Introduction
Bolens 1886 Garden Tractor
The Bolens 1886 is a garden tractor produced between 1971 and 1972. Designed for residential and light commercial grounds maintenance, this model is recognized for its robust construction and mechanical versatility.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an air-cooled, horizontally-opposed, horizontal-shaft engine with a displacement of 786 cc (48 ci). It produces a gross power output of 18 hp (13.4 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. The fuel system utilizes a carburetor, and the engine requires an oil change every 50 hours of operation. Ignition is managed by a 12-volt electrical system featuring an electric starter.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Equipped with an Eaton 12 hydrostatic transmission, the Bolens 1886 provides infinite forward and reverse gears, allowing for precise speed control. The transmission is shaft-driven and has an oil capacity of 9.5 liters. The machine features an independent mid-mounted Power Take-Off (PTO) to drive various attachments, such as the compatible 48-inch or 54-inch mower decks.
Chassis and Handling
The tractor is built on a 52-inch wheelbase with a total length of 193 cm and a width of 96 cm. It offers a ground clearance of 21 cm. Steering is manual, with power steering available as an option on certain configurations. Stopping power is provided by a disc brake system. The operator station is of the open type, and the machine rolls on 5.70/5.00x8 front tires and 27x8.50-15 rear tires, both designed for lawn and turf applications.
Conclusion
The Bolens 1886 is a capable garden tractor suited for users requiring a durable machine for mowing and light ground maintenance tasks. Its hydrostatic transmission and independent mid-PTO make it a practical choice for those seeking operational flexibility in a vintage garden tractor platform.
Production Information of Bolens, 1886
- Garden tractor
| Manufacturer | Bolens |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Bolens, 1886
| Wheelbase | 52 inches [132 cm] |
|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8.5 inches [21 cm] |
| Height | 45 inches [114 cm] |
| Length | 76 inches [193 cm] |
| Width | 38 inches [96 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 5.70/5.00x8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 27x8.50-15 |
Engine Specifications of Bolens, 1886
- Air-cooled horizontal-shaft horizontally-opposed
- Image courtesy of jrtepperary
| Fuel system | Carburetor |
|---|---|
| Oil change | 50 h |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Displacement | 786 cc [48 ci] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.25x2.875 inches [83 x 73 mm] |
| Power (gross) | 18 hp [13.4 kW] |
| Starter | Electric |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Sparkplug | Champion HR10 |
Transmission Information of Bolens, 1886
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Eaton 12 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 10 qts [9.5 L] |
| Type | Shaft-driven hydrostatic |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Bolens, 1886
- Open operator station.
- Disc brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power optional |
Power Information of Bolens, 1886
| Mid PTO | Independent |
|---|
Three-Point Hitch of Bolens, 1886
| Rear Type(optional) | 0 |
|---|
Electrical System of Bolens, 1886
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 30 |
Where it sits
With 18 HP, the Bolens 1886 sits between QT-17 (17 HP) and 1900 (19 HP) in Bolens's range. Its power puts it in the 98th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Bolens 1886 have?
The Bolens 1886 delivers 18 HP.
What years was the Bolens 1886 produced?
The Bolens 1886 was produced in 1971-1972.
What transmission does the Bolens 1886 use?
The Bolens 1886 uses a Eaton 12 transmission.