Bolens Ride-A-Matic

The first generation of 4 wheeled tractor Bolens ever produce between 1956-1962

1957 Bolens Super Ride-A-Matic 21HD

Bolens founded in Port Washington, Wisconsin, began in the early 20th century producing tillers and power hoes, quickly establishing a reputation for innovative and durable garden machinery. In 1919, the company introduced its first power-driven machine and later developed the two-wheeled Ridemaster.

The Ride-A-Matic series, introduced in 1956 was Bolens’ first production of four-wheeled garden tractors. These early models featured robust steel construction and a variable-speed belt-drive transmission or Versa-Matic system, making them practical for mowing, hauling, and other garden tasks. The early rounded-bonnet Ride-A-Matic tractors were never officially sold in the UK. Bolens only began importing Ride-A-Matic tractors to the UK from 1959, with later square-bonnet models, which are more common but still very collectible.

The early Ride-A-Matic series, especially the rounded-bonnet first models, are extremely rare outside the US. Surviving examples in the UK must have been imported privately at a later date, making them highly sought after by collectors.

The Ride-A-Matic series helped establish Bolens as a pioneering manufacturer of compact, ride-on garden machinery, and these early models are valued today for their engineering, durability, and historical significance.

The earliest Ride-A-Matic tractors appeared in 1956, featuring a Wisconsin single-cylinder petrol engine and rounded bonnet, forming the foundation of the series. These early models included the Versa-Matic variable-speed drive and an optional rear hitch.

In 1957, Bolens updated the line with Kohler K-series engines and introduced the Super series, produced only that year. The Super 21HD featured a stronger chassis, a larger 6.5–7 HP K160 engine and usually came with a mounted rear hitch, accompanied by its distinctive round Bolens emblem on the front grille. That same year, the 20HD with the 4.5 HP K90 engine continued as the standard model.

The rounded-bonnet models lasted until 1958, when the 220 Deluxe replaced the Super, retaining similar mechanics, bonnet style, and a focus on attachments while introducing a more structured model numbering system and the Kohler K161 engine.

In 1959, Bolens launched the square-bonnet 230, marking a visual redesign and the end of the early Ride-A-Matic era. This update clearly separates early models from later, modernized Bolens garden tractors.

In 1961–1962, Bolens upgraded the tractors’ drive system and gearbox.

The Ride-A-Matic series was succeeded by the Bolens Husky. Later, in 1987, Bolens was purchased by Garden Way, owner of Troy-Bilt. Bolens equipment was subsequently sold under the Troy-Bilt name, though the designs remained Bolens. MTD continued to use the Bolens name on low-cost lawn and garden tractors until around 2010, when the brand was largely phased out as a primary line.