Walk behind garden tactors

[jmuncie]

I'm in the process of restoring a Bolens Huski Gardener. I've never used it because it wasn't running when I bought it--one stuck valve and one bad valve guide. I bought it becuase it appears to be a well built machine and it came with a sickle bar, disc, plow, and cultivators. I figured it would be a good complement to my BCS 720 for handling cultivating, hilling, & furrowing duties and the whole outfit was a lot cheaper than a sickle bar for the BCS.

Now I may have a chance to get a Bolens Versa Matic which, near as I can tell, could be a better, more versatile machine than the Huski Gardener, although it doesn't have as much crop clearance for cultivating. I think I'm in danger of a new addiction.

I'm just wondering what experiences you all have with walk-behinds. What make and model have you used? What have you used them for? How did they perform?

Jerry

 

[wshytle]

Jerry-

I've had a little experience with the well known Gravely walk/ride behind. I include ride here because of the sulky for mowing large areas. Tractors made in America are getting more and more rare and I love experiencing the "old" power. It's amazing how much power can be squeezed out of a 6.6 hp engine. In another 50 years I don't think there will be many left at all.

I'm not very familiar with the Bolens line but do know they were a well built machine. I think Bolens used a lot of Wisconsin engines.

Good luck with your new addiction.

 

[jdelles]

wayne,we had a david bradley when i was a kid and did everything with it.it had a clinton engine.

 

[jmuncie]

I checked out the Bolens Super VersaMatic. It's in excellent condition and comes with a 42" sickle bar, disc, and cultivators. Has reverse, also--could be a nice feature.

There are also two Power Ho's, complete but disassembled for storage. They come with another 42" sickle bar and a set of cultivators. There's also a nice spare set of lug tires.

I think I'm going to buy the whole lot.

Jerry

 

[wshytle]

Jerry-

How about some pics? I'd like to see these old garden beast.

 

[jmuncie]

Wayne,

No pictures of the Huski Gardener because it's apart for rebuild right now. Here are pictures of the cultivator, disc, and sickle bar and a picture of the tractor from the sickle bar manual.

I'm anxious to put it to use in the spring.

Jerry