18 replies to this topic

[Garret Ballantine]

Hello everyone! First I apologize if there is another forum with this information, but I couldn't find it. 

 

I just got a Bolens walk-behind tractor and would like some help identifying the year and engine so I can find manuals and such. I have a picture of the frame I.D. tag but haven't found a tag on the engine yet, if there is one. 

 

I love these tractors and can see why they are addictive. It is a work horse when it stays running, but that is an issue I'm having with it. I can't seem to adjust the carb just right. 

 

Thanks in advance for any input.

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[HDWildBill]

Welcome aboard.  Some of the Bolens guys will be along in a little while that may be able to help you.

[blackjackjakexxix]

Hi,also welcome aboard,I have a lot of New and used Bolens parts,but am not up on the walkbehinds,someone with more knowledge will be along shortly to help you identify your tractor,good luck with it,they are neat little machines

[Bruce Dorsi]

Welcome to GTT, Garrett !

 

The Bolens Model 12BB-01 tractors were made in 1950, 1951, 1952, & 1953, and are known as Power-Ho tractors.  ....Here is a manual for the tractor:

http://gardentractor...01-and-12bb-01/

 

Here is a link to the Power Ho section of the Bolens Manuals where many PowerHo attachment manuals can be found:

http://gardentractor...olens-power-ho/

 

The Manuals Forum here at GTT has a library of many manuals for many brands of equipment & engines.  ....There is a tab for the Manuals forum at the top of the page (just under the GT Talk heading).

 

The B&S Model 8R6 engine was most common on a Bolens 12BB01, yet some 12BB's had B&S NPR6 engines.  .....There should be a metal plate covering the cooling fins at the back-side of the engine.  ...The B&S Model, Type, and Serial numbers are stamped into that plate (if it is still there).

 

Here is a link to a B&S Repair Manual which will cover your B&S engine.

http://gardentractor...ines-1919-1981/

 

Here is a B&S manual for the Model 8R6 engines.  ....Your B&S TYPE number may, or may not, be covered by this manual.

http://gardentractor...ries-8-engines/

 

There is a limit to how many manuals you can download on each visit to GTT, so you may have to spread your downloads over several visits.  ...Of course, any downloads are FREE!

[LilysDad]

Oooooohhhhh . . . . .      She's a pretty one!

[Bolens 1000]

Welcome to GTT

I see Bruce has you covered for info

 

Nice tractor these walkbehinds are just as tough as the Riders they built. 

[Garret Ballantine]

Thanks a lot guys! I found the tag on the engine. Thank you Bruce for the manual!

[Bruce Dorsi]

I found the tag on the engine.

 

Would you mind posting all the engine numbers here?  ....I may be able to provide more info.

[wilberj]

Welcome to Gttalk. The 12BB01 Power Ho was one if not is the most mass produced Bolens tractor ever made with over 46,000 made as we know of right now.  

[Garret Ballantine]

@HDWILDBILL Thanks for the welcome Senior Chief! I'm a former HT2 medically retired.

[Garret Ballantine]

Bruce, here's a photo of the tag.

[Garret Ballantine]

Sorry didn't up load.

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[Nato77]

 

 
The B&S Model 8R6 engine was most common on a Bolens 12BB01, yet some 12BB's had B&S NPR6 engines.  .....There should be a metal plate covering the cooling fins at the back-side of the engine.  ...The B&S Model, Type, and Serial numbers are stamped into that plate (if it is still there).
 

Not that I'm questioning you Bruce, but I wasn't aware they put an NPR6 on a 12BB. Was it an option/special order thing?

[Bruce Dorsi]

Not that I'm questioning you Bruce, but I wasn't aware they put an NPR6 on a 12BB. Was it an option/special order thing?

 

I really don't know, Nate, but I saw several  12BB's with NPR6 engines.  .....I don't know if someone swapped them in, or if they left the factory that way. 

 

Sometimes the Bolens paperwork isn't accurate, and sometimes the factory would substitute engines ifn there was disruption in the supply chain.

Edited by Bruce Dorsi, May 09, 2016 - 08:07 PM.

[Bruce Dorsi]

Sorry didn't up load.

 

Garret, your B&S 8R6 Serial # 298007 was made in December 1952, so most likely the tractor was made in 1953.

 

Of course, this assumes this is the original engine for that tractor.