Bolens G14 4.00 star(s) (1)

A Free Tractor Found in a Pile of Scrap
Model Year: 1981

Originally I was searching for a lawnmower engine to use for my High School Small Engine Repair Class. When we stumbled upon the Bolens G14 model Garden Tractor. We decided to rescue it from a scrap pile and take it home. The tractor had an engine, transmission, rear end, wheels, and a mower deck. After a little hunting we found some used tires and a sheet metal body. After replacing the oil and putting fresh fuel in it we cranked it over with a pair of booster cables. It fired up quickly. The 14 Horse Kohler Engine purred like it was brand new. It was at this point we discovered the flywheel alternator was shot. Parts of magnets came flying out everywhere. We've attempted to rebuild the flywheel multiple times with no success. The starter has also given out and replacement parts are scarce. An 11 tooth sprocket appears to be as elusive as an Indian Head Penny. Nevertheless, with a pulley mounted on the flywheel and an old AC motor we still start the tractor easily. I have mowed 5 acres of field grass with it multiple times It was never a real good finish mower since most of the linkage for the deck was gone but it did work. We stumbled upon a Bolens Roto-Tiller one day and picked it up for a couple hundred dollars. We discovered though that it spins in the opposite direction from what we needed. So a little country ingenuity and we remounted it on the front of the tractor and that solved that problem. The motor never seems to know it is there either. The latest project was to mount a small 3' sickle mower to the front but I moved to Texas for college in 2004 so I haven't been able to do it. If I can ever get back up to Washington I will surely pick up my Bolens and bring it to Texas.

Pros: Attachments, rear differential.
Cons: Parts are impossible to find.