At about 4:20 I mention that I have 400 yards of drive to clear. I meant 400 feet. It may be closer to 450 feet, but it is certainly not 400 yards. Sorry about that.
I have a hs828 I think that is the model. Purchased in 1992. Just turned 30. The bulldozer treads are great and needless to say it has blown all sorts of snow, even of incredible depths, wet and dry. Very good, strong and reliable machine.
I have a Honda 13/32 track, a Toro 14/32 commercial max and a Kubota BX25 4x4 enclosed tractor with a brand new 48" commercial front blower. So let me tell you the following: The Honda purrs and can easily go over snow between job sites. It handles snow well but not ice. The shear pins are a nuisance. The Toro is a beast. Powerful and can cut through most anything. It does not use shear pins. If it hits a hard or dense object it will simply shut off. It is not tracked so it can spin its wheels a bit. Also the quick stick that controls the shute is great when the mechanism isn't frozen. I had to have the quick stick replaced after two years of usage. The gears stripped. This snowblower is powerful and not for the feign of heart. Kubota BX25 enclosed cab. Life is great again. Despite owning and using what I feel are the two best snowblowers out there I still have to man-handle the machines in thick snow or ice chunks. I come in the house sweating and soaked. I have two blowers because I need the second machine for a back up if the first breaks down. I usually rely on the Toro as my first team unit. I cannot afford to have any down time. Gotta get to work. So, just turned 60. I'll be damned if I'm going to let a Widow Maker take me from this world. I bought a used Kubota BX25 that was used for landscaping. It was in great condition but needed new wiper assembly, cab heater, replace the turf tires with industrial knobbies, new led lights and grease and lubrication. Then I added the new 48" commercial snowblower on the front. Now I have a dream machine in perfect condition ready to take on whatever winter will throw at me. By going the used route I saved $18k. The used machine cost $20k, Servicing $3k, and new front blower $9k. A new tractor with cab and blower is $50k. Canadian dollars. I figured that I made it to 60 and like being outdoors mucking around in the winter but the weather is getting bad, really bad and you can't take your money with you. Keep your eyes peeled in Buy and Sell and Kijiji for a good shape Kubota BX series machine. These little diesel tractors are made in Japan and will last you 20-30 years. Cab is a must or you will be soaked from blow back. PS. Last year I bought a cordless electric snow shovel by Toro. I use it for the deck and steps. It is a revelation and works like magic. Never heard of them before last year and being the foolish gadget guy I am had to have one. $200-$300 and worth every penny.
I just bought a new model of the same you have this year. I'm 5'9" and its perfect for me. The best blower I have ever owned. I have had John Deere and Ariens. So I'm as happy as a pig in slop mine is a HSS1332A. Don't think I have the ability to tilt back on the 2021 model but for me at 7800' its heaven. Thank you for sharing
I bought a brand new HSS 1332 AT (32inch wide track drive snow blower). This is my second one of these machines. The first one is over ten years old. On its first use the bolt boss connecting the shaft to the auger blades broke. The 6mm bolt that connects the boss to the auger blade is supposed to be the part that breaks when something jams up the blades, not the bolt boss. The 6mm bolt is easy and inexpensive to replace and I keep a supply of these on hand for this reason. The bolt boss and 7x40 pin that holds it to the auger shaft just cost me $32 and a week’s worth of down time waiting for delivery. In addition, there will be a significant amount of labor to disassemble the front end of this machine in order to get the new part to slide on to the auger shaft. I expect more from Honda!
yes I operated this machine for two years. Here is my conclusion. I will never own another snow blower again. Whatever kind it maybe. Noisy as hell. Cold snow mist everywhere and plain messy, rattle noise from hell. I get worn just from the noise never mind the fact that if you are not dressed just right you are asking for it. Just the noise wears a person out period. I bought a snow plow and installed it in front of my one ton chevy and I can clean the whole neighborhood in one hour from the comfort of a warm cab. 🙂
I have the same exact snowblower I live in upper peninsula Michigan this thing is a beast there's no stopping it when everybody else is stuck this thing just chugs along by far the best blower I've ever seen or used if you're thinking about getting one of these stop thinking and just do it you'll be happy you did 💪😎
I own one of these, and agree with this review 100%. I too have a gravel driveway, am six foot two, and find that I'm fighting this beast a lot of the time. I also concur that my next snow removal tool will be something rideable with either a plow or blower attachment.
Mount the large skid shoes on the sides of the Auger and it will do what is designed to do better. I have 2 Honda tracked blowers and have no issues whatsoever. Adjust the existing shoes to help with drive aligment.
I got the 1332 TAS from 2013 (made in Japan). Everything solid but steering is a bear. Glad you said it’s not that easy still. Not going to upgrade than. Thanks
Yes, my drive was gravel. You just need to adjust the skid shoes accordingly until you have a solid, packed base of snow. Then raise the shoes and let the scraper bar clean down to the packed stuff.
I had a Honda track snow blower. If was expensive. And yah for a ten space driveway is took forever. When you get the 3 to 5 inch storms it does not whip through like a wheeled blower. It's good for big dumping snow falls, but just use a smaller wheeled blower more often. When it wore out over the years I did not get another one.
I have an 1132 electric start that's about 17 years old. Over the last 6 years, I've replaced 3 carburetors, had the transmission rebuilt, and a new muffler installed. Now the tracking seems to need adjusting and the step bar that needs to be stepped on while lifting the machine to tilt the auger down doesn't always stay engaged. Mine does not have a hydraulic lift. I think I've spent at least a thousand dollars so far. If it weren't for its brute strength and how well the engine still runs, I think I would have bought a new one already. Not sure if it would be another Honda though, because Ariens has a commercial-grade blower that is easily on par with the Honda.
I know this video is 3 years old but my dream setup is a Kubota BX80 series with the quick hitch front mount snow blower, broom, a mower and a bagger. Kubota makes a UTV that has attachments like its BX series with heating and air conditioning, but that may be overkill.
It is an old video, and I sold this Honda a few years back, but thanks for checking it out. The setup you mention is definitely a workhorse and would do the job well. I opted for a Bercomac blower for my SxS. The attachment method isn't nearly as robust as your dream setup, but I don't need a tractor for anything else. The SxS gets a lot of use, from hauling wood to pleasure cruises. Best wishes on getting that setup.
Being 63 years old and worked for a utility company that was always trying different equipment the Honda snowblowers with tracks never impressed me, to hard to maneuver most times and just wore you out.
I had a bobcat 595 with an sb200 snowblower. Great, but a huge money pit. I paid 53,000 6 years ago. I put in 3000 in repairs, and oil changes. Sold it for 45,000 2 months ago. Only had 213 hours on it in 6 years. Getting this machine next month.
Great review. I’m also over 6’ and I find myself hunching over to handle it. I think if your maybe 5’10 or less it may be perfect. Other than that I love this machine. Question: Does anyone know if Honda or aftermarket offers a taller set of handle bars or mod to raise the height ??? Thx JJ Mass
I dont think so Honda has been unresponsive so I Just bout the Husqvarna 424.... batter start , hydrostatic way way fast back up.... Honda is soooo slow and terrible ergonomics.. all good if your 5.6
they are all designed for perfection for a 6ft man, the toro I have is perfect for me, if you are tall with short arms you can add a piece on top of each lever to increase the height.
So would you go with a wheel unit in Honda over the trac's? I have 320 ft. gravel driveway and is only 8ft wide with level concrete pad up by the garage . Thanks for your honest review .
Supposedly Honda came out with a re-designed chute in 2019 I believe because of the heavy wet snow plugging the exit. I didn’t see it on your chute. I heard they’d offer it on warranty.
I got rid of my faithful Wheel Horse & 44” two stage blower for HSS1332ATD. Turned out be best move for our place. Contemplated a snowblower on the Kubota tractor. The Honda is easy to maneuver & fast. At 6’8” I’d like a bit taller handles
$3,499 for a 28" and only 270cc! Why the hell are these so expensive? You can get a 28" 306cc Ariens for $1,900. Montana is certainly a beautiful place. We see blue skies like that all the time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Some of the cleanest air you'll ever breathe.
It's the Honda tax. Same goes for their generators and other power equipment. I sold the Honda a few years ago when I bought the Berco (I recouped 70% of the purchase price on a 4-year old machine). I recently purchased a house and the previous owner left a 30" Ariens. I still have the Berco, but will use the Ariens for tight areas and sidewalks. It will be interesting to see what I think of it compared to the old Honda.
