Description

Bolens 2288, 2289 1979 Parts Catalog

If you’ve ever ordered a part for a Bolens 2288 or 2289 using an aftermarket cross-reference and ended up with the wrong bracket, you know the pain. This 1979 Parts Catalog is the factory-issued document – 15 pages of straight OEM part numbers, reference drawings, and serial number boundaries. No guesswork, no third-party interpolation. Just the numbers Bolens assigned when the HT-20 tractor left the line.

Most parts catalogs from the 70s are reprints or scanned copies with missing pages. This one is a clean 15-page scan of Form P553554, dated October 1979. It covers serial numbers 0100101 through 0169699 for both the Model 2288 and Model 2289. The catalog breaks down every component by figure – starting with the Trim Assembly (Figure 1) – and lists part numbers, descriptions, and quantities required.

Factory parts lists like this one keep you from ordering blind. Automotive Industry Overview confirms that OEM documentation eliminates compatibility errors that plague older equipment. I’ve seen guys order five different grille assemblies because they trusted an online parts database. One look at the factory list and you know exactly which decal is for the 2289 versus the 2288 – right down to part numbers 1738430 vs 1738431.

Trim Assembly Parts Breakdown

Figure 1 – TRIM ASSEMBLY – shows the grille and hood group. The catalog lists part number 1738279 for the grille and hood without decals, and every decal is itemized: grille decal (1736267), right hood decals for 2289 (1738430) and 2288 (1738431), left hood decals for 2289 (1738844) and 2288 (1738843). Even the instruction decals are separated by model – 1739632 for 2289, 1739629 for 2288. If you need to restore the original look, you can’t get more accurate than this.

Decal Identification and Part Numbers

Decals are where most restorations go sideways because suppliers consolidate them. This catalog keeps every decal distinct with its own reference number. The PTO decal (1727125), caution decal (1727126), hydraulic control decal (1736296), and two-speed decal (1736297) are all here. The parts list even notes which decals are model-specific – no mixing up HT-20 decals for the wrong year.

Seat and Support Assembly Components

Seat assemblies on these tractors take a beating. The catalog lists the seat (1735668), seat spring (1735675), seat support assembly (1734115), seat support stand (1735517), and the handle knob (1735554). Reference numbers 54-57 on page 3 of the PDF. You also get the correct lockwashers and nuts – 5/16-18 lockwasher (1110107) and 3/8-16 nut (1100233) – so you can bolt the seat support in without hunting for hardware that fits.

Fastener Specifications (Not Torque Values)

This is a parts catalog, not a service manual. It tells you the part numbers for capscrews, lockwashers, and nuts – like capscrew 5/16-18 x 5/8 (1103195) or flat washer 5/16 (1107382) – but doesn’t include torque specs. That means you need the factory service manual for tightening values. Don’t assume torque. If you’re rebuilding, pair this catalog with the service manual to avoid overtightening and stripping threads in the aluminum housings.

Serial Number Range and Compatibility

The catalog explicitly covers serial 0100101 through 0169699. If your tractor falls outside that range, some part numbers may differ. Bolens changed production runs during 1979, so always verify your serial before ordering. The 15-page document includes a note on page 1: “Serial Number 0100101 thru 0169699.” That’s your compatibility cutoff. Ignore it and you’ll be returning parts.

Using This Parts Catalog with a Service Manual

I recommend accessing this catalog alongside a service manual for the HT-20 engine and drivetrain. The parts catalog gives you the part numbers; the service manual gives you the torque specs and assembly order. For example, FMC Bolens 1666 Parts Catalog – 23 Page Factory Parts List covers a different model but follows the same layout. FMC Bolens 1660 Parts Catalog – 23-Page Factory Parts List and FMC Bolens 1055 Parts Catalog – 16-Page Factory Parts List OEM are also available if you work on other Bolens tractors. Check the Automotive Industry Overview for context on why manufacturers split parts and service information.

Does this catalog include torque specifications?

No. This is a parts list, not a service manual.

Can I use this to order replacement parts for my 2288?

Yes, if your serial number falls between 0100101 and 0169699. Use the reference numbers under each figure to locate the OEM part number. For example, reference 2 on Figure 1 points to part 1738190 (Decal, Lift). Verify your model (2288 vs 2289) by checking the decal listings – right hood decal for 2288 is 1738431, for 2289 it’s 1738430. The catalog also lists quantities required per assembly, so you know exactly how many to order. Double-check the part description against your existing part; Bolens sometimes used superseded numbers, but this catalog gives the original.

If you’re tired of cross-referencing websites that list twelve possible parts for one application, this 15-page factory document is the answer. It’s the same paper that parts counter clerks used in 1979. Access the Factory Manual today and start ordering with certainty.