Toro SnowMaster 724 / 824 QXE Manual

Introduction

This machine is intended to be used by residential homeowners. It is designed 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 machine properly and to avoid injury and machine damage. You are responsible for operating the machine properly and safely.

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

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 machine ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the machine. Write the numbers in the space provided.

Figure 1

1. Model and serial number location

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety alert symbol
(),
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.

For models with stated power, the net power of the engine was laboratory rated by the engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE J1940. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual engine horsepower on this class of snow thrower will be significantly lower.

CALIFORNIA
Proposition 65 Warning
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety

• Read and understand the contents of the manual before you start the engine. Make sure that everyone using this product knows how to use the product and understands the warnings.
• Do not put your hands or feet near moving components on the machine.
• Do not operate the 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.
• Shut the machine off before servicing, fueling, or unclogging.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Note: Safety and instruction decals are located near areas of potential danger. Replace damaged decals.

1. Auger drive—squeeze the lever to engage; release the lever to disengage.
2. Warning—read the Operator's Manual.
3. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, auger—stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place; shut off the engine and wait for the auger to stop before leaving the machine; remove the key and read the Operator's Manual before performing maintenance.
4. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away.
5. Self-propel drive—push down on the handle to engage the self-propel drive.

1. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, auger—do not place your hand in the chute; remove the ignition key and read the instructions before servicing or performing maintenance.

1. Insert the key.
2. Prime the engine 3 times.
3. Engage the choke.
4. Pull the starter cord.
5. Once the engine is running, disengage the choke.

Setup

Loose Parts
Use the chart below to verify that all parts have been shipped.

Procedure	Description	Qty.	Use
1	No parts required	–	Unfold the handle.
2	Bolt (1/4–20 X 1–1/2 inch) Lock nut (1/4–20 inch) Carriage bolt (1/4–20 x 1 inch) Lock nut (1/4–20 inch) Screw (1/4–20 X 5/8 inch)	1 1 3 3 1	Install the discharge chute.

Unfolding the Handle

No Parts Required

Procedure

Ensure that the cables are not pinched when unfolding the handle.

Figure 3

Installing the Discharge Chute

Parts needed for this procedure:

1	Bolt (1/4–20 X 1–1/2 inch)
1	Lock nut (1/4–20 inch)
3	Carriage bolt (1/4–20 x 1 inch)
3	Lock nut (1/4–20 inch)
1	Screw (1/4–20 X 5/8 inch)

Procedure

1. Insert the chute post through the bracket into the base of the machine and secure it using a bolt and a lock nut (Figure 4)
   
   Figure 4
   1. Chute post
   2. Bolt (1/4–20 X 1–1/2 inch)
   3. Lock nut (1/4–20 inch)
   4. Bracket
2. Assemble the chute rod and secure the cables (Figure 5).
   
   Figure 5
   1. Chute rod
   2. Carriage bolt (1/4–20 x 1 inch)
   3. Lock nut (1/4–20 inch)
   4. Cable clip
   5. Screw (1/4–20 X 5/8 inch)

Filling the Engine with Oil

No Parts Required

Procedure

Your machine comes with oil in the engine.

Model	Max fill
36002	0.54 L (18 fl oz)
36003	0.7 L (24 fl oz)

Oil type: automotive detergent oil with an API service classification of SJ, SL, or higher.

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

Figure 6

1. Move the machine to a level surface.
2. Clean around the oil fill cap.
3. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

Note: Do not tighten the dipstick when checking the oil level.

Figure 7

1. Low oil level—add oil
2. Correct oil level

Product Overview

Figure 8

1. Auger lever
2. Fuel tank cap
3. Dipstick
4. Skid
5. Auger
6. Scraper
7. Discharge chute
8. Chute deflector
9. Quick Stick® discharge chute control
10. Upper handle

Figure 9

1. Fuel tank cap
2. Primer
3. Ignition key
4. Choke
5. Recoil starter
6. Electric starter plug-in
7. Electric starter button

Operation

Before Operation 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 eye protection during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes from foreign objects that the machine may throw.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where you will use the machine 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

Figure 10

1. Do not fill above the bottom of the fuel-tank neck.

• 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 you use a fuel stabilizer.
• Do not add oil to gasoline.

To reduce starting problems, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel all season, mixing it with gasoline less than 30 days old.

Checking the Engine-Oil Level

Refer to Filling the Engine with Oil.

