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#1
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Bolen ride on info needed & others
Just got my first ride on mower yesterday, took me 5 years to afford one
(used). It's an oldie, Bolens 2136, rear engine with a B&S 11hp IC motor, twin cutters type. I would have preferred a more mini tractor style but I couldn't afford them. But that's another story. I'm on just over an acre on the mid-north coast (NSW) and I'm the only mug in the estate who was still pushing a mower...till now! Before I start asking questions, the reason I ask them in this newsgroup is like many businesses asking shop keepers the same questions usually is followed by them handing over information attached with an invoice or over inflated parts prices. So hopefully someone can point me in the right direction and I can be armed with some information. I need some information starting with this, are there Bolen crossover parts with MTD who apparently took over the Bolens mower company? I am assuming I need new belts as I when I hit some taller grass the blades slow down, then pick up again. The grass doesn't need to be thick either. So I guess the belts are too loose to turn the blades. Turned off the motor and I looked for a tensioner, there is one that resembles it but applying pressure to it didn't take up the slack in the belt. With the blades engaged I can easily turn them by hand, that's not right is it? Or have I missed something eg. the real tensioner. The question is, anyone got an idea what the belt specs are for this model, eg. belt model number. I'll be chasing one at the local bearing/engineering shop that stocks lots of belts, they are always cheaper for crossover parts for anything. Need the info just in case they don't have a mower listing. I find the Bolens poorly reacts to tighter turns. It tends to slide for a bit (understeer) when you want to do a U-turn, even at slow speeds and in low gears. Tyres are good but it seems like the problem is weight distribution, too much on the rear. Am I right or am I using the wrong technique or do "they all do that sir"? Have used mini tractor style ride-ons and they go where they are pointed. Very surprised when I bought an air filter today. I was given 4 prices from 4 shops, $18, $26, $32 and $40....guess which one I bought. The $18 one of course! Made in the USA like all the other ones, someones making huge profits. I bought this thing with eyes wide open, it looks pretty good for an approximately 10 year old mower and has done lots of work judging by the worn front wheel axles. It was cheap and I plan to persevere with it, it's a work in progress but with some help from you lot I may be able to work out some short comings of owning such a beast. Thanks for reading this far and hopefully get some positive feedback from those who know their ride-ons. Raf |
#2
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Bolen ride on info needed & others
"RafD" wrote in message ... Just got my first ride on mower yesterday, took me 5 years to afford one (used). It's an oldie, Bolens 2136, rear engine with a B&S 11hp IC motor, twin cutters type. I would have preferred a more mini tractor style but I couldn't afford them. But that's another story. I'm on just over an acre on the mid-north coast (NSW) and I'm the only mug in the estate who was still pushing a mower...till now! Before I start asking questions, the reason I ask them in this newsgroup is like many businesses asking shop keepers the same questions usually is followed by them handing over information attached with an invoice or over inflated parts prices. So hopefully someone can point me in the right direction and I can be armed with some information. I need some information starting with this, are there Bolen crossover parts with MTD who apparently took over the Bolens mower company? I am assuming I need new belts as I when I hit some taller grass the blades slow down, then pick up again. The grass doesn't need to be thick either. So I guess the belts are too loose to turn the blades. Do the engine revs die down a lot, then pick up? If so then it may be that the grass is just too much for it, or the blades may be blunt. We had a bolens ride on as a temp replacement at work, and when the belts would slip the revs didn't die too much at all, but a large cloud of smoke from the burning rubber from slipping belts would come out from the deck, but then if yours is slipping it may be only for a couple of seconds, then grab. Usually if the contact side of the belt is really shiny, hard and smooth the belt will slip. It may be even possible to get something from the auto parts store to stop belts slipping. I know they have stuff that stops belts "squeaking" (and slipping a little) in cars. Cake soap rubbed on the belt does that too, but I woulldn't suggest this for a ride on in case it gets wet Turned off the motor and I looked for a tensioner, there is one that resembles it but applying pressure to it didn't take up the slack in the belt. With the blades engaged I can easily turn them by hand, that's not right is it? Or have I missed something eg. the real tensioner. Not sure bout the blades engaged, but generally take the longest distance of the belt between 2 pulleys or contact points, go to halfway, then check by hand how far the belt moves side to side. It shouldn't bet too much more than 1cm either way. You will find too that loose belts usually come off. This is only a suggestion though, be careful as belts that are too tight will kill bearings real quick The question is, anyone got an idea what the belt specs are for this model, eg. belt model number. I'll be chasing one at the local bearing/engineering shop that stocks