Honda Releases the New HS980i and HS1180i Hybrid Snowblowers

Tokyo, June 6, 2002 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today the release of two new snowblowers, the 9hp Snowra i HS980i and the 11hp Snowra i HS1180i, featuring Honda's original hybrid technology that combines a gasoline engine to power the snowblower apparatus and charge the battery, with electric motors for forward locomotion. Both models go on sale July 1st at Honda power equipment dealers throughout Japan.

Replacing the conventional gasoline engine with electric drive motors in the Snowra i HS980i and HS1180i has allowed the drive system to be computerized. This results in smoother forward propulsion and optimum automated speed control based on workload. And the two independent drive motors eliminate the need for complicated turning maneuvers, so even a novice can handle difficult snowblowing operations like a pro. Operator fatigue has been significantly reduced. A height-adjustment mechanism maintains constant handle height regardless of up-and-down motions of the snowblower apparatus, while an auger lift mechanism automatically raises the snowblower apparatus when backing up. In addition, the force needed to operate all control levers has been reduced to just one-third that of previous models. The new models are also much easier to inspect and maintain. A self-diagnostic function notifies the operator of any problems during startup or operation, and oil maintenance can be carried out without removing the engine cover. The snowblowers are equipped with a Honda e-SPEC engine, an environment-friendly powerplant that surpasses US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II regulations - the most stringent in the world. Honda released the world's first hybrid snowblower --- the Snowra i HS1390i --- in November 2001, to rave reviews. With the addition of these two new models, Honda now offers a three-model hybrid snowblower lineup.

Main Features of the Snowra i HS980i and HS1180i

Easy operation

• A hybrid configuration that combines a gasoline engine to power the auger and charge the battery with electric motors for forward locomotion allows computerized, automatic speed control during operation. Even a novice can handle difficult snowblowing operations like a pro.
• An auger lift mechanism automatically raises the snowblower apparatus when backing up.
• Twin drive motors and a rotation speed reduction system ensure smooth, easy turning.
• Electronic low-load controls are employed to reduce the force required to operate all control levers to one-third that of previous models.
• A new height-adjustment mechanism and frame construction that isolates the running gear from the snowplow apparatus allows the operator to maintain a constant posture. This results in significantly reduced operator fatigue.
• The easy-to-understand control panel is simple to operate on the fly.
• Maximum auger height is 220 mm - top in its class. This makes it easier to clear deeply piled snow in multiple stages, while ensuring superior performance throughout the entire range of operation.
• A 40W high-intensity service light (standard equipment on the HS1180i) punches a hole in the darkness for nighttime operations.

Snowblower performance

• A new high-traction crawler provides a sure grip even in deep or hard-packed snow. Pulling power is 1.5 times that of previous models (in-house comparison).
• The new auger shape and optimized weight distribution in the snowblower apparatus significantly improve operability in deep or hard-packed snow.

Maintenance

• The auger drive assembly features an electromagnetic clutch and a double belt, improving auger belt durability to more than twice that of previous models.
• A self-diagnostic function automatically determines any problems during startup or operation.

Environmental performance

• Equipped with the Honda e-SPEC engine, which surpasses US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II regulations?the most stringent in the world.

Specifications