Bolens 1886
The Bolens 1886 is a compact lawn and garden tractor built from 1971 to 1972. It's part of Bolens' Large Frame series and is perfect for homeowners with big yards or small farms. This tractor has a 2-wheel drive system and manual steering, making it easy to control. Under the hood, the Bolens 1886 packs a punch with its Kohler K482S engine. This air-cooled, gasoline-powered engine has 2 cylinders and produces 18 horsepower. It has a very high engine displacement for its class and runs at a very high rated RPM of 3600. The tractor uses a hydrostatic transmission, giving it smooth, infinite forward and reverse speeds. It also features an independent PTO, electric starter, and disc brakes for added convenience and safety. With its open operator station and lawn/turf tires, this tractor is built for comfort and performance on grassy areas.
Key specifications
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine power
- 18hp
- Transmission
- Shaft-driven Hydrostatic
Category comparison
1886 compared with its category
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The 1886 ranks at the 50th percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Bolens 1886
The Bolens 1886 is a compact lawn and garden tractor built from 1971 to 1972. It's part of Bolens' Large Frame series and is perfect for homeowners with big yards or small farms. This tractor has a 2-wheel drive system and manual steering, making it easy to control. Under the hood, the Bolens 1886 packs a punch with its Kohler K482S engine. This air-cooled, gasoline-powered engine has 2 cylinders and produces 18 horsepower. It has a very high engine displacement for its class and runs at a very high rated RPM of 3600. The tractor uses a hydrostatic transmission, giving it smooth, infinite forward and reverse speeds. It also features an independent PTO, electric starter, and disc brakes for added convenience and safety. With its open operator station and lawn/turf tires, this tractor is built for comfort and performance on grassy areas.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | Bolens |
|---|---|
| Model | 1886 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1971–1972 |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | K482S |
| Power | 18hp(13.42 kW) |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 47.7ci(0.78 L) |
| Bore | 3.25in(82.55 mm) |
| Stroke | 2.87in(72.9 mm) |
Transmission
| Type | Shaft-driven Hydrostatic |
|---|
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Disc |
| Cab | Open |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|
Dimensions
| Length | 76in(1,930 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 37.8in(960.1 mm) |
| Height | 44.9in(1,140 mm) |
Closest alternatives
1886 compared with the nearest models by horsepower
The closest lawn and garden models to the Bolens 1886 by rated horsepower are the Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 KW and the Cub Cadet LTX1042 KW. The Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 KW matches it on rated power. It entered production in 2015, 44 years after the 1886. The Cub Cadet LTX1042 KW matches it on rated power. It entered production in 2012, 41 years after the 1886.
| Spec | Bolens 1886 | Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 KW | Cub Cadet LTX1042 KW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 18 hp13.4 kW | 18 hp13.4 kW | 18 hp13.4 kW |
| Displacement | 47.7 ci0.78 L | 36.8 ci0.6 L | 36.8 ci0.6 L |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Transmission | Shaft-driven Hydrostatic | Belt-driven hydrostatic | Belt-driven Hydrostatic |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Years built | 1971-1972 | 2015+ | 2012-2014 |
Calculators
Calculators for the 1886
PTO power
About 15 to 16 PTO hp
Estimated from the 18 hp engine rating. The calculator also estimates drawbar power by surface.
Implement sizing
Implements a 18 hp tractor can run
The calculator sizes mowers, tillers, discs, plows and balers for this tractor.
Units
18 hp is 13.4 kW
The converter gives kW and metric PS values, as used on European spec sheets.
Parts and manuals
Parts and manuals for the Bolens 1886
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 Kohler K482SAmazon
Fits the Kohler K482S 2-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Air filter for the Kohler K482SAmazon
Fits the Kohler K482S 2-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Fuel filter for the Kohler K482SAmazon
Fits the Kohler K482S 2-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Hydraulic filter for the Kohler K482SAmazon
Fits the Kohler K482S 2-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
Manuals
- Bolens 1886 service and repair manualseManualOnline
Digital manuals. Built 1971 to 1972. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- Bolens 1886 operator's manualAmazon
Printed and reprint manuals. Built 1971 to 1972. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- Bolens 1886 service manualAmazon
Shop and repair manuals for this model.
Links in this section go to retailers. A purchase through them earns this site a commission at no extra cost to the buyer. As an Amazon Associate, Heavy Equipment Specs earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure
Category medians
1886 vs. Lawn and Garden median
Bolens 1886 compared with other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 18 hp | 18 hp | at median | 50th |
| Engine Displacement | 47.7 ci | 41.1 ci | +16% | 73rd |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | at median | 50th |
| Length | 76 in | 71.7 in | +6% | 69th |
| Width | 37.8 in | 43.3 in | -13% | 32nd |
| Height | 44.9 in | 42.9 in | +5% | 64th |
Medians and percentiles are calculated from the lawn and garden tractors in the database that have a recorded value for each specification (sample size 269–380 models).
Same manufacturer
Other Bolens models
Other manufacturers
Models with similar horsepower
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was the Bolens 1886 made?
The Bolens 1886 was manufactured from 1971 to 1972.
Which transmission does the Bolens 1886 use?
The Bolens 1886 is equipped with a Shaft-driven Hydrostatic transmission.
What hitch category is the Bolens 1886?
The Bolens 1886 uses a Category 0 hitch.
What is the engine power output of the Bolens 1886?
Rated engine output for the Bolens 1886 is 18 hp, delivered by a 2-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 47.7 ci.
How do I maintain a Bolens 1886?
Routine service for the Bolens 1886 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.

