Hus-Ski
Hus-Ski model 200
The story behind Hus-Ski's second production machine
The Hus-Ski model “200” is a term which has been used loosely to describe a snow machine built by Hus-Ski Ltd., which was a subsidiary of Johnson Wire Products Limited. The vast majority of the distinct yellow machines with the JLO 148 c.c. motor are in fact the model “200-A”, which was produced after the model “200.” The features that distinguish one model from the other had remained a mystery to me until I had the pleasure of visiting the Hus-Ski collection of Chris L.
A Collector’s Item: The Hus-Ski 200 was made with a two-stroke JLO engine and the tracks on this sled ranged from 10 inches to 12 inches.—photo by Barrie Graham
hris is a new and very energetic collector of these vintage snow machines. He was able to acquire an original Hus-Ski bulletin dated August 10,1963 (Vol. 1 No. 1.). The bulletin’s main purpose was to describe the “new and improved features for 1963-64.” These new features were: 1-new engine; 2-variable drive; 3-generator; 4-headlight and rear light; 5-wider tracks, fenders and cleats; 6-hinged rear tractor fender; 7-brakes; 8-improved paint job and 9-splined jack shaft. These were all new features that were not found on the first model—which was powered by the West Bend Power Bee motor.
Models 82004 and 82012 were the two West Bend motors that were used in the first Hus-Skis. The variable drive that is mentioned was the power flow transmission. This was the first variable speed clutch system installed on the Hus-Ski. The tracks went from 10 inches to 12 inches, while the body went from 25 inches to 29 inches. The cleats were changed in dimension from one-inch square to ¾” by 1 ½”. The hinged rear fender was also a new innovation but was soon eliminated and replaced by the rubber flap. Early brakes involved the tightening of a band around a brake drum. On early models, this drum was a separate piece, closely fitted to the backside of the driven clutch. On later models of the 200-A, the drum was welded to the backside of the driven clutch.
The bulletin continued to describe the engines: "The 1963-64 Hus-Ski Snow Travellers are powered by strong two-stroke JLO engines—either the eight horsepower on the model '200' or the 9.5 horsepower on the Hus-Ski '400'. . . ” The mention of the model '400' is another significant point as this model is seldom recognized and most often, not many people know it existed. As with many manufacturers, during this snowmobile era changes during production were common. The model '400' had a short life span—which lasted no more than one year—but the features it had were continued on the model “200-A,” the disastrous model “600” and the common model “444”.
In summary, Hus-Ski produced seven different models of snow machine over a span of five years.