During Operation

Safety

• Rotating auger 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, shut off the engine, remove the ignition key, thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage, and repair the damage before starting and operating the machine.
• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, shut off 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

Note: Fully insert the key to start the engine. The middle position will not start the engine.

Using the Recoil Starter

Figure 11

Using the Electric Starter

Figure 12

Engaging the Auger

Figure 13

Disengaging the Auger

To disengage the auger, release the auger lever.

Self-Propelling the Machine

To operate the self-propel drive, simply walk with your hands on the upper handle and your elbows at your sides, and the machine will automatically keep pace with you (Figure 14).

Figure 14

Note: You can self-propel the machine with the auger engaged or disengaged.

Shutting Off the Engine

To shut off the engine, remove the key from the ignition or move the key to the middle position.

Operating the Quick Stick®

Note: The blue knob must be fully pressed to release the latch and operate the Quick Stick®.

Figure 15

Unclogging the Discharge Chute

If the auger/impeller is running but there is no snow coming out of the discharge chute, the discharge chute may be clogged.
Never use your hands to clear a clogged discharge chute. This could result in personal injury.

1. While remaining in the operating position, release the self-propel handle.
2. Engage the auger.
3. Push down on the handle to raise the front of the machine a few centimeters (inches) off the pavement, then lift the handles quickly to bump the front of the machine onto the pavement.
4. Disengage the auger.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4, if necessary, until a stream of snow comes out of the discharge chute.

Note: If you cannot unclog the discharge chute by bumping the front of the machine, shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and use a snow-cleanout tool (not included); never use your hand.

Unclogging the discharge chute by bumping the front of the machine on the pavement may cause the skids to move. Adjust the skids and tighten the skid bolts securely; refer to Checking and Adjusting the Skids.

Operating Tips

The auger can throw stones, toys, and other foreign objects and cause serious personal injury to the operator or to bystanders.

• Keep the area to be cleared free of all objects that the rotor blades could pick up and throw.
• Keep all children and pets away from the area of operation.
• Remove the snow as soon as possible after it falls.
• If the machine does not propel itself forward on slippery surfaces or in heavy snow, push forward on the handle, but allow the machine to work at its own pace.
• Overlap each swath to ensure complete snow removal.
• Discharge the snow downwind whenever possible.

After Operation

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. Shut off 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-start handle several times or connect the electrical cord to a power source and the machine and push the electric-start button once 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.
• Do not use the chute control to attempt to move a frozen discharge chute. Hold down the blue knob and use your hands to rotate the chute.
• Transporting the machine in an open trailer or vehicle can cause the controls or discharge chute to freeze.

Maintenance

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

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Maintenance Service Interval	Maintenance Procedure
After the first hour	Check for loose fasteners and tighten them if necessary.
After the first 2 hours	Change the engine oil. Inspect the auger cable and adjust it if necessary. Inspect the transmission cable and adjust it if necessary.
Before each use or daily	Check the engine oil level and add oil if necessary.
Every 100 hours	Replace the spark plug.
Yearly	Check the skids and adjust them if necessary. Inspect the throwing edges and have an Authorized Service Dealer replace the throwing edges and scraper if necessary. Change the engine oil. Inspect the auger cable and adjust it if necessary. Inspect the transmission cable and adjust it if necessary. Check the tire pressure. Check for loose fasteners and tighten them if necessary. Have an Authorized Service Dealer inspect the drive belt and replace it if necessary.
Yearly or before storage	Prepare the machine for storage.

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.

Checking the Engine Oil Level

Service Interval: Before each use or daily

1. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, then fully insert the dipstick without threading it in.
2. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.
   • If the oil level is below the Add mark on the dipstick (Figure 16), add oil. Refer to Filling the Engine with Oil.
   • If the oil level above the Full mark (Figure 16), drain the excess oil until the oil level is at the Full mark on the dipstick; refer to Filling the Engine with Oil.
     
     Figure 16
   1. Low oil level—add oil
   2. Correct oil level

Checking and Adjusting the Skids

Service Interval: Yearly

Check the skids to ensure that the auger does not contact the paved surface. Adjust the skids as needed to compensate for wear (Figure 17).

Figure 17

1. 5 mm (3/16 inch) board
2. Ground

1. Loosen the skid bolts.
2. Slide a 5 mm (3/16 inch) board underneath the scraper.
   Note: Using a thinner board will result in a more aggressive scraper. A thicker board will result in a less aggressive scraper.
3. Lower the skids to the ground.
   Note: Ensure the skids are flat on the ground.
4. Tighten the skid bolts.

