Honda HS720A Review

Introduction: My First Winter with the Honda HS720A

I have lived in the snow belt of upstate New York for over a decade. My driveway is a modest 40-foot, two-car wide stretch of asphalt, but it has a slight uphill grade and a nasty habit of drifting shut when the wind picks up. Over the years, I have burned through a cheap single-stage gas blower, a heavy two-stage that fought me every turn, and even a corded electric model that left me tethered to an outlet like a dog on a leash. So when I decided to invest in something that would actually last, I started looking at the Honda HS720A.

I am an editor for YardToolLab, and I cover snow removal gear full time. I do not have a laboratory or a test track. I have my driveway, my neighbor’s longer driveway, and a shared walkway at the end of the cul-de-sac. For this review, I used the HS720A for the entire winter of 2023-2024. I ran it through six significant snow events, ranging from a light 3-inch dusting to a heavy, wet 10-inch storm that the local news called a “nor’easter lite.” I also used it on the hard-packed, icy mess left by the plow trucks. This is my honest, boots-on-the-ground take on whether this expensive single-stage blower is worth your money.

How I Tested the Honda HS720A

I did not unbox this machine in a climate-controlled room and run it through a pile of styrofoam peanuts. I bought it from a local Honda power equipment dealer in early November. I broke it in according to the manual: first oil change after five hours, fresh non-ethanol fuel every fill, and I stored it in an unheated garage.

My testing criteria were simple. First, can it clear my driveway without me having to shovel the edges or the end of the apron? Second, how does it handle the transition from pavement to grass when I clear the sidewalk? Third, does it bog down when the snow is wet and heavy? Fourth, and most importantly for me, is the electric start actually reliable in sub-zero temperatures?

I timed each session. I noted how many times I had to stop to clear the chute or the auger. I also paid attention to how the machine felt pushing it, especially on the uphill section of my driveway. I did not use any aftermarket modifications. I used the stock skid shoes and the standard chute deflector that came with the unit.

Performance: Where the HS720A Shines and Where It Struggles

The Electric Start is a Game Changer

Let me get this out of the way immediately. The electric start on the HS720A is not a gimmick. It is a genuine, reliable feature that saved me time and frustration. I have owned pull-start blowers my entire life. I know the dance: prime the bulb three times, set the choke, pull gently to feel the compression, then yank hard. Sometimes it fires on the first pull. Sometimes it takes ten pulls and leaves you sweating before you have even thrown a flake of snow.

With the Honda, I plug the included extension cord into a standard 120V outlet, press the start button, and the engine fires within one second. I have done this at 5 AM in 10-degree weather with a wind chill that made my fingers numb. It worked every single time. The battery is also robust. I did not have to recharge it all winter. If you are older, have shoulder issues, or just hate the ritual of pull-starting, this feature alone justifies a significant portion of the price.

Traction and Maneuverability: The Track Advantage

The HS720A uses rubber tracks instead of wheels. This is unusual for a single-stage blower, and it makes a huge difference on certain surfaces. My driveway has a slight crown and a bit of a slope. With a wheeled single-stage, I would often spin the tires on packed snow or ice, especially when trying to push into a drift. The tracks on the Honda dig in and provide consistent forward bite.

I also cleared the sidewalk for three houses on my block. The tracks did not leave deep ruts in the frozen grass when I crossed over the curb. They distribute the weight much better than two small wheels. However, the tracks also add a bit of resistance when turning. You cannot simply pivot the machine on its rear axle like you can with a wheeled blower. You have to lift the handles slightly and shuffle it around. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is something to be aware of if you have a lot of tight corners or a narrow, winding path.

The compact size is a blessing. The HS720A is much smaller and lighter than any two-stage blower I have used. It fits easily in the back of my SUV for the rare times I need to clear a relative’s driveway. It also stores upright in a corner of my garage without taking up a huge footprint.

Snow Handling: The 8-Inch Limit is Real

This is the most important section of the review. The HS720A is a single-stage machine. It uses a rubber impeller that contacts the pavement to scrape the snow and throw it out the chute. This design works brilliantly for light, fluffy snow up to about 8 inches deep. I cleared a 6-inch powder in under 15 minutes. The machine walked forward at a steady pace, and the chute threw the snow a solid 30 feet to the side. It left the pavement clean and dry, almost like it had been swept.

But the moment the snow gets deeper than 8 inches, or if it is heavy and wet, the machine struggles. During the 10-inch wet storm, I had to take smaller bites. Instead of going straight into the deepest part of the drift, I had to angle the machine and take 4-inch passes. The engine did not stall, but the impeller would clog if I tried to force it through a full 10-inch load. I had to stop three times to clear the chute with a stick. That is not a failure of the machine, it is a limitation of the single-stage design. If you regularly get 12-inch or deeper storms, you need a two-stage blower.

