[rwh963]

Grabbed this a while ago from the dump. Some paint and plastic fade, but really little rust, very solid, and a good candidate for a summer repaint ((though maybe not by me).
Finally got around to testing it. Starts up with fuel in plug hole and carb, but not getting any fuel by priming. Fuel lines should be replaced, probably new carb.

wondering, what makes this different from other Toros, and is it worth restoring?

 

[db130]

what's special about the power shift is... [wait for it]... the power shift feature:

you should at least get it running to the point to see if the power shift feature works, and whether or not the transmission is good (my understanding is that it does not use a friction disk).

i have owned and worked on multiple Toro single and 2-stage snowblowers over the years, but I stay away from the power shift models due to their complexity. i've owned a power throw 824xl which had the larger power shift bucket but paired with a 'normal' friction disk setup.

 

[vmax29]

I knew what they did but never saw one in action. Bet that works nice for the eod mess.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

plus the powershift has a transmission not a friction disc setup. i have an 824 powerthrow and powershift, the powershift seems heavier. i would most likely restore it if it is working like it should but i like Toro's

 

[rwh963]

Rear carriage does activate. It really looks like a good machine. Chain driven vs disc drive? It is heavy.

 

[rwh963]

what's special about the power shift is... [wait for it]... the power shift feature:

you should at least get it running to the point to see if the power shift feature works, and whether or not the transmission is good (my understanding is that it does not use a friction disk).

i have owned and worked on multiple Toro single and 2-stage snowblowers over the years, but I stay away from the power shift models due to their complexity. i've owned a power throw 824xl which had the larger power shift bucket but paired with a 'normal' friction disk setup.

so, it looks cool, but what is the advantage of this feature?

 

[Beanhead]

It puts more weigh on the front of the bucket so it does not ride up on the snow, helpful for the end of the driveway plow curl.

 

[Oneacer]

I never had a problem with EOD with any of my machines .... it is interesting to be able to shift the axle, but honestly, I see no advantage ... probably why it never took off ...

 

[Oneacer]

There is no friction disc in there?

What does it have, a Peerless tranny?

 

[vangasman]

Craftsman had something similar, believe it was a mtd product. I parted one out,all the cables were nla. It had the peerless trans. It was overly complicated.

 

[rwh963]

Looks like I need to invest in a $15 carb and see what happens.

 

[crazzywolfie]

I see no advantage ... probably why it never took off ...

I see a huge advantage. You almost see threads pop up yearly of people adding weight kits to there bucket. This would help allow the bucket to be heavy when needed or make it lighter when you are transporting or moving the machine. It works similar to tractor trailers and how you can slide the axle to change how much weight is put on the truck

 

[tabora]

I see no advantage

It's similar to the dig mode on a Honda track machine or Ariens RapidTrak (Position 3) where the rear ends of the tracks are the only part on the ground and all the front end weight is on the skids...

 

[UNDERTAKER]

I never had a problem with EOD with any of my machines .... it is interesting to be able to shift the axle, but honestly, I see no advantage ... probably why it never took off ...

Yes it is worth restoring.

 

[UNDERTAKER]

It must have taken off because it had a 16 year run. If they still made them today they would cost more than a Honda. I am guessing somewhere north of 10 grand. Not to many people would pay that when you can get China tin for a grand.

 

[UNDERTAKER]

Craftsman had something similar, believe it was a mtd product. I parted one out,all the cables were nla. It had the peerless trans. It was overly complicated.

Craftsman may have had that brand of transmission in there. But never the Power shift feature, Toro has the rights to that puppy!!

 

[Oneacer]

I never had a need for a weight kit either ... in fact, never seen one on a machine in all my years ...

 

[vangasman]

It was a power shift, you used your power and you shifted it by hand......

 

[numb3rs]

Watch this 5 part rebuild video to know why it is discontinued 😳

 

[cranman]

The Powershift couldn't be built economically enough to compete with the friction wheel transmissions. The only downside to them now is parts availability and by now the trannies often need cleaning and regreasing.....not an easy chore. I've got several Powershifts, and they are without peer for power and throwing slush stock.