1966 Bolens 850

[Scottwilson 76]

Today I collected a 1966 Bolens 850 after a 20yr rest . The engine is free body and frame are not in bad shape but the square tyres will all need to be replaced . It’s certainly very different to my wheel horse I’m looking forward to putting life back into it . 

[Alan 1,273]

Looks like you have plenty of room to play Scott.   Me, no room to swing a cat.

[the showman 4,074]

Looks like a tidy tractor, plenty of patina, 

[HeadExam 1,783]

The half round cut out on the hood is where the air filter should be and the exhaust pipe should come out from under the hood several inches to the rear. Let me know if you need any tech manuals or parts manuals. Great old machine.

[Scottwilson 76]

7 hours ago, HeadExam said:

The half round cut out on the hood is where the air filter should be and the exhaust pipe should come out from under the hood several inches to the rear. Let me know if you need any tech manuals or parts manuals. Great old machine.

Does it have the wrong air filter/carb set up on it ? 

[HeadExam 1,783]

8 hours ago, Scottwilson said:

Does it have the wrong air filter/carb set up on it ? 

My bad, the 850 with the 8.5 hp Wisconsin didn't have the air filter out the side, but the hood looks to be off a later model which did, hence the cut out. The exhaust isn't too far off, most used a Hamburger muffler pointed on a angle downward

[Chris 642]

Get some tubes in those tyres. Rears will hold air but fronts may need replacing

 

Good clean & spray with ACF 50 she will be great

[Scottwilson 76]

On 07/08/2018 at 4:30 AM, HeadExam said:

My bad, the 850 with the 8.5 hp Wisconsin didn't have the air filter out the side, but the hood looks to be off a later model which did, hence the cut out. The exhaust isn't too far off, most used a Hamburger muffler pointed on a angle downward

I’ll keep my eyes open for a new or used exhaust .

On 07/08/2018 at 10:00 PM, Chris said:

Get some tubes in those tyres. Rears will hold air but fronts may need replacing

 

Good clean & spray with ACF 50 she will be great

Tears have split unfortunately so I think it will be a set of 4 . Im

umdec on leave as is or paint 🤔

[HeadExam 1,783]

5 hours ago, Scottwilson said:

I’ll keep my eyes open for a new or used exhaust .

Tears have split unfortunately so I think it will be a set of 4 . Im

umdec on leave as is or paint 🤔

I know this isn't going to be what you want to hear, but when it comes to tyres, buying cheap tires will definitely have you buying another set in a few years. The cheap ones dry crack and deteriorate very quickly. You can find a good deal on good tyres on eBay. I like Kenda (number 1) BKM, and Duro, Stay away from High Run and Deestone, especially if you actually plan on using the tractor.

[Scottwilson 76]

On 09/08/2018 at 4:36 AM, HeadExam said:

I know this isn't going to be what you want to hear, but when it comes to tyres, buying cheap tires will definitely have you buying another set in a few years. The cheap ones dry crack and deteriorate very quickly. You can find a good deal on good tyres on eBay. I like Kenda (number 1) BKM, and Duro, Stay away from High Run and Deestone, especially if you actually plan on using the tractor.

I’ve just put Carlisle super lugs on the rear of the horse and Duro on the front . I expect it will set me back a little but will be worth it 👍

[Sammoore13bolens1053 11]

I’m in need of a lift assembly, cough cough

[HeadExam 1,783]

2 hours ago, Scottwilson said:

I’ve just put Carlisle super lugs on the rear of the horse and Duro on the front . I expect it will set me back a little but will be worth it 👍

You wont be sorry you spent the extra, they are lifetime tyres

2 hours ago, Sammoore13bolens1053 said:

I’m in need of a lift assembly, cough cough

manual or hydraulic?

[Sammoore13bolens1053 11]

Eiether! Xd

[HeadExam 1,783]

18 minutes ago, Sammoore13bolens1053 said:

Eiether! Xd

Hard to tell what you need or want unless we get more details or pictures

[Sammoore13bolens1053 11]

A manual lift arm or a hydraulic lift kit

[Scottwilson 76]

On 07/08/2018 at 4:30 AM, HeadExam said:

My bad, the 850 with the 8.5 hp Wisconsin didn't have the air filter out the side, but the hood looks to be off a later model which did, hence the cut out. The exhaust isn't too far off, most used a Hamburger muffler pointed on a angle downward

Been having a little look about and found a few pictures of what’s left on there and the bonnet I have don’t seem to have been cut all the rolled over part and shape looks original. I may be very wrong though ? I’m going to hop out to the car and grab the replacement in a mo and see if it unscrews at the muffler . The jump pack is charging and I’m hoping to see if I get any life out of it tonight 😊

[Triumph66 1,256]

Look forward to seeing updates Scott. When you drain the transmission oil be sure to use GL1 spec oil as the gears are bronze. 

 

As far as I am aware and understand the cut out on the bonnet are for the later models. I looked at my 850 today and that bonnet is the same as my 1050 which got no cut out. I am sure a more knowledgeable Bolens expert will confirm it.

 

i can thoroughly recommend both Rick and Brian from the USA on Bolens parts. Check out GTT Bolens Forum and see their respective websites.

[Scottwilson 76]

19 minutes ago, Triumph66 said:

Look forward to seeing updates Scott. When you drain the transmission oil be sure to use GL1 spec oil as the gears are bronze. 

 

As far as I am aware and understand the cut out on the bonnet are for the later models. I looked at my 850 today and that bonnet is the same as my 1050 which got no cut out. I am sure a more knowledgeable Bolens expert will confirm it.

 

i can thoroughly recommend both Rick and Brian from the USA on Bolens parts. Check out GTT Bolens Forum and see their respective websites.

Could it be possible that the one I have being the 1966 serial number is different to the 67,68 and 69 ? Only when I google 1966 I find these images . I’ll check out Rick and Brian for parts 👍

[Triumph66 1,256]

I will post your query on GTT and get back to you. I will be interested to know too! 

 

[Scottwilson 76]

2 minutes ago, Triumph66 said:

I will post your query on GTT and get back to you. I will be interested to know too! 

 

Thank you 👍

[Scottwilson 76]

Give up for today with trying to get it to turn over/run . Iv connected a new battery and I get absolutely nothing . What should I check next is there a solenoid I’m not seeing ? Could it be the starter ? 

[Stormin 4,458]

Look for any cut out switches. P.T.O. , Seat.

[Triumph66 1,256]

There is a YT video about firing up a Bolens 850. If I can find it I will give you the link.

 

Have you looked at the points yet?

 

Also what's the serial number on your tractor? 

 

 

 

[Scottwilson 76]

8 minutes ago, Stormin said:

Look for any cut out switches. P.T.O. , Seat.

Seats off and can’t see a switch Norm .

 

4 minutes ago, Triumph66 said:

There is a YT video about firing up a Bolens 850. If I can find it I will give you the link.

 

Have you looked at the points yet?

 

Also what's the serial number on your tractor? 

I’ve not looked at the points yet just wanted to see if I could get it to spin over . I did look for a YouTube video but couldn’t see one . 191 01

[Triumph66 1,256]

Yes yours is definitely a '66 model.

 

I think there are Parts 2 & 3  on that above video.