Finding Bolens lawn tractor parts is easy once you know one thing: which Bolens you own. The name was used on two very different families of machines. One family was built in Wisconsin for most of the twentieth century. The other was built by MTD in the 2000s and sold through big retail stores. The parts, the sources and the search method are different for each.
Get that step right and most parts are a few minutes away. Get it wrong and you will order a belt that is two inches too long, or blades with the wrong center hole.
This guide shows you how to identify your tractor, where the model plate is, which parts wear out first, how to choose between original and aftermarket parts, and where to buy. We also list five common parts for MTD-built Bolens tractors, with the exact fitment notes from each listing. We have not tested these parts.
Bolens lawn tractor parts at a glance
Model number first, part number second, order third
History dates come from the Wisconsin Historical Society, Farm Collector and TractorData.
Quick answer
To find Bolens lawn tractor parts, start with the model plate. On most tractors it is under the seat. A model number that looks like 13AM762F765 means an MTD-built Bolens, and its parts are shared with Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Huskee and other MTD brands. An older Bolens with a short model number, such as a 1050 or an HT-20, needs specialist and salvage sources. Always match the part number from your own parts diagram, and check your deck size before you order belts or blades.
How we put this guide together
We have not tested these parts or repaired these tractors ourselves. The company history comes from the Wisconsin Historical Society, Farm Collector magazine and TractorData. Part numbers and fitment notes come from the sellers’ Amazon listings, checked in October 2026. Fitment varies by model and year, so treat every part number here as a starting point and confirm it against your own manual.
In this guide
- A Short History of Bolens, and Why It Matters for Parts
- Step One: Find Your Model and Serial Number
- Step Two: Get the Parts Diagram
- The Parts That Wear Out First
- OEM or Aftermarket Parts?
- Five Common Parts for MTD-Built Bolens Tractors
- Where to Buy Bolens Lawn Tractor Parts
- Safety Before You Start Any Repair
- Keep It Running: Simple Seasonal Care
- Repair or Replace the Tractor?
- Common Mistakes When Buying Bolens Parts (and the Fix)
- Pro Tips From Experienced Owners
- Real-Life Scenarios: Finding the Part
- Bolens Lawn Tractor Parts: FAQ
- Your Bolens Parts Checklist
A Short History of Bolens, and Why It Matters for Parts
Bolens is one of the oldest names in American garden equipment.
The company’s roots go back to 1850, when Theodore Gilson opened a foundry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Historical Society credits Gilson Manufacturing as the first company to attach a gasoline engine to a multi-purpose garden tractor. The first tractor to carry the Bolens name, the Power Hoe, appeared around 1922.
Ownership changed several times. According to Farm Collector, FMC Corporation bought the firm in 1946. Garden Way, the company behind Troy-Bilt tillers, took it over in the 1980s. Sources differ on the exact year. MTD bought Garden Way in 2001, and with it the Bolens name. TractorData notes that MTD used the Bolens name on lawn tractors until about 2010.
This history is the key to parts. It gives you two groups.
| Feature | Classic Bolens | MTD-built Bolens |
|---|---|---|
| Years | Up to about 2001 | About 2001 to 2010 |
| Built by | Bolens, under FMC and later Garden Way | MTD |
| Typical models | Husky, 1050, 1250, HT-20, G-series and others | Lawn tractors with 38 or 42 inch decks |
| Model number style | Short, such as 1050 or HT-20 | 11 characters, such as 13AM762F765 |
| Parts supply | Specialists, salvage yards, collectors | MTD parts dealers and online sellers |
| Parts shared with | Few other brands | Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Huskee, Yard-Man and others |
Key insight: a 2005 Bolens and a 1975 Bolens share a name and almost nothing else. Decide which family you have before you search for a single part.
Step One: Find Your Model and Serial Number
Every parts search starts with the model plate.
Where to look
- MTD-built tractors. Lift the seat. The model plate is usually on the fender or the frame underneath it. It shows a model number and a serial number.
