A series of rotational bands in 158Dy, 164Er, 168Yb and 174Hf were studied by excitation with neutron evaporation reactions initiated by protons, deuterons, 3He and α-particles with energies between 16 and 28 MeV. The resulting prompt γ-ray spectra were analyzed with a curved crystal diffraction spectrometer and with lithium-drifted germanium detectors. Transitions from levels in the ground state bands were seen up to 10 + in 168Yb, 12 + in 158Dy and 174Hf and 14 + in 164Er. The γ-vibrational bands in three of the nuclei were strongly excited and several β-bands were weakly excited. The energy levels deduced from the measurements were successfully fit by the empirical formulas of Holmberg and Lipas and of Sood for the ground state band as well as for the higher bands. The cross sections for transitions in the ground state band agree with the statistical model calculations made. Within the validity of the calculations, no large angular momentum deficit was observed.