that are a bit too light for my 9HP 2 stage snowblower which is a Honda HS928TA track drive model.

I was a bit disappointed with the HS520A as it just did not perform as expected. The handle that controls the direction of the chute is cumbersome in that it gets in the way if you're trying to clear close to a vertical structure like a wall or railing. If you're too close, the handle hits the vertical structure and turns the chute to the forward position instead of to the right or left position that you want the snow directed.

The throwing distance was a bit anemic (IMO) and in most cases barely cleared the 12' width of my deck out into my yard. The same thing was experienced when using it on my driveway which is 12' wide for a distance of about 100' then opens up near my garage to about 30' x 40'. It just does not have the power to toss the snow very far.

On a positive note, the 4 stroke engine starts up easily (typical Honda) and the unit is easy to work on in terms of oil and spark plug changes and general maintenance like replacing the scraper bar and impeller paddles or drive belt.

I give it a 2.5 out 5 on the scale. More power and better ergonomics are two areas that would significantly improve the performance and handling of this single stage snow thrower. I like many of the features found on the Toro single stage units and feel Honda would benefit from similar features.
- Performance
- Interior
- Quality & Reliability
- Overall Value