Reviews of Bolens G152

wildfox65

Member
I would like feedback from owners or previous owners of a Bolens G152 scut tractor. This one has a mower deck only. Includes front and rear pto and 3 point hitch.
I have not seen this one in person yet. I am thinking of replacing my JD 345 with this Bolens.
I like the fact it is diesel and a larger tractor to fit my build. I understand I will loose the foot controlled hydro, verses gear shift. Also the Bolens has a longer turning radius, not a problem for me.
Is this three point hitch on this tractor considered a cat 1 hitch or a limited cat 1 hitch?
Appreciate any input.
 
There were two versions, the earlier machines (red hood stripes) had a two cylinder, the later machines (green hood stripes) had a three cylinder. Tractors were made by Iseki in Japan. When Bolens went bankrupt, and was bought out by GardenWay (who sucked the rest of the money out, then sold it to MTD) the diesels were not brought in under the Bolens name anymore. I worked as a parts manager for a dealer that had sold Bolens since the early 1960's, and bought a G152/1502 new when the were closing out late 80's. Some parts are not terrible to find, but some like front wheel drive axle parts are salvage only. They are indirect injection with pre chambers and have to be glow plugged even if it is 90 degrees out. If it doesn't start well, walk away. They are not so rare that you can't find a good one. The PTO horsepower isn't 15 like the model number suggests, but only 13. There was also towards the end a hydrostatic version called the 1502H, and if you are just going to use it for mowing that is what I'd try to find. Very economical on fuel, We'd run a 52' New Idea elevator filling corn cribs and not burn 2 gallons in a day. Sold it a few years ago, but still have the 48" cut brush hog we used to cut trails with, it handled it OK except in very tall Reed Canary 3+ ft tall.
 
I once owned an Iseki made Bolens hydrostat tractor with 3 cylinder Mitsubishi made engine.

I owned it only for a year or two before replacing it with a Kubota.

I had no issues with mine in the short time that I owned it but would head the parts warnings of others.

Dean
 
If your going to just mow grass that JD 345 will eat that Bolens coming and going. It is only 13 HP and clumsy. The three point hitch is a Cat 0 not Cat I. Then like the others have posted parts are HARD to get. Unless it is darn near free then I would pass and look for something else. This is one of those deals where they are cheap for a reason.
 
Thanks folks for you input. I have reconsidered, and no longer have a interest in this Bolens.
After hearing the comments, I do not want to take on additional maintenance to my daily chores.
I am in the autumn of my life now, seeking for things to be somewhat easier. :)) Regards
 

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