It is definately a horse with a B&S 8hp non-electric start motor. Really makes no difference as to the year of manufacture as they are all pretty much the same. The thing to look for is as 2ManyRocks pointed out, the number of drive belts making it a 2 speed or 4. My bet with the 8 horse motor is that it is a 4 speed.
The other BIG difference is whether or not it is one of the PTO models. Does it have a lever on the lower left back side, on top of the transmission, that bascially turns the tines or PTO off and on?...........
Ok.......more later..........If you do some research here you will easily find manuals that cover the operation, maintenance, and use...........Good luck......Dennis