Bolens Ride-a-matic

[slf-uk 914]

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

 

 

 

 

[Stormin 4,458]

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

[Triumph66 1,256]

Iain,

That does look like a tidy example and yes you should be proud of yourself that you lasted until October; a credit to your will power!

I look forward to seeing more about this project as I would love to get my hands on one myself.

Andrew

[slf-uk 914]

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

 

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

 

Iain

[Stormin 4,458]

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

 

Iain

 

 

 Probably someone who's had theirs stolen.  I usually keep mine in the back of the vehicle.

[Chris 642]

I saw that up for auction Iain

 

Did I spot a finger bar mower for it in one of the pics???

[meadowfield 1,900]

neat - looks like the picture is taken in sepia

[Ian 2,417]

I've not seen one of those before Iain, that's very cool and a very nice find

Have you managed to keep it a secret from your other half?

[Anglo Traction 1,016]

Great looking machine that 62 Bolens Iain, nice find   . Good that you got the original Kohler as well. K161 I believe. would be good to see it back and running in the Tractor if you ever get the chance.   

[Robins 55]

Thats really nice! I like that a lot

[meadowfield 1,900]

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

 

[diggerjames 543]

Nice picture mark

[meadowfield 1,900]

think we were queuing to do the arena run, GT14 had the plough then

[slf-uk 914]

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

 

IMG_2871.JPG

 

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

[slf-uk 914]

I've not seen one of those before Iain, that's very cool and a very nice find

Have you managed to keep it a secret from your other half?

 

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,.

 

Great looking machine that 62 Bolens Iain, nice find   . Good that you got the original Kohler as well. K161 I believe. would be good to see it back and running in the Tractor if you ever get the chance.   

 

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

[Stormin 4,458]

Nice photo. You can tell it was LAST year.

[Wristpin 400]

 

Anyone know where I might be able to get a replacement flywheel in the UK?

 

Try Mike Hitchins  www.guypartsandservice.co.uk/

or Chester Hudson

[slf-uk 914]

 

 

Anyone know where I might be able to get a replacement flywheel in the UK?

 

Try Mike Hitchins  www.guypartsandservice.co.uk/

or Chester Hudson

 

Great thanks. Iain

[slf-uk 914]

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

 

 

 

 

[slf-uk 914]

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.

[ih674 14]

Ive got a 50's ride a matic, a gold one with the square bonnet and one the same as yours. If you want to get in touch RE any issues we may be able to help each other out. Also I may have a flywheel if your struggling - leave it with me.

 

James

[slf-uk 914]

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

[Triumph66 1,256]

Ive got a 50's ride a matic, a gold one with the square bonnet and one the same as yours. If you want to get in touch RE any issues we may be able to help each other out. Also I may have a flywheel if your struggling - leave it with me.

 

James

It would be great to see some photos of your Bolens collection.

[Joseph 332]

After a very long time we did some work on the 1962 Ride-a-matic.

 

Over the weekend we removed the non Bolens hitch from the tractor and fitted one imported from US

 

Before:

 

After:

 

It looks much better. We now need to either make or buy the end panel for the chassis

 

Joseph

[Triumph66 1,256]

Always good to have original items on any machinery. Glad the hitch arrived safely and looks so much better too.

 

Keep up the good work Joseph!