Picked up a Honda HS621 Snowblower

[EdwardC]

I bought a house earlier this year and have been trying to decide what snow blower (single vs 2 stage, which brand) and have been watching Craigslist for a good Toro or Honda.

I was pretty set on a 2 stage, but a decent deal for a HS621 (which seems to have a pretty good following online and uses the commercial GX160) for $100. It starts on the first pull. Paddles definitely need changing, but the auger looks to be in decent shape.

I'm debating OEM paddles vs aftermarket. OEM is about $80 while aftermarket is as little as $30 (both without a scraper that I'll pick up as well).



No real questions really, just wanted to share!

 

[beanoil]

I like my Honda, a 720 model. Label says 5w30, but it gets the same Valvoline Premium Blue 10w30 as all the rest of the Honda OPE (mower, pressure washer) and its fine. Mine stays in a warm attached garage though, if yours is out in a shed, stick with 5w30. Good find!

 

[Donald]

I hope you only have a small area to deal with. I am not sure a single stage will be good for more than walkways and small drive.

I am a fan of two stage snowblowers as I have a long dirt driveway.

 

[daves87rs]

Very nice!!

 

[EdwardC]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I hope you only have a small area to deal with. I am not sure a single stage will be good for more than walkways and small drive.

I am a fan of two stage snowblowers as I have a long dirt driveway.


It's not a huge driveway, but it's somewhat large for being in the city. I think my biggest concern is the end of driveway hard stuff. I figure I'll end up with a 2 stage eventually for the heavy falls but also wanted something smaller and lighter for light snow falls and for sidewalk clearing.

 

[motorcity]

Those are great blowers. The only issue is with the auger's they will rust out and break. And the replacement is over $200. Buy OE paddles. The aftermarket are on the tin side and the fastners don't clamp them down to well. Also check the scrapper bar. People will let those wear doan and damage the auger housing.

 

[harbor]

I've had a HS621 for many years, and it's a fantastic machine - clears well and always fires up on 1st or 2nd pull.
X2 on the OEM paddles & scraper bar. I went with aftermarket and the fit/quality isn't there.
When you store it in the Spring, make sure you drain all the gas with the large brass screw on the carb.

 

[JTK]

I've never used a Honda single stage machine, but would guess that it will throw snow as good as a high end Toro single stage, if not better. I do know that the Honda 2-stg models I've used are absolute monsters at clearing snow.

 

[motorcity]

Originally Posted By: harbor
I've had a HS621 for many years, and it's a fantastic machine - clears well and always fires up on 1st or 2nd pull.
X2 on the OEM paddles & scraper bar. I went with aftermarket and the fit/quality isn't there.
When you store it in the Spring, make sure you drain all the gas with the large brass screw on the carb.


Hey Harbor, I'm in the Hills, also!

 

[EdwardC]

Thanks! I think I need to inspect the auger a little more closely before I order the paddles. If it checks out, I'll definitely get the OEM paddles. There's a set on eBay with scraper and belt for a decent price.