Almost Wheel Horse, Toro push mower questions

[SousaKerry 500]

I picked up 2 88,89 era Toro push mowers in a trade a few years ago. I pulled them out of storage and started tinkering with them a bit. Anyone have any experience with these unit?

These have the 21" aluminum deck and Tecumseh motors, one is all aluminum block the other has a cast iron sleeve, The sleeved motor one also has a 3 speed self propelled transmission and this crazy blade clutch thing underneath. Also has a bagger attachment.

Anyways are these machines worth my time to get running again? Or should I stick with the box store one I have now.

[bowtiebutler956 649]

Their ok machines, I use to have one years ago, and I know the crazy blade clutch setup your talking about. They even have a little brake shoe that brings the blade to a stop as soon as you release the handle, but the mechanism in the handle can be problematic, and they don't make parts for them anymore. I personally prefer the little, light dime store pushers over the big, heavy, fancy models.

Matt :flags-texas: