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

I bought a used Toro 421 and used it today.  The electric start didn't work, but after quite a few manual pulls I got it started. Actually it runs pretty good when it's warmed up and it did a good job. But all of a sudden I heard a clank it stopped running.  1 pull to restart, but then it shut off.  It turns out the auger is stuck, not moving, froze up so everytime I try to use it, it shuts off.  I think it's a safety feature or something.  Anyway it still runs and the wheels still turn it's just the auger.  Any suggestions on what I should do, or how much this will cost me.  I hate to get rid of it, but If this costs a lot I'd just buy a new one.  

Thanks in advance.

Lovesbeer99 

If I understand your post right everything works except when you pull the auger lever the machine stalls.

I don't think there are interlocks on the 421.

If the augers are 100% "frozen" and locked up so they will not move even a pinch then it could be a small
rock or wood chip is jammed between an auger blade tip and the intake housing. The augers should have a little play in them. You should be able to rock the augers back and forth a little and see the impleer move a little when you do that.

It could be something caught in the auger pulley belt area. You could take off the belt cover (usually three bolts, disconnect the spark plug first) and look in there. Try moving the belt and see if the augers move a little.

The starter on the 421 is probably a pull in type. If your starter is making a click but not turning the engine its gear may be rusted either to the housing or on it's shaft which happens often and can be worked loose with some libricant and a screwdriver.

There should be an interlock, check the interlock switch and its ground to  make sure that is not the issue

Not on a 421 38010 but there may be variant models. The early 521's and 724's and with interlocks but the big runs of later models of these two dropped the interlocks. It's probably the same for the 421.

Not on a 421 38010 but there may be variant models. The early 521's and 724's had interlocks but the big runs of later models of these two dropped the interlocks. It's probably the same for the 421.

Thanks for the feedback.  I'll take a closer look at it tomorrow.    I really want to fix this.  I hate that everything is disposable, but if I can't fix this by myself and it will cost 300.00 to get it fixed at the shop then I might just buy a new one.  I really hope I can fix this.  Thanks again.

Lovesbeer99

OK - I put the 421 in the sun and let the snow melt out of the auger and low and behold, there was a rock stuck inbetween the auger and the housing.  I broke it free and now it works fine again.  Thanks for the help, I honestly appreciate it.

Lovesbeer99 -