slf-uk

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.

I spent a part of the day rearranging the garage to house the new Bolens and the attachments I have accumulated. I connected the battery up, added some fresh petrol, checked the oil and fired her up. It took a few minutes but eventually she fired up and she was loud. I let her run for a few minutes to warm her up before I drove her around the close. I have to say that the pepper pot exhaust is very loud! She droves well though and I am sure with regular use it will run as sweet as a nut. I am really pleased that it's running without any issues.
More importantly, I am pleased to report that my wife has taken a shine to it so perhaps I can acquire another example?

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
 
 
 
 

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
 

 

We had 4 of them last year at Newby hall, from this pic I took, I think one must have been unreliable
 

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,
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

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
 
 
 
 

That's quite tidy.   BTW. That hitch is the removable part of a Dixon Bate adjustable hitch.

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
 
 
 
 

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

Fantastic addition to your growing collection. I would love one and I am very jealous.
I believe they originally came with a large fibreglass grass collector.
Until you mentioned the manufacturer I was under the impression they were made by the Bolens importer, Howard. The great thing about this forum is that you learn something new every day.
I am amassed by the speed you are adding to your collection.
Iain

started making a dash today so i found an old wooden water but and cut one of the metal rings of it and welded it in then coverd it with a bit of alley plate this should look ok when the rest is painted a dark colour behind it
 

Here are several shots of the sickle mower that arrived this afternoon. It wa very well secured and well packaged. I took them in the dark so will get better ones in due course. It one of those things you have to buy quickly as these don't come up that often and I am pleased I didn't have to go through the uncertainty of eBay. Tomorrow I am collecting the 800 at long last.

Just delivered this afternoon my latest attachment for one of my Bolens. It's a rear mounted attachment originally made by Horwool MFG Ltd in Essex for Bolens. It also came with a prop shaft as well. I am going to give it a good pressure wash this weekend and grease it up. It came from North Wales.

Very impressive and fast work, I would still be at the head scratching stage.

Agreed, pushing snow is one of the most fun things to do on a tractor. I think I may have already posted this picture already somewhere, but it is one of my favourites
 

 
I broke a weld on mine a while back pushing soil. I must fix that before the winter. If we get a bit of snow it would be good if everyone posted some snow pushing pictures or videos.
 
Iain
 
 

I think the gestation period for a Bolens is three months, so the next one must be due soon :-)
Iain

Andrew,
Your plough is interesting as the ends have a 45 degree edge. As it is painted black it will be a later plough.
Mine is painted yellow and does not have the 45. You might want to consider painting it yellow to fit with the age of the 800 and 1254. Alternatively, just wait until you buy the next Bolens and it might be a later model.
Iain

Agreed, pushing snow is one of the most fun things to do on a tractor. I think I may have already posted this picture already somewhere, but it is one of my favourites
 

 
I broke a weld on mine a while back pushing soil. I must fix that before the winter. If we get a bit of snow it would be good if everyone posted some snow pushing pictures or videos.
 
Iain
 
 

As I have only recently joined I went back and read the complete thread. The work you have done on this is incredible and the outcome looks fantastic.
 
Iain

Agreed, pushing snow is one of the most fun things to do on a tractor. I think I may have already posted this picture already somewhere, but it is one of my favourites
 

 
I broke a weld on mine a while back pushing soil. I must fix that before the winter. If we get a bit of snow it would be good if everyone posted some snow pushing pictures or videos.
 
Iain
 
 

I would love one of those. If it turns out like your others in your collection it will be fantastic.
 
Iain

Andrew,
You also need a finger bar mower, flail mower, sleeve hitch, FEL and hydraulic lift.
Give me a while and I will think of others :-)
After last year we must have snow this year.
Iain