Nice review. Question for you. I’m trying to find out about this “The Auger Shear Bolt Guard detects high torque levels and immediately shuts off the auger and the engine, protecting the snow blower.” Is there really no more sheer bolts? Thx
Thanks for checking out the channel. There are shear bolts, and it comes with extra, just in case. "Auger Shear Bolt Guard" is probably a fancy marketing term for the same old technology. Despite clearing a gravel drive, I was lucky enough to never replace any.
@@RuralMontanaLiving It is an electronic device that shuts off the engine when stress is detecting at the transmission. Sheer bolts are also used for complete protection.
Ah yes, thanks for pointing that out. I completely forgot about that. A couple of years ago, I forgot that my wife moved an outdoor mat to a spot I clear and it got tangled up in the auger. What a mess. The shear bolts did not break, but the machine shut down and the auger jam light came on. The only time that happened (and the last time a mat was put there).
I use this same model to run a Snowblower service and love it. Thanks for the auger interlocking sensor because it saves me the time reinstalling another shear pin. Minor issue the shear pin bolts do loosen after extensive use just tighten them up periodically retighten them. I wish the interlock sensor could be an option on the smaller models. Since I have a 24” from my 1st one I bought to fit between parked cars. I made another executive decision which was an enclosed trailer to be ready to roll out early in snow mornings cutting down on loading up a utility trailer. I pull up to the customer and drop back door and get busy. 15-20 for a driveway looking at the neighbors struggling with a cheap blower as I reload my trailer ready for the next driveway. This blower is the best cleaning out driveways, sidewalks and walkways.
It's a nice machine but how is it with speed is it a slow running machine or could you change the gears and move faster please comment back and what was the price of this machine thank you
All snow blowers are inherently slow. You need to let the auger grab the snow, not push it into the snow. No clue about changing gears, although I am sure that would negate the warranty. I paid around $2900 for it in 2015 when the 2016 model year came out. I sold it in 2019 for $2000, so it only cost me a little over $200 per year for the 4.5 years I owned it.
Wheels are definitely easier to move, but I found that they slipped a lot and the tracks just kept pushing the blower, regardless of how deep/heavy the snow is.
Yes, but it wasn't really needed for our narrow drive. Plus I don't like the huge piles of snow created from plowing. Blowing the snow 50' off the drive was the best solution. I sold this Honda a while back and upgraded to a much bigger blower for my SxS.
Hi, thanks for the video. So I’m looking for a new snowblower.I’m in norther NH and we get a good amount of snow but lately it’s been heavy wet stuff which my existing 26” walk behind doesn’t like. It sounds like you no longer have the Honda. Any recommendations for a new machine or should I get a Honda? Thanks!
Heavy wet snow is tough on most snowblowers, but the Honda handled it pretty well. It just didn't throw it as far. I now have an Ariens Deluxe 30 and it does pretty well, too. I preferred the Honda, but the Ariens came with the house I purchased. It is simply a back-up to my Berco/Defender setup, which in my situation, is the way to go.
Hi, if the battery were to die, how else could you start it? I don’t see a pull start option on there. I mean I know you can always jump a battery but I was just curious if it also has a pull start. Thanks
Excellent and well-balanced review. Thank you. I have a 71 yard, extremely steep driveway - probably a 20-25 degree or better slope. This is the machine I was thinking of buying. I wonder if you ever had the opportunity of trying the blower in very steep terrain and what your thoughts were in that regard. Thanks again. It's been a very informative video.
Thanks for stopping by. The driveway I cleared with this machine was relatively level, with only a couple degrees of slope, so I have no experience on terrain that steep. I have no doubt the blower can climb it, but I don't know how well it would toss snow while doing so. My guess is that it would be fine, but that is a guess. Sorry I could not help with your specific situation. Perhaps someone that has experience with a steep drive will chime in. I'll tag your comment so that it is closer to the top...
@@madisonian50 Thanks for your info. I did break down and bought the 1332. Only used it once in 6" of light snow but it climbs that icy hill like nobody's business. Time will tell but I'm happy with the purchase so far. They must have changed the steering too because it's effortless. Beats wrestling my old Craftsman. Thanks.
I have a 600 feet drive way. However I have a compact tractor with a five foot blower for the open area. I need a walk behind for around the house (sidewalks etc). Would this do great for that?
My neighbor has only a 40 by 25 ft driveway and I took him to Home depot showing him a Troy Bilt 2410 model 24 inch wide snow blower for $699.95 that he bought. He has used it three times now here in Lake Tahoe where we really get snow and loves it.
I put a ride on trailer behind my Honda snowblower so it can travel faster than a walk. It may not work for you because of your height, your legs may be too long for a comfortable seating position. You could put a chair behind it and see if it could work for you.
Hello, I live in a snowy country in Japan. I also have a Honda snowblower. This model is not sold in Japan. Is it for export only? Honda is very good. Good luck.
For my situation, definitely the tracks. We get a decent amount of snow here (about 73" annual average), and the tracks make the machine that much more capable. In fact, I wanted the 2016 model and had to wait for it. Our local Honda dealer is awesome and let me use their 728 with wheels until the new one came in. It was a real chore once the snow started piling up and it made me appreciate the power of the 1332, as well as the tracks, once I took delivery.
I have this snowblower and would like to leave it behind my house when it isn’t being used. The problem is I have a hill about 30 degrees steep. Will it climb it in the snow? My other snowblower with regular tires couldn’t do it. We are about to get a foot of snow and If no one thinks it can do it I have to bring it in my garage. Any help is appreciated
A 30 degree hill climb while throwing snow is a tall order. It should be able to do it, as long as you don’t let the snow pile too deep between clearings.
@@RuralMontanaLiving this will only to be to get it up to my driveway. So it would prob come up the hill thru a few inches. If it gets any higher I would have to blow it as I was going up. Just hoping the tracks don’t slip. The other blower w tires just spins them up the hill in the snow
Does wet slushy snow still get stuck and plug up the chute on this one? I've only ever owned one snowblower, my Ariens 2 stage, so maybe this is the nature of every snowblower?
There may have been a fuel shutoff valve, but I don't recall a drain. When getting it ready for summer storage, I just timed it so that I could run the last bit of gas out of the tank.
In all honesty, this machine took two hands to turn. It would require a third hand to rotate the chute to put snow where I wanted it. Much easier to back up a little and keep the chute as-is. It's irrelevant now. I sold the machine years ago.
I have a Cub Cadet Track machine I’ve had since the 1980’s . I have a 8 hp Tecumshe with steerable tracks which I love. It’s a tank you can’t stop it and will blow snow a good 50 feet. I like your electric chute diverted. I have a surround cab on mine which helps when wind is blowing and keeps the operator warmer. My next machine will be a Honda as Cub Cadets today have Chinese engines on them.🤔
I think he mentioned he has difficulty turning it around with tracks as one keeps spinning. Great looking machine, but I'd prefer wheels. Easier to move around while operating or moving it around while storing, moving,etc.
This is the only one I have ever owned, so I can't comment on how it compares to older models. The Honda dealer let me borrow a wheeled machine while I waited for the new track model to come in. It was awful and I had a heck of a time in deep snow on our driveway. The track unit was much better for my application.
I got rid of my 1332 too. I love Honda products but.... TRACKS ON A SNOWBLOWER ARE A BIG MISTAKE.... Sounds good in theory. Tracks turn it into an unwieldy beast. Yes, I was working the freewheeling levers properly. Wheels give more than enough traction to overload the auger. With tracks, each side has three points of contact, track back, track front, and scraper bar/wear pad. Track wants to stay parallel to the ground. So when encountering uneven terrain, you are either digging in, or too far off the ground. Even if you are constantly adjusting the height adjustment angle of attack. It does blow snow! I would rev it up, and the snow disappeared into the air. I love my new 928 with wheels.
I was looking at the honda website and it appears the hydrostatic 28" wheeled version is their best machine. I have used both wheeled and tracked versions of non-hydrostatic blowers, and find the wheels to be a much better option over tracks.
Ive got a 1332 and some of what you've stated is very correct. With uneven ground its a constant battle to keep it straight and not have it digging(not as hard of a workout compared to handling a wheel machine). I leave my thumb on the lever for height ajustement and let it float. Ive notice that it gives me a good result. Regarding wheels vs tires, a tire machine would never be able to clear the snow that we get. My wheel machine was a battle to keep the front end down, i worked out more than the snowblower just trying to keep it straight and keep it down. If you only get fluffy light snow than sure a wheel machine is good enough. The minute you get into the wet heavy nasty stuff, theres nothing that beats a track machine.
If you have a hill to clear or stairs to climb then you need track drive otherwise wheels work and have lower maintenance requirements. Honda has a well deserved reputation.
Thanks for the great review, RML. I'm not sure how much surface area you're clearing adjacent to your house, but your use of the words "four-hundred yards" clearly describes a very long driveway. We've got a steep asphalt driveway that's about 450' long and 12' wide that runs directly into a large [uneven] asphalt "taxi way" that's designed for vehicle turn around, while still shedding water in the non-snow months. We are badly in need of a snow removal solution that doesn't involve shovels and, in fact, the Honda HSS1332ATD has been on my mind all winter. However, you also [wisely] mentioned a possible alternative: a UTV-Berco snowblower combination. Have you tried this setup yourself? If not, have you seen this system in action? Like yourself, we've considered the exact same alternative, but that's a LOT of hard-earned to invest in anything other than an excellent, extremely-efficient snow removal system. I have liked and subscribed, and I assure you that your thoughts are most-greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the comments, like and subscription. Very much appreciated. It sounds like you have quite the area to clear as well. The Honda can do it; just plan on spending the time with a walk-behind. Something I didn't cover is using it on an uneven drive. My gravel drive is crowned to shed water. As the snow pack builds, it can be difficult to maneuver at the edges of the drive. The Honda wants to turn and follow the downhill path and it requires some wrestling to keep it straight. This is when the steering should help, but the track just spins as mentioned in the video . Hope that makes sense. I have not seen a UTV/snowblower in action, other than searching on RUclips. I can't justify the cost of a new setup, but used are more "reasonable". Keep in mind that I'll use the UTV for many other things (firewood, recreation, etc.) A sub-compact tractor is another option, but it is just as pricey, I wouldn't have as many uses for it, nor would it be suitable for recreation (i.e. not much fun!) If you have any other questions about the Honda or would like to see something specific about it in a video, don't hesitate to ask. If I do move forward with a UTV/snowblower, I'll be sure to post a video about it. Thanks again.
@@RuralMontanaLiving I don't mean to belabor anything, RML, but I feel compelled to mention that the thoughts you've expressed -- in this video and in your subsequent reply -- are almost identical to what we've been thinking for months now! In addition to the house/driveway I described in my first post, we also own a plot of managed forest land and, not to come off like a jerk, but it's 3-digits of densely-populated timber land with very old skid roads in it. It's also on the side of terracing mountain terrain, so we've been operating a UTV there for about 11 years now. Obviously, this means that we have something in common because we can both put a UTV to regular use in all seasons ... and, apart from the time the ice we're cursed with flipped me over, a UTV is a pleasure to experience. Thanks again for your thoughtful video and, of course, it's nice to know that someone else who's making rural living work is coming up with the same research results that we are. Please keep up the good work.
Easy? Real men choose this tank... we prefer being tough and pivot using our muscles.. unlike these beta males who need “hand warmers” .. if we were in a war you’d cry and beg for heated rubber grips on your rifles...be a man
You have pretty big driveway if you have the funds I would invest in a snowblower tractor. Only problem getting a ATV with a plow dealing with snow banks and look like you get a lot of snow there
That is adjustable via the skid shoes, just like any snow blower, including my Berco that replaced this one. I'm clearing a gravel drive, so I have the shoes adjusted down, raising the scraper bar, until a solid base of packed snow is prepared. Once a base is packed, I lower the shoes and clear new snow down to the base.
In Canada they offer a much bigger machine but not sure if you can get them in the states. Buy a cheap plow truck not a utv. For 10k you can get a used plow truck and then you are inside with heat. Utv unless you need it for other stuff is $$$$$ way more than a beat up old plow truck and then you have to buy the cabin for it and it will be like $25,000 when you are done
I didn't know that, but I did notice that Yamaha has a really nice snowblower line available in Canada that isn't available in the USA. I wonder why this is the case. Could be emissions issues.
A cheap plow truck is a lot more expensive than the used UTV I purchased, unless you buy a complete junker. Plus the UTV is a blast to play with, whereas a junk truck or tractor isn't much fun when not being put to work.
@@RuralMontanaLiving I just bought a track machine, and sold my john Deere, thanks for the information haven’t had snow yet to try it, cheers from Calgary.
Two things that I can say about my 13/32 is despite it being a really good machine it still lacks the grunt power I need for end of driveway snow after the damn city plow pushes in the sloppy and dense snow mixed with ice. Secondly, that same ice riddled snow eats up the shear pins. I often have to remove the ice by hand before I snowblower.
@@abouttime5000 tell me about it. I'm covering plow accounts for a local mowing guy who's been busting his butt for 30 years building up a damn good clientele and has a Mexican transplant from California with a head injury helping him because he can't find reliable help after his nephews quit. Robots and computers are changing everything including the mindset of newer generations toward physical work.
Thanks For the video, it was very helpful. Knowing that you have such a large area to cover, why would you buy snowblower too small? That is a great machine and you won’t have a problem selling it if you want to buy something bigger or keep it and use it as a back up.
@@RuralMontanaLiving hubota has a rtv with there auto connect front mount hitch for hooking on and off the snowblower,blade and sweeper wich kubota rtv's uses there compact tractor attachments wich there pretty solid and powerful wich there price is pretty good wich kubota is priced up to $15,000 for there rtv 1100 with factory cab deeres are $35,000 open station wich rediculas
Living in the Lake Tahoe area we get SNOW! So lets compare this Honda, that my son has as well, that costs $3,650 to my Troy Bilt Arctic Storm 34 two stage snowblower for only $1,900?? Yours has a 390 CC engine with electric start compared to mine of 420 CC made for Troy Bilt by Tecumseh in Wisconsin to Troy Bilt's specifications. It has handle warmers, head light, wheel clutch finger levers to turn the snowblower and 200 degree chute rotation. I bought this model as my neighbor has the almost same model now twenty year old but no handle warmers and a 435 CC engine. I has the 115 volt AC electric start as well as the recoil rope start instead. You are paying for the name for something that my Troy bilt will do the same job for less lasting just as long. My son also thinks he is getting a better SUV paying twice as much buying Audi's and BMW'S while my Tacoma four door 4x4 is now 8 years old still going strong!
@@boobooboogoo Most of Honda products are made in Canada with the engines made in Japan! Every part of a Troy Bilt is American and I bet just as reliable costing half the price with the same features.
I heard you when you said that it does not want to turn very easily but is it really that hard that you have to waste 1/2 of your clearing time devoted to backing up instead of just turning and being productive both directions? My Ariens tracked blower turns very easily to the point of never would I back track rather than just turn and go forward both ways on my gravel driveway. But, like you said, this is the only blower you've ever used. Not much of a "rating" when it's the only one you've used. P.S. The big Toro tracked blower is fairly easy to turn but certainly not as easy as the Ariens.
I only had to back up in a few tight areas, so it certainly wasn’t 1/2 my time. Yes, this is the only walk behind blower I’ve owned ( but not used), but that doesn’t negate my opinion. Thanks for watching and taking all the time to comment.
You may have already done it being this video is nearly 3 years old but you have more than enough driveway to justify the purchase of a compact tractor with a 50-60" blower. I have about 450' of driveway myself and my Kubota B 2650 with cab and 63" blower make quick work of it.
My normal, comfortable stride is 2.5 - 3.0 mph (based on a GPS app I use for hiking). This machine would do at least that at max speed, but that isn't conducive to clearing snow effectively with a blower, except in a small amount of light, fluffy snow, which I normally didn't bother clearing. Typically I would set it at a slower walking pace. The tracks did make it cumbersome to turn. My biggest complaint was the low height of the handles.
I'm not sure what knocking noise you are referring to. The engine ran flawlessly and I don't recall any unusual noises. I sold the machine over a year ago, so I can't fire it up and listen again.
I remember a stumpgrinder with a honda engine we had. And a power rake. Both made a distinct clunk-ting sound on startup and stop, but never had a problem.
I have same machine here in Idaho. It's my first and I got so excited to go out and move snow this morning, 6 inches. Let's see if I am still saying that in March! Thanks! I agree with your analysis, wish the handle bars were a little taller.
@@markyoung7954 i can understand a metal body shute and frame but for a machine that sees a very moisture rich environment a metal tank will condensate and build up water in the fuel. But if a metal tank makes you feel like more of a man then go with that.
It's a great machine but for me it doesn't come out of the shed unless I get 6+ inches of snow. I'm faster with a shovel. looking into getting a single stage battery powered.
