I had a bolens for 17 years , it was a 48" cut hydro drive. It had just one pedal, push it forward to go
forward and back to go backwards. I just loved it. I changed the engine oil twice a year and the hydraulic oil and filter every year. The only trouble I ever had was the front axle rusted out. I figured it was from
all the washing I did to it. I'm a nut for cleaning and waxing. But don't get me wrong it still needed normal maintenance. So when the b&s engines valve seat kept getting loose I decided to purchase a new bolens. And you are right the new ones look very cheaply made. I didn't buy a bolens I'm glad I didn't make that mistake. My old bolens was a well built mower, not like the ones I see today. Good luck with yours.
I also still own a 2 wheel bolens tractor with a small snow blade on it. It was being thrown out , I took it home put a new carb on it , cleaned the points in the magneto, put in fresh gas and it was running!
I think its from the 50's but I don't know that much about it, but its neat.
cubby
