2 Wheel Tractors - Buying & Using

[Libertine]

MossRoad & Henro:

You're welcome. Glad you found the posts of interest. The 2 wheel tractors are, unfortunately, seldom given consideration. Yet, they can do almost (please note, I said almost) what the CUT can do for the smaller property owner, just on a smaller scale. Their weakness is in heavy lifting - there is no practical way do do loader work, for example. Although backhoe attachments are available they are limited. Yesterday I spent about 1 1/2 hrs chipping with the BCS and then used the TC40 loader to dump the chips down a slope at the edge of the property (with the loader).

A financial benefit of the 2 wheel tractor is that you are "using up" a $3,000 asset (the BCS tractor) instead of "using up" a $15k asset (the NH TC40) to drive implements that cost 50% or less of a 3pt implement and yet do 60-70% or more of the work output. The more hours you put on your larger CUT the faster it depreciates, and, of course, the overall per hour operating costs are much higher for the larger tractor. For many jobs, the 2 wheeler is actually easier to use and certainly cheaper to operate.

JEH

[ZJ_HR]

Glad you have your BCS. Funny, command levers are similar to ones on mine. I'm not using my 2-wheeler often, but can't imagine life without one.
I saw Goldoni Super Special 140D on fair, and my heart was knocking faster [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

BTW, you're have nice toys, mean attachments [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...


Anyone know if there's a wood splitter available for a BCS tractor ?


Thanks...


Dave...

[Libertine]

ZJ_HR:

<font color="blue">Glad you have your BCS. Funny, command levers are similar to ones on mine. </font>

Me too! I think there are Euro regs for positioning - the new BCS 852 has the brake levers on the post, rather than handle bars. Not as handy for using the brakes to do a 180. Also, the positioning is logical for many of the levers so would naturally be similar across brands. Havn't seen the Goldoni "in the flesh". You seldom see this type of equipment as US fairs.

Dave_in_CT:

<font color="blue">wood splitter . . </font>

Joel Dufour at Earthtools is supposedly working on one, but you have the issue of being a "manufacturer" and the attendant liability. Lawyers keep the American consumer from having many, many things. It should be easy enough to rig something up. A bracket mounted to the transaxle could hold a hydraulic pump driven by the BCS PTO (or, easier yet, by a standard 1 3/8" PTO). The splitter on a frame (with tires for moving). Set up not unlike the chipper with drop down stands when in use. Problem, Dave_in_CT, it would probably cost as much as simply buying a standard 3 pt splitter. It I were going to do it, I would by an inexpensive 3 pt splitter and modify it.

JEH

PS. I am sure they sell splitters in Europe for 2 wheel tractors. You might ask Joel if he can get you one.

[milkman]

Me too! I think there are Euro regs for positioning - the new BCS 852 has the brake levers on the post, rather than handle bars. Not as handy for using the brakes to do a 180.


On my 735, I found it difficult to turn left with the mower and sulky attached, the brake levers being on the right handle, in a sharp left turn, the right handle was out of reach. I removed the handle for the left turn and welded it on the left, by the clutch, I've not found a disadvantage with this arrangement.
There used to be a logsplitter for the BCS in their brochure, it was rather expensive, probably why they dropped it. Love that old BCS.

[Dave___in___CT]

Thanks...


Dave...

[Libertine]

milkman:

<font color="blue">On my 735, I found it difficult to turn left with the mower and sulky attached </font>

I don't have sulky for BCS. Had 2 sulkies with the Gravelies (one steered with a steering wheel, one with handle bars). While it's easier riding than walking, I found the use of a sulky with the Gravely was sometimes more trouble than it was worth, especially on steep slopes or when turning a lot. It you're mowing an acre or two, mostly open, seems fine. Don't know if I will even get a sulky for my BCS.

Nice idea swapping location of brake lever. Shows how much easier it is to use the 2 wheeler. Try modifying the location of the brake on a CUT!

You have the older style tiller. Don't know how it tills, but you have more adjustment range than the newer style. Looks like you can adjust the outer width to at least three widths. My 30" is only adjustable to 2 widths (30" and 26"), although I guess I could drill more holes in it. Looks like yours is more flexible.

JEH

[ZJ_HR]

<font color="blue"> I removed the handle for the left turn and welded it on the left, by the clutch </font>

I just did opposite. Older models had brake levers on both sides. New models have brakes on right handlebar. I just move diff lock to new handle, replace cables on handles on right handlebar, and cut out handle on left handlebar, beside clutch. It ic more convinient for tilling in vineyard, as it not collect vines any more. For mowing, I'm usually using brakes to "correct" path on slopes.
For sharp turning is less covinient, as right lever brakes left wheel, and opposite (when handlebars are turned for pushing implements), so I need to think before press brake to avoid surprise [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[bobodu]

Hey To20Chris
I just read your post of many months back about having the 30" Gravely mower bogging down.Mine was doing the very same thing and I thought it was the slip clutch too. Turns out it was the bearing preload on the vertical shaft! Way too tight.You should be able to have that blade spin several revs by hand.Mine now turns for 40 seconds after shutdown.Check both shafts... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

[Libertine]

Hi - was at an antique power show over weekend - thought I would post some pics of old 2 wheelers. This is a david bradley very nicely restored.