History
Bolens was started in 1850 by Harry Bolens and John Gilson in Port Washington, Wisconsin as the J.E. Gilson/ H.W. Bolens Manufacturing Co originally. In 1919, Bolens introduced the first power-driven garden tractor. Immediately following World War II Bolens was acquired by FMC Corporation. This classic lawn and garden tractor manufacturer grew to become one of the most respected name in outdoor power equipment.
In 1947, Bolens introduced the first compact tractor and in 1961 the Bolens Husky 600 was introduced. The Estate Keeper-a unique and years-ahead concept in compact tractors was brought to market in 1963.Bolens was purchased by Garden Way in 1987 and merged with the Troy-Bilt brand. Garden Way was then purchased by MTD in 2001. MTD continued to use the Bolens name until about 2010 on lawn tractors.
Sources: Samsbolens.com. BolensMTD, TractorData, TractorsFandom
Years Manufactured
Approx. 1914- present day (part of MTD since 2001)
Videos
1963 Bolens Husky 600 Lawn Tractor RESTORATION, YouTube
1975 Bolens G14, YouTube
Advertising
1967 vintage ad for Bolens’ ‘Husky’ Lawn Tractors featuring Arnold Palmer, Source: Ebay
1972 Bolens Lawn Tractor: Husky Pups, Source: Ebay
Mower Images
Bolens Husky 1050. Source: Samsbolens.com
Bolens Husky 1250 with Exclusive Hydrostatic Transmission (automatic). Source: Samsbolens.com
Bolens 1000 900 800 Estate Keeper Lawn Mower Garden Tractor Color Sales Brochure. Source: Ebay
