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Introduction

WARNING

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

This product contains a chemical or chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

This machine is intended to be used by residential homeowners. It is designed primarily for removing snow from paved surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks, and other surfaces for traffic on residential or commercial properties. It is not designed for removing materials other than snow, nor is it designed for clearing off gravel surfaces.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product and accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product.

Write down the product model and serial numbers.

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety alert symbol (Figure 2), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

This manual uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

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Safety

This machine meets the B71.3 specifications of the American National Standards Institute in effect at the time of production.

  • Shut the machine off before servicing, fueling, or unplugging.
  • Read and understand the contents of the manual before you start the engine. Make sure everyone using this product knows how to use the product and understands the warnings.
  • Do not put hands or feet near moving components on the machine.
  • Do not operate machine without all guards and other safety protective devices in place and working on the machine.
  • Keep clear of any discharge opening. Keep bystanders a safe distance from the machine.
  • Keep children out of the operating area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. Never allow children to operate the machine.

Safety and Instructional Decals

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Setup

Installing the Handle

  1. Position the ends of the upper handle on the inside of the lower handle and align the holes.
  2. Insert the oval-head bolts into the aligned holes, with the bolt heads on the outside of the handle (Figure 3).
  3. Install the curved washers and the handle knobs on the oval-head bolts on the inside of the handle (Figure 3) and tighten the knobs securely.

    Note: Ensure that the cable is routed to the outside of the handle.

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Installing the Recoil Starter Handle

Install the recoil starter handle in the rope guide as shown in Figure 4.

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Installing the Discharge Chute Assembly

Install the discharge chute assembly as shown in Figure 5

Note: Install the bolts from the inside of discharge chute assembly so that the washers and locknuts are on the outside of the chute.

Note: Do not overtighten the locknuts.

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Filling the Engine with Oil

Your machine does not come with oil in the engine, but it does come with a bottle of oil.

Note: Before starting the engine, fill the engine with oil.

Max fill: 12 oz. (0.35 l), type: automotive detergent oil with an API service classification of SJ, SL, or higher.

Use Figure 6 to select the best oil viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected:

  1. Move the machine to a level surface.
  2. Clean around the oil fill cap (Figure 11).
  3. Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove it.
  4. Slowly pour oil into the oil fill hole. Wait 3 minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick by wiping the dipstick clean and then inserting, but not screwing in, the oil fill cap into the hole.

    Note: To determine the proper oil level on the dipstick, refer to Figure 7.

    Note: Fill the engine crankcase with oil until the dipstick indicates that the engine oil level is correct as shown in Figure 7. If you overfill the engine with oil, remove the excess oil as directed in Changing the Engine Oil.

    Note: You may tip the machine forward (handle up) a little to make adding oil easier. Remember to return the machine to the operating position before checking the oil level.

    Do not tip the machine all the way forward onto its nose, or fuel may leak out of the machine.

  5. Screw the oil fill cap into the oil fill hole and hand tighten it securely.
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Adjusting the Control Cable

Checking the Control Cable

You must check and may need to adjust the control cable before you operate the machine for the first time.

Move the control bar back toward the handle to remove the slack in the control cable (Figure 8)

Note: Ensure that a gap of 1/16 to 1/8 inch (2 to 3 mm) exists between the control bar and the handle (Figure 8).

The control cable must contain some slack when you disengage the control bar for the rotor blades to stop properly.

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Adjusting the Control Cable

  1. Slide up the spring cover and unhook the spring from the adjuster link (Figure 9).
  2. Move the Z-fitting to a higher or lower hole on the adjuster link as needed to obtain the 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch (2 mm to 3 mm) gap between the control bar and the handle (Figure 9).

    Note: Moving the Z-fitting higher decreases the gap between the control bar and the handle; moving it lower increases the gap.

  3. Hook the spring to the adjuster link and slide the spring cover over the adjuster link.
  4. Check the adjustment; refer to Checking the Control Cable.

    Note: The belt may slip (squeal) in wet conditions; to dry out the drive system, start the rotor and run it without a load for 30 seconds.

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Product Overview

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Operation

Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.

Pre-Operating Safety

  • Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by the manufacturer for all machines with electric starting motors.
  • Do not operate the machine without wearing adequate winter garments. Avoid loose fitting clothing that can get caught in moving parts. Wear slip resistant footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
  • Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine.
  • Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be used and remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and other foreign objects.
  • If a shield, safety device, or decal is damaged, illegible, or lost, repair or replace it before beginning operation. Also, tighten any loose fasteners.

Filling the Fuel Tank

DANGER

Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and others.

  • Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and others.
  • To prevent a static charge from igniting the gasoline, place the container and/or machine on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.
  • When practical, remove gas-powered machinery from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such machinery on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
  • Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times, until refueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
  • Fill the tank outdoors when the engine is stopped and cold.
  • Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe up spilled fuel.
  • If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
  • Do not handle gasoline when smoking or around an open flame or sparks.
  • Store gasoline in an approved fuel container, out of the reach of children.
  • Do not tip the machine either forward or backward with fuel in the fuel tank; otherwise, fuel may leak out of the machine.
  • For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than 30 days old), unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
  • Ethanol: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same. Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not approved for use. Never use gasoline that contains more than 10% ethanol by volume, such as E15 (contains 15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or E85 (contains 85% ethanol). Using unapproved gasoline may cause performance problems and/or engine damage which may not be covered under warranty.
  • Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
  • Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel containers over the winter unless a fuel stabilizer is used.
  • Do not add oil to gasoline.

Note: For best results, purchase only the quantity of gasoline that you expect to use in 30 days. Otherwise, you may add fuel stabilizer to newly purchased gasoline to keep it fresh for up to 6 months.

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Checking the Engine Oil Level

  1. Ensure that the fuel tank is not overfilled (refer to Figure 12) and that the fuel cap is securely in place.
  2. Move the machine to a level surface.
  3. Clean around the oil fill cap (Figure 11).
  4. Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove it.
  5. Wipe the dipstick on the oil fill cap with a clean cloth.
  6. Insert, but do not screw in, the oil fill cap into the oil fill hole.
  7. Remove the oil fill cap and check the dipstick.
  8. To determine the proper oil level on the dipstick, refer to Figure 13.
  9. If the oil level is low, slowly pour oil into the oil fill hole. Wait 3 minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick by wiping the dipstick clean and then inserting, but not screwing in, the oil fill cap into the hole.

    Note: You may tip the machine forward (handle up) a little to make adding oil easier. Remember to return the machine to the operating position before checking the oil level.

    Do not tip the machine all the way forward onto its nose, or fuel may leak out of the machine.

    Max fill: 12 oz. (0.35 l), type: automotive detergent oil with an API service classification of SJ, SL, or higher.

    Use Figure to select the best oil viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected:

    Note: Fill the engine crankcase with oil until the dipstick indicates that the engine oil level is correct as shown in Figure 13. If you overfill the engine with oil, remove the excess oil as directed in Changing the Engine Oil.

  10. Screw the oil fill cap into the oil fill hole and hand tighten it securely.
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Operating Safety

  • Rotating rotor blades can injure fingers or hands. Stay behind the handles and away from the discharge opening while operating the machine. Keep your face, hands, feet, and any other part of your body or clothing away from moving or rotating parts.
  • Never direct the discharge toward people or areas where property damage can occur.
  • Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling. Always be sure of your footing, and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk; never run.
  • Exercise extreme caution when operating on slopes.
  • Never operate the machine without good visibility or light.
  • Look behind and use care when backing up with the machine.
  • When not actively clearing snow, disengage power to the rotor blades.
  • Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by the manufacturer for all machines with electric starting motors.
  • Do not attempt to clear snow from a gravel or crushed rock surface. This product is intended for use only on paved surfaces.
  • Do not use the machine on a roof.
  • Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running (except when specifically recommended by manufacturer).
  • Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
  • After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,remove the ignition key, thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage,and repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.
  • If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,stop the engine and check immediately for the cause.
  • Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting the engine and for transporting the machine in or out of the building. Open the outside doors; exhaust fumes are dangerous.
  • Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.
  • Never touch a hot engine or muffler.
  • Thoroughly inspect the electrical cord before plugging it into a power source. If the cord is damaged, do not use it to start the machine. Replace the damaged cord immediately. Unplug the power cord whenever you are not starting the machine.

Starting the Engine

  1. Push the ignition key fully inward to the On position (Figure 15).
  2. Move the choke lever fully to the right (Figure 16).
  3. Firmly push in the primer 2 times with your thumb, holding the primer in for a second before releasing it each time (Figure 17).

    Note: Remove your glove when you push in the primer so that air cannot escape from the primer hole.

    Important: Do not use the primer or the choke if the engine has been running and is hot. Excessive priming may flood the engine and prevent it from starting.

  4. Connect an extension cord to a power source and the machine, and push the electric-start button (model 38473 only) (Figure 18), or pull the recoil start handle (Figure 19).

    Note: Use only a UL-listed, 16-gauge extension cord recommended for outdoor use that is not longer than 50 feet (15 m).

