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Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2011 12:49 pm
by Bezirk
I grew up operating one of these that our neighbor owned, recently this one was auctioned near me and it followed me home. The best estimate I have of the year is 1947. The model no is 35 AB. It came with a disc, turn plow and two hiller shovels. I would appreciate any info that anyone has on thi m,achine. The engine has been replaced on this one, they came out with the Wisconsin, 6hp I think.
Berlin Image Image

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2011 12:53 pm
by Winfield Dave
Berlin...Neat looking....You described it very accurately at Cecil's.

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2011 1:17 pm
by Barnyard
Nice piece you got there Berlin. That would be a Bolens Ridemaster. Here is Jason's (Aftermac) wife Mary with her uncle restoring hers.

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Photo by Aftermac

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 8:23 am
by Eugene
http://gardentractortalk.com/section/gt ... -2011-240/
More photos of the machine.

http://gardentractortalk.com/
One of the sites I frequently visit. Has a Bolens section as well as 2 wheeled garden tractors.

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 1:32 pm
by Rudi
Berlin:

Very nice old Bolens. I checked my Bolens manuals and unfortunately I do not have any for the Ridemaster att. There is a Bolens Manual site on the net. WIll go look and see what they have.

I did check out Bolens Ridemaster Manuals and got a couple hits .. this one might be useful Bolens Ridemaster Blog and here Bolens Ridemaster Manuals which I think you are going to enjoy. The last one is part of the GardenTalk forum that Eugene pointed to .. went looking for the Ridemaster manuals and got lucky. Implement Owner's and Parts Lists as well as the Owner's Manual and Parts List.

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These guys/gals seem to have a similar community to ours :shock: :!: Very very 8)

And if you want your very own Manual then :eBay: has one right now:

Bolens Ridemaster Garden Tractor Manual *

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It may be a reprint but for 8 bucks can't go wrong on that one.

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 6:24 pm
by BigBill
There is an articulating tractor on you tube with a snow blower on it. I thinki its a later bolens with the sheetmetal tins on it.

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:04 pm
by Barnyard
BigBill wrote:There is an articulating tractor on you tube with a snow blower on it. I thinki its a later bolens with the sheetmetal tins on it.

That would be interesting to see. Would you happen to have the url for it?

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:39 pm
by Bezirk
Thanks guy for the tips, I am currently bidding on the manual on ebay, the auction ends tomorrow (Saturday night ) I do appreciate all of your comments. I will attempt to plow my garden with it soon and will post the results of that. This B & S motor starts very well, the original Wisconsin that my neighbor had was a bear to start, and if it cut off hot, you had at least an hour's break before it would restart (just like the hay baler's Wisconsin's ). It was a very poor design, I bought it only for the uniqueness of it , and because it brings back many pleasant memories of my teens operating one like it .
Berlin

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:56 pm
by Eugene
Manuals from Garden Tractor Talk are free down loads. You must sign up - be a member - no fees involved.

Get the old Wisconsin engine if it's still around. If the current or original engine had/has the 6 to 1 gear reduction on the side - I have an original parts engine for it.

P.S. My opinion of Wisconsin engine differs greatly from your neighbor.

Re: Odd strange and curious "Articulating" Bolens

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 9:24 am
by Denny Clayton
Bezirk wrote:Thanks guy for the tips, I am currently bidding on the manual on ebay, the auction ends tomorrow (Saturday night ) I do appreciate all of your comments. I will attempt to plow my garden with it soon and will post the results of that. This B & S motor starts very well, the original Wisconsin that my neighbor had was a bear to start, and if it cut off hot, you had at least an hour's break before it would restart (just like the hay baler's Wisconsin's ). It was a very poor design, I bought it only for the uniqueness of it , and because it brings back many pleasant memories of my teens operating one like it .
Berlin

Dad had one of those Wisconsin powered balers. Acted just like that. Also had to lay a bale on the ground to stand on to get up high enough to crank the engine. :roll: