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

Just scooped up this 2006 Murray SS machine with the vernerable Tecumseh TH139SA engine.  The thing is almost mint.  Got it for $30.00!  Took it home, pulled the carb apart, to clean it but it was spotless.  It does have a cheap plastic main jet in it though.  Nonetheless, it runs like a champ.  Previous owner said he couldn't get it running and probably needed the carb cleaned.  I found out that all that was keeping it from running was old gas with more oil in the mix than fuel.  Cleaned everything up, added fresh fuel and it fired right up.  I was amazed how good it looks considering it sat outside in the elements for a couple of years, uncovered and unprotected.  It's got a bit of rust on the muffler but nothing to be concerned about. 

Note string attached.  I figured that since I had it apart, I might as well give it the treatment.  This engine has the same crank dimensions as my Craftsman machine.  They're virtually identical.  Might as well unload the MTD now that I have two of these babies!

By the way, I noticed how quiet it is on the site.  What's happening?  Nothing going on or is everyone too busy? 

I noticed the same thing and just assumed the group here was more into snow than mowing.

Congratulations borat, great find............I've been on the lookout for a similar machine to no avail.              Good luck!

Seems that way Bill. 

I know I am.  Kind of hard to get excited by the sight of short grass vs. a 40 foot roost of snow being launched on a clear winter's morning after a storm. 

One thing I noticed about the Murray I just bought, is that the label shows it being manufactured in China???  The other machines I have are made in the USA.   I doubt that the Tecumseh engine was built there.  it was probably built in the US and shipped to China for final assembly into the machine.  At least, that's what I'm hoping.   The engine is exactly the same as the other TH139 and HSK850 I have.  The machine looks as good if not a bit better than the Craftsman.  The engine mount actually looks a bit sturdier than the the other two machines.   Either way, I'm not impressed with the fact that it's built in China albeit, I've no visual clues that there may be a compromise in quality.   I plan on putting that machine out front this winter and give the Craftsman a rest.  Time will tell if there will be quality issues.  

55utilitysedan wrote:
Yeah, you have to move quickly when you see one.  For some reason, they're a rarity despite the fact that they're a relatively lame machine when operated at stock rpms.  However, once the string is attached and the revs cranked up,  these things are impressive performers.   They even out-perform my stock 221Q Toro which is no slouch.    And, they're so much fun to use when the engine speed can be increased as required.  Cannot attest to how long the engine can take the additional load/speed.  I've used my old '97 Craftsman as my primary snow clearer for a couple winters now and it's seen some steady, fairly heavy work.  It's not showing any signs of giving up any time soon.  Those 139cc Tecumseh engines have been stout little units so far. 

Good luck in your search.  Something should come up in the fall. 

borat wrote:
I just happened to check this forum lately.  It seems like ages since any activity or discussion on snowblowers.  Kinda makes sense.  We just went through record breaking heat wave, 3 straight days of 100F plus weather.  I haven't even thought about mowing my lawn, a whole lot less thinking about snowblowers.  Been busy keeping cool and keeping the plants and flowers from drying out.  :)

My problem is we are in a drought, havent mowed in 4 weeks.  The only things I've gotten done is a rebuild on a Toro personalpace tranny. Would like to test it in some GREEN grass.

Nice score, borat! You're amassing quite the collection of those Tecumseh fitted SS machines.

I think it has been slow on here because of the crummy, no snow winter we just experienced. We only got about 7" of snow all winter not counting the crazy October nor'easter that rolled through and caused a ton of damage. I only used my 2 stage once all winter and my single stage twice! Also, trying to cram all the summer activities into the 3 summer months we get around here cuts into everyone's free time. Hopefully we'll all have a "real" winter this time around...

Yeah, I'm with you. 

Our winters the last few years have been nothing like what we got 30 or 40 years ago.  This climate change issue is real.  Forty years ago, it wasn't unusual to see snow banks on the sides of streets eight to twelve feet high and the road narrowed down to one lane.  Now, snow banks don't get much over 5 ft.   We're also getting a lot of southern critters coming our way.  We never had raccoons before.  Now I'm seeing (and shooting) several every year.  I even heard of one guy catching an oppossum up our way.  We're on the north shore of Lake Superior.  We never used to see animals like that this far north.  We even get turkey vultures up here now.  Never saw them 20 years ago.  Up in the arctic, people are seeing robins!  Unreal. 

No wonder I'm down to using single stage machines moreso than the big two stage snow blower.  We just don't get the same winters.  Not too happy with that either.  I love winter and I love snow.  

I can remember going  pheasant hunting on Thanksgiving morning in snow up to my hips a few times about 30 years ago or so (a waste of time - look in the trees). Now I hunt deer in little more than a shirt and a light fleece jacket.

Anyone who doesn't think climate change is happening is either too young to know or live in an are where the seasons aren't noticable.  Those of us who experience the wide variatons between the seasons know it's happening.   Most people I know, like the milder winters with less snow.  However, there are a few who, like me, enjoy the winters of old.