Honda HSS928ATD Review

Introduction: The First Winter with the Honda HSS928ATD

When you live in an area where lake effect snow is a regular occurrence, your snow blower isn’t just a convenience. It is a survival tool. For the past five winters, I had been running a mid range wheeled two stage machine. It was adequate for most storms, but every time a heavy, wet snow or a deep drift hit, I found myself wrestling the machine, fighting for traction, and spending more time clearing the chute than actually throwing snow. This year, I decided to make a significant investment and purchased the Honda HSS928ATD. I knew going in that this was not a budget machine. The price tag is substantial, and the track drive system adds noticeable weight. But after a full season of heavy use, I need to share exactly what this machine can and cannot do.

How I Tested It

I did not run this machine through a controlled lab environment. I live on a property with a 200 foot long, slightly sloped asphalt driveway that can fit three cars side by side. My testing conditions were entirely real world. I used the HSS928ATD for every snow event this winter, from light one inch dustings to a memorable 18 inch blizzard that dropped heavy, wet snow. I also took it to my neighbor’s gravel driveway and a friend’s long, steep concrete driveway to test traction and surface handling. I tracked fuel consumption, clearing time, and how the machine performed in temperatures ranging from 10 degrees Fahrenheit to a balmy 32 degrees. I specifically tested the hydrostatic transmission on slopes and in varying snow depths to see how smooth the speed control really is. I also paid close attention to how the machine handled packed snow from the plow at the end of the driveway, which is often the hardest test for any snow blower.

Performance: Where This Machine Earns Its Keep

The Hydrostatic Transmission is a Game Changer

The standout feature of the HSS928ATD is without question the hydrostatic transmission. If you have never used a snow blower with a hydrostatic drive, the difference from a standard friction disc or gear drive is night and day. You do not have to shift gears or stop to change speeds. A simple lever on the handlebar lets you go from a slow crawl for deep, heavy snow to a brisk walking pace for light powder, all without any jerking or hesitation. This smooth speed control is not just a luxury. It is a practical advantage when you are working on a slope. I could maintain a steady, slow speed going uphill without the machine surging or losing traction. On the flat, I could accelerate smoothly to cover ground faster. The control is precise enough that I could inch the machine forward to nibble away at a hard packed snowbank without the machine lurching and bouncing. This alone makes clearing snow feel less like a workout and more like a controlled operation.

Track Drive Traction That Inspires Confidence

The second major performance pillar is the track drive. I have used wheeled snow blowers with chains, and I have used wheeled machines with aggressive tire tread. None of them come close to the traction provided by these rubber tracks. On my asphalt driveway, the machine never once spun out, even when I deliberately tried to push it through a deep, slushy pile. On the gravel driveway, the tracks distributed the weight so well that I did not pick up and throw stones, which is a constant issue with wheeled machines. The real test came on my friend’s steep driveway. It is a 15 degree slope that is often icy. The HSS928ATD crawled up that slope without any wheel spin or sliding. It just gripped and went. The tracks also provide a very stable platform. The machine does not wobble or tip easily, even when you are throwing heavy snow to one side. The trade off is weight. This machine is heavy. At over 300 pounds, it is a beast to maneuver in tight spaces or to push around in a garage. But once you are in the snow, that weight becomes an asset, keeping the machine planted and cutting through drifts rather than bouncing off them.

The Quiet and Fuel Efficient Engine

Honda engines have a reputation for reliability, and the engine in this machine lives up to it. It starts reliably with a single pull, even in single digit temperatures. The electric start is also there, but I found I rarely needed it after the first start of the season. What surprised me most was how quiet this engine is. It is not silent, but compared to other two stage snow blowers I have used, the noise level is noticeably lower. You can have a conversation while operating it without shouting. The fuel efficiency is also impressive. I cleared a 200 foot driveway with 12 inches of snow on a single tank of gas, and I had fuel left over. Over the entire season, I refilled the tank only three times, despite using the machine for every storm and helping neighbors. This reduces both the cost of operation and the annoyance of stopping to refuel in the middle of a storm.

