Just dragged this beauty home. I traded four jackstands for it. Felt like I traded a microphone for a Cadillac. (reference) Yes, there really was someone on craigslist (where else?
Was stored outside and the tecumseh motor on it froze up. I must assume it wasn't the original motor from the extra holes drilled in the deck for its mounting screws, and from the washers used as shims on its output shaft so the pulley would line up. No matter. My HF engine bolted right up.
PO's theory was it was from 1976, but I'm not sure how he assumed that. The existing, and probably wrong, engine had its shields off and scattered around so I don't have serial numbers off them. Hoping someone recognizes the auger gearbox or other clues. Seems like a decent machine with obvious and large bearings supporting the auger's axle. Got it rigged up, running, and blowing and it seems like a sturdy little devil.