26 replies to this topic

[jpk]

I picked this thing up about 6 weeks ago simply because I had never seen one and it was too cool to pass up. All I knew when I bought it was that the engine wasn't seized and the seller claimed it ran and he drove it. It had no battery, no gas, the key switch was shot, and the rest of the electrical system looked pretty sketchy.
It's a 940 model FS-11 made in Sweden by Stiga. There wasn't anything seriously wrong with it, just a bit neglected, and a previous owner that liked to take things apart and couldn't quite manage to put things together the same way. I really enjoyed puttering around with this thing and getting everything sorted out.
The B&S 11 hp runs strong, it only really needed a carb rebuild kit, new governor spring, and a diode in the charging circuit. It mows quite nicely, albeit the cutting height is a bit low. I've since remedied that by using a chain to support the mower instead of the spring that lets it ride entirely on the ground. I've used it out at my friend's farm and it's managed to mow through some pretty heavy grass. It's really a neat little machine.

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[Bolens 1000]

Welcome to GTT
As far as I know these were made by Bolens and not Stiga. Stiga did have a yellow colored mower that looked almost identical to the Bolens version.
I dont know a whole lot about these , but I believe the FS11 was made 1980

Nice Looking Machine!

[jpk]

I haven't been able to find much information about these out on the internet, so that's one of the reasons I wanted to get this post going. If anyone has one of these (or questions about them) please chime in, I'll be glad to answer any questions I can. I did find a parts breakdown for a similar 942 model, from what I can gather most everything is the same except the transmission/axle drive and the mower deck.
This machine is definitely made in Sweden; there's a model/SN plate (next to the FMC/Bolens plate) that says so. It uses goofy double-V drive belts for the mower, all metric fasteners (except for the engine/trans), and Trelleborg tires. If that's not enough proof of country of origin, I'm not sure what is! :smile1:

[Bolens 1000]

Do you have a parts list for your mower? If not I have one for the FS11 and can upload it for you.
This summer I got to see a NOS one up close still in the crate,didnt bring the camera though:wallbanging:

[mjodrey]

Nice looking Bolens.

[KennyP]

I like those. Gonna have to find one, I guess. I could do lots of neat things with one. Add some counter weight to the rear and make some small forks for the front to move things around, etc.

[jpk]

Do you have a parts list for your mower? If not I have one for the FS11 and can upload it for you.

I found a parts breakdown for the 942 on Jacques Lacasse's web site (Bolens Garden Tractor Page) and it's pretty close. The only difference I've seen so far is that the 940 has a disk brake on the transmission, whereas the 942 has a separate band brake on the axle.

[jpk]

A couple more pictures...

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[Bolens 1000]

How does it do mowing?

[silverado]

They mow great. I have a 942 and sold Bolens equipment from 1986 to 1991. I used to sell the 943 & 944 models, but was able to buy this old 942 about 4 years ago. They cut great, but you need to regularly tighten the steering cable. Mine recently broke again, so I'm at a stand still right now.

[speedyg]

They mow great. I have a 942 and sold Bolens equipment from 1986 to 1991. I used to sell the 943 & 944 models, but was able to buy this old 942 about 4 years ago. They cut great, but you need to regularly tighten the steering cable. Mine recently broke again, so I'm at a stand still right now.

Welcome silerado and thanks for the info.

[speedyg]

Nice find jpk, What moter is in it? It looks to be in great shape!!!

[Bolens 1000]

They mow great. I have a 942 and sold Bolens equipment from 1986 to 1991. I used to sell the 943 & 944 models, but was able to buy this old 942 about 4 years ago. They cut great, but you need to regularly tighten the steering cable. Mine recently broke again, so I'm at a stand still right now.

Welcome to GTT!

We would love to see some pictures of your Bolens if you get a chance

[mizestang]

Wow, I can't believe someone else has a Bolens 943.  I'm in need of some help guys.  I'm trying to replace the steering cable and I cannot figure out the routing. As simple as it looks, I have too much slack and cannot keep it on. Broke 2 already.  Any help is appreciated.

 

Chris

[Texas Deere and Horse]

Chris, Welcome to GTtalk. One of the Bolens guys will be by soon to help you out.