slf-uk

Back in 2008 I was beginning to run out of space for storing my garden tractors so I built a storage rack for 10 tractors, with five being stored on the top. This is the start of the build Now testing to see if it can take the weight Starting to load Since then I have filled every undercover space I have so if anyone has any better ideas for storage they would be welcomed. This does not include selling some equipment because my wife has already suggested that one. Iain

Two here now. My D-200 came from Durham and the D-160 from near Luton. Iain

I have a D-200 too, currently waiting it's turn for some love. Iain

I have this week off work with lots of outside jobs to do. This morning it was raining and as I was not feeling great I decided not to get wet. Instead I went into the workshop looking for a small job to do and I decided to look at the D-160. I rebuilt most of the mechanics about two years ago and then dumped it in the corner, so I decided to re-commission it. By the time I had it running the sun was out so I took it for a run. The exhaust stack from a full size tractor (can't remember which one) makes it sounds great with no fumes for taking the boy for rides. After taking it for a run it went back in the workshop and I got a Bolens out to do some real work The real reason was the D-160 does not currently have a hitch fitted and I can't remember where I put it. Iain

Looking good Ian. I use my HT23 all the time for moving trailers. My Ifor would look good on your 6x6, it has the right number of wheels. Iain

Really nice tractor. Look like a Norfolk number plate, so it is well travelled. Iain

Chris, Great machine and well worth keeping, I love it. The steering wheel looks like it came from a Morris Marina. Iain

Wow, you guys have some really cool tractors. Iain

Hi, My six year old son has a name for most of my tractors and I guess I do too on a bad day... My Bolens HT23 is called Big White and unsurprisingly my D series Wheelhorses are called Big Red. One of my Westwood D1200 is called The Outback tractor because it lost it's storage and was left at the back of the house for ages. Many of the others have names too which only he can remember. One of my favourite tractors is one of my Bolens H16's which is known as The Rescue tractor. This is the machine of choice for dragging broken tractors and cars to the workshop, mainly because it is very reliable and strong as an ox. Most of the time it is fitted with dual rear wheel weights which gives it amassing traction and a sleeve hitch operated by the hydraulics. Do you have names for your tractors and if so are they any more unusual than the names mine have? A few pictures of The Rescue tractor having fun in winter and dragging home a broken Westwood D1200 and Wheelhorse D-200. Iain

I agree they are cool little machines. I have two Westwood D1200's which are very economical to run if a bit noisy. I have attached a couple of pictures of one of them. I added Countax wheels which are wider and have a greater offset and chevrons. The bodged 50mm ball hitch on the back was because I needed to move my 14ft Ifor trailer in a hurry and it did the job surprisingly well. This one has the standard specification ripped seat too. Iain

Andrew, It is possible that I may have an air filter as I do have a scrap engine. The challenge will be getting to it, I will get back to you but it may take a while. Let me know if you find one in the interim as the challenge of getting to it is not insignificant. I think I have six cutting decks for the tube frame tractors but at the moment I don't want to loose any. I recently scrapped a 34" deck from my Bolens 850 so I have a few spare deck parts. You may want to contact Chester Hudson http://www.mdr.co.uk/tillerparts/tillerparts4.html to see if he has a deck. I am sure he will have an air filter if you can't wait for me to get back to you. I have a PDF parts manual for the 1254, a Tube frame service manual and a Wisconsin service manual plus lots of others, let me know your email address if you want a copy of any or all. Iain

I have just been looking at the pictures of your 1254 again and it looks like you are missing the cover from the front of the engine. You may have just removed it for cleaning but if it is missing the engine is not going to cool very well. It is a great looking tractor and you will be very pleased with it when you have got it running. Those Wisconsin engines are bullet proof and a lot better than the Tecumseh engines that were put in the later tube frame tractors. Iain

Quick picture of my 1054 and a couple of my other tractors, assuming I have got the hang of how to post pictures on this forum. Beware one Bolens is not enough!!! I forgot to mention that I have a good selection of Bolens spares, that I have found alternative sources for some of the parts and both of the parts suppliers I mentioned also sell secondhand parts. Looking at the pictures of your 1254, it looks like the lights are incorrect and you are missing part of the lift lever and fuel tank. Iain

I have just found this forum and thought I would reply to this post. I have a large collection of Bolens tube frame tractors plus several other Bolens and Wheelhorse tractors, and most of the Bolens tube frame attachments. I don't have a 1254 but I do have a 1054 which is the 10hp version of your tractor. The pin on the inside of the wheel is so that you can push the tractor without the engine running and the nut is for the diff lock. This must not be done up tight. Over the years I have taken most things apart on these tractors, so if you get stuck let me know. If it has not run for a while you will probably find that the clutch is stuck on. The most reliable source of parts in my experience is Sam at www.samsbolens.com/ and the cheapest is Jestin at http://www.tubeframes.com/ Best wishes Iain