Toro Snowblower Manual

Toro makes three main snowblower lines: Power Clear single-stage, Power Max two-stage, and SnowMaster hybrid. Each has different maintenance needs and common problems. This guide covers all three with troubleshooting steps and part references.

Table of Contents

• Toro Snowblower Model Lines
• Finding Your Model Number
• Owner Manual Downloads
• Won’t Start Troubleshooting
• Auger Problems
• Throwing Distance Issues
• Drive System Problems
• Seasonal Maintenance
• Common Part Numbers

Toro Snowblower Model Lines

Toro builds snowblowers for different needs and budgets.

Power Clear (Single-Stage)

Single-stage machines for light to moderate snow. The rubber paddles contact the ground and throw snow directly.

Models: 518, 721, 821 Best for: Driveways, sidewalks, 2-8” snowfall Engine: 2-cycle or 4-cycle depending on model

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Clear snowblower overview]

Key features:

• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Rubber paddles wear and need replacement
• No separate auger drive belt
• Self-propelled by paddle contact

Power Max (Two-Stage)

Two-stage machines for heavy snow. A separate auger feeds snow to an impeller that throws it.

Models: 724, 726, 828, 1028, 1128 Best for: Large driveways, 6-18” snowfall Engine: 4-cycle OHV

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Max two-stage snowblower]

Key features:

• Auger doesn’t touch ground (skid shoes)
• Separate impeller for throwing
• Belt-driven auger system
• Wheel drive transmission

SnowMaster (Hybrid)

Combines single-stage simplicity with two-stage power. Uses Toro’s Personal Pace drive system.

Models: 724, 824 Best for: Medium driveways, mixed conditions Engine: 4-cycle OHV

Key features:

• Quick Stick chute control
• Personal Pace variable speed
• Faster ground speed than traditional
• Auger system similar to two-stage

Finding Your Model Number

The model number is essential for ordering parts and finding the correct manual.

Model Number Locations

Power Clear:

• On the back of the housing near the handle mount
• On the engine shroud
• On a sticker inside the chute

Power Max:

• On the frame near the auger housing
• On the back panel
• Under the control panel on some models

SnowMaster:

• On the frame rail
• Near the engine

[NEED IMAGE: Toro snowblower model number sticker location]

Model Number Format

Toro snowblower model numbers follow patterns:

Prefix	Line	Examples
38xxx	Power Clear	38472, 38753
37xxx	Power Max	37779, 37793
36xxx	SnowMaster	36001, 36003

The serial number is separate and much longer. You need both for warranty claims.

Owner Manual Downloads

Toro provides free PDF manuals for all models.

Where to Get Manuals

Official source: toro.com/en/customer-support

Steps:

1. Click “Operator’s Manuals”
2. Enter model number
3. Download PDF

Available documents:

• Operator’s Manual (basic operation and maintenance)
• Parts Catalog (exploded diagrams with part numbers)
• Service Manual (detailed repair procedures - some models)

Manual Contents by Type

Operator’s Manual includes:

• Safety warnings
• Assembly instructions
• Operating procedures
• Maintenance schedule
• Basic troubleshooting
• Specifications

Parts Catalog includes:

• Exploded view diagrams
• Part numbers for all components
• Hardware specifications

Won’t Start Troubleshooting

Starting problems are the most common snowblower complaint. Work through these checks systematically.

Quick Diagnosis Flow

Won't start at all
├── No crank → Battery (electric start) or pull cord issue
└── Cranks but won't fire
    ├── No fuel → Fuel system
    ├── No spark → Ignition system
    └── Has both → Carburetor or compression

Fuel System Checks

Check these first:

1. Fuel freshness - Gas over 30 days old causes 80% of starting problems
2. Fuel shutoff valve - Must be in ON position
3. Fuel level - Obvious but often overlooked
4. Fuel line condition - Look for cracks or kinks
5. Primer bulb - Should feel resistance and return slowly

