Bolens (38") 13.5HP Lawn Tractor

I bought mine in 2011 to mow 1.5 acres. I change the oil twice a year and do all the maintenance recommended. I've bought a battery, a set of blades and a spark plug in 3 seasons. It still runs like a new one and I've been happy with the purchase. The only con I can think of is it doesn't have the deck wheels which isn't an issue with my yard. That's mainly for humps and hills. What I paid I got my money's worth. The Briggs 13.5 HP is a good engine. The 17.5 HP is the one with problems. The one poster said noisy? It's no different than any lawnmower.

I bought mine in 2011 to mow 1.5 acres. I change the oil twice a year and do all the maintenance recommended. I've bought a battery, a set of blades and a spark plug in 3 seasons. It still runs like a new one and I've been happy with the purchase. The only con I can think of is it doesn't have the deck wheels which isn't an issue with my yard. That's mainly for humps and hills. What I paid I got my money's worth. The Briggs 13.5 HP is a good engine. The 17.5 HP is the one with problems. The one... more

Bought 2-3 yrs ago, haven't ran it 20 times will not stay running, new gas, new plug, clear gas line and it wont run more than twice.
Would not suggest this mower to anyone.

If I had known how "LOUD" this thing was, I would never bought it.. I could not believe the "blatting" noise that came out of this thing. Went to almost Briggs and Stratton dealer within 30 miles to see about putting a MUFFLER on the damned thing.. Nobody would help.. My brother could have "made" a muffler for the darned thing... sold it... cheap...

This is my first new mower and it is marvelous had a loose nut on the seat but anyone could have fixed that. Unlike the previous owner who could have called the store where he bought it and they could have resolved his problem. I can not buy his bad manners here with his negative comments.

I am looking to replace my 10 year Bolens. Since I have had my Bolens it has been very reliable. I have only had to do the preventive maintenance on it. All mowers have some noise level to them, that is reason they recommend hearing protection, just like with any other power tool like chainsaws, or circular saws. I have found that the Bolens are very easy to use and very easy to maintain. Very heavy duty. It has worked my farm very well.

I bought this thing 2 years ago and have had nothing but trouble with it. IT WILL NOT CUT LEVEL. I have spent literally hours upon hours trying to level the deck it is a terrible leveling system, whoever is responsible for the design should be fired. Everything is so cheaply made now there are no trustworthy honorable people left the dollar rules and they all rip you off and hang you out to dry 'after they take your money" Why did this thing not come with deck wheels. I deplore you people!! Now the transmission is acting up!! A total Rip Off!!!!

I bought this thing 2 years ago and have had nothing but trouble with it. IT WILL NOT CUT LEVEL. I have spent literally hours upon hours trying to level the deck it is a terrible leveling system, whoever is responsible for the design should be fired. Everything is so cheaply made now there are no trustworthy honorable people left the dollar rules and they all rip you off and hang you out to dry 'after they take your money" Why did this thing not come with deck wheels. I deplore you... more

I have owned this mower for 13 months and have replaced four upper drive belts. The variable speed pulley and one deck spring. It is currently back in the shop with an expected three week evaluation before it comes up with a projected cost or repair date. The first warranty company did a quick fix to get me out of there and the second (I told MTD I didn't want to go back to the first) pickup person was rude and very, very rough with the loading of the unit. I consider this unreliable when I can't cut the grass and have to pay to have it cut while I wait on the mower.

I have owned this mower for 13 months and have replaced four upper drive belts. The variable speed pulley and one deck spring. It is currently back in the shop with an expected three week evaluation before it comes up with a projected cost or repair date. The first warranty company did a quick fix to get me out of there and the second (I told MTD I didn't want to go back to the first) pickup person was rude and very, very rough with the loading of the unit. I consider this unreliable when I... more

Have had good service from my Bolens riding mower . The only fault I see is the deck leveling adjustment should be easier, other than that, the only parts I've changed is solenoid and ignition switch in 10 years. That's pretty good in my book. It has never been to a repair shop. I'm happy.

Purchased this mower three years ago, the frame that the ignition switch and steering wheel are attached to has cracked. Poor design, cheaply made.

I have owned this lawnmower for eight years. It starts and runs just great. The original mulching blades were worthless. They do not give an even cut especially going around corners. Get straight blades. That being said the design of supporting the deck with PTO cables was terrible. I have replaced the cables three times in the past five years. I paid for the first two and finally got fed up, ordered the part from MTD and replaced it myself. The trick is to remove the battery to get at the topside PTO cable attachment. I then turned the mower on its side to get at the lower cable attachment. It worked!

I have owned this lawnmower for eight years. It starts and runs just great. The original mulching blades were worthless. They do not give an even cut especially going around corners. Get straight blades. That being said the design of supporting the deck with PTO cables was terrible. I have replaced the cables three times in the past five years. I paid for the first two and finally got fed up, ordered the part from MTD and replaced it myself. The trick is to remove the battery to get at the... more

The deck on this thing is a nightmare. There are no leveling adjustments or deck wheels/rollers, it just hangs there. It does not cut smoothly, one side is always hanging low... but it was the only 38" mower I could find at the time.