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Power Equipment June
6, 2002 |
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| 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.
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Snowra i HS1180i
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Main Features of the
Snowra i HS980i and HS1180i
Easy operation
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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. |
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An auger lift mechanism automatically raises the snowblower apparatus when backing
up. |
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Twin drive motors and a rotation speed reduction system ensure smooth, easy turning. |
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Electronic low-load controls are employed to reduce the force required to operate all
control levers to one-third that of previous models. |
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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. |
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The easy-to-understand control panel is simple to operate on the fly. |
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Maximum auger height is 220mm --- 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. |
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A 40W high-intensity service light (standard equipment on the HS1180i) punches a
hole in the darkness for nighttime operations. |
Snowblower performance
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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). |
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The new auger shape and optimized weight distribution in the snowblower
apparatus significantly improve operability in deep or hard-packed
snow. |
Maintenance
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The auger drive assembly features an electromagnetic
clutch and a double belt, improving auger belt durability to more
than twice that of previous models. |
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A self-diagnostic function automatically determines any problems during startup or
operation. |
Environmental performance
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Equipped with the Honda e-SPEC engine, which surpasses US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II regulations?the most stringent in the world. |
Safety
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A low-load, electronically controlled lever automatically stops the snowblower if
released during operation. |
Specifications
| Name |
Snowra
i |
| Model |
HS980i |
HS1180i |
| Type |
JN |
JN |
J |
| L x Wx H (mm) |
1650 x 800 x 1340 |
| Outfitted Weight (Kg) |
232 |
238 |
245 |
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Engine
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| Engine Model |
GX270 |
GX340 |
| Engine Type |
e-SPEC water-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder OHV
|
| Maximum Output[kW(PS)/rpm] |
6.6(9) / 3,600 |
8.1(11) / 3,600 |
| Displacement(cm3) |
270 |
337 |
| Fuel Type |
Automotive-grade unleaded gasoline |
| Starter |
Self starter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) |
6.0 |
6.5 |
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Snowblower
Apparatus
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| Clearing mechanism |
2-stage |
| Clearing Width (mm) |
800 |
| Clearing Height (mm) |
580 |
| Maximum Clearing Capacity (ton/h) |
60 |
70 |
| Maximum Discharge Distance (m) |
18 |
| Chute Type |
Electronic 2-stage shooter guide |
| Chute Turning Radius / Vertical Adjustment |
Turning: 240°/ Vertical: 110° |
| Auger Clutch Type |
Electromagnetic clutch brake |
| Electromagnetic clutch brake |
24V - 25W |
24V - 40W |
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Drive Apparatus
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| Drive Type |
Dual independent electric motor drive |
| Turning |
Regenerative brake turning (with rotation
speed reduction system) |
| Crawler |
Honda High-Traction Crawler |
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Controls
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| Auger height adjustment |
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| Auger automatic lift mechanism |
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| Electro-hydraulic auger rolling |
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| Automatic load control (i Control) |
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| Shooter Control |
Electronic full remote |
| Drive and operating control system |
Electronic low-load levers |
| Transmission speeds |
Dual electric motors, infinitely variable |
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