Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

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. 

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.

https://homeownersolutions.toro.com/portal/server.pt/community/product_center/225

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.

Shryp wrote:

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!

aviator411 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.

trouts2 wrote:
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.

borat wrote:

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!

Check the condition of the primer bulb and primer fuel line.  It may have deteriorated over the years.  Without a primer, I doubt that you can start the machine.  That's where I'd look first.  Also check the cleanliness of the fuel system between tank and carb.    Remember the position of the choke and "on/off" knobs and line up the controls to match them before putting them back on.

Does your machine have wheels? 

Excellent find. 

As you say, the thing looks mint.  

I found that the Power Shovel really shines in moving three to four inch wet slushy snow from decks.  It's no where near the work that shoveling it would be.   Much of the snow is ejected over the railing and balusters but sticky stuff gets pasted on whatever it hits.