Phyliss 41 #1 Posted April 19, 2015 Good evening all. I just wanted to put a question out regarding unusual Bolens machines. Which models are hard to find / rare in the uk? I occasionally see the odd Husky Bolens & lighter green & white ride on mower in my day to day work but never given it much thought? Regards Philip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #2 Posted April 19, 2015 Philip, as a bit of a Bolens collector I have to say that these days they all seem rare in this country. Probably the most rare are ride-a-matics and round hood tubeframes especially the 600. You don't see many largeframes for sale but I think plenty are about. Iain Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phyliss 41 #3 Posted April 19, 2015 Thanks Iain, as far as i remember ride-a-matics are green & yellow with heavy looking rounded hoods. How do large frames differ from tube frames or standard frames. Also how do Husky Bolens fit in? Philip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #4 Posted April 19, 2015 Philip, The early ride-a-matics were green and yellow and the later ones gold. The front grill is made from cast. The later Ride-a-matics were square fronted still with a cast grill. Husky was the name given to the early tubeframes which predominantly had Wisconsin engines, the 600 had a B&S engine. When Bolens moved to Tecumseh engines they dropped the Husky name and they became G or H series (Gear or Hydro). The husky badge was still used on the front of the early G/H tractors. The easy way to identify a tubeframe is the chassis which is two tubes/pipes. If you look at my post on my Bolens G14 you will see a picture I posted of several of my G/H series tractors. At the end of the line up is my large frame tractor, a HT23. Also in that post is a picture of my latest H16 which is an early model with the husky badge on the front. I am sure more knowledgeable people than me will fill in the bits I have missed. Several Bolens collectors on this forum and we are all always on the lookout for more, so if you know of any for sale do let us all know. For the rare ones you can let me know first Iain 2 Triumph66 and neil reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #5 Posted April 19, 2015 Philip, Several Bolens collectors on this forum and we are all always on the lookout for more, so if you know of any for sale do let us all know. For the rare ones you can let me know first Iain Philip,One of the code of conduct within the Bolens Circle is that the Bolens collectors on this forum are contacted in alphabetical order which by a stroke of good fortune I am first on the list for any rare Bolens! Andrew 2 slf-uk and HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeadExam 1,783 #6 Posted April 19, 2015 The tube frame 1556 was only made in 1972 and the Large Frame 1477 was only made in 1971, I would think either one of these would be very hard to find anywhere. Even though the ride-a-matic and round hoods are earlier tractors they made many more of them, but they are becoming very scarce. tube frames used two thck tubes attached to Baluster up front and the cast iron rear end in back, the Large Frame was, well, larger and used a heavy channel frame. Large Frames were the first to be able to use Cat 0 three points, previous Bolens models utilized a sleeve hitch for raising implements, and Large frames were hydros, were very few tube frame models were hydros, many not offering a hydro lift either which was standard on the large Frames Philip,One of the code of conduct within the Bolens Circle is that the Bolens collectors on this forum are contacted in alphabetical order which by a stroke of good fortune I am first on the list for any rare Bolens!Andrew Whoa Andrew, I believe Alain comes before Andrew, your second 2 slf-uk and Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #7 Posted April 19, 2015 Whoa Andrew, I believe Alain comes before Andrew, your second Alain, it doesn't count mate as your name spelt wrong! Come to think of it, so Iain's! So that's just Chris and me. No wait, Chris is spelt wrong too; it should be Christopher. Anyway as I was saying, it Dave and me. Hang on, Dave spelt wrong as well. It should be David. Oh well, Look like I get first dibs for all Bolens stuff after all. Cheerio losers! Andrew 3 C-101plowerpower, Stormin and slf-uk reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phyliss 41 #8 Posted April 19, 2015 Blimey! I didn't want to cause a riot. Only kidding. I never realized there were so many differences & models. Thank You to you all. If i come across anything fancy i'll inform accordingly. I know i keep a late light green Bolens (Briggs V twin) going for a customer but can't think of anything older around at the mo. It was just in case. p.s i think i heard mention of a Bolens with loader late last year but i can't be sure. I'll have to remember where i heard it. Night Night Philip 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-101plowerpower 548 #9 Posted April 19, 2015 Blimey! I didn't want to cause a riot. Only kidding. I never realized there were so many differences & models. Thank You to you all. If i come across anything fancy i'll inform accordingly. I know i keep a late light green Bolens (Briggs V twin) going for a customer but can't think of anything older around at the mo. It was just in case. p.s i think i heard mention of a Bolens with loader late last year but i can't be sure. I'll have to remember where i heard it. Night Night Philip well the mention of the loader will cause a riot on here, probably all of the bolens folks would want to know where that is, hell i even want to know and i'm a WH guy 2 Triumph66 and HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #10 Posted April 19, 2015 Remember, I am first in line ......... 