Honda’s New Hybrid...Snowblower

11 November 2005

The new mid-size hybrid snowblower.

Honda Motor has introduced its new mid-size hybrid snowblower, the HSM1590i. The new model can switch between three operating modes during snow removal (a world first).

Honda introduced its first hybrid snowblower in 2001. It combined a gasoline engine to power the snowblower apparatus with electric motors for forward propulsion. Since then, cumulative sales of hybrid snowblowers has reached 20,594 units. The new HSM1590i will expand Honda’s lineup of small and mid-size hybrid snowblowers to six models.

The HSM1590i uses Honda’s 15hp, 438cc iGX440 engine to drive the snowblower apparatus and to charge the two 24V battery packs. Independent right and left electric motors drive the crawlers. One of the crawlers can be made to rotate in reverse when turning at low speed, enabling the snowblower to turn on the spot (with an ultra small turning radius).

Hybrid system drive power flow. Click to enlarge.

The engine features a new electronic self-tuning regulator (STR) governor&mash;the first such on a single-cylinder general purpose engine. The combination of electronic engine-speed control technology and Honda’s hybrid technology, and the exchange of data between the snowblower ECU and the engine ECU allows the unit to maintain its speed relative to load conditions.

The new electronics support a function for switching between three selectable operating modes:

• Auto mode automatically adjusts travel speed and engine speed to match operating conditions.

• Power mode automatically reduces travel speed in response to work load, and maintains maximum power output from the engine. Users set the snow discharge distance (up to 21 meters), and the engine maintains maximum power output based on the specified snow discharge distance, ensuring high operating efficiency.

• Manual mode is designed for users who prefer the feel of the conventional model.

The iGX440 engine achieves emissions levels approximately 30% lower than those stipulated in the US EPA’s Phase 2 emission standards and the California Air Resources Board's Tier II emissions standards. Fuel economy in auto mode has improved over earlier model engines by approximately 22%.

The snowblower will debut 12 December 2005 at Honda power products dealers throughout Japan.