21 replies to this topic

[Oregon_Bolens]

So I found another Hydrostatic Bolens, this time it has a Wisconsin in it! I really don't have any complaints of the Tecumseh so far in the 1556, but how can I turn down a 1256? Basically seems like the same tractor minus three horsepower and a different motor. I'm curious to see how much difference there really is. Anyone else have this combo of tractors or something similar? I'm anxious to go get it, but with the next few days being an awesome reason to celebrate for the 4th, I'm going to have to wait until early next week to get it...unless I talk my wife into going sooner...hmmm....It comes with a tiller too. Getting it for a song. Seat looks nice, seat color seems off to be original...or is it?

 

Anyway, I'm excited. There is also a 1254 available that I may pick up in the same trip. Now that'd be an interesting comparison. What I've found is the 1254 is not Hydrostatic, and being that it is geared it should be better for tilling. Any opinions on this? What's the better tractor, 1256 or 1254? I don't know if there is a better tractor...just differences in how you're going to use the tractor...

 

What is the red knob in the first picture, goes through the rear fender to something?

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

[Bolens 1000]

Nice!

Looks like its in great original condition which is getting harder to find ones that have not been hacked up and abused....

 

The 1256 is a great tractor. I used to have one and loved it.

The red knob you see coming out the fender is the park brake.

 

For tilling Gear drive is your best bet in my opinion.

[superaben]

Very nice grab!  That tractor looks like a great candidate for a rescue. 

 

Ben W.

[C130A Flight Engineer]

[Texas Deere and Horse]

Dad has a 1257 and really likes it. The only difference is the 1257 has a TEC engine.

[OldBuzzard]

Personally, I think that the 1256 was the 'perfect' tube frame tractor.

 

Hydro trans, enough engine to do pretty much anything that you can ask a tube frame to do, and not real thirsty for gas.  It doesn't get much better than that.

[Oregon_Bolens]

Gonna go get it!!! Hopefully we strike a deal! Pics coming soon!...oh yeah...and gonna get the 1254...maybe...we'll see...I don't know...nervous!

 

[Oregon_Bolens]

1st one down. Now gotta go get some fish tacos and a Corona and its on to the second.

This one has a TR-10D in it unfortunately, but it runs good, and has the original seat! Oil is all over the motor...head gasket? Ill get her cleaned up and try to figure out where its coming from. Got a smoking dealon it so I'm happy.

[Oregon_Bolens]

Second Bolens. 1254. With tiller and Haban Sickle Bar. Another killer deal...same road trip. Actually its not far from where I'm working, 3 hours from home. Time for cleaning. Here I come self car wash.

[Jack]

Sweet deal  And a nice sunset too.  Thanks for sharing..

[1967bolens collector]

the difference between the 54 and 56 is one is gear drive and one is hydro. I have a 1254 and it was a great tractor, I have a 1256 now an that's also a great tractor but there the same tractor but one is hydro an one is a 6 speed... its a shame someone put a 10hp but at least they made an attempt by putting a Wisconsin back in it. it could also just have a tra-10d fan shroud, one way you can tell is the 10 d has points the 12d has a solid state ign. and the sickle bar you got is a 405 witch is for the older tube frame there belt driven the 405a is pto driven. I wish you live closer to me I need one of you tiller you have. if I had one I could sell my 1256..

[Oregon_Bolens]

Sweet deal  And a nice sunset too.  Thanks for sharing..

You bet! Those are the Oregon Cascades in the background...fought a few wildland fires up there a couple years ago in my firefighting days. Beautiful country.

[Oregon_Bolens]

the difference between the 54 and 56 is one is gear drive and one is hydro. I have a 1254 and it was a great tractor, I have a 1256 now an that's also a great tractor but there the same tractor but one is hydro an one is a 6 speed... its a shame someone put a 10hp but at least they made an attempt by putting a Wisconsin back in it. it could also just have a tra-10d fan shroud, one way you can tell is the 10 d has points the 12d has a solid state ign. and the sickle bar you got is a 405 witch is for the older tube frame there belt driven the 405a is pto driven. I wish you live closer to me I need one of you tiller you have. if I had one I could sell my 1256..

I like the hydrostatic, but I'm excited about trying out the 6 speed. The 56 hydro is strong, it lifts the tires off the ground if you go forward quickly. It is a TRA-10D, the PO said the SS ignition was bad on the S12 so he put the 10 in...on well. Like you said, at least its a Wisconsin, and it seems real strong, just need to find the source of the terrible oil leak. The 54 needs the starter/generator installed. It was just rebuilt according to the PO on that one.

If you were closer I'd give you a good deal on a tiller, I have 4 of them now. I'd trade for a good deck or snow caster. Don't know much about the sickle bar. Obviously the PTO driven 405a must be the better one, but how is the 405?

[C130A Flight Engineer]

Very nice score!

[1967bolens collector]

man I have the perfect deck for you to off a 1256 in alsome shape. the 405a is built a little better and worth more