[Oldford]

Never had a bolens, there's a 1256 supposedly recently stopped running, looks complete, he's asking 150. Another guy nearby has "tube frame attachments," 1256 is a tube frame, right?

So I'm wondering if these old Wisconsin bolens are cheap to keep running? Parts still available, points, carb kits, etc...?

I'd just be putting a front blade on it for yard cleanup and tug.

i like the idea of having just a few hundred bucks tied up in a machine, instead of a couple thousand in the Case and JD... any old GT is just one sheared bolt away from catastrophic failure....

appreciate any advice/info/tips, they look like cool little tractors, easy to move around, thanks for any help

 

[Bolens 1000]

This is going to have the TRA12D with solid state ignition

Almost All parts are available but ignition parts are getting pricey.

 

[Toolfoole]

Bolens' are great machines, especially the tube-frames and large-frames. You can't go wrong for $150. The wheel weights alone regularly go for $125-$150+. Once you get it working, you won't regret your purchase. Good luck!

 

[wilberj]

Bolens' are great machines, especially the tube-frames and large-frames. You can't go wrong for $150. The wheel weights alone regularly go for $125-$150+. Once you get it working, you won't regret your purchase. Good luck!

Those are off brand weights...

 

[Toolfoole]

Those are off brand weights...

I noticed that right after I posted. Weights are always worth something, though. Usually a buck a pound, at least in this part of the country.

 

[chieffan]

Do some serious checking on that solid state ignition before you jump in. Also, like Dr. Bolens said, Parts are getting pricey. Very pricey.

 

[Oldford]

This is going to have the TRA12D with solid state ignition

Almost All parts are available but ignition parts are getting pricey.

Well he said it "needs a coil and wiring is a mess" so that ain't sounding good.

What is worst case if all the electrics are fried? How much work, how much in parts... thanks!

... i just picked up some bolens 12" weights for a buck a pound sounds like i did ok then. has numbers on the back, nothing on the front, probly just as well i put them on a jd and painted them yellow

 

[Bolens 1000]

I'd be looking for a different machine, he likely fried the coil wiring it wrong maybe , your looking at $200 - $300 for a complete ignition overhaul

 

[Oldford]

Are there any bolens singles with points and hydro lift?

 

[Bolens 1000]

I believe all hydros were solid state ignition, the gear drives were mostly points ignition until they used the Tecumseh engines in the 70's but the gear drives had hydro lifts as optional equipment.

 

[Deerlope]

Check the head and be sure it is still good.

 

[chieffan]

The manual lift is not bad at all if you have the helper spring kit on the tractor too. I have a thrower on the front of a G12 with the lift assist and it is no problem to raise it one hand and I have bad shoulders.

 

[gardentractornut]

If the coil is bad, you could get a stock one but I bought this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161224630362?nav=SEARCH&rmvSB=true

It says it's NLA, but there's probably more out there. Works just fine, the only peeve of mine is it's so darn bulky. I ended up mounting it next to the battery, I don't seem to have a pic of it though.

I bought my 1254 non-running and once I got it running, it has been very reliable and man will it WORK! I love the TRA-12D, but I haven't had to do much with ignition. I would see if it's the coil, if so you shouldn't have much trouble bringing it back to life.