1 HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OldBuzzard 186 #11 Posted April 19, 2015 Shame, shame, shame gentlemen. You forgot one of the old Bolens that is the most fun to operate. The Estate Keeper and it's little brother the Lawn Keeper 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan 1,271 #12 Posted April 19, 2015 HELP. ! After reading all the above posts I am a bit nervous that I might be flattened in the stampede at my about to be revealed news. Rapidly building armoured shelter right now. I know of approx 10 various Bolens which are about to be sold. These belong to a friend who is downsizing his property due to ill health etc. I believe I need to get the moderators permission first before saying too much as the owner is not on the forum or internet. Just as a starter there a two Ride a matics, the cast gold versions, various Husky's, a large frame Hydro which if I remember, is an 1177, plus, wait until I take cover, a Husky I think, with a front Hydraulic Loader. Also to be disposed of are approx 13 other garden tractors plus loads of other stuff. As said above, I think I need the go ahead from the mods before going too far, if I haven't done so already. If so, mods please delete. Alan. Spelt the correct way. , 3 slf-uk, HeadExam and Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeadExam 1,783 #13 Posted April 19, 2015 HELP. ! After reading all the above posts I am a bit nervous that I might be flattened in the stampede at my about to be revealed news. Rapidly building armoured shelter right now. I know of approx 10 various Bolens which are about to be sold. These belong to a friend who is downsizing his property due to ill health etc. I believe I need to get the moderators permission first before saying too much as the owner is not on the forum or internet. Just as a starter there a two Ride a matics, the cast gold versions, various Husky's, a large frame Hydro which if I remember, is an 1177, plus, wait until I take cover, a Husky I think, with a front Hydraulic Loader. Also to be disposed of are approx 13 other garden tractors plus loads of other stuff. As said above, I think I need the go ahead from the mods before going too far, if I haven't done so already. If so, mods please delete. Alan. Spelt the correct way. , Stampede started, I need a boat and oar. 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #14 Posted April 20, 2015 HELP. ! After reading all the above posts I am a bit nervous that I might be flattened in the stampede at my about to be revealed news. Rapidly building armoured shelter right now. I know of approx 10 various Bolens which are about to be sold. These belong to a friend who is downsizing his property due to ill health etc. I believe I need to get the moderators permission first before saying too much as the owner is not on the forum or internet. Just as a starter there a two Ride a matics, the cast gold versions, various Husky's, a large frame Hydro which if I remember, is an 1177, plus, wait until I take cover, a Husky I think, with a front Hydraulic Loader. Also to be disposed of are approx 13 other garden tractors plus loads of other stuff. As said above, I think I need the go ahead from the mods before going too far, if I haven't done so already. If so, mods please delete. Alan. Spelt the correct way. , Dear Alan, Thank you for sharing this info with everyone. I am more than happy to take the lead on this offer. I know the others are too busy to take care of this situation satisfactorily and fairly. In any case I am the only one with the correctly spelt name. Yours obedient servant, Andrew PS Alain, the Royal Navy are on stand by to intercept you. I have told them you are an insane illegal immigrant. 1 HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #15 Posted April 20, 2015 Mmmm! Bolens with a loader is there? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #16 Posted April 20, 2015 HELP. ! After reading all the above posts I am a bit nervous that I might be flattened in the stampede at my about to be revealed news. Rapidly building armoured shelter right now. I know of approx 10 various Bolens which are about to be sold. These belong to a friend who is downsizing his property due to ill health etc. I believe I need to get the moderators permission first before saying too much as the owner is not on the forum or internet. Just as a starter there a two Ride a matics, the cast gold versions, various Husky's, a large frame Hydro which if I remember, is an 1177, plus, wait until I take cover, a Husky I think, with a front Hydraulic Loader. Also to be disposed of are approx 13 other garden tractors plus loads of other stuff. As said above, I think I need the go ahead from the mods before going too far, if I haven't done so already. If so, mods please delete. Alan. Spelt the correct way. , Very interesting, looking forward to hearing more. Iain, spelt the correct way - honest 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeadExam 1,783 #17 Posted April 20, 2015 Dear Alan, Thank you for sharing this info with everyone. I am more than happy to take the lead on this offer. I know the others are too busy to take care of this situation satisfactorily and fairly. In any case I am the only one with the correctly spelt name. Yours obedient servant, Andrew PS Alain, the Royal Navy are on stand by to intercept you. I have told them you are an insane illegal immigrant. I hope they fair better than the U.S. Air Force in intercepting a Gyro pilot at the Capitol, because my row boat will have stealth capabilities and I will be disguised as Stephen Fry. I also do not believe that you are British Andrew, not knowing proper spelling and all. 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #18 Posted April 20, 2015 PS Alain, the Royal Navy are on stand by to intercept you. What with? 2 Triumph66 and HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeadExam 1,783 #19 Posted April 20, 2015 What with? Apparently British military spending has seen a decrease, here's the ship they sent after me Andrew 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #20 Posted April 20, 2015 Alain, Don't be fooled by its appearance..... A true story. When I was a Head Gardener with the National Trust, one of my gardeners served in the Royal Navy for 25 years. He told me a funny story about how his ship sailed pass an American battleship somewhere. The American captain flashed a signal to the British Captain saying 'What it like to sail pass the World's largest Navy?' The Royal Navy Captain promptly responded 'What it like sailing past the World's best Navy?' An absolute classic. Cheers Andrew 2 HeadExam and Stormin reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 642 #21 Posted April 20, 2015 Blimey! I didn't want to cause a riot. Only kidding. I never realized there were so many differences & models. Thank You to you all. If i come across anything fancy i'll inform accordingly. I know i keep a late light green Bolens (Briggs V twin) going for a customer but can't think of anything older around at the mo. It was just in case. p.s i think i heard mention of a Bolens with loader late last year but i can't be sure. I'll have to remember where i heard it. Night Night Philip Well back on topic then!! Where abouts in West Sussex are you Philip. I have a large frame bolens with a loader & rear digger in a sorry state atm Chris 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nigel 1,874 #22 Posted April 20, 2015 HELP. ! After reading all the above posts I am a bit nervous that I might be flattened in the stampede at my about to be revealed news. Rapidly building armoured shelter right now. I know of approx 10 various Bolens which are about to be sold. These belong to a friend who is downsizing his property due to ill health etc. I believe I need to get the moderators permission first before saying too much as the owner is not on the forum or internet. Just as a starter there a two Ride a matics, the cast gold versions, various Husky's, a large frame Hydro which if I remember, is an 1177, plus, wait until I take cover, a Husky I think, with a front Hydraulic Loader. Also to be disposed of are approx 13 other garden tractors plus loads of other stuff. As said above, I think I need the go ahead from the mods before going too far, if I haven't done so already. If so, mods please delete. Alan. Spelt the correct way. , hi alan ime the best moderator on here, so if you want to pm me all the info i can decide if it can be posted after ive had first dibs of course 2 Alan and Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phyliss 41 #23 Posted April 20, 2015 Well back on topic then!! Where abouts in West Sussex are you Philip. I have a large frame bolens with a loader & rear digger in a sorry state atm Chris Hello Chris, I'm not far from you, the other side of Billingshurst. I don't actually need another project at the mo; i was just interested in case any crossed my path in the future. Thank You anyway. Regards, Philip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 642 #24 Posted April 20, 2015 I would never sell my loader, Just wondered how local you are to me 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OldBuzzard 186 #25 Posted April 20, 2015 There's another answer to the original question: Any one that I don't have 1 HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
