Bolens 11A 020W765 Push Mower

Last spring, after my trusty old lawn mower finally gave up the ghost after a decade of loyal service, I found myself thrust into the overwhelming world of mower shopping. What I thought would be a simple replacement turned into weeks of research, comparison shopping, and nearly pulling my hair out over the endless options available. That journey eventually led me to the Bolens 11A 020W765 Push Mower, a choice that has fundamentally changed my relationship with lawn maintenance. Here’s my complete experience with this surprisingly capable machine—from selection to operation and everything in between.

The Breaking Point: When My Old Mower Kicked the Bucket

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in April when my ancient hand-me-down mower sputtered, coughed, and finally refused to start again. The grass was already pushing past acceptable heights, neighbors were beginning to give me those sideways glances, and I knew I couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer. I needed a new mower, and I needed one fast.

I’ll be honest—I’m not exactly what you’d call a lawn care enthusiast. My approach has always been more utilitarian than passionate. I want my yard to look decent without breaking the bank or consuming my weekends with maintenance. I’m the type who wants to get the job done efficiently so I can move on to things I actually enjoy.

With this mindset, I began my search for a replacement, and what followed was a deep dive into the world of lawn mowers that I never expected to take.

The Search Begins: Navigating the Overwhelming Options

Walking into my local home improvement store was the first mistake. I was immediately confronted with a showroom full of mowers ranging from simple push models to riding mowers that looked like they belonged on a golf course. The price tags were equally varied, and the specifications might as well have been written in another language.

“Do you need self-propelled?”
“What about engine displacement?”
“Are you looking for mulching capabilities?”
“Have you considered electric?”

The salesperson’s questions came rapid-fire, and I stood there nodding dumbly, pretending to understand what these features actually meant for my modest suburban lawn. I left empty-handed but with a stack of brochures and a growing sense of dread.

That night, I turned to the internet—another rabbit hole of opinions, reviews, and technical specifications. It was during this late-night research session that I first encountered the Bolens 11A 020W765. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t have the brand recognition of some competitors. But something about its straightforward design and reasonable price point caught my attention.

Getting to Know the Bolens 11A 020W765: Features That Matter

After weeks of research and comparison shopping, I found myself drawn back to the Bolens 11A 020W765. What initially seemed like a basic, no-frills option revealed itself to be thoughtfully designed for homeowners like me—people who want reliable performance without unnecessary bells and whistles.

The Engine: Power Where It Counts

The Bolens 11A 020W765 comes equipped with a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine. Now, before my mower education, that number would have meant absolutely nothing to me. But I’ve since learned that this represents a sweet spot for residential mowers—powerful enough to handle typical suburban lawns without the excessive fuel consumption and noise of larger engines.

What impressed me most about this engine wasn’t just its specifications on paper, but its consistent performance in real-world conditions. When I encountered a patch of thicker grass that had grown too tall during a rainy week, the Bolens powered through without bogging down. The pull-start mechanism is responsive, typically starting on the first or second pull—a welcome change from my previous mower that sometimes required what felt like Olympic-level strength to get going.

Cutting Deck and Height Adjustment: Versatility in Action

The 20-inch steel cutting deck strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability and efficiency. It’s wide enough to make reasonable progress on each pass but narrow enough to navigate around landscape features and tight corners. The deck size proved perfect for my quarter-acre lot with its fair share of trees, garden beds, and other obstacles.

One feature I’ve come to appreciate tremendously is the 3-position height adjustment system. With settings ranging from 1.25 to 3.75 inches, I can quickly adapt to different grass conditions throughout the season. During the peak growing months of summer, I keep it at the higher setting to reduce stress on the grass, while in spring and fall, I can lower it for a cleaner cut.

The adjustment mechanism itself deserves mention—it’s a simple lever system that can be operated with one hand, allowing for quick changes even in the middle of mowing. This might seem like a minor detail, but when you’re dealing with varying lawn conditions or different aesthetic preferences for different parts of your yard, this flexibility becomes invaluable.