    Important: Run the electric starter no more than 10 times at intervals of 5 seconds on, then 5 seconds off. Running the electric starter extensively can overheat and damage it. If the engine does not start after this series of attempts, wait at least 40 minutes to allow the starter to cool before attempting to start it again. If the engine does not start after the second series of attempts, take the machine to an Authorized Service Dealer for service (model 38473 only).

    Note: If the recoil starter does not operate properly, it may be frozen. Thaw out the starter before attempting to start the machine.

  5. While the engine is running, move the choke lever gradually to the left.
  6. Unplug the extension cord from the power source and the machine (model 38473 only).
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Engaging the Rotor Blades

To engage the rotor blades, hold the control bar against the handle (Figure 20).

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Disengaging the Rotor Blades

To disengage the rotor blades, release the control bar (Figure 21).

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Stopping the Engine

To stop the engine, pull the ignition key outward until it clicks into the Off position (Figure 22) then remove the key completely.

Important: When you release the control bar, the rotor blade should stop within 3 seconds. If it does not stop properly, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

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Adjusting the Discharge Chute and Chute Deflector

To adjust the discharge chute, move the chute handle as shown in Figure 23

To raise or lower the angle of the chute deflector, press the trigger on the chute deflector and move the chute deflector up or down (Figure 24). Release the trigger to lock the chute deflector in place.

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Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute

WARNING

Hand contact with the rotating rotor blades inside the discharge chute is the most common cause of injury associated with the machine. Never use your hand to clean out the discharge chute.

To clear the chute:

  • Shut the engine off.
  • Wait 10 seconds to be sure the rotor blades have stopped rotating.
  • Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.
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Self-propelling the Snowthrower

Lift the machine handle until the wheels are just off the ground and the scraper and rotor blades touch the ground; The machine will propel forward (Figure 25).

Note: By slightly varying lifting force on the handle, you can control the forward speed of the machine. In heavy snow, push forward on the handle, if necessary, but let the machine work at its own pace. Do not lift the handle any more than necessary, because the scraper will lift off the ground and snow will escape behind the machine.

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Operating Tips

  • Remove the snow as soon as possible after it falls.
  • Overlap each swath to ensure complete snow removal.
  • Discharge the snow downwind whenever possible.
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Post-Operating Safety

  • Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water heaters, space heaters, or clothes dryers. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
  • When storing the machine for more than 30 days, refer to the Storage section for important details.

Preventing Freeze-up after Use

  • Let the engine run for a few minutes to prevent moving parts from freezing. Stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove ice and snow from the machine.
  • Clean off any snow and ice from the base of the chute.
  • Rotate the discharge chute left and right to free it from any ice buildup.
  • With the ignition key in the Off position, pull the recoil starter handle several times or connect the electrical cord to a power source and the machine and push the electric start button once (model 38473 only) to prevent the recoil starter and/or the electric starter from freezing up.
  • In snowy and cold conditions, some controls and moving parts may freeze. Do not use excessive force when trying to operate frozen controls. If you have difficulty operating any control or part, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
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Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

Read the following safety precautions before performing any maintenance on the machine:

  • Before performing any maintenance, service, or adjustment, stop the engine and remove the key. If major repairs are ever needed, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
  • Check all fasteners at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the machine is in safe working condition.
  • Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
  • Do not change the governor settings on the engine.
  • Purchase only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories.

Adjusting the Control Cable

Refer to Adjusting the Control Cable in Setup.

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Inspecting the Rotor Blades

Before each session, inspect the rotor blades for wear. When a rotor blade edge has worn down to the wear indicator hole, have an Authorized Service Dealer replace the rotor blades and the scraper (Figure 26).

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Changing the Engine Oil

Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil to warm it. Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.

  1. Ensure that the fuel tank is not overfilled (refer to Figure 12) and that the fuel cap is securely in place.
  2. Move the machine to a level surface.
  3. Place an oil drain pan under the oil drain plug (Figure 11), remove the oil drain plug, and tip the machine backward (handle down) halfway to the ground to drain the used oil into the oil drain pan.

    Important: Do not tip the machine all the way back to the ground, or fuel may leak out of the machine.

  4. After draining the used oil, return the machine to the operating position.
  5. Install the oil drain plug and tighten it securely.
  6. Clean around the oil fill cap (Figure 11).
  7. Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove it.
  8. Slowly pour oil into the oil fill hole. Wait 3 minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick by wiping the dipstick clean and then inserting, but not screwing in, the oil fill cap into the hole.

    Note: To determine the proper oil level on the dipstick, refer to Figure 27.

