Honda HS928 Review, Price, Pros and Cons: Does it Worth the Price?
You see the Honda HS928 snow blower, a machine renowned for its power and reliability. Then you see the price tag, and the questions begin. Why does this snow blower cost significantly more than other models on the market? It’s a common problem for homeowners and professionals alike: the search for a powerful snow clearing solution often leads to the HS928, but the investment required causes hesitation.
The core of the issue isn’t just the number on the sticker. It’s the uncertainty about what that number represents. Buyers are left wondering if they are paying for a brand name or for tangible features that justify the expense, leaving them stuck between wanting the best and managing a budget.
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Understanding the Sticker Shock: What is the Real Price of a Honda HS928?
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a new Honda HS928 series snow blower typically ranges from approximately $3,300 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and features. For instance, the 2025 Honda HSS928AATD (track drive, electric start) is listed at dealers for around $3,499. This price positions it at the premium end of the residential and light-commercial snow blower market.
However, the MSRP is only a baseline. The final price you pay can be influenced by several factors, including the dealer’s location, ongoing promotions, and the time of year you make the purchase. Seasonal demand plays a huge role; prices can be firmer just before a major winter storm and softer during the off-season in late spring and summer.
Deconstructing the Cost: What Are You Actually Paying For?
The premium price of the Honda HS928 is not arbitrary. It is a direct reflection of the commercial-grade components and advanced engineering that go into its construction. These are not just minor upgrades; they are fundamental differences that contribute to superior performance, durability, and a longer operational lifespan.
The Legendary Honda GX Engine
At the heart of the HS928 is the commercial-grade Honda GX270 engine. This isn’t the typical engine found on consumer-grade equipment. The GX series is renowned for its exceptional reliability, fuel efficiency, and easy starting, even in frigid temperatures. Its overhead valve (OHV) design contributes to lower emissions, less noise, and increased power output, ensuring it can churn through heavy, wet snow without bogging down.
The Power of the Hydrostatic Transmission
One of the most significant features justifying the HS928’s price is its hydrostatic transmission. Unlike the friction-disc systems found on many cheaper snow blowers, which have a set number of speeds, the hydrostatic drive offers infinitely variable speed control. A single lever allows for seamless transitions between forward and reverse and precise speed adjustments on the fly. This provides unmatched control, allowing you to match your pace perfectly to the snow conditions without ever stopping to shift gears.
Track Drive vs. Wheel Drive: A Key Price Differentiator
Honda offers the HS928 in both wheeled and track drive configurations, with the track drive models commanding a higher price. The dual-track drive provides exceptional traction on virtually any surface, including steep inclines, icy patches, and uneven ground. Pliable rubber tracks with sure-gripping cleats ensure the machine remains stable and powerful, allowing it to clear snow where wheeled models would slip and struggle. This makes it an indispensable feature for users with challenging terrain.
Built to Last: Frame, Auger, and Chute Construction
The entire machine is built with durability in mind. The HS928 features heavy-gauge steel construction for the auger housing and frame. The powerful serrated auger is designed to break up packed snow and ice, while the high-capacity impeller can throw snow up to 52 feet. Furthermore, features like the electric joystick chute control, which allows for effortless adjustment of snow discharge direction, add a layer of convenience and efficiency that sets it apart from manually adjusted models.
Is the Honda HS928 a Smart Financial Investment? A Long-Term Value Analysis
To truly understand the Honda HS928 price, you must look beyond the initial purchase and consider the total cost of ownership and its long-term value. A higher upfront cost often translates into significant savings and a better overall financial outcome over the life of the machine. This is where the HS928 truly distinguishes itself from its competitors.
Beyond the Initial Purchase: Total Cost of Ownership
The total cost of ownership includes not just the purchase price, but also fuel, maintenance, and repair costs over several years. The fuel-efficient Honda GX engine consumes less gasoline than many competitors, leading to noticeable savings each winter. More importantly, the commercial-grade build quality means fewer breakdowns and lower repair bills. Many owners report years of trouble-free operation with only routine maintenance, like oil changes and spark plug checks. When you consider that a single major repair on a cheaper snow blower can cost hundreds of dollars, the value of Honda’s reliability becomes clear.
