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borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Original Message   Nov 26, 2010 10:57 am
I picked up this old 1983 Toro Power Shovel for dirt cheap.  I found some info on the internet, took it apart to inspect/clean/adjust/lubricate.  Put it all back together and gave it a test run.  These things are incredible!  We've had some serious heavy wet snow here recently.  Not real big dumps.  Maybe 3 to 4 inches at a time.  Certainly deep and wet enough to be difficult to shovel.   I bought this thing for clearing off our fairly large deck.  Couldn't be happier with it's performance.  Why Toro ever stop making these with the gas engine is beyond me.   For it's diminutive size, and little 21cc two stroke engine, this thing can move a lot of snow. 



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borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #30   Dec 7, 2010 4:12 pm
Yeah.... Inconsistency is a major p.i.t.a.  That's for sure. 

I don't have problems with images,  just links.


For those who like two strokes, check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaL4m0quPIA&feature=related

Not much snow being moved but something to see nonetheless.
This message was modified Dec 7, 2010 by borat
hirschallan


If it aint broke don't fix it !!


Location: Northern Hills of NY
Joined: Aug 25, 2005
Points: 327

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #31   Dec 7, 2010 6:34 pm
Borat, If you can be so kind to send me a pic of the gas cap from your machine (inside view). I have a feeling I'm missing the inside portion of it and it leaks. It just doesn't look right to me. Thanks,Allan

borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #32   Dec 7, 2010 6:57 pm
hirschallan wrote:
Borat, If you can be so kind to send me a pic of the gas cap from your machine (inside view). I have a feeling I'm missing the inside portion of it and it leaks. It just doesn't look right to me. Thanks,Allan

Mine was defective also.  A picture won't help because I modified it.  The problem is that there should be a little check valve inside the cap.  Mine was missing.  I tried to make a check valve and it was partially effective but not perfect.   If you look at the cap, there are two vent holes.   On my machine, one hole ends up at the top and one at the bottom when the cap is screwed on tightly.  I blocked off the bottom hole with a plug and I don't get any seepage now. 

By the way, new caps are available at Partstree.com for less than $10.00.
aviator411


Joined: Dec 14, 2010
Points: 3

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #33   Dec 14, 2010 1:00 am
I have one of these 38350 models that I bought new back in the '80s. Haven't used it for a number of years and can't get it started. Never stored it w fuel in the tank so should be able to rule out fuel problems; I put in fresh fuel. Haven't opened it up yet. Can anyone tell me if I'll be able to try starting it once I open up the housing or will I have to put it all back together each time I want to try to start it. Anyone know if there are any free downloadable service manuals on this machine. Still looking for one. With small gas-powered machines the problem is almost always in the carburetor or fuel system; that's where I'll look first, plug also of course but have never seen a bad plug in a small gas engine; it's almost always carburetor/fuel problems. This machine served me well, never had any problems with it. Probably haven't used it for over 5 years. When I moved to the country many years ago I bought a Ford farm tractor with 5' rear mount snow blower so haven't used the Toro much since then. It would come in handy around doors etc. if I can get it running. I am aware of the diagrams on Partstree.com. Would be nice to find a service manual though.
This message was modified Dec 14, 2010 by aviator411
Shryp


Location: Cleveland, OH
Joined: Jul 26, 2010
Points: 532

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #34   Dec 14, 2010 5:02 am
https://homeownersolutions.toro.com/portal/server.pt/community/product_center/225
trouts2




Location: Marlboro MA
Joined: Dec 8, 2007
Points: 1328

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #35   Dec 14, 2010 9:25 am
Borat:  What might be an alternate to the shovel is a small Toro PowerLite.  There are 3 and 3.5hp versions, small, rubber auger, have wheels and are fun to use.  They toss 25 feet and can move watery slush or water very well.  Around here they can be had for $20 to $50 almost always with plugged carbs.
aviator411


Joined: Dec 14, 2010
Points: 3

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #36   Dec 14, 2010 10:06 am
Shryp wrote:
https://homeownersolutions.toro.com/portal/server.pt/community/product_center/225


Shryp, MANY thanks for that referral. I had checked the Toro web site and even saw that manual but didn't realize it covered my machine. Very good information there. That should get it going for me. Really appreciate your help!
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #37   Dec 14, 2010 10:15 am
aviator411 wrote:
I have one of these 38350 models that I bought new back in the '80s. Haven't used it for a number of years and can't get it started. Never stored it w fuel in the tank so should be able to rule out fuel problems; I put in fresh fuel. Haven't opened it up yet. Can anyone tell me if I'll be able to try starting it once I open up the housing or will I have to put it all back together each time I want to try to start it. Anyone know if there are any free downloadable service manuals on this machine. Still looking for one. With small gas-powered machines the problem is almost always in the carburetor or fuel system; that's where I'll look first, plug also of course but have never seen a bad plug in a small gas engine; it's almost always carburetor/fuel problems. This machine served me well, never had any problems with it. Probably haven't used it for over 5 years. When I moved to the country many years ago I bought a Ford farm tractor with 5' rear mount snow blower so haven't used the Toro much since then. It would come in handy around doors etc. if I can get it running. I am aware of the diagrams on Partstree.com. Would be nice to find a service manual though.

You can start it with the cover off.  You'll just have to manually move the "on/off" switch by sliding the contact to the "on"  position and work the choke manually.  The carb looks like it could be hard to get at.  Pretty tight in there even for an allen wrench.
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #38   Dec 14, 2010 10:18 am
trouts2 wrote:
Borat:  What might be an alternate to the shovel is a small Toro PowerLite.  There are 3 and 3.5hp versions, small, rubber auger, have wheels and are fun to use.  They toss 25 feet and can move watery slush or water very well.  Around here they can be had for $20 to $50 almost always with plugged carbs.

Thanks for that Trouts.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for one.  Not that I really need it due to having a Powershovel.  However, if it's two cycle, light and compact, I'll scoop it up if I see one.
aviator411


Joined: Dec 14, 2010
Points: 3

Re: 1983 Toro Power Shovel Anyone ever use or own one?
Reply #39   Dec 14, 2010 10:59 am
borat wrote:
You can start it with the cover off.  You'll just have to manually move the "on/off" switch by sliding the contact to the "on"  position and work the choke manually.  The carb looks like it could be hard to get at.  Pretty tight in there even for an allen wrench.


Thanks for that advice Borat. Removing the carb will be a last resort. I'll try to remove the needle and give it a shot of carb cleaner. Very helpful. Appreciate the info!
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