[ZoomZoom71]

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/grd/2000777782.html

"17hp kohler motor. Runs and drives great. Needs pto box."

As you see, the description says it needs a PTO box. From what little I know about GT's, my understanding is that the PTO is what engages the belt/drive to turn the mower deck. But, it would still be able to drive around and pull stuff, right? I already have a JD lawn tractor for cutting my acre, so the mower function isn't necessary. This Bolens interests me because it may have enough power to pull a disc harrow or other "lightweight" ground equipment, to plow a small garden. I see the lug wheels on there, which makes me think it's got a better tranny/gearbox than my lawn tractor. Am I right on this? Any other thoughts on this tractor?

 

[Craig2x2]

those look like "turf" tires to me

 

[Hugh-SS/16]

those look like "turf" tires to me

i pull with turfs. turfs do fine for pulling.

the important part is that its 17hp and shaft driven. that would be a great yard tug. if you want to make a competitive puller, all you need is weights and fat tires

 

[ZoomZoom71]

OK, so it's definitely a shaft driven model? I'll, of course, verify when I actually go look at it. How's that $800 price tag, given what we know about it right now?

 

[Hugh-SS/16]

$800 gets you a running driving tractor that has a deck, but no PTO for it. that guys price is way high. thats worth about $400. you might have a hard time bargaining. i would look around to see what you can get for less, then point out to the seller in the above ad that you cant use the deck, and that his price is double what it should be. be polite of course

 

[ZoomZoom71]

Thank you for your feedback. The hard part is that there just aren't hardly any of this type of tractor available around here. (at least as far as the used, craigslist variety) Most of what comes up on CL is LTs and then larger, mostly older farm tractors. Plenty of RER's, too. LOL

 

[Deerlope]

Just because they are hard to find in your area doen't make it worth more. Heck you could buy one up north and have it shipped and still save a 100 buck.

 

[ZoomZoom71]

I get that, no problem. I know I won't spend more than I'm willing to pay for it. Just gotta get this seller to go for it, too.

 

[1050Bolens]

Is it a Geared or Hydro driven machine?

Gear Driven Manual here.
http://www.sonnysbolens.com/manuals/images/5000-5100-GTX/5017G.pdf

Hydro Driven Manual here.
http://www.sonnysbolens.com/manuals/images/5000-5100-GTX/5017H.pdf


The Gear driven 1700 has a goofy looking setup.Short drive-shaft to a Right angle gear box with a pulley and a 3/4 x 48.4" belt to the tranny.

The Hydro just has a long drive-shaft and no belts.

Nice looking garden tractor.


Link to more manuals for it.
http://www.sonnysbolens.com/manuals/5000.htm


Oh I blew up the 1st picture.The 1700 Hydro has a foot pedal control on the right side that one doesn't so it's gear driven.

And PTO box? Wonder if he meant it needs the right angle "gear box" on the back end of the drive-shaft.Never seen a PTO Box before.

 

[Kbeitz]

I'm betting the Right angle gear box is out....

 

[jason4567]

I would say he is referring to the electric pto clutch.

Jason

 

[engine2quarters]

Which ever 'box' is needed, do you research, get the replacement part price plus labor to install, deduct it from what the seller is asking, and see what he says. 'Cash spoken here' may seal the deal.
If he won't budge, the price you end up paying is what he's asking PLUS the replacement part PLUS labor to install, which could be very expensive.
Don't be afraid to walk away. The seller may cave in and agree to your offer, as you walk out the door. Most of us can't pass up a 'cash in hand' deal. Maybe he can't either.

 

[wilberj]

I stay away from it.
It just dont look right to me.

 

[1050Bolens]

I would say he is referring to the electric pto clutch.

Jason

Ya I agree Sense he stated "Runs and Drives Great"


It should pull a Plow but if you have Giant Goonies (large rocks) you're going to end up tearing that Right Angle gear box out.
Another thing to consider is the availability of Attachments and parts in your area for this Machine.

There's an Economy/Power King in there for $950 but other than that your very limited on CL in your area for a smaller tractor that can pull a plow.
Here's the link to it.
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/grd/1990013193.html

 

[ZoomZoom71]

There's an Economy/Power King in there for $950 but other than that your very limited on CL in your area for a smaller tractor that can pull a plow.
Here's the link to it.
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/grd/1990013193.html

Whoa! Good find! Thank you for searching for me. Honestly, I'm such a tractor newbie, so I don't even know what to look for when it comes to this stuff.

Thanks for everyone's input, so far. I'm very grateful to each of you for your time and knowledge.