Maneuverability: The Unexpected Strong Point

At approximately 52 pounds, the Bolens 11A 020W765 is significantly lighter than many comparable models. This weight advantage translates to remarkable maneuverability, especially in yards with obstacles or uneven terrain.

The 7-inch front wheels and slightly larger 8-inch rear wheels provide good stability while still allowing for easy turning. I’ve found this particularly useful when navigating around garden beds and trees, where precision is essential to avoid damaging plants or the mower itself.

There’s something satisfying about the way this mower responds to direction changes—it’s nimble without feeling flimsy, substantial without being cumbersome. For someone like me who views mowing as a necessary task rather than a hobby, this ease of use significantly reduces the physical toll of lawn maintenance.

Collection System: Options for Every Preference

The Bolens comes with a rear bag attachment for collecting grass clippings, a feature I initially undervalued but have since come to appreciate. The bag holds approximately 1.9 bushels of clippings, which for my lawn means I can complete most of my mowing before needing to empty it.

The collection system attaches and detaches easily—no tools required—making it simple to switch between bagging and the side-discharge option. This flexibility has proven particularly useful as my lawn care approach has evolved. During peak growing seasons when the grass is lush, I often bag the clippings to prevent thatch buildup. In drier periods, I switch to side discharge, allowing the clippings to return nutrients to the soil.

While the Bolens 11A 020W765 doesn’t have a dedicated mulching feature out of the box, I’ve found that the side-discharge mode effectively distributes clippings when the grass isn’t too tall or wet. For those who prefer true mulching, aftermarket blades are available that can enhance this capability.

The Purchase: Making the Decision

Price Point: Balancing Cost and Quality

After comparing numerous options, the price point of the Bolens 11A 020W765 (typically between $180-$220) represented one of its most compelling advantages. Positioned significantly below premium models that can run $300-500 or more, yet offering more durability and power than the cheapest options, it occupied what I came to see as the “sensible middle” of the lawn mower market.

This price positioning made my decision easier—I didn’t feel like I was compromising on essential features to save money, but I also wasn’t paying for advanced capabilities that my modest lawn simply didn’t require. For a homeowner with a small to medium-sized yard looking for reliable performance without unnecessary frills, the value proposition was clear.

Where to Buy: Finding the Best Deal

The Bolens 11A 020W765 is available through several retail channels, each with its own advantages:

Major home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s often carry this model, allowing for in-person examination before purchase. These retailers frequently offer seasonal sales that can bring the price down further, particularly in early spring and late fall.

Online retailers including Amazon and Walmart also stock the Bolens, sometimes with free shipping options that can make them more economical than brick-and-mortar stores. The convenience of doorstep delivery is significant when dealing with a bulky item like a lawn mower.

After tracking prices across multiple retailers for a few weeks, I ultimately purchased mine from Home Depot during a spring sale event. The in-store availability meant I could take it home immediately rather than waiting for shipping, and their assembly service meant I didn’t have to worry about putting it together myself.

The Setup: From Box to First Mow

Assembly: Surprisingly Straightforward

When I brought the Bolens home, I was pleasantly surprised by how little assembly was required. The main unit comes largely pre-assembled, with only the handle, collection bag, and a few other components needing installation.

The included instructions were clear and well-illustrated, walking me through each step without assuming prior mechanical knowledge. The entire process took me about 30 minutes, requiring only basic tools that most homeowners would have on hand. The most challenging part was attaching the pull-cord guide to the handle, which required a bit of dexterity but nothing insurmountable.

For those who are particularly averse to assembly tasks, most retailers offer assembly services for an additional fee, though given the simplicity of the process, this may be an unnecessary expense for most buyers.

First Start: The Moment of Truth

After adding the recommended SAE 30 oil (which is not included with the mower) and filling the tank with fresh regular unleaded gasoline, it was time for the moment of truth—the first start.