Inspecting the Throwing Edges

Service Interval: Yearly—Inspect the throwing edges and have an Authorized Service Dealer replace the throwing edges and scraper if necessary.

Before each session, inspect the throwing edges for wear. When a throwing edge has worn down to the wear indicator hole, have an Authorized Service Dealer replace the throwing edges (Figure 18).

Figure 18

1. The wear indicator hole is intact; you do not need to replace the throwing edges.
2. The wear indicator hole is exposed; replace both throwing edges.

Changing the Engine Oil

Service Interval: After the first 2 hours
Yearly

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

1. Move the machine to a level surface.
2. Place an oil drain pan under the oil-drain plug, remove the oil-drain plug, and tip the machine backward and drain the used oil in the oil-drain pan (Figure 19).
   
   Figure 19
   1. Oil-drain plug
3. After draining the used oil, return the machine to the operating position.
4. Install the oil drain plug and tighten it securely.
5. Clean around the oil fill cap.
6. Use Figure 20 below to select the best oil viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected:
   
   Figure 20

Model	Max fill
36002	0.54 L (18 fl oz)
36003	0.7 L (24 fl oz)

Oil type: automotive detergent oil with an API service classification of SJ, SL, or higher.

Figure 21

1. Low oil level—add oil
2. Correct oil level

Replacing the Spark Plug

Service Interval: Every 100 hours—Replace the spark plug.

Replacing the spark plug while the engine is hot can result in burns.

Wait until the engine is cool to replace the spark plug.

Use a Toro spark plug or equivalent (Champion® RN9YC or NGK BPR6ES).

1. Remove the boot (Figure 22).
   
   Figure 22
2. Clean around the base of the spark plug.
3. Remove and discard the old spark plug.
   Note: You will need a ratchet wrench extension to remove the spark plug.
4. Set the gap between the electrodes on a new spark plug at 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) (Figure 23).
   
   Figure 23
   1. 0.76 mm (0.030 inch)

Adjusting the Auger Cable

Service Interval: After the first 2 hours
Yearly

If the drive belt slips or squeals under heavy load, adjust the auger cable.

1. Loosen the nut on the lower cable clamp, but do not remove it (Figure 24).
   
   Figure 24
   1. Nut
   2. Cable
   3. Connector
   4. Spring

2. Pull the cable up to remove some slack 24).
   
   Do not remove all the slack from the cable. Removing all the slack from the cable will prevent the auger from stopping properly.
3. Hold the cable in place and tighten the nut (Figure 24).

Adjusting the Transmission Cable

Service Interval: After the first 2 hours
Yearly

If the wheels easily stall out, or if the wheels drive without engaging the self-propel handle, adjust the transmission cable.

1. Loosen the nut on the upper cable clamp, but do not remove it (Figure 25).
   
   Figure 2 5
   1. Nut
   2. Cable
2. Pull the cable down to remove most of the slack in the cable (Figure 25).
   
   Do not remove all the slack from the cable. Removing all the slack from the cable may cause the wheels to engage without engaging the self-propel handle.
3. Tighten the nut (Figure 25).

Checking the Tire Pressure

Service Interval: Yearly

Set the tire pressure equally in both tires to between 103 and 137 kPa (15 and 20 psi).

Storage

Storing the Snowthrower

• Gasoline fumes are highly flammable, explosive, and dangerous if inhaled. If you store the machine 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 backward with fuel in the fuel tank; otherwise, fuel may leak out of the machine.

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. Stop the engine, allow it to cool, and siphon the fuel tank or run the engine until it stops.
4. Start the engine and run it until it stops.
5. Choke or prime the engine, start it a third time, and run the engine until it will not start.
6. Drain the fuel in the carburetor through the carburetor drain bolt into an approved gasoline container.
7. Dispose of unused fuel properly. Recycle it according to local codes, or use it in your automobile.
8. While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.
9. Remove the spark plug.
10. Squirt 2 teaspoons of oil into the spark plug hole.
11. Install the spark plug by hand and then torque it to 27–30 N-m (20–22 ft-lb).
12. With the ignition key in the Off position, pull the recoil starter slowly to distribute the oil on the inside of the cylinder.
13. Clean the machine.
14. 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.
15. Tighten any loose fasteners. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
16. 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.

Register at www.Toro.com.

Documents / Resources

References

• Lawn Mowers, Golf Equipment, Landscape Equipment, Irrigation | Toro

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