- Classic Bolens tractors. On many 1980s and 1990s models, the serial tag is on the rear fender under the seat. On older tractors, look on the frame near the pedals or the foot rest.
- The engine. The engine has its own model, type and code numbers, stamped into the metal or printed on a label. You need these for engine parts.
- The deck. Some decks carry their own tag. Measure the cutting width if you are unsure.
Take a clear photo of each plate and keep it on your phone. You will use it every time you order.
How to read an MTD-era model number
MTD model numbers are usually 11 characters long, for example 13AM762F765. On MTD products, numbers that begin with 13 are typically riding lawn tractors. The remaining characters describe the engine, the drive, the deck and the retail version.
You do not need to decode the whole thing. What matters is that you enter all 11 characters when you look up a parts diagram. Two tractors that look the same can differ by one character and use different belts.
Deck size matters
Bolens lawn tractors from the MTD years commonly came with a 38-inch or a 42-inch deck. Belts, blades and sometimes spindles differ between them. The model 13AM762F765, for example, appears in parts listings as a 38-inch tractor. Most of the parts we list below are for 42-inch decks. Measure yours before you buy.
Tip: measure the deck the right way
Deck size is the cutting width, not the outside width of the shell. With the engine off and the spark plug wire removed, measure from the outer tip of one blade to the outer tip of the other when they are lined up end to end. On most decks you can also read the size from the model plate or the hood decal.
Step Two: Get the Parts Diagram
A parts diagram, sometimes called an illustrated parts list, is an exploded drawing of your tractor with a number for every piece. It turns “the pulley thing on the left” into an exact part number.
- Write down the full model number and the serial number.
- Look up the parts diagram. MTD publishes diagrams for its brands on its official parts website. Enter the full model number.
- Find the section you need. Diagrams are split into deck, drive, steering, engine accessories and so on.
- Read off the part number. Note the description and how many the tractor uses.
- Check for a newer number. Makers replace old numbers with new ones. A letter added to the end, such as 954-04060C, usually marks a later version.
- Search by that part number. Compare the original part with aftermarket options.
- Confirm the fit notes on the listing. Look for your brand, deck size and model years.
- Keep the diagram. Save or print it. You will need it again.
For classic Bolens tractors there is no single official source today. Owners rely on original parts manuals, collector websites and forums, and on specialists who stock new old stock and used parts.
The Parts That Wear Out First
Lawn tractors are simple. A small group of parts causes most repairs.
| Part | What it does | Signs it is worn | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blades | Cut the grass | Ragged cut, vibration, bent or nicked edges | Sharpen each season, replace when thin or bent |
| Deck belt | Drives the blades | Squeal, slipping, cracks, blades slow in thick grass | Every few seasons, or when cracked |
| Drive belt | Drives the transmission | Slow or jerky travel, burning smell | When glazed or cracked |
| Spindle | Holds and spins each blade | Rumbling, wobble, a hot or noisy bearing | When the bearing fails |
| Battery | Starts the engine | Slow cranking, clicking | Every few years |
| Ignition switch | Starts and stops the engine | No crank, or the engine cuts out | When it fails |
| Air filter and spark plug | Keep the engine breathing and firing | Hard starting, black smoke, loss of power | Every season |
| Carburetor | Mixes fuel and air | Surging, flooding, will not run without choke | Often after stale fuel |
Stale fuel is behind a large share of carburetor trouble. Gasoline left in the tank over winter turns to varnish and blocks the tiny passages. Our guide to how long gasoline lasts explains how to store fuel, and our small engine won’t start checklist walks through the usual causes.
OEM or Aftermarket Parts?
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. For an MTD-built Bolens, that means a part sold as an MTD Genuine Part. Aftermarket parts are made by other companies to fit.
| Point | OEM parts | Aftermarket parts |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made to the original drawing | Usually good, sometimes slightly off |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Quality | Consistent | Ranges from excellent to poor |
| Best for | Belts, spindles, switches, safety parts | Filters, blades and common service items from known brands |
| Warranty | From the maker | Depends on the seller |
Belts deserve a special note. A deck belt is not just a length of rubber. Its width, angle and cord material are chosen for the pulleys and the load. A belt that is nearly the right length can slip, jump off or wear out in weeks. For belts, the original part is usually worth the extra cost.