The Dual Stage Auger in Deep Snow

The HSS928ATD features a dual stage auger system. The first stage uses serrated steel augers to break up and gather the snow. The second stage is a high speed impeller that throws the snow out the chute. In practice, this system handles deep snow with authority. During the 18 inch blizzard, the machine did not bog down or stall. It chewed through the snow at a steady pace, throwing it a solid 40 to 50 feet when I needed it to. The chute rotation is controlled by a joystick on the handlebar, which is intuitive and responsive. You can aim the snow precisely, which is important when you are trying to avoid burying a neighbor’s walkway or a mailbox. The only minor complaint I have is that the chute can sometimes clog with extremely wet, heavy snow if you try to go too fast. Slowing down the ground speed with the hydrostatic transmission solved this immediately. The machine is designed to be run at full throttle, and you control the clearing rate with the ground speed. Once I learned this rhythm, the clogging stopped entirely.

Build Quality and Value: Is It Worth the Cost?

Construction That Feels Indestructible

There is no plastic on this machine that feels cheap. The auger housing is made of heavy gauge steel. The controls are all metal with rubber grips. The tracks are thick, reinforced rubber with steel internal guides. Everything about the HSS928ATD feels overbuilt. I have banged it into ice chunks, run it over hidden rocks, and pushed it through snow that would have bent a lesser machine. It has taken the abuse without any signs of damage or loosening. The maintenance access is also well thought out. The oil drain is positioned so you can change it without making a mess. The auger shear pins are easy to access and replace. This is a machine that is designed to last for many years, possibly decades, with proper care. The resale value on Honda snow blowers is also very high, which is something to consider if you ever decide to sell it.

The Value Equation

Let me address the elephant in the room. This machine is very expensive. It costs significantly more than many wheeled two stage models from other reputable brands. You could buy two or three decent wheeled snow blowers for the price of one HSS928ATD. So is it worth it? That depends entirely on your situation. If you have a short, flat, paved driveway and you get light snow, this machine is overkill. You would be paying for features you do not need. But if you have a long driveway, a steep slope, gravel surface, or you routinely deal with heavy, deep snow, the value becomes clear. The time saved by not fighting for traction, the reduced physical effort from the smooth transmission, and the reliability of the engine all add up. For me, the cost is justified because it turns a two hour chore into a 30 minute task, and it does so without leaving me exhausted. I also value not having to repair or replace a cheaper machine every few years. The total cost of ownership over a decade might actually favor the Honda if you factor in durability and resale value.

Who Should Buy the Honda HSS928ATD?

This machine is not for everyone. Here is who I think will get the most benefit from it.

• Owners of long driveways. If you have more than 100 feet of driveway to clear, the speed and efficiency of this machine will save you significant time.
• People with steep slopes. The track drive and hydrostatic transmission make climbing icy hills safe and easy. Wheeled machines simply cannot match this performance.
• Those with gravel driveways. The tracks do not dig in and throw stones like wheels do. This alone can save you hundreds of dollars in window and lawnmower blade repairs.
• Anyone who deals with heavy, wet snow regularly. The dual stage auger and powerful engine handle wet snow much better than smaller machines.
• People who prioritize comfort and ease of use. If you have back problems or simply do not want to wrestle with your snow blower, the smooth controls and excellent traction reduce physical strain dramatically.

Who should avoid it? If you have a short, flat driveway and get mostly light, dry snow, you will be better served by a less expensive wheeled model. The extra weight of the tracks will be a drawback in tight garages or when you need to maneuver the machine by hand. Also, if you are on a tight budget, this machine is simply not a practical choice. There are excellent machines available for half the price that will do a good job in most conditions.

My Verdict

After a full winter of heavy use, I can say without hesitation that the Honda HSS928ATD is the best snow blower I have ever operated. It is not perfect. It is heavy, expensive, and overkill for small driveways. But for the conditions it is designed for, it is unmatched. The hydrostatic transmission gives you precise, effortless speed control. The track drive provides traction that makes slopes and gravel surfaces feel like flat pavement. The engine is quiet, reliable, and fuel efficient. The build quality is exceptional. Every time I use it, I appreciate how much easier it makes a difficult job. If you have the budget and the need, this machine is a genuine investment in your time and your physical well being. I do not regret the purchase for a second. It has already paid for itself in saved time, reduced frustration, and the simple pleasure of watching a machine do its job perfectly.