Bolens 5018H Parts Catalog – 19 Pages of OEM Part Numbers for 18 HP Tractor

Description

Looking up parts for a Bolens 5018H Parts Catalog job can turn a Saturday wrenching session into a week-long hunt if you’re relying on guesswork or aftermarket parts lists. I’ve had guys bring me a 5018H with a missing seat support and a handful of mismatched bolts from the hardware store because the online cross-reference was wrong. The factory parts catalog – the one Bolens printed for the dealer network – is the only source that gives you Bolens drawing numbers, fastener grades, and the exact quantity per assembly. This one runs 19 pages, covers the body, engine, and drive groups, and includes hardware notes that’ll keep you from snapping a bolt on a running machine.

Body Work and Trim Assembly (Page D-1)

Page D-1 opens with the seat, fenders, hood, and grille groups. The exploded diagram shows the seat support (part 1734115) and the adjusting knobs (1734269) – these are the parts that crack when the tractor sits outside. You can cross reference the hardware: flat washers, locknuts, and carriage bolts have local sourcing notes. The catalog tells you 4 flat washers are needed for the seat bracket, not 2. If you order a “seat kit” off Amazon you’ll get half the hardware and no decals.

What Parts Does the Engine and Drive Section Cover?

Starting on page D-3, the engine and drive assembly includes the fuel tank (1749484) with cap, heat shields, fuel line filter, and the shutdown cable components. The diagram lists the spring (1806648) and strap (1727918) that hold the tank. If you’re chasing a fuel leak, you’ll see the hose clamp part number and the snap bushings for the lines. The parts catalog breaks each sub-assembly into reference numbers so you can order exactly the piece that’s broken, not the whole $200 tank.

3 Reasons to Use a Factory Parts Catalog

First, the part numbers are Bolens OEM numbers – no aftermarket renumbering that can send you to a wrong bin. Second, the exploded views show hardware callouts with sizes like 5/16-18 x 3/4 flange lock screw (part 1186329) and flat washers with thickness specs. Third, the “No. Req’d” column tells you exactly how many to buy. One missing washer on a pivot rod (1736341) can cause slop that damages the sheet metal over time.

Common Hardware Warning: Why Grade 5 Matters

Look at the footnote on page D-2: “Common Hardware-Purchase Locally (Grade 5 where applicable).” That’s not a suggestion. Using a Grade 2 bolt in place of a Grade 5 flange lock screw on the fender bracket means the fastener can shear under vibration. I’ve seen a hood and grille fly off because someone used a cheap bolt from a bin. The parts catalog gives you the thread size, length, and grade requirement. If you’re sourcing locally, take the part number and cross it at a real fastener supplier, not a big-box store where the threads are mislabeled.

Restoring a 5018H: Where to Start

If you bought a used 5018H that’s missing half the trim, start with the body work section on page D-1. Order the decals (instruction decal 1750290, fender decals 1750832 and 1750833, grille decal 1748707) – they’re often faded beyond recognition. Then move to the engine drive section for fuel system parts. You’ll also want to check the related manuals for other Bolens models: FMC Bolens 1666 Parts Catalog – 23 Page Factory Parts List, FMC Bolens 1660 Parts Catalog – 23-Page Factory Parts List, and FMC Bolens 1055 Parts Catalog – 16-Page Factory Parts List OEM. For background on why factory specs matter in equipment restoration, see Automotive Industry Overview and Automotive Industry Overview.

Does the Bolens 5018H Parts Catalog include torque specs for bolts?

No. This is a parts catalog, not a service manual. It lists part numbers and hardware sizes but does not give tightening torques.

How do I know if a fastener listed as “Purchase Locally” is the correct grade?

The footnote on page D-2 says Grade 5 where applicable. For critical bolts (flange lock screws, carriage bolts), cross-reference the part number in a Grade 5 catalog. If the part is marked * in the table, it’s common hardware meant for local sourcing – but you must use the size and grade specified. I’ve had a spring pop off because a Grade 2 cotter pin deformed. Stick to Grade 5 for any structural fastener. On the seat support, the flat washers are 3/8 SAE grade. If you substitute a softer washer, the adjusting knob can bottom out and crack the bracket. Always verify thread pitch (e.g., 5/16-18) against the part description. The catalog lists the exact thread size – don’t assume a coarse thread because the bolt looks right. This one difference has saved me three trips to the parts store in one week.

When you need to get a Bolens 5018H back together without chasing wrong parts, the factory parts catalog is the only reference that lists every bolt, washer, decal, and bracket. Access the Factory Manual and keep it on your bench – it’ll pay for itself the first time you avoid buying the wrong fuel tank cap.