slf-uk

Absolutely, that's because they are Bolens
 
Two, maybe three have lots of potential. They are the two funky coloured ones (blue and yellow) and a white one with no
hood. The others have potential but will need a fully and complete restoration and a couple are parts only. All have
something seized. As I start to get them organised I will post some post some detailed pictures.
 
The Bolens we brought back with all the Wheelhorse's, I put into my workshop as it was getting too late on Sunday to think
of somewhere else to put it. My workshop now has a very unpleasant smell, not sure if that has anything to do with the rats
nest we found under the tractor or if one of those Wheelhorse's peed on it in fright, thinking it was going to get a Glasgow
handshake during the journey. The cast front on that tractor could do a lot of harm
 
You have to admit that in the one before last picture that Bolens looks fantastic compared to all that red stuff
 
Thanks for posting the pictures Alan. You did a great job of the pictures and masked the horrible weather we had on Friday
and the rain on Sunday.
 
Iain

Absolutely, that's because they are Bolens
 
Two, maybe three have lots of potential. They are the two funky coloured ones (blue and yellow) and a white one with no
hood. The others have potential but will need a fully and complete restoration and a couple are parts only. All have
something seized. As I start to get them organised I will post some post some detailed pictures.
 
The Bolens we brought back with all the Wheelhorse's, I put into my workshop as it was getting too late on Sunday to think
of somewhere else to put it. My workshop now has a very unpleasant smell, not sure if that has anything to do with the rats
nest we found under the tractor or if one of those Wheelhorse's peed on it in fright, thinking it was going to get a Glasgow
handshake during the journey. The cast front on that tractor could do a lot of harm
 
You have to admit that in the one before last picture that Bolens looks fantastic compared to all that red stuff
 
Thanks for posting the pictures Alan. You did a great job of the pictures and masked the horrible weather we had on Friday
and the rain on Sunday.
 
Iain

it wasnt the wheelhorse that peed, it was ian i saw him do it

Great photos Alan. I can now see why it took so long to load up.

No kidding, I can see lots of potential in almost everyone. No beauty queens, but plenty of potential. I don't buy restored tractors, because there is no Honeymoon, no time with the tractor to love it and turn it into something.

Some of those don't look half bad.

A few photo's of Iain and Tom's    "CRAM - it - IN"  Countrywide Removal Service.  Any distance, any time.
 
First load.  5 Bolens. 
 
Second load. 5 more Bolens, with Iain's ( over the wheel arch's ) platform.  Rear wheels removed from 1477 after loading to reduce width.

 
Third load.  1 Bolen and 5 Horses.  Lots of bits and pieces also crammed in with each load.

I was very concerned about the third load, not about getting six into the White Whale but locking a Bolens in a confined space
with five Wheelhorse's for three hours. I was expecting them not to get on and worried that someone would be loosing a
headlight in the fight. However everything was quiet all the way home and they seemed to get on fine
 
Iain

I was very concerned about the third load, not about getting six into the White Whale but locking a Bolens in a confined space
with five Wheelhorse's for three hours. I was expecting them not to get on and worried that someone would be loosing a
headlight in the fight. However everything was quiet all the way home and they seemed to get on fine
 
Iain

I was very concerned about the third load, not about getting six into the White Whale but locking a Bolens in a confined space
with five Wheelhorse's for three hours. I was expecting them not to get on and worried that someone would be loosing a
headlight in the fight. However everything was quiet all the way home and they seemed to get on fine
 
Iain

Another great update, thanks
 
Looking forward to the first test run which really needs to be streamed live for us all to watch.
 
Iain

In my opinion, John is very lucky to have Alan as a friend. The amount of time and effort Alan has put into this is incredible.
 
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet both Alan and John over the weekend and I enjoyed talking to both of
them. Seeing John's health over the weekend, I believe that Alan had no other option than to progress more rapidly.
 
I am sure it will not come as a surprise to many people that I bought most of the Bolens tractors and equipment as a job lot.
 
The surprise might be just how many tractors you can get into a Mercedes Sprinter, aka the Great White Whale. We had to
use a white Sprinter as the red ones are only for Wheelhorse's   Alan mentioned that Chris (The Showman) manages to
get three in easily and four with a struggle into his Sprinter. We started with getting five tractors in a load and then with
Tom's support we managed to get six squeezed in. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to take any pictures but it made
an interesting load. I think others may have taken some pictures.
 
I will post some pictures of the tractors over time and once I have recovered. I am far too old for being stuck in a van for 18
hours and 1100 miles over three days.
 
It was a great adventure and I am very grateful for Alan's support, also help from Chris and Tom.
 