Following the instructions in the manual, I primed the engine with three pushes of the primer bulb, pulled the safety bail arm against the handle, and gave the starter rope a firm pull. To my delight, the engine caught on the second pull, purring to life with a reassuring, steady rumble.

The sound level was noticeably quieter than my previous mower—still clearly a gas-powered machine, but without the ear-splitting roar I’d grown accustomed to. Neighbors who happen to be home during my weekly mowing sessions have actually commented on this improvement.

The Performance: Real-World Experience

First Mow: Putting It to the Test

For the Bolens’ inaugural run, I intentionally chose a challenging section of my lawn—an area that tends to grow faster and thicker than the rest, with some uneven terrain thrown in for good measure. If the mower could handle this test case, I reasoned, the rest of my yard would be no problem.

The first thing I noticed was how smoothly the mower moved across the lawn. The weight distribution felt natural, requiring minimal effort to push even through thicker grass. The engine maintained consistent power throughout, never lugging or straining as my old mower would have.

The cut quality immediately impressed me. The blade sliced cleanly through the grass rather than tearing it, resulting in a uniform appearance that I hadn’t achieved with my previous equipment. The clippings collected efficiently in the rear bag without the frequent clogging I’d experienced before.

Handling Different Grass Conditions

Over the following months, I’ve had the opportunity to test the Bolens in a variety of conditions:

During peak growing season when the grass was lush and thick, the mower performed admirably, though I found myself emptying the collection bag more frequently. On particularly challenging days, I sometimes opted for the side-discharge configuration to maintain momentum.

After heavy rains, when the grass was still slightly damp (not ideal mowing conditions, but sometimes unavoidable with my schedule), the Bolens managed better than expected. While wet grass can challenge any push mower, adjusting to a higher cutting height helped prevent clogging and maintain efficiency.

In drier periods when the grass growth slowed, the lowest height setting delivered a manicured appearance that rivaled the results from much more expensive equipment.

Perhaps most impressively, the Bolens has handled the transition areas between my lawn and the more natural, wild areas at the property’s edge—places where the grass tends to grow taller and intermix with more stubborn vegetation. With a slight reduction in walking speed, the mower processed these challenging sections without complaint.

Fuel Efficiency: More Mowing, Less Filling

One aspect I didn’t fully appreciate until I’d been using the Bolens for several months was its fuel efficiency. The 140cc engine sips gas compared to larger models, allowing me to complete my entire yard on less than a single tank of fuel.

This efficiency comes with no apparent sacrifice in power, suggesting thoughtful engineering rather than simply reducing engine displacement. For context, my previous mower, despite having a similar-sized yard to cover, required refueling during almost every mowing session.

The practical benefit is significant—fewer trips to the gas station and less money spent on fuel over the course of a season. It’s also meant fewer interruptions during mowing, allowing me to complete the job more quickly.

Maintenance: Keeping It Running Smoothly

Routine Care: Simpler Than Expected

One of my concerns when purchasing any gas-powered equipment is maintenance complexity. The Bolens has proven refreshingly straightforward in this regard, with basic maintenance tasks well within the capabilities of an average homeowner.

Regular oil changes are recommended every 25 hours of operation or each mowing season, whichever comes first. The process is simple: remove the oil fill cap/dipstick, tilt the mower to drain the old oil (being careful to avoid the air filter and carburetor), then refill with fresh SAE 30 oil to the appropriate level on the dipstick.

The air filter should be checked regularly and cleaned or replaced as needed—a 5-minute task that requires no special tools. Similarly, the spark plug should be inspected seasonally and replaced if necessary, another simple operation detailed clearly in the owner’s manual.

