HSS928ATD Track Drive Snow Blower

Honda

The Honda HSS928ATD Track Drive Snow Blower combines robust engineering with practical performance for demanding winter conditions. Featuring a reliable 270cc Honda GX engine and track drive system for superior traction on slopes, this two-stage machine clears a 28-inch path with impressive 1900 lb/min capacity. The adjustable auger height and electric start ensure convenience, while the durable construction provides dependable service through multiple winter seasons.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:58.5"D x 28.9"W x 43.5"H
Lifespan:15+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:USA
Manufacturing:Assembled in the USA at Honda's North Carolina facility using domestic and globally sourced parts

Research Summary

The Honda HSS928ATD snowblower offers legendary engine and drivetrain reliability, but falls short of true BIFL status due to frustrating design flaws. At $3,599, you're paying premium prices for a machine that excels in light, fluffy snow but struggles with heavy, wet conditions—precisely when you need it most. The notorious chute clogging issue (even with Honda's replacement parts) and fragile shear pins create work-stopping failures that undermine its otherwise solid construction. Best for homeowners in regions with lighter snowfall who prioritize Honda's engine quality and are willing to accept some operational compromises.

  • Built on Honda's bulletproof engine technology, but the discharge chute's persistent clogging in wet snow is a critical failure point
  • Good repair access and parts availability, though electronic components like the chute control joystick often require dealer intervention
  • Solid 3-year warranty with dealer support, but HondaCare extended protection plans aren't available for HSS models
  • At $3,600, it's significantly overpriced for a machine with known design flaws that hinder performance in challenging conditions
  • Community consensus: exceptional in ideal conditions with impressive throwing distance, but slow operational speed and wet snow performance disappoint many owners

Repairability Notes

7.0

The Honda HSS928ATD snowblower is built for reasonable repair access with strong engine reliability, but has some notable design flaws that can require dealer intervention.

  • Parts & Support: Original parts are widely available through dealer network with a strong aftermarket community. Users mention needing to return to dealers for certain issues like chute replacement.
  • Common Repairs: Shear pins break frequently during normal operation and are user-replaceable, but users report being frustrated by how often this happens. Electric chute control joystick failures are mentioned as requiring more complex repair.
  • Design Issues: The discharge chute has a known clogging problem that Honda acknowledges and offers replacement parts for. Some users report needing aftermarket skid plates for better performance.

Bottom line: The core engine and drivetrain are durable with good repair potential, but some electronic components and design flaws create repair hassles that prevent a higher score.

Durability Notes

6.5

The Honda HSS928ATD is a tale of two machines — legendarily durable core components hobbled by frustrating design flaws that prevent it from achieving true BIFL status.

  • Engine & Frame: Users report the Honda engine runs for decades with proper maintenance, and one owner in mountainous terrain called it top of the line after adding aftermarket skid plates. The tracked system provides excellent traction on slopes.
  • Fatal Flaw: Multiple users confirm the discharge chute constantly clogs in heavy, wet snow — exactly when you need it most. Honda acknowledges this defect and offers a replacement chute, but requiring dealer installation is a red flag.
  • Weak Points: Shear pins break from minor ice chunks, paint peels after one year, and electronic chute controls fail during storms. These aren't just annoyances — they're work-stoppers.

Bottom line: At $3600, this should be bulletproof. Instead, it's a premium-priced machine that only handles light, fluffy snow reliably. The community is split because the bones are solid, but critical components fail when challenged. Could've been great, but those chute clogs are deal-breakers for BIFL status.

Warranty Notes

6.5

Honda offers a solid 3-year residential warranty for the HSS928ATD snowblower, covering most major components against defects in materials and workmanship.

  • Coverage scope: "Top to bottom" coverage for the entire unit, though normal wear items (tracks, skid shoes, belts, etc.) are excluded.
  • Service network: Claims must be processed through authorized Honda dealers, providing a reliable but potentially less convenient claim process.
  • Limitations: HondaCare extended protection plans (which could extend coverage up to 6 years) are specifically NOT available for HSS models, limiting long-term coverage options.

Bottom line: Honda's 3-5 year warranty offers good protection with a responsive dealer network, though the exclusion from extended coverage programs and wear-item exclusions prevent it from being exceptional.

Social Analysis

7.5

Honda's HSS928ATD has a strong reputation as a premium, reliable snowblower with devoted fans, but significant complaints exist about specific issues.

  • Enthusiast appeal: Redditors consider Honda the gold standard of snowblowers, often purchased as a lifetime investment. Many owners express pride in their purchase and plan to keep it for decades.
  • Performance divide: Excels in light, fluffy snow with impressive throwing distance, but multiple users report serious issues with wet, heavy snow causing chute clogging - a known problem Honda has addressed with replacement parts.
  • Value concerns: At $3,599, many find it overpriced despite its quality construction. Track drive system is praised for traction on slopes but criticized for excruciatingly slow speed on flat surfaces.

Bottom line: A premium machine with legendary Honda engine reliability that performs well in ideal conditions, but specific design flaws and high price prevent it from being universally recommended.

BIFL Total Score:
7.0Good
HSS928ATD Track Drive Snow Blower
Amazon
$3599

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
7.0
Durability Score
6.5
Repairability Score
7.0
Social Score
7.5
Warranty Score
6.5

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Legendary Honda engine reliability

Excellent traction on slopes

Strong throwing distance in fluffy snow

Built for decades with proper maintenance

Areas for Improvement

Chute constantly clogs in wet snow

Shear pins break from minor obstructions

Excruciatingly slow on flat surfaces

Overpriced at $3,599

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

Image Gallery

HSS928ATD Track Drive Snow Blower - Main view

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: Seasonally / As NeededRegular maintenance before storage and at the start of each snow season ensures optimal performance.

Step 1

Clean

Check for and remove any packed snow or ice from the auger housing and discharge chute before starting the snow blower. Use a clearing bar to avoid injuries.

Recommended Products

  • Clearing Bar$10-20
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

Check the engine oil level and change it every 100 hours. Check the spark plug and replace as needed. Ensure all bolts and nuts are tightened, and inspect the skid shoes for wear.

Recommended Products

  • Honda Engine Oil$20-30
  • Spark Plug$5-10
Step 3

Protect / Store

Before storing, ensure the snow blower is clean, dry, and covered. Drain the fuel tank and stabilize the fuel to prevent degradation. Store in a dry, well-ventilated area.

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