Sometime this afternoon you will have a 6-speed transmission split on the bench, and this 100-page Bolens 600 through 1656 service and repair manual PDF (OEM 552875-1) belongs open beside it, covering 26 Medium Tube Frame Tractors. Wiring diagrams fill most of the electrical chapter, drawn model by model for magneto, battery and solid state ignition, then followed by Delco-Remy generator checks and a full system test. Drive train pages work through 3-speed and 6-speed gear diagrams, hydrostatic package removal and Model 10 hydro repair, while the chassis chapter handles clutches, disc brakes, interlock switches and the PTO shaft seal. Fill the engine with 2-3/4 pints of oil and set carburetor idle at 1200 RPM. One misread gear stack means a second teardown and a swap-meet hunt for a part nobody makes anymore. Bookmarks and a text layer jump you to the right chapter, so the tractor is back in the field before the weather turns.
What's Inside This Bolens 600–1656 Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| General | 3-13 | Serial Number Information, Specifications, Maintenance Chart, Lubrication Points, Lubrication Chart Gear Drive, Lubrication Chart Hydrostatic Drive |
| Electrical System | 14-37 | Trouble Shooting Guide (Wiring Diagram 600, 800, 900 & 1000 Magneto Ignition) |
| Drive Train | 38-68 | Trouble Shooting Guide (Bearing Installation Tools, Oil Seal Tools, Worm Centering Kit No. 171-9432) |
| Fuel System | 69-74 | Trouble Shooting Guide (Fuel Tank and Valve, Fuel Filter, Air Cleaner, Carburetor Adjustments) |
| Chassis | 75-90 | Steering Assembly (Clutch Assembly 6-Speed Transmission, Clutch Assembly 3-Speed Transmission, Clutch Assembly 3-Speed Transmission Older Models) |
| Hydraulic System | 91-96 | Trouble Shooting Guide (Principle of Operation, Hydraulic Power Lift, Hydraulic Lift Kit, Transmission Filters) |
| Engine | 97-99 | Trouble Shooting Guide, Engine Removal |
| Service Letters/Bulletins | 100 | Service Letters, Bulletins |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| All Models | ||
| Idle Speed Adjustment | 1200 RPM | p. 71 |
| Idle Speed Adjusting Screw | 1750 RPM | p. 71 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 2-3/4 pints | p. 4 |
| Gasoline Capacity | 4 quarts | p. 4 |
| Ground Clearance - Rear Axle | 7 inches | p. 7 |
| Hydrostatic Transaxle Bolt Torque | 240 inch pounds | p. 64 |
| Hydrostatic Transaxle Cover Bolt Torque | 35 foot pounds | p. 68 |
| HH-100, HH-120-120090 C, HH-120-12099E, HH-140, HH-150 & HH-160 | ||
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3 pints | p. 5 |
| HH-120 - 120061 B | ||
| Engine Oil Capacity | 2 pints | p. 5 |
Bolens 600–1656 Common Problems This Manual Covers
Bolens medium tube frame tractor drive train gives no forward or reverse travel when engaged
Inspect the drive belts and belt guide adjustments in the chassis section starting on page 75, then work the no forward or reverse chart in the drive train guide on page 38. On hydro models, check the travel pedal adjustment and hydrostatic neutral adjustment before you pull the hydrostatic package, and get back in the field sooner.
Manual Section: Drive Train Troubleshooting p. 38Transmission unit in the drive train running hot to the touch and losing power
Check the unit operating hot and loss of power causes in the drive train troubleshooting chart on page 38. Inspect and service the transmission filters covered in the hydraulic system section starting on page 91, and verify lubrication against the gear drive or hydrostatic drive chart in the general section before the next pass.
Manual Section: Drive Train Troubleshooting p. 38Brake assembly fails to stop the tractor when the brake pedal is pushed down
Inspect the brake assembly, parking brake and disc brake using the procedures in the chassis section starting on page 75. Run the brake failure checks in the drive train chart on page 38, adjust as directed, then test the brake interlock switch before you take the tractor back out to the field.
Manual Section: Chassis p. 75Engine hard starting with no fuel reaching the carburetor and rough running at idle
Check the fuel tank and valve first, then inspect the fuel filter and air cleaner using the fuel system troubleshooting chart on page 69. Clean or replace whatever is blocked, look for carburetor leaks, and set idle speed following the carburetor adjustments on page 71 so it starts clean when the weather opens up.
Manual Section: Fuel System Troubleshooting p. 69Hydraulic power lift inoperative or the load drops with the control valve in neutral
Inspect the valve and lift cylinder for leaks using the hydraulic system troubleshooting chart on page 91. Check the transmission filters listed in that section, verify hydraulic power lift operation against the principle of operation pages, and repair the leaking valve or cylinder before you hang the implement back on the tractor.
Manual Section: Hydraulic System Troubleshooting p. 91Electrical system starter motor will not crank and the battery keeps discharging instead of charging
Test the electrical system following the starter motor, battery discharge and battery charging checks on page 14. Trace the circuit on the wiring diagram for your model and ignition type starting on page 16, then inspect the Delco-Remy generator and the starter-generator drive before you spend money on a new battery.
Manual Section: Electrical System Troubleshooting p. 14Frequently Asked Questions
What are the replacement specifications for drive belts on Bolens tube frame tractors?
Drive belts should be checked for wear and adjusted every 50 hours. If the belt is frayed or shredded, it indicates interference in the belt path and should be replaced. p. 9
What are the replacement specifications for the air filter on Bolens tube frame tractors?
The air cleaner should be serviced every 10 hours under normal conditions, or more frequently in dusty environments. For dry-type elements, they should be replaced when they are no longer serviceable. p. 72
What is the oil capacity for the engine crankcase on Bolens tube frame tractors?
The engine crankcase oil capacity varies by engine model. For Tecumseh engines, the capacity is 3 pints for most models, while the HH-120-120061 B model requires 2 pints. For Wisconsin engines, the capacity is 1 quart. p. 5
What is the correct spark plug gap for the engines on Bolens tube frame tractors?
The spark plug gap for most engines listed in the manual, including Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh models, is .030 inches. p. 4
What is the torque specification for the hydrostatic package bolts on Bolens tube frame tractors?
When installing the hydrostatic package to the transaxle, the four 12-point bolts must be torqued to 240 inch pounds. p. 64
Is this Bolens 600 Service and Repair Manual a digital download?
Instant PDF download. You get the full 100-page searchable Service and Repair Manual immediately after payment. Open it on your laptop, tablet, or phone right in the shop.
Does this Bolens 600 manual allow printing?
Yes. Many mechanics print the section they need for their own shop and bring it to the bench.
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