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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda snowthrower! We are 
certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest 
snowthrowers on the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new snowthrower 
and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how 
to do that; please read it carefully.

We suggest you read the 

DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY

 

(

page 20

) and 

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

 

(

page 21

) to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of 

ownership.

When your snowthrower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind 
that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in 
servicing Honda snowthrowers and is supported by the parts and 
service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated 
to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and 
concerns.

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. 
This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the 
snowthrower and should remain with the snowthrower if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in 
effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., 
Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change 
specifications or design at any time without notice and without 
incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be 
reproduced without written permission.

SAFETY MESSAGES

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have 
provided important safety messages in this manual and on the 
snowthrower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that 
could hurt you or others. Please read these messages carefully.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the 
hazards associated with operating or maintaining a snowthrower. You 
must use your own good judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms:

Safety Labels

 – on the snowthrower.

Instructions

 – how to use this snowthrower correctly and safely.

Safety Messages

 – preceded by a safety alert 

A

 symbol and one 

of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These 
signal words mean:

Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and 
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

Damage Prevention Messages

 – You will also see other 

important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This 
word means:

CONTENTS

DANGER

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY 
HURT if you don't follow instructions.

WARNING

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY 
HURT if you don't follow instructions.

CAUTION

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow 
instructions.

NOTICE

Your snowthrower or other property can be 
damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

INTRODUCTION.............................. 1

SAFETY MESSAGES ...................... 1

SNOWTHROWER SAFETY ............ 2

IMPORTANT SAFETY 
INFORMATION............................. 2
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ...... 3

SETTING-UP YOUR NEW 
SNOWTHROWER ........................... 3

CONTROL LOCATIONS.................. 5

CONTROLS ..................................... 6

BEFORE OPERATION .................... 7

IS YOUR SNOWTHROWER 
READY TO GO? ........................... 7

OPERATION .................................... 8

SAFE OPERATING 
PRECAUTIONS ............................ 8
STARTING THE ENGINE............. 8
STOPPING THE ENGINE ............ 9
CLEARING SNOW ....................... 9

SERVICING YOUR 
SNOWTHROWER ......................... 10

MAINTENANCE SAFETY........... 10
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..... 11
ENGINE MAINTENANCE ........... 12
AUGER ....................................... 13
SCRAPER BLADE...................... 
13
REFUELING ............................... 11

TRANSPORTING .......................... 14

STORAGE ..................................... 14

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED 
PROBLEMS................................... 16

TECHNICAL INFORMATION ........ 17

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS 17
CARBURETOR 
MODIFICATION FOR HIGH 
ALTITUDE OPERATION............ 17
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM 17
AIR INDEX ................................. 18
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... 18

CONSUMER INFORMATION ....... 19

REPLACEMENT PARTS, 
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND 
SERVICE ITEMS........................ 19
DEALER LOCATOR 
INFORMATION .......................... 19
CUSTOMER SERVICE 
INFORMATION .......................... 19
DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED 
WARRANTY............................... 20
HONDA ACCESSORIES, 
REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND 
APPAREL................................... 20
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM 
WARRANTY............................... 21

PRODUCT REGISTRATION ..  
CARD...................................... Last Page

OWNER’S MANUAL

HS520A • HS520AS

SNOWTHROWER

B

WARNING:

B

The engine exhaust from this product 

contains chemicals known to the State of 

California to cause cancer, birth defects, or 

other reproductive harm.

© 1996–2011 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

31V10627
00X31-V10-6270

 POM31V10627

HPE.2011.07

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

EM3

K0 HS520A

K1 HS520AS

Summary of Contents for Harmony HS520A

Page 1: ...Safety Labels on the snowthrower Instructions how to use this snowthrower correctly and safely Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert A symbol and one of three signal words DANGER WARNING or CAUTION These signal words mean Each message tells you what the hazard is what can happen and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury Damage Prevention Messages You will also see other important messages...

Page 2: ...keep other flames and sparks away Always store gasoline in an approved container Turn Engine Off When Not Operating the Snowthrower If you need to leave the snowthrower for any reason even just to inspect the area ahead always turn the engine off Operation on Slopes To avoid overturning be careful when changing the direction of the snowthrower while operating it on a slope Do not use the snowthrow...

Page 3: ...ull the clutch cable enough to insert the Z fitting on the cable through the auger clutch lever as shown here Check the lever free play as shown on page 13 KEEP HANDS OUT OF DISCHARGE CHUTE WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING DANGER HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU Stay away if engine has been running CAUTION KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM AUGER WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING DANGER READ OWNER S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING DO NO...

Page 4: ... screws and 6 mm self locking nuts Make sure the screws go on the inside and the nuts on the outside Tighten the nuts securely HEX NUT TORQUE 7 ft lbs 10 N m 5 Lift the spark plug door and attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug 6 Remove any packing material from the side of the snowthrower HS520A FLANGE NUT CURVED HEAD BOLT STARTER BRACKET HS520AS ELECTRIC STARTER BRACKET FLANGE NUT CURVED HE...

Page 5: ...amount of oil left in the engine varies 3 Add regular unleaded fuel to the fuel tank The fuel capacity is 1 37 US quarts 1 3 liters See page 11 BEFORE USE All operators of the snowthrower must read the following chapters before using the snowthrower SNOWTHROWER SAFETY page 2 CONTROLS page 6 BEFORE OPERATION page 7 OPERATION page 8 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE page 11 CONTROL LOCATIONS UPPER LIMIT CHUTE GU...

Page 6: ...ton is used to operate the electric starter when a household extension cord is plugged into the starter box Starter Grip Pull this grip to start the engine Choke Knob The choke knob is used to open or close the choke CLOSED is used when the engine is cold The OPEN position provides the correct fuel mixture for operation after the engine has warmed up and for starting a warm engine Chute Guide Hand...

Page 7: ...heck the scraper blade for wear Replace if necessary page 14 Look for signs of damage Check that all nuts bolts screws hose connectors and clamps are tightened Keep all shields and covers in place while operating the snowthrower Check the Engine Check the oil level page 12 Check the fuel level page 11 Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling ...

Page 8: ...ilable to the starter box first and then to a 120 volt ac outlet Use an outdoor power cord with a power rating of no less than 15 amps Do not connect and disconnect the power cord with wet hands Do not use in the rain Be sure to hold the plug when disconnecting the power cord from the electrical outlet or starter box Do not disconnect by pulling on the power cord b Turn the engine switch to the ON...

Page 9: ...snowthrower over to the area to be cleared 2 Use the chute guide handle page 6 to adjust the direction for the discharged snow to travel 3 Engage the auger clutch lever The auger will begin to spin 4 Tilt the snowthrower forward slightly with the handlebar to engage the auger into the snow The auger will then pull the snowthrower forward and discharge the snow 5 To stop lower the handlebar slightl...

Page 10: ...dividual using parts that are certified to EPA standards MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow However we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task Safety Precautions Make sure the engine is off before you begin any maintenance or repairs This will elimina...

Page 11: ...uel section of the STORAGE chapter page 14 for additional information regarding fuel deterioration Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil gasoline mixture Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank To refuel remove the fuel tank cap and fill the tank with gasoline to the shoulder of the filler neck Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel Do not overfill After refueling tighten the fu...

Page 12: ...neral use Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated range The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are on the API label on the oil container Honda recommends that you use API service category SJ or later oil or equivalent Spark Plug Service To ensure proper engine operation the spark plug must be properly gapped and f...

Page 13: ...t The scraper blade thickness and adjustment determine the clearance between the rubber paddles and the ground Inspection 1 Turn the engine switch and fuel valve to the OFF position and disconnect the spark plug cap so the engine cannot be accidentally started 2 Examine the scraper blade and verify it contacts the ground evenly If it does not adjust the scraper blade See Scraper blade adjustment b...

Page 14: ... Fuel NOTICE Depending on the region where you operate your equipment fuel formulations may deteriorate and oxidize rapidly Fuel deterioration and oxidation can occur in as little as 30 days and may cause damage to the carburetor and or fuel system Please check with your servicing dealer for local storage recommendations Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage Old gasoline will cause hard...

Page 15: ...furnace water heater or clothes dryer Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor or where power tools are operated If possible avoid storage areas with high humidity because it promotes rust and corrosion Unless all fuel has been drained from the fuel tank leave the fuel valve in the OFF position page 6 to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage Place the snowthrower on a level surfa...

Page 16: ...oken or not on the pulleys See you servicing Honda snowthrower dealer Possible cause Correction Fast ground speed puts excessive load on the engine Reduce your walking speed Wet deep snow puts an excessive load on the engine Reduce the snowthrowing swath Discharge chute is restricted Clear the discharge chute of obstructions page 9 Spark plug cap is not secure Make sure the spark plug cap is secur...

Page 17: ...on the air fuel mixture will be too lean for low altitude use Operation at altitudes below 5 000 feet 1 500 meters with a modified carburetor may cause the engine to overheat and result in serious engine damage For use at low altitudes have your servicing dealer return the carburetor to original factory specifications EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produces carb...

Page 18: ...to compare the emissions performance of available engines The lower the Air Index the less pollution The durability description is intended to provide you with information relating to the engine s emission durability period The descriptive term indicates the useful life period for the engine s emission control system See your EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY page 21 for additional information SPEC...

Page 19: ...our snowthrower Date of purchase Your name address and telephone number A detailed description of the problem Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your snowthrower Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures It is intended to be used by a skilled technician Available through your Honda dealer or vis...

Page 20: ...ranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state Honda Accessories Replacement Parts And Apparel This warranty is limited to Honda Power Equipment parts accessories and apparel when distributed by American Honda Motor Co Inc 4900 Marconi Drive Alpharetta Georgia 30005 8847 To Qualify for This Warranty 1 The accessories replacement parts or app...

Page 21: ...onda approved replacement parts may be used in the performance of any warranty repairs and must be provided without charge to the owner The use of replacement parts not equivalent to the original parts may impair the effectiveness of your engine emission control system If such a replacement part is used in the repair or maintenance of your engine and an authorized Honda dealer determines it is def...

Page 22: ...NOTES ...

Page 23: ...TER ONLINE www HondaPowerEquipment com commercial rental users check one private homeowner use for hire use Owner s Last Name Company Name Address City Date of Purchase First Name Telephone State ZIP Code Application Commercial Non commercial Rental y R Serial number professional use Dealer Store ZIP code Dealer Store number If available MONTH YEAR DAY E mail address Dear Honda Customer Thank you ...

Page 24: ...t It s that simple You ll receive e mail confirmation of your registration Power Equipment Division American Honda Motor Co Inc 4900 Marconi Dr Alpharetta GA 30005 9956 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES Product Registration BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS MAIL ALPHARETTA GA PERMIT NO 117 POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE ...

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