You're welcome! Thanks for checking out the channel and subscribing. Really appreciate it. At 6'4", I would definitely visit a Honda dealer and try it out. Even if you can't move snow, you can at least maneuver it around the showroom, or better yet, parking lot of the dealer. Be sure to try it in reverse, too, if the area you are clearing will require a lot of backing up to maneuver. I'm not sure if other manufacturers offer different heights. I'm a bit of a Honda fanboy, so I didn't really shop around. All of the Honda machines I looked at were about the same height. Keep in mind that the height of the 1332 wouldn't have been as much of an issue if the area I clear was smaller. Slightly hunched over for over an hour just got old when you consider how often I have to move snow in Montana. Plus, I was limited to just my driveway, when I really needed the ability to clear a 1.5 mile road, too. That is why I moved to a machine with a much larger clearing width that can be pushed around by my side-by-side. Of course, I opted for the Honda engine to power it over the Kohler. Happy shopping!
@@RuralMontanaLiving Thank you for your very helpful and speedy reply. We live in Reno at about 6000ft so definitely snow but not as mush as you. Our driveway is long but not crazy long. I too am a Honda fanboy so I will go check them out and knowing me will get yet another Honda machine in my life! Good luck to you and happy holidays.
I too was concerned about the 'height' comments. I'm only 6' tall but I can't imagine that even if I was taller by 3 or 4 inches that this machine would be awkward to use. I picked up my new Honda 1332 ATD 2 days ago and used it for 2 hours or more. The only time I felt it was too low was when I had the machine leaned back with the auger housing raised to the max (resulting in the handlebars being lower) for fast transportation back to my garage. There are so many other features and this is such an excellently engineered and built machine that I'd be willing to live with those few moments of awkwardness or I would transport it back to my garage with the auger housing in normal position. This is a fantastic machine; the best I have owned or used.
As of 10-13-24, Honda's website shows $3599, not $4500. Still expensive and I wouldn't pay that today. I paid much less than that in 2015 and sold it for not much less than I paid for it.
That can be a good option, depending on your needs. We used to have a John Deere and a snowblower back in the Midwest. It did a decent job on my short driveway, and in the summer I swapped the blower for a mower. We had almost an acre of grass. Here in MT, we have much less grass and much more roadway to clear. I would have no need for a tractor in the summer. Plus, that would not have been powerful enough for the terrain and snow we get here, so I sold it when we moved. The Honda 1332 does a better job than that John Deere setup did. Another option is a compact tractor with a PTO, but those are more expensive than my Can-Am Defender/Bercomac setup, plus I still have no use for a tractor when not clearing snow.
I have a new 2018 Honda track model and the handles are way too low when (I’m 6’1) I adjust the hydraulic hight adjuster to maximum. I wish it had handle heaters, better lights and went a bit faster at full speed. Other then that, great machine. 👍
Get a blower that doesn’t require shear pins. My 13/32 is a shear pin curse. I bought a new Toro 14/32 power max industrial and it doesn’t require shear pins. Much better.
What I don't understand is the fact that you keep going backwards. At the end of your drive, why don't you just turn around, adjust the chute and keep going?
It is a review of a snowblower, not my technique in using it. As mentioned in countless comments already, and in the video, the steering on this thing was horrible. Turning it on a dime was very difficult. But anyway, this video was for you to see it in action. I thought seeing it approach the camera made more sense rather than watch me walking away.
I would sell this and invest in a late model (new is new) F250 SD with a Fisher XV2 plow. Nothing else can come close to a strong truck and plow, not even a 50 hp farm tractor with a 7 foot blower.
I had a Honda HS1132, 32 inch auger. I will never own another snow blower again. Noisy and throws snow at your face, the blow by and the snow mist.. oh my. Plus if you are not dressed properly you are asking for it. For the price and far more comfort and warmth and more... just get a snow plow which I did. I can clean whatever in no time from the comfort of a cab. Any areas that you I can not get with a plow, a simple snow shovel is all you need, quite, clean and no maintainance. To be honest I just can't get myself to like snow blower. I just can't. Too noisy, to cold, too messy. it drives me nuts.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
At about 4:20 I mention that I have 400 yards of drive to clear. I meant 400 feet. It may be closer to 450 feet, but it is certainly not 400 yards. Sorry about that.
it would handle it anyway
I have a hs828 I think that is the model. Purchased in 1992. Just turned 30. The bulldozer treads are great and needless to say it has blown all sorts of snow, even of incredible depths, wet and dry. Very good, strong and reliable machine.
I have a Honda 13/32 track, a Toro 14/32 commercial max and a Kubota BX25 4x4 enclosed tractor with a brand new 48" commercial front blower. So let me tell you the following:
The Honda purrs and can easily go over snow between job sites. It handles snow well but not ice. The shear pins are a nuisance.
The Toro is a beast. Powerful and can cut through most anything. It does not use shear pins. If it hits a hard or dense object it will simply shut off. It is not tracked so it can spin its wheels a bit. Also the quick stick that controls the shute is great when the mechanism isn't frozen. I had to have the quick stick replaced after two years of usage. The gears stripped. This snowblower is powerful and not for the feign of heart.
Kubota BX25 enclosed cab. Life is great again. Despite owning and using what I feel are the two best snowblowers out there I still have to man-handle the machines in thick snow or ice chunks. I come in the house sweating and soaked. I have two blowers because I need the second machine for a back up if the first breaks down. I usually rely on the Toro as my first team unit.
I cannot afford to have any down time. Gotta get to work.
So, just turned 60. I'll be damned if I'm going to let a Widow Maker take me from this world. I bought a used Kubota BX25 that was used for landscaping. It was in great condition but needed new wiper assembly, cab heater, replace the turf tires with industrial knobbies, new led lights and grease and lubrication. Then I added the new 48" commercial snowblower on the front. Now I have a dream machine in perfect condition ready to take on whatever winter will throw at me. By going the used route I saved $18k. The used machine cost $20k, Servicing $3k, and new front blower $9k.
A new tractor with cab and blower is $50k. Canadian dollars.
I figured that I made it to 60 and like being outdoors mucking around in the winter but the weather is getting bad, really bad and you can't take your money with you. Keep your eyes peeled in Buy and Sell and Kijiji for a good shape Kubota BX series machine. These little diesel tractors are made in Japan and will last you 20-30 years. Cab is a must or you will be soaked from blow back.
PS. Last year I bought a cordless electric snow shovel by Toro. I use it for the deck and steps. It is a revelation and works like magic. Never heard of them before last year and being the foolish gadget guy I am had to have one. $200-$300 and worth every penny.
Omg ....... you had me at Montana, and the Honda is the jewel of all the walks behind snow blowers ..... all the very best (from Maryland).
honda is the best snowblower ever. Period
I just bought a new model of the same you have this year. I'm 5'9" and its perfect for me. The best blower I have ever owned. I have had John Deere and Ariens. So I'm as happy as a pig in slop mine is a HSS1332A. Don't think I have the ability to tilt back on the 2021 model but for me at 7800' its heaven. Thank you for sharing
Congrats on the new blower. I know it will serve you well. Thanks for watching.
I bought a brand new HSS 1332 AT (32inch wide track drive snow blower). This is my second one of these machines. The first one is over ten years old. On its first use the bolt boss connecting the shaft to the auger blades broke. The 6mm bolt that connects the boss to the auger blade is supposed to be the part that breaks when something jams up the blades, not the bolt boss. The 6mm bolt is easy and inexpensive to replace and I keep a supply of these on hand for this reason. The bolt boss and 7x40 pin that holds it to the auger shaft just cost me $32 and a week’s worth of down time waiting for delivery. In addition, there will be a significant amount of labor to disassemble the front end of this machine in order to get the new part to slide on to the auger shaft. I expect more from Honda!
yes I operated this machine for two years.
Here is my conclusion. I will never own another snow blower again. Whatever kind it maybe. Noisy as hell. Cold snow mist everywhere and plain messy, rattle noise from hell. I get worn just from the noise never mind the fact that if you are not dressed just right you are asking for it. Just the noise wears a person out period.
I bought a snow plow and installed it in front of my one ton chevy and I can clean the whole neighborhood in one hour from the comfort of a warm cab. 🙂
LOL
A fair, comprehensive product review.
I have the same exact snowblower I live in upper peninsula Michigan this thing is a beast there's no stopping it when everybody else is stuck this thing just chugs along by far the best blower I've ever seen or used if you're thinking about getting one of these stop thinking and just do it you'll be happy you did 💪😎
I own one of these, and agree with this review 100%. I too have a gravel driveway, am six foot two, and find that I'm fighting this beast a lot of the time. I also concur that my next snow removal tool will be something rideable with either a plow or blower attachment.
Husqaverna just came out with a standup/ride snowblower that seems excellent. Pricey though. It resembles a Ventrac stand on snowblower.
