slf-uk

Ditto Maybe we need to ask the plough experts to start some MOM ploughing classes, it seems like a number of people want to have a go.

James, Three ride-a-matic's, wow! I think the older one's are more attractive. I have just dropped you a PM and it will be great if we can help each other out. If you have a flywheel that would be even better. Thanks Iain

A got about 1/2 hour on the ride-a-matic and managed to get the versa-matic working as well as it can until new belts are fitted. I have just ordered two new belts which hopefully will arrive before next weekend.

Not good, but at least you were not standing next to it at the time.

I wonder what the best sold WH is in the UK, C-121 perhaps?

Great stuff, I'm pleased the wide approves it help alot

My kids are learning about past war and conflicts and the human cost at school at the moment, which ensures that the next generation are just as aware

I was thinking stuck value too. A quick compression test should rule that in/out. I had that problem with the exhaust valve on a Tecumseh that had sat for a while. In your last paragraph you mentioned a difference in throttle opening with the engine running, this could point to a governor issue or adjustment. I can't remember what the governor arrangement is on a Magnum, but it might be worth disconnecting the governor and see what difference it makes. I am sure more knowledgeable people than me will be along soon.

Andrew, This is picture of the ammeter on my Bolens 1000. Assuming mine has the original one, you are looking for one that looks like this. Hope this helps Iain

The really cool bit of a Ride-a-matic is the gearing (Versa-Matic) and the ability to make a minor change to the gearing on the move. As my description would be poor I pulled this from a brochure As you have two ranges you end up with 12 forward gears, 12 reverse and 12 neutrals (the gearbox has two neutrals). Iain

I am surprised that you did not start to smell him/her after you stopped seeing him/her, clearly the floor was well built. Iain

Great thanks. Iain

Looks like lots of fun Iain

Ian, it would be more than my life is worth to keep it secret. I just owned up to my sins and took the punishment. Apparently this also means I have agreed to the purchase of another expensive handbag. I was thinking about asking why someone needs more than one handbag but I thought better of it because it would probably end up with a discussion about why more than one tractor is required,. Yes, the later ones like this have the K161. I think it may have to go in earlier than I planned because the belts line up does not work very well and space is not available to lift the Honda. I plan to have another look this weekend. The tractor looks much better with the Kohler installed. Parts for these engines appear to be easy to get in the US although I don't fancy the shipping cost for a replacement flywheel. Anyone know where I might be able to get a replacement flywheel in the UK? Thanks Iain

These are the same shape and design as my other one. It is a much more attractive shape. I believe the green painted ride-a-matic's are pre-1961. That is a great picture. Wow, despite one being towed they are all about to overtake the WH Iain

Andrew, I don't have a picture of it and it is currently in storage. I hope to get it out in the next few weeks and will post a picture. Iain

I have a Haban flail mower that fits on a Bolens tube frame mower. They are really useful. Mine has a gate at the back which you can adjust depending on how fine you want to cut up the debris. Iain

Thanks. Would anyone like the removable part of a Dixon Bate adjustable hitch? Iain

This year has been a very difficult year for reasons that are far too boring to go into, however one of the outcomes was that I agreed with the other half not to buy any more tractors this year and to focus on other priorities. It has been very painful agreement to keep to and I hope you will agree that I did well to last until October before buying two more. The most interesting one is a 1962 Ride-a-matic which has been fitted with a Honda engine and what looks like a Land Rover hitch. I do have the original Kohler engine, which has a broken flywheel and missing the coil. These are a couple of pictures the seller sent to me. This is my second Ride-a-matic, with the other being a 1961 machine. The tractor has a few challenging issues and missing parts, but I think I know what needs to be done. It works really well with the Honda engine and I may leave it like that while I work through some of the other issues. A full refurbishment and repaint is the long term aim but for now I just want to use it, enjoy it and work on continued improvements. Iain

Andrew, The biggest problem is that they are all stunning... Every time I sort out my storage it results in me having the space to buy another one. Iain

I have just found a couple of pictures of mine attached to one of my H16's. I am sure the tractor had two headlights before I started cutting... Iain

In the vertical position, the debris that is cut off lands on the steering wheel and you need to resist the temptation to brush it off with your right hand. Iain

Andrew, If you ever find the cure I am sure my wife would like to know. I think I have passed on the illness to my 7 year old lad. He spent most of Sunday afternoon driving some of mine around. Iain

Chris, Good find. I am sure a man of your skills will soon be able to fabricate a frame to fit your HT. A while back I was talking to someone in Scotland who made a snow plough frame for a HT and it looked good. Pushing snow with a HT has to be lots of fun. Iain

From memory (happy to be corrected), the G8 was the odd one in the range with the remainder being tube frame tractors. The G8 is the newer version of what was originally called the Bolens Husky Pup's. They are often called small frame tractors. I believe the G8 has a vertical B&S engine with a transaxle similar to a early Westwood. They share a few parts with the tube frame tractors, the most notable part being the foot pegs. I have a Bolens Husky Pup 613 in my collection. If you Google "bolens husky pup" it should give you some pictures, including some pictures of mine. They are a good solid machine but not designed for ground engaging attachments. If you need any specific pictures or details let me know and I will check mine. Hope this helps Iain