Lawn and Garden tractorsSpec sheet
Bolens 1250
The Bolens 1250 is a compact lawn and garden tractor that was made from 1967 to 1969. It's a 2-wheel drive tractor with manual steering and a hydrostatic transmission. This means it's easy to control and can change speeds smoothly without shifting gears. The tractor is powered by a small, air-cooled Wisconsin S12D gasoline engine. It has one cylinder and puts out 12.5 horsepower, which is on the lower end for tractors but good for lawn work. The engine runs at a very high 3600 RPM, making it responsive for various tasks. The Bolens 1250 weighs 974 pounds, which is heavier than many lawn tractors, giving it good stability. It has lawn tires in front and ag tires in back for better traction on grass. This tractor has an open operator station, making it easy to get on and off. It starts with an electric starter, which is more convenient than manual options. The Bolens 1250 can use category 0 hitches, allowing it to connect to small implements. It's part of Bolens' Large Frame series, showing it's built for more serious yard work than some smaller models.
ManufacturerBolensPower12.5 hp(9.3 kW)ClassUnder 25 HP tractors →Engine1-cylinderTransmissionHydrostatic
Key specifications
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine power
- 13hp
- Operating weight
- 974 lb
- Transmission
- Hydrostatic
Category comparison
1250 compared with its category
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Lawn and Garden tractors
12.5 hp · 20th
This model
4
Median 18 hp
28
This modelLawn and Garden tractorsMediann = 380
The 1250 ranks at the 20th percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Bolens 1250
The Bolens 1250 is a compact lawn and garden tractor that was made from 1967 to 1969. It's a 2-wheel drive tractor with manual steering and a hydrostatic transmission. This means it's easy to control and can change speeds smoothly without shifting gears. The tractor is powered by a small, air-cooled Wisconsin S12D gasoline engine. It has one cylinder and puts out 12.5 horsepower, which is on the lower end for tractors but good for lawn work. The engine runs at a very high 3600 RPM, making it responsive for various tasks. The Bolens 1250 weighs 974 pounds, which is heavier than many lawn tractors, giving it good stability. It has lawn tires in front and ag tires in back for better traction on grass. This tractor has an open operator station, making it easy to get on and off. It starts with an electric starter, which is more convenient than manual options. The Bolens 1250 can use category 0 hitches, allowing it to connect to small implements. It's part of Bolens' Large Frame series, showing it's built for more serious yard work than some smaller models.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | Bolens |
|---|---|
| Model | 1250 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1967–1969 |
| Operating weight | 974lb(441.8 kg) |
Engine
| Make | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Model | S12D |
| Power | 12.5hp(9.32 kW) |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Displacement | 28.9ci(0.47 L) |
| Bore | 3.5in(88.9 mm) |
| Stroke | 2.99in(75.95 mm) |
Transmission
| Type | Hydrostatic |
|---|
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Dimensions
| Length | 71.7in(1,821 mm) |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 974lb(441.8 kg) |
Closest alternatives
1250 compared with the nearest models by horsepower
Among lawn and garden tractors, the Cub Cadet AGS 2130 and the Cub Cadet 1315 are closest to the Bolens 1250 in rated horsepower. The Cub Cadet AGS 2130 matches it on rated power and weighs 410 lb less, carrying 45 lb per horsepower against 78 lb. It entered production in 1994, 27 years after the 1250. The Cub Cadet 1315 matches it on rated power at almost the same operating weight. It entered production in 1989, 22 years after the 1250.
| Spec | Bolens 1250 | Cub Cadet AGS 2130 | Cub Cadet 1315 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 12.5 hp9.3 kW | 12.5 hp9.3 kW | 12.5 hp9.3 kW |
| Operating weight | 974 lb442 kg | 562 lb255 kg | 985 lb447 kg |
| Weight per hp | 78 lb/hp47 kg/kW | 45 lb/hp27 kg/kW | 79 lb/hp48 kg/kW |
| Displacement | 28.9 ci0.47 L | 24.3 ci0.4 L | 24.3 ci0.4 L |
| Cylinders | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Shaft-driven gear type | Gear |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Years built | 1967-1969 | 1994-1999 | 1989-1991 |
Calculators
Calculators for the 1250
PTO power
About 10 to 11 PTO hp
Estimated from the 12.5 hp engine rating. The calculator also estimates drawbar power by surface.
Implement sizing
Implements a 12.5 hp tractor can run
The calculator sizes mowers, tillers, discs, plows and balers for this tractor.
Ballast
91 lb per PTO hp as listed
Heavy draft work calls for 130 to 150 lb/hp. The calculator gives the ballast to add.
Units
12.5 hp is 9.3 kW
The converter gives kW and metric PS values, as used on European spec sheets.
Parts and manuals
Parts and manuals for the Bolens 1250
Each link opens a retailer search keyed to the fields recorded for this model. Confirm fitment against the serial plate before ordering.
Filters
- Oil filter for the Wisconsin S12DAmazon
Fits the Wisconsin S12D 1-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Air filter for the Wisconsin S12DAmazon
Fits the Wisconsin S12D 1-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Fuel filter for the Wisconsin S12DAmazon
Fits the Wisconsin S12D 1-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Hydraulic filter for the Wisconsin S12DAmazon
Fits the Wisconsin S12D 1-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
Manuals
- Bolens 1250 service and repair manualseManualOnline
Digital manuals. Built 1967 to 1969. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- Bolens 1250 operator's manualAmazon
Printed and reprint manuals. Built 1967 to 1969. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- Bolens 1250 service manualAmazon
Shop and repair manuals for this model.
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Category medians
1250 vs. Lawn and Garden median
Bolens 1250 compared with other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 12.5 hp | 18 hp | -31% | 20th |
| Engine Displacement | 28.9 ci | 41.1 ci | -30% | 20th |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 | -50% | 17th |
| Operating Weight | 974 lb | 738 lb | +32% | 62nd |
| Length | 71.7 in | 71.7 in | at median | 50th |
Medians and percentiles are calculated from the lawn and garden tractors in the database that have a recorded value for each specification (sample size 314–380 models).
Same manufacturer
Other Bolens models
Other manufacturers
Models with similar horsepower
Gallery
Bolens 1250 photos
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was the Bolens 1250 made?
The Bolens 1250 was manufactured from 1967 to 1969.
Which transmission does the Bolens 1250 use?
The Bolens 1250 is equipped with a Hydrostatic transmission.
What three-point hitch category does the Bolens 1250 use?
The Bolens 1250 has a Category 0 three-point hitch.
What is the engine power output of the Bolens 1250?
Rated engine output for the Bolens 1250 is 12.5 hp, delivered by a 1-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 28.9 ci.
What is the operating weight of the Bolens 1250?
The Bolens 1250 has an operating weight of about 974 lb.
How do I maintain a Bolens 1250?
Routine service for the Bolens 1250 covers engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic and coolant level checks, air filter cleaning, and scheduled inspections. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for exact intervals.