1970's bolens 1256

PretendFarmer · Jul 25, 2014

As I'm sure plenty of you know, this is a hydrostatic tractor. It has what I believe to Be a Tecumseh 8hp motor powering it. Runs good the hydrostatic can get noisy. Not so noisy when you're just driving it around but it gets quite noisy when you add any resistance to it such as trying to tell a trailer uphill with weight on it.
What do you all think of this tractor as a puller?

OldBuzzard · Jul 25, 2014

You don't see too many Bolens at the pulls.

I've seen a few vids and it seems like they don't do too bad, especially in stock classes.

One 'advantage' the Bolens might have would be the controlled differential. You can turn in the knob on the left axle and it will lock the rear end for better traction

Now IF it's a 1256 it should have a Wisconsin TRA12D engine rated at 12 Hp.

However there was the 1257 which had the TEC HH120 engine. It is identical to the 1256 except for the engine.

The hydros will whine a lot, especially at lower throttle settings. You might want to check the fluid level and top it off if necessary. The manual calls for ATF type A.

If you are actually working the tractor (mowing, plowing, tilling, etc.), no matter what some self appointed 'expert on the net' says, run it at full throttle. That is per the Bolens manuals on EVERY hydro tractor that they produced.

If you would like to have PDF copies of the Owners Manual and the Parts Manual, email me at: oldbuzz[at]hotmail.com with "1256 Manuals" in the subject line, and I'll reply with them attached.

1970's bolens 1256

PretendFarmer

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OldBuzzard

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