Seasonal Storage: Preparing for Winter

At the end of my first mowing season with the Bolens, I followed the recommended winterization steps:

1. Running the engine until the fuel tank was empty to prevent gumming in the carburetor
2. Changing the oil while the engine was still warm
3. Removing and cleaning the air filter
4. Removing the spark plug and adding a small amount of oil to the cylinder
5. Cleaning the underside of the mower deck to prevent corrosion
6. Storing in a dry, protected location

These steps took less than an hour to complete and provided peace of mind that the mower would be ready to go when spring arrived. True to form, when the next season began, the Bolens started on the second pull despite sitting unused for months—a testament to both the quality of the engine and the effectiveness of proper winterization.

Blade Maintenance: The Key to Cutting Quality

One maintenance task that directly impacts performance is blade sharpening. After approximately 25 hours of use, I noticed the cut quality beginning to decline slightly—grass blades showing more tear than clean cut, and increased resistance when pushing through thicker sections.

Sharpening the blade proved straightforward. After disconnecting the spark plug wire for safety, I tilted the mower (following the manual’s instructions on which direction to avoid oil leakage) and removed the blade using a wrench. A basic metal file restored the edge effectively, though professional sharpening services are available for those who prefer that route.

The difference after reinstallation was immediately noticeable: cleaner cuts, reduced resistance, and even a slight improvement in fuel efficiency. I’ve since made blade inspection part of my regular maintenance routine, typically sharpening twice per season.

Comparisons: How the Bolens Stacks Up

Versus Self-Propelled Models: A Matter of Preference

One of the most common questions I receive when recommending the Bolens 11A 020W765 is how it compares to self-propelled alternatives. The answer depends largely on your property and personal preferences.

Self-propelled mowers undoubtedly reduce physical effort, particularly on sloped lawns or larger properties. However, they come with several trade-offs: higher initial cost (typically $100-200 more), increased maintenance complexity, greater weight, and reduced maneuverability in tight spaces.

For my relatively flat, quarter-acre lot with numerous landscaping features to navigate around, the manual push design of the Bolens actually proves advantageous. I maintain complete control over mowing speed and direction, and the lighter weight makes turning and maneuvering around obstacles significantly easier.

That said, homeowners with larger properties, significant slopes, or physical limitations might find the additional investment in a self-propelled model worthwhile. It’s a matter of matching the tool to your specific needs rather than an objective superiority of one design over another.

Versus Electric Models: Different Philosophies

The growing popularity of electric mowers (both corded and battery-powered) represents another point of comparison. These models offer distinct advantages: quieter operation, zero emissions at the point of use, and elimination of gasoline storage and maintenance concerns.

However, after researching electric alternatives extensively before my purchase, I identified several limitations that steered me toward the Bolens gas model:

Battery-powered models in a similar price range typically offer shorter run times (20-45 minutes) than a tank of gas in the Bolens, which can complete my entire yard with fuel to spare. For properties requiring more than 30 minutes of mowing, this becomes a significant consideration.

Corded electric models eliminate the runtime concern but introduce cord management challenges and limit mobility to within 100 feet of an outlet (with appropriate extension cords).

The cutting power of comparably priced electric models, while improving yearly, still lags behind gas engines when confronting thicker or taller grass—a regular occurrence in my somewhat inconsistent mowing schedule.

The Bolens’ straightforward maintenance requirements and reliable starting ultimately tipped the scales for me, though I acknowledge that as battery technology continues to improve, this calculation may change for future purchases.

Versus Premium Gas Models: Diminishing Returns

At the higher end of the market, premium gas mowers offer additional features like blade-brake clutches (allowing the engine to run while the blade is stopped), more powerful engines, and enhanced durability.

After using the Bolens for multiple seasons, I’ve come to believe that for typical residential use, these premium features represent diminishing returns on investment. The core function—cutting grass effectively and reliably—is performed admirably by the Bolens at a fraction of the cost.

The 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine has proven more than sufficient for my needs, and the construction quality, while not commercial-grade, has withstood regular use without signs of premature wear. For homeowners seeking value without compromise on essential performance, the middle-market positioning of the Bolens makes compelling sense.

