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The worst part. Decided to go for a lacquered bare metal finish because, well, it's easy and big fans of the rusty/patina look! Final product. Video soon. Hopefully.

That vid was taken just after it was delivered. It looks quite a bit different now :D It's a 1971 1886-01 that belonged to a Bolens/Lawn and Garden Supplies dealer. They took it out of the crate, installed the optional power steering unit, and then shipped it out to have the forklift attachment installed. They then used and abused it for 35+ years before retiring it. I found out about it, and it took me a year and a half to get them to sell it to me. I had it refurbished last Winter. The fella put on a pretty small muffler and that K482 Kohler had quite a 'bark', so I replaced it with a larger one to quiet it down some. You can see the 'new' one in the last pic. The crawler that is on the forks weighs in at @ 675 lbs. :D

Here you go. More Bolens porn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5FLOzvJNnU

My Arun has been in storage for more years than I can remember (at least 10) and it is probably now going to a new home, assuming a deal can be agreed. I dug it out over the weekend put some fuel in the tank and it started and ran exactly as it did when I put it away. I wish everything I had was that reliable. A few pictures Iain

Short update Battery isolator and fuse box in place Cut n shut complete on the ram

Four years ago exactly i restored all the bodywork on my mk5 Transit. Many probably wont see the point, but each to their own and i like my van, nothing modern even comes close to build quality, fuel economy, ease of maintenance or looks in my opinion. Every year before MOT i go under and Owatrol oil any surface rust and check everything over. This year i had a shock when i pocked a hole in the rear cross member, nothing big at first, but on starting the repair i realised it was going to be a big job. I ended up replacing the ends of the rear crossmember, both spring hangers, inner rear skirts, chassis outriggers and piece of floor. Heres a few photos for you to hopefully inspire someone. I dont like patches, they dont last, so i drilled all the spot welds out, made all the panels on my home made metal folder due to no panels being available to buy other than from Ford, and re welded as original. Original outer rear panel back on and ready for paint.

All the Best, Neil and wishing you and yours a better New Year.

The more common forklift attachment for a Bolens is a Johnson, but the one OldBuzzard has is really cool and not like the one Nigel made (even though that is really cool too) This is an advert for the Johnson one

Gobsmacked!!! That looks fantastic Max

Welcome to MOM OldBuzzard. I enjoy following your posts on other forums and if I remember correctly you helped me a while back with a question I had on one of my Bolens. The Bolens importer Howard, sold a number of unique attachments in the UK and some are very interesting. Talking of drooling, I am sure the folks on here would love to see your 1886 forklift. Best wishes Iain

That's brilliant. One thing though. I can't see clutch or brake pedals. Or am I missing something?

Omg that looks fantastic

The only things your get is a couple of rsj's and lone-ranger badge. Keymosaby

Greetings from across the pond Gents. I'm a big Bolens Buff, and found this forum whilst searching for "Howard Bolens". Good to see a number of fellow Bolens lovers here. I saw that cylinder mower on the GTTalk forums, and was one of those that were drooling over it :D

i find this one of the most satisfying vids on youtube

I have caused quite a stir on the U.S. forums, namely GTtalk, with the Howard Bolens Cylinder Mower attachment. It seem that they have not come across this type of rear PTO driven cylinder (reel) before. I have been asked to take some detailed measurements and take better photos of it for the archives!