1967 - Bolens Large Frame Tractors - 1987

1967 - 1969

The 1250 was the first of the large frame Bolens tractors.
The frame consists of two long steel channels that run the length of the tractor. With a cast iron front bolster to tie up the front end and a cast iron steering support bracket tying the frame at the center. The rear was held together by the most important component, the transaxle. The hydrostatic transaxle was shaft driven directly from the engine providing instant torque at the rear with no worry of belt slippage. Front, center and rear tractor attachments were all shaft driven by a single PTO unit that was housed up front by the front axle. Automotive type universal joints were employed to run all the hardware. Hydraulic lift was standard. Category - 0 three point hitch was optional equipment to power the many Bolens licensed and allied non-powered implements.

1969

At the end of the 1250 era, Bolens opted for more horsepower than the 12.5hp of the 1250. 14hp for the 1455 rectified many concerns that came from previous 1250 owners. Faster ground speed from the improved Eaton 12 hydro.

1970 - 1971

Nearly identical to it's predecessor the 1455. Most noticeably the "Husky" dog was introduced to coincide with the current advertising campaign at the time.

1971

Outfitted with a heavier hydraulic control valve this time around. Still running the tried and true Wisconsin S14d 14hp engine. Not much else changed.

1886-03,04
Download

1971 - 1972
This marked a new paramount for the Bolens large frame. This Big Tractor had teeth. A powerful 18 horsepower cast iron twin cylinder Kohler engine now sits beneath the hood. Now you could push, plow, pull and pulverize nearly any obstacle. Dual hydraulics allowed for power blade angling and lifting from the driver seat. A huge new 54" center mount mower deck was easily mowing the most daunting landscapes ever seen by non-commercial property owners. Only made for two years, the 1886 saw a total of 5 production runs. The 1886-01 thru 1886-04 were nearly all identical with only minor modifications from time to time. All still used the Eaton12 hydrostat until the 1886S-05 which was fitted with the new Sundstrand 15 hydro pump.

1973
The HT18 ( 1886S-06 ) was a nearly complete overhaul of what had been seen for years. With the new twin cylinder engine in place as well as the Sundstrand hydrostat, Bolens was looking for a cosmetic facelift of sorts at the time. They still used the same styling but were getting away from the old and familiar beige and brown paint scheme. They went with black and white to let people know this was not the same old Husky. Rear hydraulic connections were also added to accommodate the ever growing optional attachment list.

1973 - 1978
The HT20 received yet another power boost. Now fitted with a 19.5HP Kohler K532 Series engine. What's a half horsepower any way? Who cares, this machine was just about to do extraordinary things - with the optional new Backhoe attachment to compliment the already available front end loader*, Bolens now had a fully commercial powerhouse in the consumer buying market.
What more could you want!

HT23
Download

1979 - 1987
The last of the HT series line up. The HT23 received yet one last power upgrade. Now a full 23 horsepower. Also upgraded with a new 2 speed HI / LO range transaxle and Eaton 11 hydro pump. Familiar options from the HT18-HT20 carried over to the HT23 as well. All previous HT attachments will fit the HT23. From mowers, blowers, sweepers, flails, blades, loaders, backhoes, post holes, trenchers, cabs, ROPS,  tillers, plows, cultivators...the list is nearly endless! Made for 9 years, this was the ultimate in homeowner outdoor power equipment.

Tubeframes  -  Largeframes  -  XL Series  -  Suburban  -  Q Series  -  5000 Series  -  Duratrac-GTX - Attachments