Long-Term Ownership: Beyond the Honeymoon Phase

Durability: Standing the Test of Time

Now well into my second year of ownership, I can speak to the durability of the Bolens 11A 020W765 with greater confidence. Despite regular use throughout two growing seasons—approximately 30 mowing sessions per year—the mower shows minimal signs of wear.

The steel deck, often a point of failure in lower-priced mowers, has resisted corrosion effectively, with only minor cosmetic scratches from inevitable contact with sticks, stones, and landscape edging. The wheels remain firmly attached and roll smoothly, without the wobbling that often develops in less robust designs.

The engine starts as reliably as it did when new, typically on the first or second pull, and maintains consistent power throughout operation. Regular oil changes and air filter maintenance have kept it running cleanly, with no significant reduction in performance over time.

Even the collection bag, typically a wear item, has held up remarkably well. The fabric shows no significant tears or deterioration, and the frame remains properly aligned with the mower discharge.

Parts Availability: Peace of Mind for Future Repairs

One consideration that factored into my purchase decision was the availability of replacement parts. The Bolens uses a widely-available Briggs & Stratton engine, ensuring that consumable parts like air filters, spark plugs, and oil filters are readily accessible through multiple channels.

Model-specific components such as height adjustment mechanisms, wheels, and blade adapters are available through the manufacturer’s parts network as well as third-party suppliers. This accessibility provides peace of mind that a minor failure won’t render the entire mower obsolete—an unfortunately common outcome with some budget-oriented equipment.

I’ve only needed to replace the air filter and spark plug as part of routine maintenance thus far, but knowing that more substantial repairs would be feasible if necessary adds significant value to the ownership experience.

Warranty Coverage: Standard But Sufficient

The Bolens 11A 020W765 comes with a standard 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. While not exceptional in the industry, this coverage proved adequate for my needs and aligned with the mower’s price point.

It’s worth noting that warranty service requires proper maintenance according to the schedule outlined in the owner’s manual, including regular oil changes and air filter maintenance. Keeping records of these activities, including receipts for replacement parts and supplies, is advisable should warranty service become necessary.

In my case, I haven’t needed to make a warranty claim, but the documentation included with the mower provides clear instructions for doing so if required. The process involves contacting an authorized service center with proof of purchase and a description of the issue.

Real-World Scenarios: How the Bolens Handles Challenges

Tackling Overgrown Areas: The True Test

We’ve all been there—a combination of rainy weather and busy schedules leads to a lawn that’s grown well beyond ideal cutting height. These situations provide the most rigorous test of any mower’s capabilities.

When faced with grass approaching 6 inches in height after returning from a two-week vacation, I was admittedly skeptical about how the Bolens would perform. Following best practices, I set the cutting height to the highest setting for the initial pass, then gradually lowered it in subsequent passes to reach my desired height.

The mower handled this challenge impressively, maintaining enough power to cut effectively even when processing a significant volume of grass. The engine occasionally sounded more strained than during routine mowing but never stalled or faltered significantly.

The collection bag filled quickly during this process, requiring frequent emptying, but the side-discharge option provided a workable alternative for the initial, highest-setting pass. The end result was a neatly manicured lawn achieved with multiple passes—more time-consuming than regular maintenance mowing but entirely feasible with the Bolens.

Wet Conditions: Adapting to the Elements

While conventional wisdom advises against mowing wet grass, practical reality sometimes necessitates working in less-than-ideal conditions. After moderate morning rain followed by afternoon clearing, I’ve tested the Bolens’ ability to handle slightly damp grass.

The performance in these conditions revealed both strengths and limitations. The engine maintained power effectively, but as expected, the collection system became less efficient as wet clippings tended to adhere to the underside of the deck and the discharge chute.

Switching to side-discharge mode proved beneficial in these situations, allowing the mower to process the wet grass more effectively without the frequent clogging that occurred with the collection bag attached. Increasing the cutting height also helped, reducing the volume of material being processed with each pass.