lots of belts, they are always cheaper for crossover parts for anything. Need the info just in case they don't have a mower listing. Can't help you there, but a good mower place should be able to help you without a listing if the old belt is taken in, along with model number of mower I find the Bolens poorly reacts to tighter turns. It tends to slide for a bit (understeer) when you want to do a U-turn, even at slow speeds and in low gears. Tyres are good but it seems like the problem is weight distribution, too much on the rear. Am I right or am I using the wrong technique or do "they all do that sir"? Have used mini tractor style ride-ons and they go where they are pointed. Most 2 wheel drives will do this, and usually it is lack of weight at front, and the slipperyness of grass, or both. The bolen we had did the same and also when on a slide slope (forget which way), the oil must have spilt into combustion chambers and it would pump out smoke like nothing else from the exhaust. If yours does it, don't worry too much. Just try avoid it, or if thats not possible, make sure you check oil levels every use, and keep the spark plug clean every use. Good luck with it all Very surprised when I bought an air filter today. I was given 4 prices from 4 shops, $18, $26, $32 and $40....guess which one I bought. The $18 one of course! Made in the USA like all the other ones, someones making huge profits. I bought this thing with eyes wide open, it looks pretty good for an approximately 10 year old mower and has done lots of work judging by the worn front wheel axles. It was cheap and I plan to persevere with it, it's a work in progress but with some help from you lot I may be able to work out some short comings of owning such a beast. Thanks for reading this far and hopefully get some positive feedback from those who know their ride-ons. Raf |
#3
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Bolen ride on info needed & others
"RafD" wrote in message ... Just got my first ride on mower yesterday, took me 5 years to afford one (used). It's an oldie, Bolens 2136, rear engine with a B&S 11hp IC motor, twin cutters type. I would have preferred a more mini tractor style but I couldn't afford them. But that's another story. I'm on just over an acre on the mid-north coast (NSW) and I'm the only mug in the estate who was still pushing a mower...till now! Before I start asking questions, the reason I ask them in this newsgroup is like many businesses asking shop keepers the same questions usually is followed by them handing over information attached with an invoice or over inflated parts prices. So hopefully someone can point me in the right direction and I can be armed with some information. I need some information starting with this, are there Bolen crossover parts with MTD who apparently took over the Bolens mower company? I am assuming I need new belts as I when I hit some taller grass the blades slow down, then pick up again. The grass doesn't need to be thick either. So I guess the belts are too loose to turn the blades. Do the engine revs die down a lot, then pick up? If so then it may be that the grass is just too much for it, or the blades may be blunt. We had a bolens ride on as a temp replacement at work, and when the belts would slip the revs didn't die too much at all, but a large cloud of smoke from the burning rubber from slipping belts would come out from the deck, but then if yours is slipping it may be only for a couple of seconds, then grab. Usually if the contact side of the belt is really shiny, hard and smooth the belt will slip. It may be even possible to get something from the auto parts store to stop belts slipping. I know they have stuff that stops belts "squeaking" (and slipping a little) in cars. Cake soap rubbed on the belt does that too, but I woulldn't suggest this for a ride on in case it gets wet Turned off the motor and I looked for a tensioner, there is one that resembles it but applying pressure to it didn't take up the slack in the belt. With the blades engaged I can easily turn them by hand, that's not right is it? Or have I missed something eg. the real tensioner. Not sure bout the blades engaged, but generally take the longest distance of the belt between 2 pulleys or contact points, go to halfway, then check by hand how far the belt moves side to side. It shouldn't bet too much more than 1cm either way. You will find too that loose belts usually come off. This is only a suggestion though, be careful as belts that are too tight will kill bearings real quick The question is, anyone got an idea what the belt specs are for this model, eg. belt model number. I'll be chasing one at the local bearing/engineering shop that stocks lots of belts, they are always cheaper for crossover parts for anything. Need the info just in case they don't have a mower listing. Can't help you there, but a good mower place should be able to help you without a listing if the old belt is taken in, along with model number of mower I find the Bolens poorly reacts to tighter turns. It tends to slide for a bit (understeer) when you want to do a U-turn, even at slow speeds and in low gears. Tyres are good but it seems like the problem is weight distribution, too much on the rear. Am I right or am I using the wrong technique or do "they all do that sir"? Have used mini tractor style ride-ons and they go where they are pointed. Most 2 wheel drives will do this, and usually it is lack of weight at front, and the slipperyness of grass, or both. The bolen we had did the same and also when on a slide slope (forget which way), the oil must have spilt into combustion chambers and it would pump out smoke like nothing else from the exhaust. If yours does it, don't worry too much. Just try avoid it, or if thats not possible, make sure you check oil levels every use, and keep the spark plug clean every use. Good luck with it all Very surprised when I bought an air filter today. I was given 4 prices from 4 shops, $18, $26, $32 and $40....guess which one I bought. The $18 one of course! Made in the USA like all the other ones, someones making huge profits. I bought this thing with eyes wide open, it looks pretty good for an approximately 10 year old mower and has done lots of work judging by the worn front wheel axles. It was cheap and I plan to persevere with it, it's a work in progress but with some help from you lot I may be able to work out some short comings of owning such a beast. Thanks for reading this far and hopefully get some positive feedback from those who know their ride-ons. Raf |