For engine parts, go by the engine maker. The engine on a Bolens tractor was made by a company such as Briggs & Stratton or Kohler, and its filters, plugs and carburetor parts follow the engine’s own model number, not the tractor’s.
Five Common Parts for MTD-Built Bolens Tractors
These are parts for the 2000s lawn tractors. We have not used them. The fit notes are quoted from the sellers’ listings, and every listing tells you to check your own manual. Please do.
Deck belt
MTD Genuine Parts 954-04060C 42-Inch Deck Belt
An original MTD deck belt. The listing says it fits 42-inch lawn tractors made after 2005 and names Bolens, Huskee, Yard Machines, Yard-Man, Troy-Bilt, MTD and Cub Cadet.
- Part number954-04060C
- Fits42 in lawn tractors after 2005
- TypeDeck belt
- BrandMTD Genuine Parts
- Brands namedBolens, Troy-Bilt and others
- Pack1 belt
- Why it works: an original belt has the width, angle and cord the deck pulleys were designed around.
- Who it is best for: owners of 42-inch MTD-built tractors whose blades slow down or squeal in thick grass.
- What it solves: slipping, squealing and belts that jump off, which are common with near-fit generic belts.
- Keep in mind: it is for 42-inch decks made after 2005. A 38-inch deck, or an older tractor, uses a different belt. Check your parts diagram.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Blade set
MTD Genuine 42-Inch 3-in-1 Blade Set, 2 Blades (replaces 942-0616)
A pair of original MTD blades for 42-inch decks. The listing says the set replaces part numbers 742-0616, 942-0616, 742-0616A and 942-0616A, and that the blades mulch, bag and side-discharge.
- Deck size42 inches
- Blades in set2
- Replaces742-0616, 942-0616 and A versions
- Type3-in-1: mulch, bag, discharge
- MakerMTD
- Weight4.69 lb
- Why it works: new blades with the correct center hole and lift restore the cut and the airflow under the deck.
- Who it is best for: owners whose blades are bent, thin or sharpened past their best.
- What it solves: a ragged, brown-tipped cut and deck vibration.
- Keep in mind: the listing names Craftsman models that begin with 247, which MTD also built. Confirm that your Bolens parts diagram shows 942-0616 before you order.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Spindle assembly
MTD 918-0624B Spindle Assembly for 42-Inch Decks
An original MTD spindle with its pulley. The listing says it replaces 918-0659A, 918-0659, 918-0624A, 918-0624 and 618-0659A, and it lists Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Huskee and other MTD brands.
- Part number918-0624B
- Deck size42 inches
- IncludesSpindle with pulley
- Not includedMounting hardware
- Weight4.8 lb
- Warranty on listing3 months
- Why it works: a complete assembly replaces the shaft, the bearings and the housing in one go.
- Who it is best for: owners who hear a rumble from the deck or can feel play when they rock a blade by hand.
- What it solves: a failed spindle bearing, which can wreck a belt and a deck shell if it is ignored.
- Keep in mind: mounting bolts are not included, and the listing shows a shipping time of several days. The listing does not name Bolens, so match the number to your diagram.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Ignition switch
MTD Genuine Ignition Switch 925-1741
An original MTD ignition switch. The listing describes it as an authorized original part that fits various MTD models.
- Part number925-1741
- TypeIgnition switch
- BrandMTD Genuine Parts
- FitsVarious MTD models
- Warranty on listing3 months
- Stock on listingIn stock when checked
- Why it works: the switch carries the start circuit and the safety circuits, so the terminal layout has to match.
- Who it is best for: owners whose tractor will not crank, or cuts out when the key is wiggled.
- What it solves: an intermittent no-start that a new battery did not fix.
