HONDA HS520A - Manual (Page 7)

7
BEFORE OPERATION
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will
significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and
how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the snowthrower and its operation before you
begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the engine in case of an
emergency.
IS YOUR SNOWTHROWER READY TO GO?
For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it
is very important to take a few moments before you operate the
snowthrower to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any
problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you
operate the snowthrower.
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the snowthrower
is on a level surface and the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
Check the General Condition of the Snowthrower
• Look around and underneath the snowthrower for signs of oil or
gasoline leaks.
• Check the auger housing and the discharge chute for accumulation
of packed snow or ice. Clean the auger housing and discharge
chute before starting the snowthrower.
• Check each control for proper operation.
• Check auger paddles for wear. Replace if necessary.
• Check the scraper blade for wear. Replace if necessary (page 12).
• Look for signs of damage.
• Check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose connectors, and clamps are
tightened.
• Keep all shields and covers in place while operating the
snowthrower.
Check the Engine
• Check the oil level (page 10).
• Check the fuel level (page 12). Starting with a full tank will help to
eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
OPERATION
SNOWTHROWING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the snowthrower for the first time, please review
both the SNOWTHROWER SAFETY chapter (page 2) and the
BEFORE OPERATION chapter above.
Even if you have operated other snowthrowers, take time to become
familiar with how this snowthrower works, and practice in a safe area
until you build up your skills.
Never tamper with or alter any of the controls or safety devices on the
snowthrower.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 20°.
For your safety, do not operate the engine in an enclosed area such
as a garage. Your snowthrower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and
cause illness or death.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the fuel valve to the
ON position.
2. If the engine is cold, pull
the choke knob out to the
CLOSED position.
3. Start the engine.
Electric Start (AS model only):
a. Connect an extension cord (commercially available) to the
starter box first, then to a 120 volt ac outlet.
Use an outdoor power cord with a power rating of no less
than 15 amps. Do not connect and disconnect the power cord
with wet hands. Do not use in the rain.

WARNING
Improperly maintaining this snowthrower, or failing to correct
a problem before operation, could cause a malfunction in
which you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each
operation, and correct any problem.
 WARNING
Engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas that can build up to dangerous
levels in closed areas. Breathing carbon
monoxide can cause unconsciousness and
death.
Never run the snowblower in a closed or even
partly closed area.
ON
CLOSED
120 VAC OUTLET
EXTENSION CORD
(COMMERCIALLY
AVAILABLE) STARTER
BOX PLUG