September 1, 2003-Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today the release of a new snowblower, the HSS1170i, featuring original Honda hybrid technology that combines a gasoline engine for powering the snowblower apparatus and charging the battery, with electric motors for forward propulsion. The model goes on sale November 1 at Honda power equipment dealers throughout Japan. The Holiday HSS1170iH, based on the HSS1170i, will be released November 1 at designated home centers.
Replacing the conventional gasoline engine with electric drive motors allows for computerization of the HSS1170i drive system. This results in smoother forward propulsion and optimum automatic speed control based on work load. Furthermore, the two independent drive motors make even complicated turning maneuvers easier, allowing everyone to handle difficult snowblowing operations like an experienced operator.
With two height settings, the handle can be adjusted to the height of the operator, ensuring a consistent operating posture. Also, the force needed to operate the drive clutch has been reduced to one-third that of previous models, significantly reducing operator fatigue. The fully-covered engine and large muffler make it reasonable to operate a snowblower early in the morning or in the city. What's more, the new model is also much easier to operate and maintain. Its self-diagnostic function notifies the operator of any problems during startup or operation and the close-at-hand control panel with snowblowing clutch button and rotation button enhance operability.
The HSS1170i is equipped with a Honda e-SPEC engine, an environment-friendly vertical powerplant that surpasses US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II regulations-the most stringent in the world. Also, the two-axis balancer minimizes vibration and the electromagnetic clutch and direct transmission eliminate maintenance of the drive assembly.
Honda released the world's first hybrid snowblower-the HS1390i-in November 2001, followed by the HS1180i and the HS980i in 2002. With the addition of the new model, Honda now offers a four-model hybrid snowblower lineup.
HSS1170i
| ●Annual domestic sales target: | 2,000 units |
| ●Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (excluding consumption tax): | ||
| HSS1170i (Honda dealer) | ¥498,000 | |
| HSS1170iH (Holiday) | ¥498,000 |
●Main features of the HSS1170i
Easy operation
- A hybrid configuration that combines a gasoline engine for powering the auger and charging the battery with electric motors for forward propulsion allows computerized, automatic speed control based on work load, eliminating the need for bothersome speed control.
- Computerized control of the twin drive motors independently installed on the right and left ensures smooth, easy turning. Nimble turning at low speed enhances operation.
- Electronic low-load controls are employed to reduce the force required to operate the drive clutch lever to one-third that of previous models. Rotation can be performed via the press of a button, simplifying operation.
- With two height adjustments, the handle can be set to a height appropriate for the operator.
- The snowblower apparatus height can be adjusted to an infinite variety of settings. The gas-assisted system reduces handle lift load.
- The easy-to-understand control panel is simple to operate on the fly.
- A 25W service light (standard equipment) makes the snowblower much easier to operate at night or early in the morning.
Snowblower performance
- The crawler tread and extended ground contact of the crawler allows for steady forward propulsion even in deep or hard-packed snow. The pulling power is 1.3 times that of previous Honda models.
- The optimized weight distribution in the snowblower apparatus and the new auger shape significantly improve operability in deep or hard-packed snow.
Maintenance
- The vertical engine, electromagnetic clutch and directly-connected transmission eliminate maintenance of the drive assembly.
- The self-diagnostic function automatically determines any problems during startup or operation.
- The large resin cover is simple to take off and put back on, simplifying engine and battery maintenance. The battery is the same as those used in mini cars, reducing replacement cost.
Safety
- The low-load, electronically-controlled lever automatically stops the snowblower when it is released during operation.
- Battery operation mode allows the machine to be propelled without turning on the engine.
Quiet operation
- The large muffler and fully-covered engine make it reasonable to operate a snowblower early in the morning or in the city. (The noise level is half of those of previous models.)
Environmental performance
- The new model is equipped with a Honda e-SPEC engine, which surpasses US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II regulations-the most stringent in the world.
Specifications
| Model | HSS1170i |
| L x W x H (mm) | 1500 x 725 x 1155 |
| Outfitted weight (kg) | 163 |
| [Engine] | |
| Engine model | GXV390 |
| Engine Type | Air-cooled 4-stroke OHV |
| Maximum output [kW(PS)/rpm] | 9.7 (13) / 3,600 |
| Displacement(cm3) | 389 |
| Fuel type | Automotive-grade unleaded gasoline |
| Starter | Self starter |
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 6.5 |
| [Snowblower apparatus] | |
| Clearing mechanism | 2-stage |
| Clearing width (mm) | 710 |
| Clearing height (mm) | 510 |
| Maximum clearing capacity (ton/h) | 60 |
| Maximum discharge distance (m) | 17 |
| Chute turning radius/vertical adjustment | Turning: 210°/ Vertical: 97° |
| Auger clutch type | Electromagnetic clutch brake |
| Service light | 12V - 25W |
| [Drive apparatus] | |
| Drive type | Dual independent electric brushless motor drive |
| Turning | Independent divination deceleration system (with rotation speed reduction system) |
| Crawler | High-traction crawler |
| [Controls] | |
| Auger height adjustment | Gas-assisted auger height adjustment |
| Shooter control | Electronic full remote |
| Drive clutch | Electric low-load lever |
| Snowblowing clutch | Electronic button |
| Transmission speeds | Dual electric motors, infinitely variable |
| [Battery] | |
| Battery type | 34B17L (one) |