#4
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Bolen ride on info needed & others
I looked for a tensioner, there is one that resembles it but applying
pressure to it didn't take up the slack in the belt. With the blades engaged I can easily turn them by hand, that's not right is it? Or have I missed something eg. the real tensioner. Does the motor mount have enlongated bolt holes that allow you to move the motor further away? Is the belt old, hardened and polished so it slides in the groove on the pulleys? I don't know this mower, but many use A or B industrial belts that are available from many industrial area bearing, nut and bolt and so on stores. Or tractor/agri places often have a good range. You might find that it is the same as a fanbelt for some cars and these can be had cheap from your local cheap auto parts place. A buildup of oily deposits on the surface of the V belt may also allow more slip than you want. I have cleaned belts in the past with a petrol soaked rag, but I don't know this is reccomended practice. At least it's cheap. (I'm broke too after spending all my money on paying off the bank...) eg. belt model number. I'll be chasing one at the local bearing/engineering Duh, I missed this before I wrote the above! Must find more beer, mmm beer, mmmm beer! shop that stocks lots of belts, they are always cheaper for crossover parts for anything. Need the info just in case they don't have a mower listing. As you have the old belt then you can measure the length, or you can measure the pulley diameters and the distance between centres or you can stick the rideon in a trailer and take it down there. My unit I took with me on the back of my little truck and they let me try the belt for size before purchase in the carpark. I find the Bolens poorly reacts to tighter turns. It tends to slide for a bit (understeer) when you want to do a U-turn, even at slow speeds and in low gears. Tyres are good but it seems like the problem is weight distribution, too much on the rear. Am I right or am I using the wrong technique or do "they all do that sir"? Have used mini tractor style ride-ons and they go where they are pointed. Does it have a diff on the driven axle, or is a locked diff with both rear wheels turning the same speed. If so it may need to be riden like a cheap trike where you have to lean out the "wrong way" to get it to press down on the outside wheel and lift the inside wheel and allow it to slip. If both wheels have the same grip it will try to drive straight ahead all the time. Very surprised when I bought an air filter today. I was given 4 prices from 4 shops, $18, $26, $32 and $40....guess which one I bought. The $18 one of course! Made in the USA like all the other ones, someones making huge profits. My 8 horse briggs has a foam and oil air cleaner that I wash out and re-oil when it gets dirty. It cost me an old car washing sponge...... A plastic cage that sits inside it stops it from sucking in to much. I bought this thing with eyes wide open, it looks pretty good for an approximately 10 year old mower and has done lots of work judging by the worn front wheel axles. It was cheap and I plan to persevere with it, it's a work in progress but with some help from you lot I may be able to work out some short comings of owning such a beast. Go for it, I use heap ofoldequipment. My tractor is an early 1960's heap that is held together with bailing twine..... Evenmy keyboardis twentyearsold! Hope this helps, Peter |
#5
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[quote=RafD;344231]Just got my first ride on mower yesterday, took me 5 years to afford one
(used). It's an oldie, Bolens 2136, rear engine with a B&S 11hp IC motor, twin cutters type. I would have preferred a more mini tractor style but I couldn't afford them. But that's another story. I'm on just over an acre on the mid-north coast (NSW) and I'm the only mug in the estate who was still pushing a mower...till now! Hello Rafd, My son was just given a Bolens 2136. And as his farther i have been given the job of repairing it. I think I have the same problem as you. I cant find any information out there. The model & serial numbers are no longer on file. I called the Bolens customer care center. And they were unable help me. The lady kept saying the serial number should be 11 numbers and mine is only 7. (0300105) . So she couldnt help me. I would like a parts list for the mower and the engine. I quess you would to. If I find out any thing I'll let you know. And maybe you could do the same. ) I have the history of Bolens company and It has been sold many times . Witch could be the problem. Luckly I only need a few belts and maybe a float for the carburator. But a parts break down would be helpful in the future. If you get luckly with your project . Let me know any info you find out . Thanks |
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