Iain

In my opinion, John is very lucky to have Alan as a friend. The amount of time and effort Alan has put into this is incredible.
 
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet both Alan and John over the weekend and I enjoyed talking to both of
them. Seeing John's health over the weekend, I believe that Alan had no other option than to progress more rapidly.
 
I am sure it will not come as a surprise to many people that I bought most of the Bolens tractors and equipment as a job lot.
 
The surprise might be just how many tractors you can get into a Mercedes Sprinter, aka the Great White Whale. We had to
use a white Sprinter as the red ones are only for Wheelhorse's   Alan mentioned that Chris (The Showman) manages to
get three in easily and four with a struggle into his Sprinter. We started with getting five tractors in a load and then with
Tom's support we managed to get six squeezed in. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to take any pictures but it made
an interesting load. I think others may have taken some pictures.
 
I will post some pictures of the tractors over time and once I have recovered. I am far too old for being stuck in a van for 18
hours and 1100 miles over three days.
 
It was a great adventure and I am very grateful for Alan's support, also help from Chris and Tom.
 
Iain

Not much to report guys, after a busy weekend I was to tired yesterday to do much..  So little in fact I can't remember what I did other than bolt the brake fluid reservoirs in place and plumbed them in!   Maybe I need more coffee!
 
Anyway, to keep you all amused here's the latest Why Not video.. Enjoy
 

ime glad they have gone to a good home

In my opinion, John is very lucky to have Alan as a friend. The amount of time and effort Alan has put into this is incredible.
 
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet both Alan and John over the weekend and I enjoyed talking to both of
them. Seeing John's health over the weekend, I believe that Alan had no other option than to progress more rapidly.
 
I am sure it will not come as a surprise to many people that I bought most of the Bolens tractors and equipment as a job lot.
 
The surprise might be just how many tractors you can get into a Mercedes Sprinter, aka the Great White Whale. We had to
use a white Sprinter as the red ones are only for Wheelhorse's   Alan mentioned that Chris (The Showman) manages to
get three in easily and four with a struggle into his Sprinter. We started with getting five tractors in a load and then with
Tom's support we managed to get six squeezed in. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to take any pictures but it made
an interesting load. I think others may have taken some pictures.
 
I will post some pictures of the tractors over time and once I have recovered. I am far too old for being stuck in a van for 18
hours and 1100 miles over three days.
 
It was a great adventure and I am very grateful for Alan's support, also help from Chris and Tom.
 
Iain

Sorry for not posting anything lately.   As some will already know, and for those that don't, it was decided to dispose of friend
Johns collection as various job lots.
 
In view of his health, which appears to be going downhill rapidly and his desire to sell up and move to a much smaller
property as quickly as possible, we thought this was the best and quickest way to go.  A lot of the collection has gone
already, with more spoken for.  Many thanks to the various buyers.
 
Some may be disappointed at not seeing what was for sale, but after dragging out from the various hiding places, it was
found that most of the Bolens and Wheelhorses were in VERY poor condition.  Although they were covered up years ago,
time and the weather, plus brambles and other vegetation had come off best.
 
There is still a lot of stuff to go yet, some of which may find it's way on here, if appropriate.  Still sorting and clearing out.
Can't believe how much John has collected over the years.  Not just tractors and related garden machinery, but his Morris
Marina cars.  He has a few in almost as new, low mileage condition. Not everyone's favourite car, but John LOVED them.
 
Again, sorry that some members may be disappointed, but acting in Johns best interest.
 
Regards, Alan.

Great to meet you at the weekend Philip. The blade looks great on your RJ
 
Can't be many blades that have done that many miles in such a short time
 
Iain

Thanks, it's the shipping that kills it, $14 shipping, I'll wait till I start restoring it properly and I might consider it, I used this epoxy,

Or Bolens Recovery.  

That has to be the biggest understatement of all time. It's a bit like saying you put some effort into getting a date with Kylie and it was worth it.
 
It looked great as it was and now it is a work of art. Fantastic workmanship
 
Iain

Does this mean it's designed as a girl's tractor    

Actually Iain you are on the right track. By 1965 tractors started to become more sophisticated and user friendly, gone was the primitive behemoth that took hours to change attachments or required constant tinkering. These newer and easier to operate machines were being designed for the wife. You see, here in America at that time most women stayed home, took care of the kids, the laundry, the cooking and cleaning, so it was only obvious that with an hours free time a week left over they could also mow the lawn and thus saving the weekend for dear old dad to relax and enjoys his pipe and pint.

Does this mean it's designed as a girl's tractor    

That's a very nice collection Mr Showman, no such thing as too many. It's great to see line up of machines. I'm with Andrew, I particularly like the round hoods.
 
Iain