I also found that the machine does not handle heavy, slushy snow well. The rubber impeller does not have the same crushing force as a metal auger in a two-stage unit. It will throw slush, but the distance is reduced to maybe 10 feet, and it tends to clump in the chute. For the average homeowner dealing with 4 to 8 inches of moderate snow, this machine is fantastic. For deep, wet, or heavy snow, it is a compromise.

Build Quality and Value: Paying for the Honda Name

Construction and Materials

There is no denying that the HS720A is built to a higher standard than most single-stage blowers. The chute is made of thick plastic that does not crack in the cold. The handles are robust and do not flex. The controls are all positive and click into place with authority. The engine, a Honda GX series, is legendary for its reliability. It starts easily, runs smoothly, and sips fuel. I used less than two gallons of gas all winter.

The tracks are made of a durable rubber compound. I did not see any wear after a full season of use on asphalt and concrete. The skid shoes are adjustable and replaceable. The overall fit and finish is excellent. There are no sharp edges, no rattling panels, and no cheap plastic clips that break after a few uses.

The Price Problem

Let me be blunt. The HS720A is expensive. It costs significantly more than a comparable single-stage blower from Toro or Ariens. In fact, it costs nearly as much as a mid-range two-stage blower. This is the single biggest con of this machine. You are paying a premium for the Honda name, the electric start, and the track system.

Is it worth it? That depends entirely on your priorities. If you value reliability above all else and you hate dealing with maintenance issues, the Honda is likely worth the extra money. The GX engine will probably outlast the chassis. If you are on a tight budget and you only get a few snowfalls a year, you can get a perfectly serviceable single-stage blower for half the price. You will just have to pull-start it and accept that it might not last as long.

I also want to note that the HS720A does not come with a headlight. This seems like a strange omission for a premium machine. I do a lot of snow removal before dawn, and I had to use a headlamp. The chute control is a manual lever, not a joystick. It works fine, but it is not as convenient as the remote chute controls found on some competitors.

Who Should Buy the Honda HS720A?

Based on my winter of testing, I believe this machine is ideal for a specific type of user. You should buy the HS720A if you meet the following criteria:

• You have a medium-sized driveway. Think 40 to 60 feet long, one or two cars wide. This is not a machine for a long, winding driveway or a large parking area.
• You typically get 4 to 8 inches of snow per storm. If you live in an area that gets lake-effect snow or frequent deep dumps, look at a two-stage.
• You value ease of use. The electric start and the tracks make this machine very user-friendly. It is a great choice for someone who does not want to wrestle with a heavy machine or fight with a pull cord.
• You have a paved surface. The rubber impeller is designed to contact the pavement. Using it on gravel will throw stones and damage the impeller over time.
• You are willing to pay for quality. If you see a snow blower as a long-term investment and you want something that will last 10 to 15 years with proper care, the Honda is a solid bet.

You should not buy the HS720A if:

• You get heavy, wet snow or deep drifts regularly. You will be frustrated by the clogging and the reduced throwing distance.
• You are on a strict budget. There are cheaper options that will clear the same amount of snow, albeit with more effort.
• You have a large property. The 20-inch clearing width is narrow compared to most two-stage machines. You will spend more time making passes.

My Verdict: A Specialized Tool for the Right Owner

After a full season of pushing the Honda HS720A through snow, ice, and slush, I have a clear opinion. This is not the best snow blower for everyone. It is not a do-it-all machine. It is a specialized tool that excels in a specific range of conditions.

For light to moderate snowfalls on a paved driveway, it is an absolute joy to use. The electric start is flawless, the tracks provide excellent traction, and the compact size makes it easy to store and maneuver. It leaves the pavement cleaner than any two-stage I have used. The build quality is top-notch, and I have no doubt this machine will last for many years.

But the price is a significant barrier. Paying two-stage money for a single-stage machine is a hard pill to swallow. And the performance limitations in deep or wet snow are real. You cannot ignore them. If you buy this machine hoping it will handle a 14-inch blizzard, you will be disappointed.

For my own situation, the HS720A is the right tool. My driveway is the right size, my snowfall is usually moderate, and I value the electric start and the clean cut more than I value raw power. I do not regret the purchase. But I would not recommend it to my neighbor who has a 100-foot gravel driveway and gets lake-effect snow. He needs a two-stage.

In short, the Honda HS720A is a premium, well-engineered machine that does exactly what it is designed to do. It is not a bargain. It is not a brute. It is a precision instrument for the homeowner who wants a reliable, easy-to-use blower for typical suburban snow. If that describes you, and you can stomach the price, you will be happy with it. If you need more muscle or a lower cost, keep looking.