Triumph66 1,256 #26 Posted July 9, 2016 Here's a link off GTT concerning a condensed potted history on Bolens Tube Frames. http://gardentractortalk.com/articles.html/_/history/bolens-tractors-the-tube-frame-series-1962-1978-r68 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #27 Posted July 9, 2016 Good read that. Thankyou Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #28 Posted July 9, 2016 You're welcome. Thinking about it yours got a black steering wheel so it might be a 853 model? Also from your photos I can't see a lock diff on your rear wheel which is another possible indicator of a 853. If it is, then it was made in 1970 to '73. Photo below. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #29 Posted July 9, 2016 Does it have the hi-lo leaver? As 853 had the hi-lo and 650/750 didn't. May help narrow it down Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #30 Posted July 9, 2016 See my amended post above Matt on diff locks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #31 Posted July 9, 2016 Yes you have hi/lo lever. If if it is an 853, you have a slightly more rare model than the usual 850s. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #32 Posted July 9, 2016 Going out to play shortly. Hopefully if I can find the engine numbers that will maybe unvail all... now where do I look? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #33 Posted July 9, 2016 Engine number - 190401 013(poss 8)9 01 7001261 From what I can work out it was made on 26/01/1970 which would put it in line to be an 853? 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #34 Posted July 9, 2016 Looking like you got the original engine I would post your tractor on GTT Bolens Forum for a postitive identification that it's an early 853. The guys on that forum got far more knowledge than I on these tractors. Post ip a video of it running ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #35 Posted July 9, 2016 5 minutes ago, Triumph66 said: Looking like you got the original engine I would post your tractor on GTT Bolens Forum for a postitive identification that it's an early 853. The guys on that forum got far more knowledge than I on these tractors. Post ip a video of it running Will look into the bolens forumn... And will get a photo off it running... as soon as it is! Just working at getting the front off to get to the points 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #36 Posted July 9, 2016 5 hours ago, Triumph66 said: Looking like you got the original engine I would post your tractor on GTT Bolens Forum for a postitive identification that it's an early 853. The guys on that forum got far more knowledge than I on these tractors. Post ip a video of it She lives!! After much tinkering, she fired up and stayed running and also DROVE Got a film off it... will work out how to do that later 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #37 Posted July 9, 2016 Brilliant news. Get that video up sharpish! Also made contact with Daniel aka tyres. I will leave it with you lads to arrange. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #38 Posted July 9, 2016 Bit off tinkering to do... but not bad for an old girl that hasnt moved in 15yr 20160709_163920_001.mp4 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #39 Posted July 9, 2016 Matt, Can't upload it on my iPad unfortunately. Might be better to load it up on You Tube and then post the link on here? Maybe a mod could sort this out if possible? Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #40 Posted July 9, 2016 Hi Guys, Not had the chance to get on the forum for a while but I was given a kick up the bottom to login tonight as I enjoy a good Bolens ID mystery. From the engine model and type you listed, I believe you have correctly read the numbers as 190401-013901. This would make the tractor a 1971 Bolens Husky 853 or to be more precise a 853-03. Various other things on the tractor confirm it as an 850 too. As Andrew said not many around. You mentioned a high/low lever, that is the one with the shaft going into the dash tower. You should have two belts fitted, one on the high speed pulleys and one on the low speed ones. The lever moves the idler pulley from one belt to the other providing tension. They are a bit of a pig to set-up but when working they are great. Give me a shout if you need any help with it. Good to see another Bolens Iain 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #41 Posted July 9, 2016 Brilliant! Cheers for the identification. Yes all set up and working, appears to be working well. Engine aswell seems to be going well after a few hick ups earlier. I will be taking the carb off for a good clean out soon. Only thing left to do asap is the wheels but they should be sorted by next weekend. All in all very happy with how she is going... will try and sort the video 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #42 Posted July 9, 2016 Iain is the UK No 1 Bolens Guru on identification of Bolens! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #43 Posted July 9, 2016 1 minute ago, Triumph66 said: Iain is the UK No 1 Bolens Guru on identification of Bolens! Thanks Andrew but I don't think I am the only one, you guys were already very close. Good point you make about Bolens ownership being addictive, we all have a few. Iain 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #44 Posted July 9, 2016 Can't get the youtube videos on here.. But if you go on YouTube and search bangerboi2b (account I made a good few years ago ) then I have uploaded a couple onto there. The bolens looks quite smokey in one video but that appears to have cleared itself up Let me know what you think 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #47 Posted July 9, 2016 Sounds great Matt. Runs well. New tyres and a good service will set it up nicely. 1 madmatt01 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madmatt01 107 #48 Posted July 9, 2016 Cheers for uploading the videos. Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 642 #49 Posted July 9, 2016 Nice bit of gear grinding & transmission wine I can hear there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #50 Posted July 9, 2016 Would be worth checking to make sure clutch is not stuck on. Often the case when they have sat for a while iain Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