Mount the large skid shoes on the sides of the Auger and it will do what is designed to do better. I have 2 Honda tracked blowers and have no issues whatsoever. Adjust the existing shoes to help with drive aligment.
I got the 1332 TAS from 2013 (made in Japan). Everything solid but steering is a bear. Glad you said it’s not that easy still. Not going to upgrade than. Thanks
Nice video! Can you use this on a gravel driveway? Or will it throw gravel into the yard? Thanks
Yes, my drive was gravel. You just need to adjust the skid shoes accordingly until you have a solid, packed base of snow. Then raise the shoes and let the scraper bar clean down to the packed stuff.
I had a Honda track snow blower. If was expensive. And yah for a ten space driveway is took forever. When you get the 3 to 5 inch storms it does not whip through like a wheeled blower. It's good for big dumping snow falls, but just use a smaller wheeled blower more often. When it wore out over the years I did not get another one.
I have an 1132 electric start that's about 17 years old. Over the last 6 years, I've replaced 3 carburetors, had the transmission rebuilt, and a new muffler installed. Now the tracking seems to need adjusting and the step bar that needs to be stepped on while lifting the machine to tilt the auger down doesn't always stay engaged. Mine does not have a hydraulic lift. I think I've spent at least a thousand dollars so far. If it weren't for its brute strength and how well the engine still runs, I think I would have bought a new one already. Not sure if it would be another Honda though, because Ariens has a commercial-grade blower that is easily on par with the Honda.
Nice review. Thanks for sharing your experiences with it.
Hi, how come Honda’s don’t come with heated grips?
Real men don’t need “heated hand grips” ... what’s next? A lipstick holder?
@@markyoung7954 I am holding out for air conditioning
j k haha
I know this video is 3 years old but my dream setup is a Kubota BX80 series with the quick hitch front mount snow blower, broom, a mower and a bagger. Kubota makes a UTV that has attachments like its BX series with heating and air conditioning, but that may be overkill.
It is an old video, and I sold this Honda a few years back, but thanks for checking it out. The setup you mention is definitely a workhorse and would do the job well. I opted for a Bercomac blower for my SxS. The attachment method isn't nearly as robust as your dream setup, but I don't need a tractor for anything else. The SxS gets a lot of use, from hauling wood to pleasure cruises. Best wishes on getting that setup.
Being 63 years old and worked for a utility company that was always trying different equipment the Honda snowblowers with tracks never impressed me, to hard to maneuver most times and just wore you out.
This model has steering clutches. Steering is almost effortless. It’s a huge improvement over the old style Honda tracks.
@@Bic804 Always let the machine do the turning and backing up. Trying to slug these things around would wear out even Arnold.
I hate backing up, i would always keep it going forward, go down one side in forward then hit the other side in forward going back.
I was backing up so that you could see it in action, rather than my backside walking away.
I had a bobcat 595 with an sb200 snowblower. Great, but a huge money pit. I paid 53,000 6 years ago. I put in 3000 in repairs, and oil changes. Sold it for 45,000 2 months ago. Only had 213 hours on it in 6 years. Getting this machine next month.
Great review. I’m also over 6’ and I find myself hunching over to handle it. I think if your maybe 5’10 or less it may be perfect.
Other than that I love this machine.
Question: Does anyone know if Honda or aftermarket offers a taller set of handle bars or mod to raise the height ??? Thx JJ Mass
I dont think so Honda has been unresponsive so I Just bout the Husqvarna 424.... batter start , hydrostatic way way fast back up.... Honda is soooo slow and terrible ergonomics.. all good if your 5.6
they are all designed for perfection for a 6ft man, the toro I have is perfect for me, if you are tall with short arms you can add a piece on top of each lever to increase the height.
I have a steep long hill,will this do the job
Depends on the slope, but my guess is that it will be fine.
@@toddhmosher5121 Tracks I agree I was referring to wheels on Chains
This unit had tracks, so I can't comment on wheels with chains.
So would you go with a wheel unit in Honda over the trac's? I have 320 ft. gravel driveway and is only 8ft wide with level concrete pad up by the garage . Thanks for your honest review .
I now have an Ariens wheel model and miss the tracks.
Curious how that would work in New England with 6-8" of WET heavy snow
Wet heavy snow is wet heavy snow. We get the same thing in MT, depending on temperature. It did fine.
I'm in NH, 32 yr old HS828. It has NEVER once plugged with any amount of wet heavy snow or slush. It's a Honda!
Supposedly Honda came out with a re-designed chute in 2019 I believe because of the heavy wet snow plugging the exit. I didn’t see it on your chute. I heard they’d offer it on warranty.
How about a VENTRAC ??
$$$$$$$$$$$$
30-50 grand ha ha
@@SoleEpiphany Really, ouch !!!!
@@deejohnson5163 certain setups easily. You’d think for that kind of cash they would lose the 1970’s design ha ha.
I got rid of my faithful Wheel Horse & 44” two stage blower for HSS1332ATD. Turned out be best move for our place. Contemplated a snowblower on the Kubota tractor. The Honda is easy to maneuver & fast. At 6’8” I’d like a bit taller handles
2:02. One disadvantage of an LED light. It never gets warm so it won't melt the snow!
Very true!
They need to make a HSS1545 with a opening of 30" and a 25" impeller. It'll cost about a used Yaris but hey go big right?
$3,499 for a 28" and only 270cc! Why the hell are these so expensive? You can get a 28" 306cc Ariens for $1,900. Montana is certainly a beautiful place. We see blue skies like that all the time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Some of the cleanest air you'll ever breathe.
It's the Honda tax. Same goes for their generators and other power equipment. I sold the Honda a few years ago when I bought the Berco (I recouped 70% of the purchase price on a 4-year old machine). I recently purchased a house and the previous owner left a 30" Ariens. I still have the Berco, but will use the Ariens for tight areas and sidewalks. It will be interesting to see what I think of it compared to the old Honda.
Your not comparing apples to apples.
Hows it working in this wet and sloppy Idaho snow? Thinking about buying one but all the reviews are in dry powered snow.
I never had an issue in wet snow. Throwing distance is impacted, of course, but it still did the job.
Az nem az Artik 56 EL, vagy csak az Artik 56. Meg jól dolgozik,ugye?
Nice review. Question for you. I’m trying to find out about this “The Auger Shear Bolt Guard detects high torque levels and immediately shuts off the auger and the engine, protecting the snow blower.” Is there really no more sheer bolts? Thx
Thanks for checking out the channel. There are shear bolts, and it comes with extra, just in case. "Auger Shear Bolt Guard" is probably a fancy marketing term for the same old technology. Despite clearing a gravel drive, I was lucky enough to never replace any.
@@RuralMontanaLiving It is an electronic device that shuts off the engine when stress is detecting at the transmission. Sheer bolts are also used for complete protection.
Ah yes, thanks for pointing that out. I completely forgot about that. A couple of years ago, I forgot that my wife moved an outdoor mat to a spot I clear and it got tangled up in the auger. What a mess. The shear bolts did not break, but the machine shut down and the auger jam light came on. The only time that happened (and the last time a mat was put there).
I use this same model to run a Snowblower service and love it. Thanks for the auger interlocking sensor because it saves me the time reinstalling another shear pin. Minor issue the shear pin bolts do loosen after extensive use just tighten them up periodically retighten them.
I wish the interlock sensor could be an option on the smaller models. Since I have a 24” from my 1st one I bought to fit between parked cars.
I made another executive decision which was an enclosed trailer to be ready to roll out early in snow mornings cutting down on loading up a utility trailer. I pull up to the customer and drop back door and get busy. 15-20 for a driveway looking at the neighbors struggling with a cheap blower as I reload my trailer ready for the next driveway.
This blower is the best cleaning out driveways, sidewalks and walkways.
Hello, how far away are your customers? I assume it is impractical to drive this to customers like a tractor? Thank you in advance.
@@williammain3247 yes impractical for tractor I use large Snowblower
Do you use premium fuel as directed in the owner’s manual or do you use regular fuel? Thanks.
The owner's manual for my unit did not specify premium fuel. I used regular fuel, treated with Sta-bil.
It's a nice machine but how is it with speed is it a slow running machine or could you change the gears and move faster please comment back and what was the price of this machine thank you
All snow blowers are inherently slow. You need to let the auger grab the snow, not push it into the snow. No clue about changing gears, although I am sure that would negate the warranty. I paid around $2900 for it in 2015 when the 2016 model year came out. I sold it in 2019 for $2000, so it only cost me a little over $200 per year for the 4.5 years I owned it.
It has a hydrostatic transmission, no gears. Ground speed is variable and controlled with a lever.
