18 replies to this topic

[JDub]

Funny how small the world is. I live in a part of the country where old garden tractors are hard to come by. A wanted ad led me to the Bolens 1886 pictured below and a Craftsman GTV 18, both of which I brought home. The Craftsman needed less work, and I need the extra unit for orchard work next year, so I started with it. It's now fully torn apart (see my post in the Craftsman forum). Long story short, a top-end rebuild led me to a local machinist, and our conversation revealed that his dad had left behind a Bolens tiller. 

 

So, he has my interest. Can anyone tell me which tiller serial numbers will work for the 1886? He sent me some pics, which I'm working to transfer from my phone to upload here, but I'm still waiting on the serial number from him. Any input from the experts would be much appreciated.

 

P.S. Relatedly, when I picked up plugs at the parts house for the Craftsman, my conversation with the service rep revealed that he once had a Craftsman GT. He had sold it, but still had the attachments. I'll be calling him next week--disc, blade, and rake. 

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[nyrobbie77]

There are three tillers that will work for your machine. 

 

18025 is a 25" wide tiller which you can add an extension to

18090 is a 33" wide tiller

18093 is a 33" wide tiller but will need different mounting arms

 

All three require drive shaft p/n 1722650

 

Here is a link that has an attachment interchange list as well as some parts diagrams:

 

http://www.samsbolen...largeframe.html

 

When installing the tiller, the mounting arms rest on pins in the lower holes on the rear axle housing.  Make sure to install pins in the upper holes once the tiller is in place to prevent the tiller from bucking and causing the drive shaft to rub on the axle housing. 

 

Looks like a good project to start with.  Keep us posted!

[blackjackjakexxix]

If you come up with the tiller that is 18093 and need the different mounting arms I should have them,just let me know,good luck with your tractor,looks like a very nice find

[boyscout862]

You are doing well. It is funny how in this hobby, stuff will just show up. Let all of your friends know what you are interested in and little tractors will come out of the woodwork. When I started collecting a friend who works on a road crew would drop off things he found being thrown out. This included several tractors and many attachments.

Most of the 85+ that I have were given to me and the people were happy to have the room. This was years ago when scrap was very low. Now that scrap is low again, you are doing a service by taking things away.

Check our Manuals Section for info on your tractors and their engines. Good Luck, Rick

Edited by boyscout862, January 13, 2016 - 09:58 AM.

[wilberj]

There are three tillers that will work for your machine. 

 

18025 is a 25" wide tiller which you can add an extension to

18090 is a 33" wide tiller

18093 is a 33" wide tiller but will need different mounting arms

 

All three require drive shaft p/n 1722650

 

Here is a link that has an attachment interchange list as well as some parts diagrams:

 

http://www.samsbolen...largeframe.html

 

When installing the tiller, the mounting arms rest on pins in the lower holes on the rear axle housing.  Make sure to install pins in the upper holes once the tiller is in place to prevent the tiller from bucking and causing the drive shaft to rub on the axle housing. 

 

Looks like a good project to start with.  Keep us posted!

 

 

FYI you don't need to change the arms to make that tiller work. 

[blackjackjakexxix]

My mistake,was thinking if you were mounting one of the red tillers from a 1250,1455,1476,1477 onto a HT tractor you would need to change arms

[Austen]

 

I live in a part of the country where old garden tractors are hard to come by.

 

Yup, they are quite a bit harder to come by in this part of the country. Typically people want an arm and leg for them too when you find one.

Edited by Austen, January 13, 2016 - 09:41 PM.

[JDub]

Many thanks to all for the very helpful input. I'll let you know what I come up with. Still waiting to hear back on the serial number.

[BolensChrisUK]

So would the black flat top tiller I have on my 1556 (see my other topic) fit on my 1886??

[wilberj]

So would the black flat top tiller I have on my 1556 (see my other topic) fit on my 1886??

 

 

No it will not. 

[BolensChrisUK]

I know it wont how it is but is it poss to change brackets to suit 1886 rear end?

 

Do you also need longer drive shaft??

[blackjackjakexxix]

Chris I sent you a pm with my thoughts

[wilberj]

I know it wont how it is but is it poss to change brackets to suit 1886 rear end?

 

Do you also need longer drive shaft??

 

 

What are you asking? 

[BolensChrisUK]

I was asking this.

 

By changing the mounting brackets on a black flat top tiller for a tube frame tractor. Can it be mounted onto a large frame tractor & used ok.

 

I also understand that the drive shaft will be to short.

 

Just a thought in my head as I have a spare tiller & wondered if it had/ could be done.

 

I replied to your PM Rick

 

Thanks to all for info

[JDub]

So, I finally re-connected with the owner of the tiller. Turns out the serial number is worn off. I got the two attached pictures of it. Can anyone here tell which model it is? 

Attached Thumbnails

• 
•