[NEED IMAGE: Toro snowblower fuel system components]

Fuel refresh procedure:

1. Drain old fuel from tank
2. Remove carburetor bowl and drain
3. Add fresh non-ethanol gas if available
4. Add fuel stabilizer
5. Prime 3-5 times
6. Try starting

Spark Check

Testing for spark:

1. Remove spark plug
2. Ground plug body against engine
3. Pull starter cord
4. Look for blue spark at gap

No spark causes:

• Fouled plug (carbon or fuel wet)
• Bad ignition coil
• Kill switch stuck closed
• Wiring damage

Spark plug replacement:

• Power Clear: Champion RCJ6Y or equivalent
• Power Max: Champion RC12YC
• Gap: 0.030” (check manual for your model)

Cold Weather Starting

Toro snowblowers need extra prep in cold weather.

Below 20°F procedure:

1. Set choke to FULL
2. Set throttle to FAST
3. Prime 5-7 times (more than normal)
4. Pull cord briskly
5. Once running, move choke to RUN after 30 seconds

Below 0°F additional steps:

• Use fresh fuel (cold affects old gas more)
• Consider bringing machine inside briefly
• Electric start helps significantly

Carburetor Problems

If fuel and spark check out, the carburetor is likely clogged.

Symptoms of dirty carb:

• Cranks but won’t fire
• Starts then dies immediately
• Surges at idle
• Only runs with choke on

Carburetor cleaning:

1. Remove air filter/cover
2. Remove carburetor (2 bolts usually)
3. Remove float bowl
4. Spray all passages with carb cleaner
5. Clear jets with thin wire
6. Reassemble with new gaskets
7. Reinstall and test

For detailed carburetor procedures, see our How to Clean a Carburetor guide.

Auger Problems

The auger moves snow into the machine. Problems here affect clearing ability.

Power Clear Paddle Issues

Single-stage machines use rubber paddles that wear down.

When to replace paddles:

• Gap between paddle and housing exceeds 1/4”
• Visible chunks missing
• Machine won’t self-propel (paddles provide traction)
• Snow not clearing completely

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Clear paddle wear measurement]

Paddle replacement:

1. Remove scraper bar (2 bolts)
2. Remove paddle hardware (6-8 bolts typically)
3. Note paddle orientation
4. Install new paddles
5. Reinstall scraper bar

Paddle part numbers:

Model	Paddle Kit
518 ZE	38261
721 E/R	38262
821 QZE	38264

Power Max Auger Belt

Two-stage machines have a belt driving the auger.

Signs of auger belt failure:

• Auger won’t engage
• Squealing when auger lever pulled
• Intermittent auger operation
• Auger slows under load

Belt inspection:

1. Remove belt cover
2. Check belt for cracks and glazing
3. Verify proper tension
4. Look for debris in pulleys

Auger belt replacement:

1. Disconnect spark plug
2. Remove belt cover
3. Release belt tension (spring or adjustment)
4. Remove old belt
5. Route new belt on pulleys
6. Adjust tension
7. Replace cover

Belt part numbers vary by model - check parts catalog for your specific machine.

Shear Pins

Two-stage augers have shear pins that break to protect the gearbox.

Shear pin symptoms:

• Auger doesn’t turn but pulleys do
• Auger turns freely by hand
• Visible broken pin in auger shaft

Replacement:

1. Clear snow from auger area
2. Align auger holes with housing holes
3. Drive out broken pin
4. Insert new pin
5. Install cotter pin or clip

Important: Use only correct Toro shear pins. Hardware store bolts won’t shear properly and can damage the gearbox.

Throwing Distance Issues

Weak throwing makes snow clearing take forever.

Power Clear Throwing Problems

Common causes:

• Worn paddles (most common)
• Engine running slow
• Chute clogged with ice
• Scraper bar too high

Solutions:

• Replace paddles when worn
• Clean and adjust carburetor for proper RPM
• Clear ice from chute and impeller area
• Lower scraper bar for better snow pickup

Power Max Throwing Problems

Common causes:

• Impeller clogged with ice
• Auger belt slipping
• Engine not at full throttle
• Chute deflector adjustment
• Impeller fins damaged

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Power Max impeller area]

Solutions:

• Clear impeller housing with plastic tool (not metal)
• Replace or adjust auger belt
• Run at full throttle when clearing
• Adjust deflector for conditions
• Inspect impeller fins for damage

Chute Control Issues

Chute won’t rotate:

• Cable kinked or frozen
• Gearbox at chute base seized
• Ice buildup in mechanism

Fix:

1. Check cable routing
2. Lubricate chute gear with spray lubricant
3. Clear any ice
4. Exercise chute through full range

Drive System Problems

Self-propelled snowblowers have wheel drive issues similar to mowers.

Power Max Drive Problems

Won’t move forward/reverse:

• Drive belt broken
• Friction disc worn
• Drive cable misadjusted
• Transmission failure

Drive belt check:

1. Engage drive
2. Listen for belt squeal
3. Check belt condition
4. Verify pulley engagement

Friction disc wear:

• Common on older Power Max models
• Provides variable speed
• Disc wears smooth over time
• Replacement requires partial disassembly

SnowMaster Drive

Uses Personal Pace system similar to Toro mowers.

Common issues:

• Drive cable stretch
• Belt wear
• Wheel gear wear

See our Toro Personal Pace Guide for detailed drive system troubleshooting.

Seasonal Maintenance

Proper maintenance prevents most problems.

Before Season (Fall)

• Check fuel system for old gas
• Replace spark plug
• Check oil level (4-stroke)
• Inspect belts for cracks
• Check auger/paddles condition
• Lubricate chute mechanism
• Test all controls
• Verify skid shoes and scraper bar

During Season

• Check oil before each use (4-stroke)
• Clear snow buildup after each use
• Inspect shear pins (two-stage)
• Keep fuel fresh (use stabilizer)
• Lubricate chute weekly

End of Season (Spring)

Option 1: Run dry

1. Run engine until it stalls from fuel starvation
2. This clears carburetor of fuel

Option 2: Stabilize

1. Add fuel stabilizer to fresh gas
2. Run engine 5 minutes to circulate
3. Fill tank completely (prevents condensation)

Both options:

• Change oil (4-stroke)
• Clean exterior
• Touch up any rust spots
• Store in dry location
• Remove battery (if equipped)

Common Part Numbers

Quick reference for frequently needed Toro snowblower parts.

Power Clear Parts

Part	Model Range	Part Number
Paddle kit	518	38261
Paddle kit	721	38262
Scraper bar	518/721	55-9250
Spark plug	All	RCJ6Y
Primer bulb	All	66-7460
Pull cord	All	105-1843

Power Max Parts

Part	Description	Part Number
Shear pin kit	2-pack with clips	53871500
Skid shoes	Adjustable	55-8760
Scraper bar	24” width	55-8760-03
Scraper bar	28” width	55-8090
Belt - auger	Model specific	Check catalog
Belt - drive	Model specific	Check catalog
Spark plug	All	RC12YC

Maintenance Items

Item	Part Number	Notes
Oil (4-stroke)	38908	SAE 5W-30
Fuel stabilizer	38914	Toro brand
Auger bearing grease	505-96	Apply annually
Chute lubricant	Any spray lube	Silicone works well

Related Guides

• Toro Power Clear 518/721 Guide
• Snowblower Won’t Start
• How to Clean a Carburetor
• Ariens Deluxe 28 Problems

Summary

Toro snowblowers are reliable machines that run for years with basic maintenance. Most problems trace back to fuel issues - keep gas fresh and use stabilizer. Power Clear paddles wear and need periodic replacement. Power Max machines need occasional belt and shear pin attention.

Download your specific model’s manual from Toro’s website for detailed specs and procedures. The parts catalog shows every component with part numbers for easy ordering.