Excellent point. Didn’t think to point that out!
Don't know about tracks, I've heard negative and positives. I think it's easier moving them around with wheels. No so much wrestling.
Wheels are definitely easier to move, but I found that they slipped a lot and the tracks just kept pushing the blower, regardless of how deep/heavy the snow is.
Really well done video.
Thanks much!
Thank you for the wonderful video.
This driveway looks like a real plow truck one.
Had you thought of a plow truck.
Thanks again
Yes, but it wasn't really needed for our narrow drive. Plus I don't like the huge piles of snow created from plowing. Blowing the snow 50' off the drive was the best solution. I sold this Honda a while back and upgraded to a much bigger blower for my SxS.
Hi, thanks for the video. So I’m looking for a new snowblower.I’m in norther NH and we get a good amount of snow but lately it’s been heavy wet stuff which my existing 26” walk behind doesn’t like. It sounds like you no longer have the Honda. Any recommendations for a new machine or should I get a Honda? Thanks!
Heavy wet snow is tough on most snowblowers, but the Honda handled it pretty well. It just didn't throw it as far. I now have an Ariens Deluxe 30 and it does pretty well, too. I preferred the Honda, but the Ariens came with the house I purchased. It is simply a back-up to my Berco/Defender setup, which in my situation, is the way to go.
Hi, if the battery were to die, how else could you start it? I don’t see a pull start option on there. I mean I know you can always jump a battery but I was just curious if it also has a pull start. Thanks
It has a pull start.
Excellent and well-balanced review. Thank you. I have a 71 yard, extremely steep driveway - probably a 20-25 degree or better slope. This is the machine I was thinking of buying. I wonder if you ever had the opportunity of trying the blower in very steep terrain and what your thoughts were in that regard. Thanks again. It's been a very informative video.
Thanks for stopping by. The driveway I cleared with this machine was relatively level, with only a couple degrees of slope, so I have no experience on terrain that steep. I have no doubt the blower can climb it, but I don't know how well it would toss snow while doing so. My guess is that it would be fine, but that is a guess. Sorry I could not help with your specific situation. Perhaps someone that has experience with a steep drive will chime in. I'll tag your comment so that it is closer to the top...
My 724 will climb our 10% grade driveway and blow 2 feet of snow, but I have to reduce forward speed so more power is available for the auger.
@@madisonian50 Thanks for your info. I did break down and bought the 1332. Only used it once in 6" of light snow but it climbs that icy hill like nobody's business. Time will tell but I'm happy with the purchase so far. They must have changed the steering too because it's effortless. Beats wrestling my old Craftsman. Thanks.
Glad to hear you're happy with it!
I have a 600 feet drive way. However I have a compact tractor with a five foot blower for the open area. I need a walk behind for around the house (sidewalks etc). Would this do great for that?
It is probably overkill for around the house, although that depends on the total area needing to be cleared.
My neighbor has only a 40 by 25 ft driveway and I took him to Home depot showing him a Troy Bilt 2410 model 24 inch wide snow blower for $699.95 that he bought. He has used it three times now here in Lake Tahoe where we really get snow and loves it.
I put a ride on trailer behind my Honda snowblower so it can travel faster than a walk. It may not work for you because of your height, your legs may be too long for a comfortable seating position. You could put a chair behind it and see if it could work for you.
Thanks for the suggestion, but I sold mine over a year ago and now have a 66” snowblower on my SxS.
Hello, I live in a snowy country in Japan. I also have a Honda snowblower. This model is not sold in Japan. Is it for export only? Honda is very good. Good luck.
If you were to buy this again would you get the tracks or the wheels?
For my situation, definitely the tracks. We get a decent amount of snow here (about 73" annual average), and the tracks make the machine that much more capable. In fact, I wanted the 2016 model and had to wait for it. Our local Honda dealer is awesome and let me use their 728 with wheels until the new one came in. It was a real chore once the snow started piling up and it made me appreciate the power of the 1332, as well as the tracks, once I took delivery.
@@RuralMontanaLiving Thank you. I look forward to seeing how your new side by side set up works out for you.
You bet. I look forward to trying it out! I'll definitely post a video once I do. We just need some snow...
I have this snowblower and would like to leave it behind my house when it isn’t being used. The problem is I have a hill about 30 degrees steep. Will it climb it in the snow? My other snowblower with regular tires couldn’t do it. We are about to get a foot of snow and If no one thinks it can do it I have to bring it in my garage. Any help is appreciated
A 30 degree hill climb while throwing snow is a tall order. It should be able to do it, as long as you don’t let the snow pile too deep between clearings.
@@RuralMontanaLiving this will only to be to get it up to my driveway. So it would prob come up the hill thru a few inches. If it gets any higher I would have to blow it as I was going up. Just hoping the tracks don’t slip. The other blower w tires just spins them up the hill in the snow
The tracks should do the trick. When I had mine, it would easily climb snow banks. I never experienced slippage.
@@RuralMontanaLiving awesome. Good to know. We are about to get bombed with snow. Thank you for your reply.
Wondering why the blower isn't leaving a cleaner scrape? Do you have it slightly raised? Is your driveway gravel? Just curious.
My drive was gravel, so the skid shoes were adjusted down, raising the thrower.
Does wet slushy snow still get stuck and plug up the chute on this one? I've only ever owned one snowblower, my Ariens 2 stage, so maybe this is the nature of every snowblower?
Spray the chute with furniture polish before using.... will solve that problem.
I bought a large Ariens. Garbage. Want Honda. But is there no heated grips?
Mine was a 2016 model and heated grips were not available. Considering that I always wore gloves, I didn't miss them.
Great video, thanks. I feel like I'm ready to fire it up and put it to work in Washington State now,
Does it have a tank and carb drain switch?
There may have been a fuel shutoff valve, but I don't recall a drain. When getting it ready for summer storage, I just timed it so that I could run the last bit of gas out of the tank.
Seems like more work to keep backing up. Just turn around and blow both directions.
Right
In all honesty, this machine took two hands to turn. It would require a third hand to rotate the chute to put snow where I wanted it. Much easier to back up a little and keep the chute as-is. It's irrelevant now. I sold the machine years ago.
I have a Cub Cadet Track machine I’ve had since the 1980’s . I have a 8 hp Tecumshe with steerable tracks which I love. It’s a tank you can’t stop it and will blow snow a good 50 feet. I like your electric chute diverted. I have a surround cab on mine which helps when wind is blowing and keeps the operator warmer. My next machine will be a Honda as Cub Cadets today have Chinese engines on them.🤔
Sounds like you have a nice setup. Hopefully it lasts for years to come and you won't need the Honda.
why do you back up instead of turning around and blowing both directions
I think he mentioned he has difficulty turning it around with tracks as one keeps spinning. Great looking machine, but I'd prefer wheels. Easier to move around while operating or moving it around while storing, moving,etc.
I only backed up when it tight areas and/or in deep snow. The tracks do not turn well.
In my experience a trac snowblower isn't as versatile as a tire machine old models that is , my question is are the newer one better than the old.
This is the only one I have ever owned, so I can't comment on how it compares to older models. The Honda dealer let me borrow a wheeled machine while I waited for the new track model to come in. It was awful and I had a heck of a time in deep snow on our driveway. The track unit was much better for my application.
@@RuralMontanaLiving gotcha, thanks
Just a suggestion: You may want a set of drift cutters for those road widening excursions. Good luck!
I sold this a couple of years ago and replaced it with a much larger thrower for my SxS, complete with drift cutters.
I got rid of my 1332 too. I love Honda products but.... TRACKS ON A SNOWBLOWER ARE A BIG MISTAKE.... Sounds good in theory. Tracks turn it into an unwieldy beast. Yes, I was working the freewheeling levers properly. Wheels give more than enough traction to overload the auger. With tracks, each side has three points of contact, track back, track front, and scraper bar/wear pad. Track wants to stay parallel to the ground. So when encountering uneven terrain, you are either digging in, or too far off the ground. Even if you are constantly adjusting the height adjustment angle of attack. It does blow snow! I would rev it up, and the snow disappeared into the air. I love my new 928 with wheels.
I was looking at the honda website and it appears the hydrostatic 28" wheeled version is their best machine.
I have used both wheeled and tracked versions of non-hydrostatic blowers, and find the wheels to be a much better option over tracks.