While not optimal, the Bolens demonstrated reasonable capability in these challenging conditions—a reflection of the robust engine design and effective cutting system. For best results, however, waiting for grass to dry remains advisable when schedules permit.

Varied Terrain: Beyond the Flat Lawn

My property includes several areas with moderate slopes and uneven ground—conditions that can challenge push mowers, particularly lighter models that might bounce or skip over the surface.

The Bolens, with its well-balanced design and appropriately sized wheels, navigates these variations admirably. The weight provides enough downforce to maintain consistent blade contact with the grass without being so heavy as to make uphill pushing excessively strenuous.

On steeper sections, the non-self-propelled design actually offers an advantage in terms of control. When moving downhill, I can easily modulate the mower’s speed by adjusting my pushing force, providing greater stability and more precise maneuvering than some self-propelled models that tend to “run away” on declines.

The Verdict: Would I Recommend the Bolens 11A 020W765?

For Small to Medium Yards: An Ideal Match

After extensive use across multiple seasons, I can confidently recommend the Bolens 11A 020W765 for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns (up to approximately 1/3 acre). Within this context, the mower offers an exceptional balance of performance, durability, and value.

The 20-inch cutting width proves efficient enough to complete most residential lawns in a reasonable time while remaining maneuverable around landscape features. The 140cc engine delivers consistent power without excessive fuel consumption, and the straightforward maintenance requirements align well with the needs and capabilities of typical homeowners.

For properties in this size range, the manual push design rarely becomes a significant limitation, particularly given the mower’s relatively light weight and smooth-rolling wheels. The money saved by forgoing self-propulsion can be substantial—funds that might be better directed toward other lawn care tools or improvements.

For Larger Properties: Consider Alternatives

For properties exceeding 1/3 acre, the equation changes somewhat. The time required to mow larger areas with a 20-inch push mower increases substantially, potentially making self-propelled models or even riding mowers more appropriate despite their higher cost.

Similarly, properties with extensive slopes or consistently challenging mowing conditions might benefit from more specialized equipment. The Bolens performs admirably within its intended use case but wasn’t designed to replace commercial-grade equipment for demanding applications.

For Value-Conscious Homeowners: A Clear Winner

Where the Bolens 11A 020W765 truly shines is as an option for value-conscious homeowners who need reliable performance without unnecessary frills. The price point—typically 30-50% lower than premium push mowers with similar core capabilities—represents significant savings without compromising on the essential function of effective grass cutting.

The use of a name-brand Briggs & Stratton engine rather than a generic alternative inspires confidence in long-term reliability, while the straightforward design minimizes potential points of failure. For homeowners who view lawn mowers as tools rather than hobbyist equipment, this practical approach to design and pricing is refreshingly sensible.

Final Thoughts: The Unsung Hero of Lawn Care

As I reflect on nearly two years of ownership, what stands out most about the Bolens 11A 020W765 is how rarely I think about it—and I mean that as the highest compliment. It has become one of those reliable tools that simply performs its function without drama or disappointment, allowing me to maintain my lawn efficiently and move on to more enjoyable activities.

In a market increasingly dominated by feature creep and premium pricing, there’s something refreshingly honest about the Bolens’ approach. It doesn’t pretend to be more than it is: a reliable, effective grass-cutting machine offered at a fair price. For many homeowners, myself included, that’s exactly what we need.

If you’re in the market for a new mower and your needs align with what I’ve described, I encourage you to consider the Bolens 11A 020W765. It may lack the brand prestige of some competitors, but in terms of real-world performance and value, it’s one of the most sensible lawn care investments available today.

The greatest luxury in home maintenance isn’t having the most expensive equipment—it’s having reliable tools that require minimal attention and consistently deliver results. By that measure, the Bolens 11A 020W765 has earned its place in my garage and my recommendation to fellow homeowners seeking practical solutions to everyday needs.