- Keep in mind: MTD used several switches with different terminal patterns. Count the terminals on your old switch and check the number in your diagram first.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Aftermarket carburetor
Replacement Carburetor for MTD Bolens 38-Inch Tractors (13AM762F765 and similar)
An aftermarket carburetor. The listing names MTD Bolens models 13AM762F065, 13AM662F765, 13AC762F065, 13AM762F765, 13AC762F and 13WC762F, and says it fits Briggs & Stratton engines only.
- TypeAftermarket replacement
- Models named13AM762F765 and others
- EngineBriggs & Stratton only
- Deck on listing38 inches
- Includes1 carburetor
- Shipping on listing2 to 3 days
- Why it works: a complete carburetor swap can be quicker than cleaning one that is badly varnished.
- Who it is best for: owners of the listed models whose engine surges or only runs on choke after sitting with old fuel.
- What it solves: blocked jets and worn parts in one step.
- Keep in mind: it is not an original part, and quality in aftermarket carburetors varies. Match it to the model, type and code on your engine, and try a proper clean first.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Where to Buy Bolens Lawn Tractor Parts
For MTD-built tractors
- MTD’s official parts website. It has the diagrams and sells original parts by model number.
- Local outdoor power equipment dealers. A dealer that services MTD brands can order parts and check supersessions for you.
- Online retailers. Amazon and specialist parts sites carry both original and aftermarket parts. Search by part number, not by brand name alone.
- Engine dealers. For filters, plugs and carburetor kits, use the engine maker’s parts lookup with the engine’s model numbers.
For classic Bolens tractors
- Specialist parts sellers. A few businesses focus on older Bolens tractors and stock new old stock, reproduction and used parts.
- Salvage yards. Yards that part out garden tractors are a good source for castings, hoods, axles and transmissions.
- Collector clubs and forums. Owners trade parts and share manuals and know-how.
- Engine parts suppliers. Many classic Bolens tractors used engines from Wisconsin, Tecumseh, Kohler or Briggs & Stratton. Engine parts are often easier to find than tractor parts.
- Bearing and belt suppliers. Bearings, seals and many belts are standard sizes. A local bearing shop can often match them from the old part.
Our guide to farm tractor salvage yards explains how to judge a used part and what to ask before you pay.
Safety Before You Start Any Repair
Make the tractor safe first
Before you work on the deck, belts or blades: park on level ground, set the parking brake, switch off the engine and remove the key. Pull the spark plug wire off the plug and keep it away, so the engine cannot fire if a blade is turned. Disconnect the battery’s negative cable before electrical work. Never work under a tractor held up only by a jack. Use stands or ramps rated for the load. Wear heavy gloves when you handle blades, and tighten blade bolts to the torque in your manual.
Keep It Running: Simple Seasonal Care
The cheapest part is the one you never have to buy. A little care each season saves most repairs.
- Change the engine oil at the interval in the engine manual, and at least once a season.
- Replace the air filter and spark plug each spring.
- Sharpen and balance the blades. An unbalanced blade shakes the spindle bearings to pieces.
- Scrape the underside of the deck. Packed grass holds moisture and rusts the shell.
- Check the belts for cracks, glazing and frayed edges.
- Grease any fittings on the spindles and front axle, if your model has them.
- Treat the fuel. Add stabilizer to fresh gasoline, or run the tank dry before winter storage.
- Keep the battery charged over winter with a small maintainer.
Our small engine maintenance schedule gives the full routine.
Repair or Replace the Tractor?
An MTD-built Bolens was an affordable tractor when new. That shapes the repair-or-replace decision.
Worth repairing: belts, blades, spindles, a battery, a switch, a carburetor, tires. These are routine parts, and they keep a sound tractor working for years.
Think carefully: a failed transmission, a cracked frame or a worn-out engine. Each of those can cost a large share of what a comparable tractor costs. Get a quote and compare.
Classic Bolens tractors are different. Many were heavily built, and collectors value them. Owners often rebuild them because they want to, not because the sums add up.
If you decide to replace, our guides to John Deere lawn mowers and the best zero-turn mowers explain the current choices.
Common Mistakes When Buying Bolens Parts (and the Fix)
Pro Tips From Experienced Owners
- Photograph before you take anything apart. Belt routing in particular is hard to remember.