@@KF1 I own the wheel 928 now. I’m debating on upgrading to this 1332 track
Ive got a 1332 and some of what you've stated is very correct. With uneven ground its a constant battle to keep it straight and not have it digging(not as hard of a workout compared to handling a wheel machine). I leave my thumb on the lever for height ajustement and let it float. Ive notice that it gives me a good result. Regarding wheels vs tires, a tire machine would never be able to clear the snow that we get. My wheel machine was a battle to keep the front end down, i worked out more than the snowblower just trying to keep it straight and keep it down. If you only get fluffy light snow than sure a wheel machine is good enough. The minute you get into the wet heavy nasty stuff, theres nothing that beats a track machine.
Tracks work awesome uphill around corners.
@Ron Hetrick you must've had the old style Honda. The new one has power steering and couldn't be easier to maneuver.
If you have a hill to clear or stairs to climb then you need track drive otherwise wheels work and have lower maintenance requirements. Honda has a well deserved reputation.
Thanks for the great review, RML. I'm not sure how much surface area you're clearing adjacent to your house, but your use of the words "four-hundred yards" clearly describes a very long driveway. We've got a steep asphalt driveway that's about 450' long and 12' wide that runs directly into a large [uneven] asphalt "taxi way" that's designed for vehicle turn around, while still shedding water in the non-snow months. We are badly in need of a snow removal solution that doesn't involve shovels and, in fact, the Honda HSS1332ATD has been on my mind all winter. However, you also [wisely] mentioned a possible alternative: a UTV-Berco snowblower combination. Have you tried this setup yourself? If not, have you seen this system in action? Like yourself, we've considered the exact same alternative, but that's a LOT of hard-earned to invest in anything other than an excellent, extremely-efficient snow removal system. I have liked and subscribed, and I assure you that your thoughts are most-greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the comments, like and subscription. Very much appreciated. It sounds like you have quite the area to clear as well. The Honda can do it; just plan on spending the time with a walk-behind. Something I didn't cover is using it on an uneven drive. My gravel drive is crowned to shed water. As the snow pack builds, it can be difficult to maneuver at the edges of the drive. The Honda wants to turn and follow the downhill path and it requires some wrestling to keep it straight. This is when the steering should help, but the track just spins as mentioned in the video . Hope that makes sense.
I have not seen a UTV/snowblower in action, other than searching on RUclips. I can't justify the cost of a new setup, but used are more "reasonable". Keep in mind that I'll use the UTV for many other things (firewood, recreation, etc.) A sub-compact tractor is another option, but it is just as pricey, I wouldn't have as many uses for it, nor would it be suitable for recreation (i.e. not much fun!)
If you have any other questions about the Honda or would like to see something specific about it in a video, don't hesitate to ask. If I do move forward with a UTV/snowblower, I'll be sure to post a video about it. Thanks again.
@@RuralMontanaLiving I don't mean to belabor anything, RML, but I feel compelled to mention that the thoughts you've expressed -- in this video and in your subsequent reply -- are almost identical to what we've been thinking for months now! In addition to the house/driveway I described in my first post, we also own a plot of managed forest land and, not to come off like a jerk, but it's 3-digits of densely-populated timber land with very old skid roads in it. It's also on the side of terracing mountain terrain, so we've been operating a UTV there for about 11 years now. Obviously, this means that we have something in common because we can both put a UTV to regular use in all seasons ... and, apart from the time the ice we're cursed with flipped me over, a UTV is a pleasure to experience. Thanks again for your thoughtful video and, of course, it's nice to know that someone else who's making rural living work is coming up with the same research results that we are. Please keep up the good work.
Tracked Snoblowers don’t pivot easily spending a lot of time in reverse holding the device
Easy? Real men choose this tank... we prefer being tough and pivot using our muscles.. unlike these beta males who need “hand warmers” .. if we were in a war you’d cry and beg for heated rubber grips on your rifles...be a man
I own 2019 1332ATD and its very easy to pivot with fingertip steering
Awesome video! What kind of gloves do you have on?
Glad you enjoyed. I believe at the time I was wearing mittens made by Marmot.
@@RuralMontanaLiving awesome! Thanks a bunch!
You have pretty big driveway if you have the funds I would invest in a snowblower tractor. Only problem getting a ATV with a plow dealing with snow banks and look like you get a lot of snow there
Why does it leave so much snow still on the ground
That is adjustable via the skid shoes, just like any snow blower, including my Berco that replaced this one. I'm clearing a gravel drive, so I have the shoes adjusted down, raising the scraper bar, until a solid base of packed snow is prepared. Once a base is packed, I lower the shoes and clear new snow down to the base.
I know it’s slow but that seems glacial?
This blower is long gone, but it was no slower than others I've used.
In Canada they offer a much bigger machine but not sure if you can get them in the states.
Buy a cheap plow truck not a utv.
For 10k you can get a used plow truck and then you are inside with heat.
Utv unless you need it for other stuff is $$$$$ way more than a beat up old plow truck and then you have to buy the cabin for it and it will be like $25,000 when you are done
I didn't know that, but I did notice that Yamaha has a really nice snowblower line available in Canada that isn't available in the USA. I wonder why this is the case. Could be emissions issues.
A cheap plow truck is a lot more expensive than the used UTV I purchased, unless you buy a complete junker. Plus the UTV is a blast to play with, whereas a junk truck or tractor isn't much fun when not being put to work.
I found turning the machine around is a lot more productive than backing up.
That hasn't been my experience in deep snow. The tracks do not turn well, which was one of my complaints.
@@RuralMontanaLiving I just bought a track machine, and sold my john Deere, thanks for the information haven’t had snow yet to try it, cheers from Calgary.
Hope it works well for you!
DO YOU go through alot of shear pins?
Never went through one on this machine.
@@RuralMontanaLiving THANKU...I WISH I GOT ONE BUT I WENT WITH A COMMERCIAL TORO BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HAVE SHEAR PINS...I THINK THE HONDA IS BETTER
I'm sure the Toro will serve you well. Thanks for checking out the video.
I have this one. Love it
Two things that I can say about my 13/32 is despite it being a really good machine it still lacks the grunt power I need for end of driveway snow after the damn city plow pushes in the sloppy and dense snow mixed with ice. Secondly, that same ice riddled snow eats up the shear pins. I often have to remove the ice by hand before I snowblower.
Pay a local plow boy 20 bucks to drop his blade and swipe the end of the driveway on his way past.
@@jamesnm21 hard to find anyone these days to do honest work
@@abouttime5000 tell me about it. I'm covering plow accounts for a local mowing guy who's been busting his butt for 30 years building up a damn good clientele and has a Mexican transplant from California with a head injury helping him because he can't find reliable help after his nephews quit. Robots and computers are changing everything including the mindset of newer generations toward physical work.
Thanks For the video, it was very helpful. Knowing that you have such a large area to cover, why would you buy snowblower too small? That is a great machine and you won’t have a problem selling it if you want to buy something bigger or keep it and use it as a back up.
Glad it helped. The clearing area grew over the years with the addition of more drive and a shop. I sold it a couple of years ago.
@@RuralMontanaLiving hubota has a rtv with there auto connect front mount hitch for hooking on and off the snowblower,blade and sweeper wich kubota rtv's uses there compact tractor attachments wich there pretty solid and powerful wich there price is pretty good wich kubota is priced up to $15,000 for there rtv 1100 with factory cab deeres are $35,000 open station wich rediculas
Looks like a pretty tough machine! 🇨🇦
I have a brand new unit - just this week -- OUTRAGEOUS clanking noise wine backing up . . .
That doesn't sound right. I would recommend getting it checked by the dealer while under warranty.
Honda blowers are tanks and very reliable. Down sides for me are they're meant for short people and very expensive
Living in the Lake Tahoe area we get SNOW! So lets compare this Honda, that my son has as well, that costs $3,650 to my Troy Bilt Arctic Storm 34 two stage snowblower for only $1,900?? Yours has a 390 CC engine with electric start compared to mine of 420 CC made for Troy Bilt by Tecumseh in Wisconsin to Troy Bilt's specifications. It has handle warmers, head light, wheel clutch finger levers to turn the snowblower and 200 degree chute rotation. I bought this model as my neighbor has the almost same model now twenty year old but no handle warmers and a 435 CC engine. I has the 115 volt AC electric start as well as the recoil rope start instead. You are paying for the name for something that my Troy bilt will do the same job for less lasting just as long. My son also thinks he is getting a better SUV paying twice as much buying Audi's and BMW'S while my Tacoma four door 4x4 is now 8 years old still going strong!
Honda is butters. One might consider buying a used Yamaha Snowblower as the feel and features are very similar and you won’t pay $4000
@@boobooboogoo Most of Honda products are made in Canada with the engines made in Japan! Every part of a Troy Bilt is American and I bet just as reliable costing half the price with the same features.
