slf-uk

I've taken some time away from visiting the forums to engage in a little self reflection and assessment of my life. As some may know I have had some health issues of late, but I really don't worry about that a bit, I'll be here until I'm not. I tend to let little things bother me, I need to work on that, its probably because I have so much time to think. I don't work (job)much, just enough to get by, I don't believe in working for other unless it is absolutely necessary. These and other beliefs I have sometimes put my in a sort of conflict with society and people in general. All that said, I think its safe to say I am intrinsically motivated and that character trait causes more difficulties than physical ailments. Thanks for letting me let off  a little steam. Alain

With some advice from the Bolens experts I have been reliably informed that the Estate Keeper is a EK7, model number 930-01. It was made in 1964. I think it is in great condition for a 52 year machine.
 
Iain

I thought it was Flipping  machines cr- p  

What does the FMC stand for? Probably not what I'm thinking.

Yes you are correct Norm, FMC  does stands for Fantanstic Metal Creation! 

Food Manufacturing Company I think
 
Iains got alot of grass to cut. I have just got to make some time to help drive it
 
How many one owner from new machines crop up these days??

On Saturday I bought Tom's Bolens Estate Keeper from him. I have not really had much chance to look at it properly yet, however I it looks like a EK7 and largely original except that box under the seat and the angle iron on the engine cover.
 
It is not currently running and needs some love.
 
Iain
 

Now my login has turned green again I can post some pictures and I know you all love Bolens pictures
 
Stopped half way home to check the straps

 
A few pictures after a bit of a test run
 

 

 

 
Always good to have to have a family shot. This is the HT20 pictures with my HT23.
 

 
Iain

On Saturday I bought Tom's Bolens Estate Keeper from him. I have not really had much chance to look at it properly yet, however I it looks like a EK7 and largely original except that box under the seat and the angle iron on the engine cover.
 
It is not currently running and needs some love.
 
Iain
 

Now my login has turned green again I can post some pictures and I know you all love Bolens pictures
 
Stopped half way home to check the straps

 
A few pictures after a bit of a test run
 

 

 

 
Always good to have to have a family shot. This is the HT20 pictures with my HT23.
 

 
Iain

On Saturday I bought Tom's Bolens Estate Keeper from him. I have not really had much chance to look at it properly yet, however I it looks like a EK7 and largely original except that box under the seat and the angle iron on the engine cover.
 
It is not currently running and needs some love.
 
Iain
 

At long last the 600 is now in it new home in the UK along side fellow Bolens and a rogue Ford. It was meant to be delivered on Friday but they couldn't do it then so re arranged it for Monday morning. Whilst waiting for the delivery, I connected up the 1050 air filter unit plus a new air filter element. I turned the fuel tap on and it fired into life after several attempts. It was a wee bit smokey though. I also had a good look through it too. I am always amazed at how well built these little tractors are.
 
The 600 is just as good in the metal as it were and I wiped off accumulated grease and dirt to reveal gleaming paintwork! There was some subtle differences to Chris's 600. The three differences I noticed to date were that mine got a white steering wheel whereas Chris got a black one, the throttle lever was mounted at the front of the steering column not on the side like the other one and the foot pedal on mine is just a simple bar whereas Chris one is a more elborate pedal. I will be interested to see my other 600 to compare the differences. I think someone mentioned that this one from the US is an early example. 
 
My thanks to Dave (Old Buzzard) for his time to check it out and collect it and storing it. Also to my consultant, Iain, for his encouragement and knowledge. I contacted several shippers but in the end I went with Chris Sutton's (The Showman) recommendations using DLR Shipping. Is it worth it? Was it worth the angst? To me, yes, as I have picked up a really early example and an original one as well of the 600 with a belly deck and a front plow plus a Brinly sleeve hitch for roughly £150 plus shipping. It was also saved from the scrapie too...... Would I buy another garden tractor again? Yes I would but it got to be in it original paint job with some attachments too and also one that you can't get over here. A Bolens Deluxe Ride a Matic from the late 50s would be an example or a Copar Panzer.
 
For the moment, I won't be buying anything from the US for the moment......
 
 

Now my login has turned green again I can post some pictures and I know you all love Bolens pictures
 
Stopped half way home to check the straps

 
A few pictures after a bit of a test run
 

 

 

 
Always good to have to have a family shot. This is the HT20 pictures with my HT23.
 

 
Iain

Now my login has turned green again I can post some pictures and I know you all love Bolens pictures
 
Stopped half way home to check the straps

 
A few pictures after a bit of a test run
 

 

 

 
Always good to have to have a family shot. This is the HT20 pictures with my HT23.
 

 
Iain

Very cool, but who is the young lad driving it

I'm sure there's more tractors to find as well, all we can do is keep looking

Very cool, but who is the young lad driving it

This is what I'm going to be pulling it with, so if you can pull it on the flat I'm not going to have a problem 

You had me going with this one, especially as I am convinced another Bolens (or part of one) is about somewhere. I was on the edge of my seat and getting excited, not good at my age Last time I was this excited was when I realised Kylie had a sister
 
Iain

Oh no, its just an engine cover,.   What a bummer 

Here's another photo to look at while i get the saw and shears 

Another Bolens hiding in the brambles at Johns, surely not 

Thanks for posting the pictures Chris. The hitch needs changing because it is very weak and pooly designed. I think the size is perfect. I was very surprised when I weighed it as I was expecting it to be double that.
 
The Bolens pulled it easily and you did not know it was on the back, so I expect a horse might be able to pull it on a good day
 
Iain

Thanks for posting the pictures Chris. The hitch needs changing because it is very weak and pooly designed. I think the size is perfect. I was very surprised when I weighed it as I was expecting it to be double that.
 
The Bolens pulled it easily and you did not know it was on the back, so I expect a horse might be able to pull it on a good day
 
Iain

Great one Andrew. It's good that another 600 has been saved and at the right price too.
 
Iain