- Look for the routing decal. Many decks have a belt diagram on a sticker under the footrest or on the deck.
- Replace blades as a pair, so they stay balanced.
- Buy two belts. A spare deck belt on the shelf saves a Saturday.
- Check the pulleys while the belt is off. Spin each idler by hand. A rough or wobbly pulley will ruin a new belt.
- Write the part numbers inside the manual. Next time you will not need to look them up.
- Use the cross-brand overlap. MTD-built Bolens tractors share many parts with Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines and Huskee, so a part listed under one of those names may be the same number.
Real-Life Scenarios: Finding the Part
These are typical situations. They are examples to help you plan, not reports from real customers.
🔁 The squealing deck
Your 2007 Bolens with a 42-inch deck squeals and the blades slow in thick grass.
Check the belt for cracks and glazing and spin the idler pulleys. Order the belt by the number in your diagram.
Likely part: deck belt
🔑 The tractor that will not crank
The battery is new, but turning the key does nothing, or it works only sometimes.
Check the seat and brake safety switches and the fuse first. Then test or replace the ignition switch.
Likely part: ignition switch
🚜 The classic in the barn
You have inherited a 1970s Bolens garden tractor that has not run for years.
Find the serial tag, identify the engine and join an owners’ forum. Start with fuel, ignition and the battery before you hunt for rare parts.
Likely source: specialists and salvage
Bolens Lawn Tractor Parts: FAQ
Who makes parts for Bolens lawn tractors?
For Bolens tractors built from about 2001 to 2010, MTD made the tractor and supplies the original parts under the MTD Genuine Parts name. Engine parts come from the engine maker, such as Briggs & Stratton or Kohler. Parts for older Bolens tractors come from specialists and salvage yards.
Where is the model number on a Bolens lawn tractor?
On MTD-built tractors, lift the seat. The model plate is usually on the fender or frame underneath. On many older Bolens tractors, the serial tag is on the rear fender under the seat or on the frame near the pedals.
Are Bolens and Troy-Bilt parts the same?
Often, yes, for tractors from the MTD years. MTD built Bolens, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Huskee and other brands, and many belts, blades and spindles share part numbers. Always confirm the number in the parts diagram for your own model.
Are Bolens tractors still made?
MTD bought the Bolens name in 2001 and, according to TractorData, used it on lawn tractors until about 2010. New Bolens lawn tractors are not part of the current mainstream market, but parts for the MTD-built models are still widely sold.
What size belt does a Bolens lawn tractor take?
It depends on the model, the deck size and the year. One common original belt for 42-inch MTD-built decks made after 2005 is part number 954-04060C. A 38-inch deck uses a different belt. Check your parts diagram before you order.
Is it worth fixing an old Bolens lawn tractor?
For routine parts such as belts, blades, spindles and a battery, usually yes. For a failed transmission or engine on an MTD-built model, compare the repair quote with the cost of a replacement tractor. Classic Bolens garden tractors are often rebuilt for their own sake.
Your Bolens Parts Checklist
- Decide whether your tractor is a classic Bolens or an MTD-built one.
- Find the model plate, usually under the seat, and photograph it.
- Note the engine’s model, type and code as well.
- Measure the deck’s cutting width.
- Look up the parts diagram with the full model number.
- Write down the exact part number and check for a newer version.
- Choose original parts for belts, spindles and switches.
- Read the fit notes on the listing before you order.
- Make the tractor safe before any repair: key out, plug wire off.
- Keep the old part until the new one is fitted and working.
The bottom line
Bolens parts are easy to find once you know your model number and your deck size. Use the parts diagram, order by part number, and do the simple seasonal care that keeps you from needing parts in the first place.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Sources: Wisconsin Historical Society and Farm Collector magazine for Bolens and Gilson history; TractorData for the MTD-era Bolens dates; Amazon listings for the MTD Genuine Parts deck belt, blade set, spindle assembly and ignition switch and for the aftermarket carburetor. All checked October 2026.