@@brucesteger2699 can't beat a Tacoma. Best truck out there. Don't need a huge truck.
I heard you when you said that it does not want to turn very easily but is it really that hard that you have to waste 1/2 of your clearing time devoted to backing up instead of just turning and being productive both directions? My Ariens tracked blower turns very easily to the point of never would I back track rather than just turn and go forward both ways on my gravel driveway. But, like you said, this is the only blower you've ever used. Not much of a "rating" when it's the only one you've used. P.S. The big Toro tracked blower is fairly easy to turn but certainly not as easy as the Ariens.
I only had to back up in a few tight areas, so it certainly wasn’t 1/2 my time. Yes, this is the only walk behind blower I’ve owned ( but not used), but that doesn’t negate my opinion. Thanks for watching and taking all the time to comment.
You may have already done it being this video is nearly 3 years old but you have more than enough driveway to justify the purchase of a compact tractor with a 50-60" blower. I have about 450' of driveway myself and my Kubota B 2650 with cab and 63" blower make quick work of it.
Thanks for the comment. Check out some of my newer videos. I "upgraded" to a 66" Bercomac blower for my SxS. Much better for my situation at the time!
How slow is this thing? People complain about the speed of the tracked models and that they are cumbersome to move around.
My normal, comfortable stride is 2.5 - 3.0 mph (based on a GPS app I use for hiking). This machine would do at least that at max speed, but that isn't conducive to clearing snow effectively with a blower, except in a small amount of light, fluffy snow, which I normally didn't bother clearing. Typically I would set it at a slower walking pace. The tracks did make it cumbersome to turn. My biggest complaint was the low height of the handles.
Seems like yours does the same sharp "knocking" sound at idle as my new hss1332 does... Thanks was wondering if normal
I'm not sure what knocking noise you are referring to. The engine ran flawlessly and I don't recall any unusual noises. I sold the machine over a year ago, so I can't fire it up and listen again.
I remember a stumpgrinder with a honda engine we had. And a power rake. Both made a distinct clunk-ting sound on startup and stop, but never had a problem.
I have the smaller all manual, Honda starts great, hand full to run, won't climb stairs, prefer paddle style clogs easy
I have same machine here in Idaho. It's my first and I got so excited to go out and move snow this morning, 6 inches. Let's see if I am still saying that in March! Thanks! I agree with your analysis, wish the handle bars were a little taller.
It is fun the first several times of the season. By March, I’m ready to start thinking about firing up the Honda lawnmower. 😀
Those are beasts !
Metal gas tank? Why so many snowblowers with metal gas tank?
Real men choose metal... not plastic cheap made in China crap
@@markyoung7954 i can understand a metal body shute and frame but for a machine that sees a very moisture rich environment a metal tank will condensate and build up water in the fuel. But if a metal tank makes you feel like more of a man then go with that.
You just don’t Know how good Honda snow blower is until you try one.
It's a great machine but for me it doesn't come out of the shed unless I get 6+ inches of snow. I'm faster with a shovel. looking into getting a single stage battery powered.
Well done video
Thanks much.
Thanks for your review. I am 6"4 in height so for the price of Hondas so any thoughts whether i should seek out a taller snowblower? Thanks
You're welcome! Thanks for checking out the channel and subscribing. Really appreciate it.
At 6'4", I would definitely visit a Honda dealer and try it out. Even if you can't move snow, you can at least maneuver it around the showroom, or better yet, parking lot of the dealer. Be sure to try it in reverse, too, if the area you are clearing will require a lot of backing up to maneuver.
I'm not sure if other manufacturers offer different heights. I'm a bit of a Honda fanboy, so I didn't really shop around. All of the Honda machines I looked at were about the same height.
Keep in mind that the height of the 1332 wouldn't have been as much of an issue if the area I clear was smaller. Slightly hunched over for over an hour just got old when you consider how often I have to move snow in Montana. Plus, I was limited to just my driveway, when I really needed the ability to clear a 1.5 mile road, too. That is why I moved to a machine with a much larger clearing width that can be pushed around by my side-by-side. Of course, I opted for the Honda engine to power it over the Kohler.
Happy shopping!
@@RuralMontanaLiving Thank you for your very helpful and speedy reply. We live in Reno at about 6000ft so definitely snow but not as mush as you. Our driveway is long but not crazy long. I too am a Honda fanboy so I will go check them out and knowing me will get yet another Honda machine in my life! Good luck to you and happy holidays.
Happy Holidays to you as well!
I too was concerned about the 'height' comments. I'm only 6' tall but I can't imagine that even if I was taller by 3 or 4 inches that this machine would be awkward to use. I picked up my new Honda 1332 ATD 2 days ago and used it for 2 hours or more. The only time I felt it was too low was when I had the machine leaned back with the auger housing raised to the max (resulting in the handlebars being lower) for fast transportation back to my garage. There are so many other features and this is such an excellently engineered and built machine that I'd be willing to live with those few moments of awkwardness or I would transport it back to my garage with the auger housing in normal position. This is a fantastic machine; the best I have owned or used.
Congrats on the new machine! I'm glad it suits you. It will undoubtedly give you years of reliable service, as Hondas typically do.
Just reverse without tiling it back. What you are doing is transport mode. You don't need to do that.
I prefer to do that to prevent snow from being dragged back into the cleared path. I miss the tilt the Honda had now that I have an Ariens without it.
4500 big ones. Ouch.
I'd be buying a nice blade for an ATV.
As of 10-13-24, Honda's website shows $3599, not $4500. Still expensive and I wouldn't pay that today. I paid much less than that in 2015 and sold it for not much less than I paid for it.
@@RuralMontanaLiving Ah that makes sense.
Get a tractor with a snowblower attachment and/or plow!
That can be a good option, depending on your needs. We used to have a John Deere and a snowblower back in the Midwest. It did a decent job on my short driveway, and in the summer I swapped the blower for a mower. We had almost an acre of grass. Here in MT, we have much less grass and much more roadway to clear. I would have no need for a tractor in the summer. Plus, that would not have been powerful enough for the terrain and snow we get here, so I sold it when we moved. The Honda 1332 does a better job than that John Deere setup did.
Another option is a compact tractor with a PTO, but those are more expensive than my Can-Am Defender/Bercomac setup, plus I still have no use for a tractor when not clearing snow.
I have a new 2018 Honda track model and the handles are way too low when (I’m 6’1) I adjust the hydraulic hight adjuster to maximum. I wish it had handle heaters, better lights and went a bit faster at full speed. Other then that, great machine. 👍
Congrats on the machine. The height was a real problem for me, otherwise a fantastic piece of equipment.
Handle heaters are sold next to the tampon and Maxi pads at you local grocery store.
Get a blower that doesn’t require shear pins. My 13/32 is a shear pin curse. I bought a new Toro 14/32 power max industrial and it doesn’t require shear pins. Much better.
The height of the machine is a definite issue.
Get a Kubota loader with a cab ,you will enjoy that 👍 and a block heater 👌,
Anyone else disappointed with the weakness of shear pins.
Paul Soundevolution yeah. I went through three this past storm. On a brand new unit. Wheeled version
I've got a 14 year old Toro 8/28 power shift with WHEELS and NO shear pins. Paid $1800. I'll never buy a different model.
WOW ! THAT THING REALLY HAUL ASS. WHAT'S THE TOP END ON IT 25 - 30MPH ? L.O.L.
What I don't understand is the fact that you keep going backwards. At the end of your drive, why don't you just turn around, adjust the chute and keep going?
It is a review of a snowblower, not my technique in using it. As mentioned in countless comments already, and in the video, the steering on this thing was horrible. Turning it on a dime was very difficult. But anyway, this video was for you to see it in action. I thought seeing it approach the camera made more sense rather than watch me walking away.
The snowblower is 300 pounds, so it’s absolutely a tank
I would sell this and invest in a late model (new is new) F250 SD with a Fisher XV2 plow.
Nothing else can come close to a strong truck and plow, not even a 50 hp farm tractor with a 7 foot blower.
Honda motor. 💪
I had a Honda HS1132, 32 inch auger. I will never own another snow blower again.
Noisy and throws snow at your face, the blow by and the snow mist.. oh my. Plus if you are not dressed properly you are asking for it.
For the price and far more comfort and warmth and more... just get a snow plow which I did. I can clean whatever in no time from the comfort of a cab. Any areas that you I can not get with a plow, a simple snow shovel is all you need, quite, clean and no maintainance.
To be honest I just can't get myself to like snow blower. I just can't. Too noisy, to cold, too messy. it drives me nuts.
Thanks for taking the time to watch a snowblower video and commenting, even though you don't like snowblowers.