Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirrotica
Mike, I've seen a ton of those junked over the years, hard to find any that still run anymore. I had a neighbor that had one back in the 80s, it finally had so many of the directional fins torn up, I think he left it at the curb finally.
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Next to Pontiacs, my other weird obsession is small engines of every variety. Been working with them for just over 50 years. Those little Toro Pups were revolutionary and changed the entire industry for small snow movers. Even today, very sought after by commercial snow removal businesses. Safety requirements, and emission standards have outlawed the 2-stroke small snow movers. The huge advantage was the super light weight, 30-40 lbs. depending on intake size. Commercial accounts with sets of stairs, long narrow walkways, just love these little guys. I have a standing order from 2 businesses that they will buy any of these, pups, snow hounds, S-200's, 3450's for $50.00 each for just parts, $75.00 if the rope pulls and the engine has compression, and $100.00 if it runs. I put together 4-6 of them a year for various customers. Parts interchange over a 30 year period and their were probably over a million produced. JC Penny, Wards, and Sears also private labelled them over the years. 2 things went wrong with them really. 1. The 2-cycle engine was run on straight gas, killing short block. 2. Carburetor got all gummed-up with old gas. Most have little diaphragm carbs you really can't get parts for anymore. I have been putting the generic Chinese float type carbs on in their place, $10.00, and they run just fine. IMO, best of the breed were the late 80's-to late 90's S-200 with the rubber single blade impeller and electronic ignition. They could throw light snow 20-25 ft.