    Note: You may tip the machine forward (handle up) a little to make adding oil easier. Remember to return the machine to the operating position before checking the oil level.

    Important: Do not tip the machine all the way forward onto its nose, or fuel may leak out of the machine.

    Max fill: 12 oz. (0.35 l), type: automotive detergent oil with an API service classification of SJ, SL, or higher.

    Use Figure 28 to select the best oil viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected:

    Note: Fill the engine crankcase with oil until the dipstick indicates that the engine oil level is correct as shown in Figure 27. If you overfill the engine with oil, remove the excess oil from the drain plug into an oil drain pan.

  9. Screw the oil fill cap into the oil fill hole, and hand tighten it securely.
  10. Wipe up any spilled oil.
  11. Dispose of the used oil properly at a local recycling center.
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Servicing the Spark Plug

Use a Toro spark plug (Part No. 119-1961).

  1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
  2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Figure 11)
  3. Clean around the spark plug.
  4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head.

    Important: Replace a cracked, fouled, or dirty spark plug. Do not clean the electrodes because grit entering the cylinder can damage the engine.

  5. Set the gap on the plug to 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) (Figure 29).
  6. Install the spark plug and torque it to 27–30 N-m (20–22 ft-lb).
  7. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
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Replacing the Drive Belt

If the drive belt becomes worn, oil-soaked, excessively cracked, frayed, or otherwise damaged, replace the belt.

  1. Remove the 4 bolts that hold the drive belt cover (Figure 30) in place.

    Note: The lower front corner of the drive belt cover is fastened down with a smaller bolt, a washer, and a locknut.

  2. Remove the belt from the rotor pulley.
  3. Press down on the idler arm and remove the belt from between the tab on the idler arm brake and the rotor pulley.

    Note: The engine pulley belt guide is very close to the pulley, and the belt may not fit through the gap.

  4. Twist the belt out in front of the belt guide so that the belt is wedged between the belt guide and the engine pulley.
  5. Insert a screwdriver into the hole in the belt guide as shown in Figure 32, and flex the belt guide toward the rotor pulley enough to pull the belt through the gap.

    Note: Take care not to distort or damage the belt guide.

  6. To install the new drive belt, reverse the steps above.

    Important: Ensure that you install the drive belt so that it sits above the two tabs on the idler arm and below the idler arm brake (Figure 31).

  7. Install the drive belt cover with the fasteners that you removed in step 1.
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Storage

DANGER

Gasoline fumes are highly flammable, explosive, and dangerous if inhaled. If you store the product in an area with an open flame, the gasoline fumes may ignite and cause an explosion.

  • Do not store the machine in a house (living area), basement, or any other area where ignition sources may be present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, furnaces, and other like appliances.
  • Do not tip the machine either forward or backward with fuel in the fuel tank; otherwise, fuel may leak out of the machine.
  • Do not store the machine with its handle tipped down onto the ground, because oil will leak into the engine cylinder and onto the ground, and the machine will not start or run.
  1. On the last refueling of the season, add fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel as directed by the engine manufacturer.
  2. Run the engine for 10 minutes to distribute the conditioned fuel through the fuel system.
  3. While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.
  4. Drain the fuel from the tank and carburetor by performing the following steps:
    1. Loosen the fuel tank cap.
    2. Unscrew, but do not remove, the small screw on the side of the carburetor fuel bowl (Figure 33) until the fuel begins to drain from the carburetor. Drain the fuel into an approved fuel container.

      Important: Do not remove the carburetor bowl bolt on the bottom of the carburetor.

    3. Wait for a few minutes until the fuel has drained, then install the fuel cap and tighten the small screw on the carburetor.

      Note: Use a handheld Phillips screwdriver to tighten the carburetor screw. Overtightening the screw could strip it and cause leaking.

  5. Dispose of unused fuel properly. Recycle it according to local codes, or use it in your automobile.
  6. Remove the spark plug.
  7. Squirt 2 teaspoons of oil into the spark plug hole.
  8. Install the spark plug by hand and then torque it to 20–22 ft-lb (27–30 N-m).
  9. With the ignition key in the Off position, pull the recoil starter slowly to distribute the oil on the inside of the cylinder.
  10. Disconnect the ignition key from the lanyard and store the ignition key in a safe place.
  11. Clean the machine.
  12. Touch up chipped surfaces with paint available from an Authorized Service Dealer. Sand affected areas before painting, and use a rust preventative to prevent the metal parts from rusting.
  13. Tighten any loose fasteners. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
  14. Cover the machine and store it in a clean, dry place out of the reach of children. Allow the engine to cool before storing it in any enclosure.