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

I have been trolling the local classifieds, looking for a bigger engine (10 to 12 hp) to re-engine my machine and noticed a couple of older machines. They are driven by belts on the side and the impeller is rotated 90 deg from the current style (see picture). Any one have experience with this system, and how well did they work compared to the current style??

I have never used on of these type blowers but  there are a few people around these parts that swear by them.
The bobcat blowers supposedly handle mush and slush really well, slinging it without a hitch.
The do look hard to turn around. 

I think this is a Viking snowblower sold by Eaton in canada in the 70s