44 replies to this topic

[Lovintractorin]

Hello all,
I have been here a little while but haven't really posted. I dragged this one home Saturday cause I seem to have a tractor addiction. It is the second Bolens that has followed me home this year. I'll see if I can upload a few pictures.

It is not the original engine. I swapped the engine from my bothers (the other bolens that I got this year) to make sure everything worked good. The original engine was a Tecumseh HH120 with no spark. I am waiting on a guy who says he has a spare ignition unit. I'd be tickled pink if that is the engine's only problem. The rest of the tractor works great. I love gear drive tractors. My brother's is a 1256 hydo which needs some hydrostatic work. I works good for mowing on flat ground though. Great machines and I hope i'll get to make this one pretty with a new paint job sometime soon. Would like to blow some snow with it this winter so it may have to wait till next year.

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Edited by Lovintractorin, September 22, 2011 - 04:43 PM.

[Texas Deere and Horse]

Loven, WELCOME to GT talk, glad you joined us. Thats a really nice original 1253 you got there. The seat is in descent shape and could be repaired. Thanks for sharing, and have fun with your new tractor.

[speedyg]

Nice find!!!!! Looks tough. :)

[Lovintractorin]

Thanks for the welcome. You are right about the seat, I was impressed with how good condition the seat is in. The hood does look repainted but a lot of it looks original.
Tucker

[mjodrey]

Tucker,welcome to the forum.
Glad to have you with us.

Nice looking 1253.

[KennyP]

Nice 1253 you have there. Good luck with the other engine. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[Bolens 1000]

Welcome to GTT

Nice Looking 1253

I believe that tractor was once owned by one of our members here

[Lovintractorin]

Welcome to GTT

Nice Looking 1253

I believe that tractor was once owned by one of our members here

Thanks and yes, I bought both the Bolens from fonz3482. Didn't know he was on here. I just found him on another forum I am part of as well.

[pharmer]

Nice tractor. I have the same one. My seat is shot though. I think this tractor is every bit as tough as my Powerking. It makes my Wheel Horse 857 feel like a toy. Mine has the snowplow on it waiting to be put to work.

[OldBuzzard]

Danged nice lookin tractor.

Was that seat an option? Most of the seats I've seen don't have the high back.

[Lovintractorin]

Danged nice lookin tractor.

Was that seat an option? Most of the seats I've seen don't have the high back.

Here is a picture off a broshure which shows the same seat.http://gardentractortalk.com/attachments/f4/571d1266087090-tube-frames-revised-10-3-10-1253-jpg/

[Bolens 1000]

Danged nice lookin tractor.

Was that seat an option? Most of the seats I've seen don't have the high back.

That seat is original to the tractor, as seen in the pic above

[Lovintractorin]

The tractor must not have been used real heavily cause it doesn't seem to be worn out like the other Bolens we have. The steering is tight and it looked like it came with the original tires and the clutch does not look very worn. I know the tires and clutch could have been replaced but as to looking at the seat they look a little aged but not worn. I put the front right tire on it because the original wasn't holding air. I might have helped cause that when unloading cause I was in a hurry and pumped it up around 20lbs. It bulged and went flat in the amount of time it took us to push it 10 feet. I may try to put a tube in it but tire threads may be to damaged to use. Yesterday I swapped my bothers engine back into his tractor and am so tempted to keep disassembling the 1253 but I already restored a tractor once with a grinder and wire wheel and am ready for a sand blaster. I would like to look into the transmission and lube some of the brake and clutch linkage. It also needs a new brake shoe. Other than that just a repaint job. I am happy with the tractor condition so far and just hope the engine repair is simple (I know it is never turns out like that).
Cheers

[Bolens 1000]

Hope the engine repair goes smoothly for you.

Be sure to keep us updated on your progress

[OldBuzzard]

That seat is original to the tractor, as seen in the pic above

Maybe, and maybe not. Most mfgs, aren't above showing 'optional equiplent' in their literature.

I'm still betting that that seat is an option, and the flatter ones, like the one below, were standard equipment

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