Honda Hs520 Service Manual
This video explains how to change the oil in a gc 160 honda engine that is build into a Honda HS520 single stage snow thrower. Due to factors beyond the control of Alex S 'Multikhaz', it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Alex S 'Multikhaz' assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video.
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Only 2 left in stock - order soon. Ships from and sold by Honda Power Equipment Publications. Genuine OEM Honda HS520/HS720 Snowblower Rubber Kit 06720-V10-030 AND Scraper 76322-V10-020 $63.95 Only 4 left in stock - order soon. Ships from and sold by Mower Shop.
This weekend we had 16 inches of wet snow. Because of work and night I couldn't go out and snow blow every couple inches, so two 8 inch attempts led to a clogged shoot repeatedly, so I ended up shoveling. Then I went out with just an inch of very wet (33 degrees) snow and it clogged a few times but got the job done.
I'm probably going to get a 2 stage Ariens, as mentioned in another thread but that's a lot of money and space in our small garage. In the meantime I'm trying to see what I could do to improve my current Hondo HS520 (I believe it's a HS520AS). I know I can spray PAM or put wax on the inside of the shoot and I will try that. I'm looking for other ideas. It's about 7 years old, are the rubber paddle things just worn out? Is there something else I can do to try to improve it?
I've found a few things online about adding rubber, etc but it's not really clear to me. Suggestions appreciated. I know it doesn't directly answer your question but I went from single to a 2 stage blower a couple of years ago.
The improvement in my experience is about 1000x better. The driveway basically clears itself now. Much appreciated here in Michigan.
Honda Hs520 Snowblower Service Manual
The biggest pain was always trying to clear snow/ice piles left at the end of the driveway by the county trucks, which I ended up just having to shovel, this eats right through it no problem. I have a toro power max 826 (Can throw the snow up to 40 feet ). The paddle is basically two pieces. The main portion is plastic, and should last forever unless you break it on a rock or clump of ice. But attached to the edge is a rubber strip, kind of like the cross-section of a tire. This does wear out and should be replaced every few years. I usually get 4 seasons out of a new one in the Chicagoland area.
It's held on by a few bolts and cap nuts which ideally should also be replaced at the same time. That includes the rubber paddles, scraper bar, belt, and hardware. Basically a complete tune-up for all the wear parts on the blower. Make sure it fits your model before ordering. Better yet, go get it from a local Toro dealer. Here are the steps I take.
If it's really wet/heavy, pre-spray with PAM. Take as small of passes as necessary, yes this can often be 1/2 to 1/3 width; even 1/4 is not unheard of. When possible, clearing part way through the storm (as you did) is helpful. Try not to blow the snow onto an unplowed area, if you will still need to plow it out - eg don't double-stack the snow unless it's onto the grass. If due to wind/throw distance/other geographical constraints you need to throw back onto the driveway, first clear the down-range section, then clear the up-range onto the down range, then re-clear the down-range; yes it's annoying, but it works. Bring a broom with you, periodically stop the snowblower, walk around front, and use the broom handle to knock stubborn chunks out of the spinning section and the chute.
Better luck next time. 2 stage is the way to go.
Honda Hs520 Owners Manual
(or 3 stage). 5hp/24' will not handle the really wet stuff. 8hp/24' will be better but the very wet snow may stop it. I have a 10hp, 24'. I have not been able to overwhelm this combination of HP and width. I would guess that if I had a 10hp with say 28' or 32', the snow volume may flip the equation so it could seem under powered. Cub Cadet came out with a '3 stage snowblower' a few years back.
It can 'blow' pure water. If you frequently get the wet/mostly slush, that might be the way to go.
Honda Hs520 Service Manual
BH Any way to improve single stage snowblower? A single-stage snowthrower works better with wet snow than a two-stage snowblower. Fewer direction changes = fewer places for the snow to stop/stick when it changes direction. Assuming your Toro worked well when new, then it should work just as well after it's repaired. So your biggest bang for the buck is to fix it. To fix yours: Replace the worn parts.
Your owner's manual will tell you how to do it (should be a simple job) and the parts to order. Or a small engine shop can do it for you. (I opt for learning to do this for yourself. Then keep a replacement set of parts on hand.) Repair videos.
Search YouTube for videos of someone repairing their Toro (model like yours). Owner's manual. If you don't have one, can find them online. May get lucky and find a free one to download Headlamp. A headlamp can be used to light your way as you remove snow at night, before it gets too deep.
As you will be working close, you don't need it to be super bright, so something small and cheap (20 lumens. 'A single-stage snowthrower works better with wet snow than a two-stage snowblower.
Fewer direction changes = fewer places for the snow to stop/stick when it changes direction.' I would agree with this.
I have both a two stage Toro,and single stage paddle type Toro.' Both are 5hp.
The single stage Toro is the one I always use when the snow is wet and heavy. It will actually throw heavy watery slush across my driveway without clogging. Maybe your single stage Toro needs replacement rubber on its auger? I have both a 2 stage and a Toro single stage CCR-2000.
It was one of the first with curved rubber paddles and yes replacing them can make a world of difference. The owner's manual gives a recommendation on depth of paddles from the center rotor. A new scraper and drive belt would be in order also. A new spark plug for easier starting is a good idea also. If it is a Toro the following Single Stage Service Manual will help. Also, I had the Drive Belt Cover rub through on the bottom letting snow in during throwing. This caused the belt to slip at times and not throw as far.
It is a very thin aluminium and can wear through if you use it against a concrete curb. Good luck and Good Snow Throwing.