The Unspoken Value: Honda’s Remarkable Resale Market
One of the most overlooked aspects of the HS928’s value is its exceptionally high resale price. Honda power equipment is famous for holding its value, and the HS928 is no exception. While other snow blowers might lose 50% or more of their value in just a few years, a well-maintained, used HS928 can often sell for a surprisingly high percentage of its original price. This turns the machine from a simple expense into a tangible asset. If you decide to sell it after 5 or 10 years, you will recoup a significant portion of your initial investment, drastically lowering the effective long-term cost.
To illustrate this, consider the long-term financial picture of owning a premium machine versus a mid-range alternative.
| Feature | Honda HS928 (Track Drive) | Typical Mid-Range Competitor (Wheel Drive) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Upfront Price | $3,400 | $1,500 |
| Engine Type | Commercial Grade (Honda GX) | Consumer Grade |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic (Infinitely Variable) | Friction-Disc (Set Speeds) |
| Drive System | Track Drive | Wheel Drive |
| Estimated 5-Year Resale Value | $1,800 – $2,200 | $500 – $700 |
| Net 5-Year Cost (Excluding Maintenance) | $1,200 – $1,600 | $800 – $1,000 |
How to Find the Best Price on a Honda HS928
While the Honda HS928 carries a premium price tag, strategic purchasing can help you secure the best possible deal. Securing a lower price requires a combination of timing, research, and knowing where to look. By planning your purchase, you can save hundreds of dollars.
Timing is Everything: The Secret to Seasonal Discounts
The absolute best time to buy a snow blower is during the off-season. Retailers are looking to clear out inventory between May and August to make room for new models and summer equipment. During this period, you can often find end-of-season clearance sales or pre-order discounts on the upcoming year’s models. Conversely, the worst time to buy is right before or during a major snowstorm, when high demand leads to firm prices and low inventory.
Navigating Local Dealers vs. Big Box Stores
Both local power equipment dealers and large home improvement stores sell Honda snow blowers, each with its own advantages. Big box stores may offer competitive pricing and promotional events. However, local authorized dealers often provide superior customer service, including expert assembly, pre-delivery inspection, and dedicated maintenance and repair services. Establishing a relationship with a local dealer can be invaluable for long-term support.
The Pre-Owned Market: A Viable Path to Ownership
Given the HS928’s durability, buying a used model is an excellent way to get Honda quality at a lower price. Look for machines that show signs of good care. When inspecting a used HS928, check the auger teeth for excessive wear, inspect the scraper bar, and test the hydrostatic transmission to ensure it operates smoothly. Finding an expert for this inspection is crucial; just as you would want to know who to hire to regrout shower for a perfect seal, you’ll want a qualified mechanic to verify the machine’s condition.
Common Questions and Concerns About the HS928’s Price
Even with a clear understanding of its features, potential buyers often have specific questions about the value proposition of the Honda HS928. Addressing these concerns directly can help clarify whether this premium machine is the right choice for your needs and budget.
Is the track drive version really worth the extra cost?
For many users, the answer is a definitive yes. If your property includes steep slopes, a gravel driveway, or areas prone to ice, the superior traction of the track drive is a game-changer. It provides stability and prevents the machine from riding up on hard-packed snow, ensuring a cleaner clearing job with less physical effort. For flat, paved surfaces, a wheeled model may suffice, but the track drive offers unparalleled performance in challenging conditions.
How does the HS928 price compare to competitors like Ariens or Toro?
Direct competitors like the Ariens Deluxe or Platinum series and high-end Toro models often have a lower upfront cost. However, the comparison isn’t just about the initial price. The Honda HS928 justifies its premium with features like the hydrostatic transmission and commercial-grade engine, which are often not standard on competing models. While an Ariens may offer great performance, the Honda is built with components designed for a longer, more demanding service life, leading to better long-term value and higher resale prices.
Can I finance a Honda HS928?
Yes, financing is widely available for Honda power equipment. Many authorized Honda dealers offer financing plans, often with promotional periods featuring low or no interest. This can make the upfront cost more manageable by spreading it out over a series of smaller monthly payments, allowing you to invest in a high-quality machine without disrupting your budget.
Ultimately, the price of the Honda HS928 reflects a deliberate engineering choice. It’s a machine built not to meet a price point, but to exceed a performance standard. The cost is an investment in a commercial-grade engine, a precision hydrostatic transmission, and a build quality designed to last for decades. By viewing the purchase through the lens of total cost of ownership and resale value, the initial sticker shock fades, revealing a machine that is not just powerful, but also a financially sound investment in reliability and peace of mind for many winters to come.
