slf-uk 914 #1 Posted August 1, 2016 On Saturday I bought Tom's Bolens Estate Keeper from him. I have not really had much chance to look at it properly yet, however I it looks like a EK7 and largely original except that box under the seat and the angle iron on the engine cover. It is not currently running and needs some love. Iain 5 Stormin, Triumph66, Alan and 2 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #2 Posted August 1, 2016 Iain, That's a nice score and pleased that Tom sold it to you. I was tempted by that one up in Bristol but I am just going to concentrate on TFs. I know of a LK that could keep it company and it will fit on a pallet too...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #3 Posted August 2, 2016 With some advice from the Bolens experts I have been reliably informed that the Estate Keeper is a EK7, model number 930-01. It was made in 1964. I think it is in great condition for a 52 year machine. Iain 2 Triumph66 and HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #4 Posted August 2, 2016 I agree with you that it's in good nick for its age. Good to see an early example here in the UK too. . There's a guy on GTT (BrianEK7&EK10) that got a collection of EKs; might be worth contacting him for advice or spares..... 1 slf-uk reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #5 Posted August 2, 2016 2 hours ago, Triumph66 said: I agree with you that it's in good nick for its age. Good to see an early example here in the UK too. . There's a guy on GTT (BrianEK7&EK10) that got a collection of EKs; might be worth contacting him for advice or spares..... Thanks for the info Andrew, I will follow up on that. Dr Bolens has a fantastic example too. I have been going through the parts list today and struggling with the ignition switch. It is a Bolens part number I have never come across before and does not appear to be used on any other Bolens I have. The ignition switch on the tractor has been swapped with a switch for on/off and a micro switch (which looks like something I have seen on a building lift) for the starter. Iain 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #6 Posted August 2, 2016 Iain, will the ignition switch be the same as the LK? I will see if there's an original one on mine..... 1 slf-uk reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #7 Posted August 3, 2016 Andrew, the parts list for the LK is even less detailed than the EK. If the wiring diagram for the EK is correct then I should be able to use most Indak switches Iain 2 HeadExam and Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeadExam 1,783 #8 Posted August 3, 2016 I just love the LK, EK machines. Great score on a lovely well taken care of machine. You should be proud to own it! I have been involved with several GTT talk vendors about early Indak switches and possible reproductions and sources, However, on all but one switch I have bought in the course of this "hobby", the switch was not the eventual culprit of the problem, at least not entirely. I have had many with rusty contact points, I have had many other electrical issues that made me think it was the switch, but only once was it the switch. That said, I now have an ample supply of spare Indak switches for my tractors. Indak has a site as well. 2 Triumph66 and slf-uk reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #9 Posted August 3, 2016 Thanks Alain. In this case a previous owner has removed the ignition switch and replaced it with something that resembles a aftermarket car light switch. i think I will get the tractor running first and then tackle looking for a replacement switch Iain 2 Triumph66 and HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeadExam 1,783 #10 Posted August 3, 2016 31 minutes ago, slf-uk said: Thanks Alain. In this case a previous owner has removed the ignition switch and replaced it with something that resembles a aftermarket car light switch. i think I will get the tractor running first and then tackle looking for a replacement switch Iain Previous owners are very "inventive" aren't they? 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #11 Posted July 16, 2017 We finally managed to get the Estate Keeper running. My assistant and chief test driver has made a video covering most of the work we did on the tractor and a demonstration of it in action. Very cool machine, I love it 1 1 HeadExam and Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #12 Posted July 16, 2017 Interesting machine. That rear engine end has some interesting possibilities. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #13 Posted July 16, 2017 Great to see the EK up and running Iain. It looks really tidy and the articulation is fantastic. A new seat cover will set it off no end. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #14 Posted October 15, 2017 Joseph and I managed to get a small amount of tractor time today. The battery on the Estate Keeper is dead and we either had the time to go and buy a replacement or bodge a different battery in and have some seat time. We spend most of our time correcting bodges but the prospect of some seat time won the day. I recently replaced the battery in our house alarm and the old one is still good even though it is tiny and only 7aH. The EK7 starts really well so worth a go. The old battery Modifications to a bit of firewood Job done Despite being a horrible bodge it works well. It started well despite not being used since August and Joseph cut some grass with the tractor. He let me have a go too and I realised that it is the first time I have driven this tractor. If the battery holds up we will make a proper frame for it. Iain 5 Alan, nigel, HeadExam and 2 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeadExam 1,783 #15 Posted October 16, 2017 Great to see the old girl up and running. These old tractors really work better if they are started and ran often, they don't like to sit around much. On 7/16/2017 at 3:29 AM, slf-uk said: We finally managed to get the Estate Keeper running. My assistant and chief test driver has made a video covering most of the work we did on the tractor and a demonstration of it in action. Very cool machine, I love it Very professional video, great job Joseph and Iain 2 nigel and Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #16 Posted October 16, 2017 Good to see it up and running again. Always best to keep these vintage machines running...... 1 HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeadExam 1,783 #17 Posted October 17, 2017 5 hours ago, Triumph66 said: Good to see it up and running again. Always best to keep these vintage machines running...... Did you happen to notice that Joseph wears Bolens Green, not John Deere Green, lol 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #18 Posted January 27, 2019 We replaced the battery and make up some new battery leads for the Estate Keeper. Joseph did the work, it took him a long time but he got it done 3 Alan, Stormin and HeadExam reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan 1,273 #19 Posted January 28, 2019 Now we know who has been making the mysterious crop circles. It was Joseph And everyone thought it was Aliens. 2 Triumph66 and slf-uk reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #20 Posted February 1, 2019 On 1/28/2019 at 11:29 AM, Alan said: Now we know who has been making the mysterious crop circles. It was Joseph And everyone thought it was Aliens. Alan, I am sure you know who got in trouble for letting him mess up the grass 1 Alan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
