If you own a Bolens 38 inch riding mower, or you are considering buying one, you already know the appeal of a compact lawn tractor that can squeeze through gates, turn around flower beds, and still cut a respectable swath of grass. Bolens has a long history in outdoor power equipment, and the 38-inch deck models remain popular among homeowners who want a simple, durable machine without the bulk of a larger garden tractor. This guide covers what makes the Bolens 38 inch riding mower tick, how to maintain it, common problems to watch for, and what to inspect before you bring a used one home.
The 38-inch cutting width is the sweet spot for many residential properties. It is narrower than the common 42-inch and 46-inch decks, which makes it easier to maneuver around trees, fences, and landscaping, but it is still wide enough to cut a half-acre to one-acre lawn efficiently. Whether you have an older Bolens lawn tractor with a manual transmission or a later model with a hydrostatic drive, understanding its strengths and limits will help you get the best performance from the machine.
Bolens 38 Inch Riding Mower Basics and Performance
A Bolens 38 inch riding mower is typically a lawn tractor designed for residential mowing, light hauling, and seasonal yard work. Most models pair a single-cylinder gasoline engine with a manually shifted or hydrostatic transaxle, and the 38-inch deck is usually side-discharge, with optional mulching kits and baggers available depending on the model year. These machines were built for homeowners who wanted a step up from a push mower but did not need a heavy-duty commercial zero-turn.
Because Bolens equipment was produced across several decades and under different manufacturing owners, the exact features can vary widely. Some Bolens 38-inch tractors have a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, while others use a foot-controlled hydrostatic system. You may also see differences in deck engagement, fuel capacity, tire size, and safety switch layout. Even with those variations, the core design remains straightforward and repairable, which is one reason these mowers continue to show up in classified listings and rural workshops.
Key Specifications and Common Models
Although exact specs depend on the year and model, many Bolens 38 inch riding mowers fall into a similar range. Engine sizes commonly run from about 11 horsepower to 16 horsepower, with Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Tecumseh engines appearing on different production runs. Fuel tanks usually hold between one and two gallons, and the transaxle is often a Peerless-style unit that delivers power to the rear wheels through a drive belt and pulley system.
Common Bolens 38-inch tractors from the 1980s through the early 2000s may carry model numbers beginning with prefixes such as 13A, 13W, or similar codes, though the exact numbering system changed over time. You will often see labels like 13.5 HP, 14.5 HP, or 15.5 HP on the hood, and some models include electric PTO engagement while older ones use a manual lever. Tire sizes are generally modest, with 15x6.00-6 front tires and 18x8.50-8 or 20x8.00-8 rear tires being common, giving the mower a low center of gravity and a tight turning radius.
Deck Design and Cutting Performance
The 38-inch deck is usually a stamped steel shell with two blades, though a few variations use a different blade arrangement. Cutting height is adjusted with a lever or dial, and most decks offer a range from roughly 1.5 inches to 4 inches. Anti-scalp wheels or rollers help prevent the deck from gouging uneven ground, and the side-discharge chute spreads clippings to the right. If you add a mulch kit, you can recirculate clippings back into the lawn, but you will need to keep the blades sharp and avoid mowing wet grass.
In real-world mowing, a Bolens 38 inch riding mower performs best on flat to moderately uneven lawns with established grass. It can handle light leaves and small weeds, but thick, tall grass may require a slower ground speed and a second pass. The narrower deck makes trimming around obstacles easier than with a wide-cut mower, yet it still reduces mowing time compared with a 21-inch push mower. For many homeowners, the 38-inch size offers a practical balance between maneuverability and productivity.
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Buying Advice for the Bolens 38 Inch Riding Mower
Keeping a Bolens 38 inch riding mower reliable comes down to routine care and early attention to small problems. These tractors are not complicated, but they depend on clean oil, fresh fuel, sharp blades, and properly tensioned belts. A little maintenance each season can prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of the machine well beyond what many owners expect from an older riding mower.
Because these machines are mechanically simple, many common issues can be diagnosed in a home garage with basic hand tools. You do not need a dealership to change the oil, replace a spark plug, or swap a deck belt. However, some repairs, such as transaxle work or spindle replacement, require more patience and the right parts. Knowing which tasks are DIY-friendly and which are better left to a small-engine shop will save you time and frustration.
Routine Service for Longevity
Start with the engine. Check the oil level before every mowing session, and change the oil every 50 hours of operation or at least once per mowing season. Replace the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug according to the owner’s manual or sooner if the engine runs rough in dusty conditions. Keep the battery terminals clean and tight, and charge the battery during long periods of storage. Tire pressure matters too, because uneven pressure can cause an uneven cut and extra strain on the transaxle.
The deck deserves equal attention. Sharpen the blades every 20 to 25 hours, or more often if you mow sandy or rocky soil. Check the deck belt for cracks, glazing, and proper tension, and replace it if it slips or looks worn. Clean grass clippings from under the deck after each use to reduce rust and improve airflow. Lubricate the spindles, idler pulleys, and other grease fittings, then level the deck side-to-side and front-to-back so the blades cut cleanly. Before winter, add fuel stabilizer or drain the fuel system, and store the mower in a dry place.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
When a Bolens 38 inch riding mower will not start, begin with the battery, safety switches, and solenoid. A clicking sound usually points to a weak battery or bad connection, while a crank-but-no-start condition often involves the carburetor, spark plug, or fuel supply. Old gasoline is a frequent culprit, especially after a long winter, so drain stale fuel and clean the carburetor if the engine refuses to fire. If the engine turns over but dies when you engage the blades, check the seat safety switch, PTO switch, and deck belt path.
Cut quality problems usually trace back to dull blades, an unbalanced deck, or a worn belt. If the mower leaves strips of uncut grass, inspect the blades for damage and confirm the deck is level. If the deck belt jumps off repeatedly, look for a misrouted belt, a worn idler pulley, or a bent deck hanger. Drive problems, such as slow movement or no movement in gear, often involve the drive belt, variable-speed pulley, or transaxle. Always disconnect the spark plug before reaching under the deck or working near the blades.
Evaluating a Used Bolens 38 Inch Riding Mower
Shopping for a used Bolens 38 inch riding mower can be a smart way to get a capable machine for a low price, but condition matters more than age. Ask the seller to start the mower from cold and let it run for several minutes. Listen for unusual knocking, backfiring, or surging, and watch for excessive smoke. Test the deck engagement, drive forward and reverse, and cutting height adjustment. If possible, mow a small patch of grass to check for uneven cut, vibration, or belt slippage.
During inspection, ask for maintenance records and check the obvious wear points. Look at the deck shell for rust-through, especially around the spindles and edges. Inspect the belts, blades, tires, battery, and wiring harness. A dirty machine is not automatically a bad sign, but neglected oil, a cracked fuel line, or cobbled-together wiring can signal expensive trouble. Parts for many Bolens 38-inch mowers are still available through aftermarket suppliers, but verifying part availability before you buy can save you from owning a machine you cannot repair.
With patient tuning, regular service, and a realistic understanding of what a 38-inch deck can handle, a Bolens riding mower can remain a dependable helper for years of mowing seasons. Whether you are reviving an inherited tractor or searching for a budget-friendly used model, focus on the engine, deck, and drive system first, then personalize the machine with sharp blades, a comfortable seat, and the right mulching or bagging setup for your lawn. A well-cared-for Bolens 38 inch riding mower may not be the newest machine on the block, but it can still deliver honest results when the grass starts growing.