What can you tell me about 73 Gilson BS 16HP?

cv4w · Jan 6, 2008

Hello all, new guy here. I recently picked up a 1973 Montgomery Wards Gilson Garden tractor for 80 bucks at a yardsale. I couldn't pass it up. Had chains on the back and a big snow blade. Drug it home, changed the oil, replaced points and plug. Found a stuck exhaust valve and freed that up. It RUNS! Actaully runs really good. The guy told me he also has the mowing deck if I want it. I really don't intend to use the deck and don't have room for it. Haven't decided whether to go get it or not. It took me this long to find out what the tractor actaully is. What can you guys tell me about it? Any good pics of them or anything? I need to paint it. I am just dying for some snow so I can try it out. Is there any way to put a wood splitter on it?
Thanks

KentT · Jan 7, 2008

Biggest concern is parts availability for them. Gilson Brothers is long out of business, having gone through a couple of hands (Lawn Boy, then Toro, I believe). Only support I know of is a couple of Yahoo groups (try searching for both Montgomery Wards and Gilson). You can get parts for the Briggs engine, but everything else will be a challenge.

IMO, they're "over-engineered" and built like tanks...

jed1950 · Jan 13, 2008

Which model do you have the blue/off white one(hydrostatic drive) or the mustard/off white one(this is the gear shift model),I have some used and some new parts for these,worked for Wards for 30 yrs as a lawnmower repairman,still do some work,have a full set of microfisch and some manuals for these,Jack,Portland,Oregon

cv4w · Jan 14, 2008

Hello. I have the gear shift model. At the moment, I don't need any parts. It runs now, and runs good. It is hard to shift. I have to wiggle it a bit to get a gear, but other than that, it does great. I was just curious about it as to what all options are still around for it, if any, and what the general opinion of it was. I am debating keeping it or not. What is it worth? If it snows and I get to use that snow blade, I'll keep it. But at this rate, we may never see a good snow again. It sure seems like it could push it well. Looks like I could use some wheel weights though.

Gilsonite · Oct 31, 2011

Just wondering if Jed 1950 having been a mechanic for these has any memory of the hydrostatic trans and it's potential issues?
I've got a vickers that will not move....

.
Rj in Idaho.
Thanks.

T_e_r_r_y · Oct 31, 2011

Google -spectrum- Pete is a wealth of knowledge on the old walk behind blowers. Don't knoow if he has any info on riders. If I don't get into any trouble for posting this web site.
Go to mytractorforumDOTcom,I believe he hangs out there.

T.J.