BCS 290 B attachments?

[MollyMo]

Wondering if anyone has an older BSC rototiller and knows if the new mower attachment will work on it. I have the AL 290 Acme (motor) 8 HP (built about 1982) and I want to mow bumpy ground with it. Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[cmyoung2]

Not sure which BCS you have. The tractor number/model is different than the motor number. Look on EarthTool.com under their tractor list for the older models. Maybe you can figure out the model number and what implements will fit. If the handle bars will reverse, then most of the mowers will probably fit, maybe with adaptors.

 

[MollyMo]

Not sure which BCS you have. The tractor number/model is different than the motor number. Look on EarthTool.com under their tractor list for the older models. Maybe you can figure out the model number and what implements will fit. If the handle bars will reverse, then most of the mowers will probably fit, maybe with adaptors.

I've been on there looking at the mower combo, but I don't see the page or information that helps identify it. Our tractor is labeled Mainline, and has more than one speed, with the turn around handle. I remember there were a lot of big attachments one could get at the time, if you could afford them. 8hp. Maybe I can ask BSC folks ...usually they don't bother with old, old customers. lol Thank

 

[farmerboybill]

Mainline imported them from the mid-70's until 1982. The great majority of them were 715 (3 speed, solid axle, 4-8 tires) and 725 (5 speed [3 speed transmission with second hi/lo lever down by the PTO], solid axle, 4-10 tires) tractors. Some were 735s (5 speed like the 725, locking differential with steering brakes, 5-10 tires).

If yours is a 735 it will be OK for mowing, but not great. The 735 only had 2 working speeds in "mower" mode - slow and slower. The 715 and 725 will be much less desirable while mowing with their solid axle. They will be very hard to manuever, AND the 715 only has one speed in "mower" mode - OMG are we EVER gonna get done!?!

Also, avoid the combo mower. It is not a good rig, no matter what you have for a tractor. It's ok for known areas where you're guaranteed to not hit a rock or stump. It WILL break your PTO if it hits said unmovable object.

 

[MollyMo]

Mainline imported them from the mid-70's until 1982. The great majority of them were 715 (3 speed, solid axle, 4-8 tires) and 725 (5 speed [3 speed transmission with second hi/lo lever down by the PTO], solid axle, 4-10 tires) tractors. Some were 735s (5 speed like the 725, locking differential with steering brakes, 5-10 tires).

If yours is a 735 it will be OK for mowing, but not great. The 735 only had 2 working speeds in "mower" mode - slow and slower. The 715 and 725 will be much less desirable while mowing with their solid axle. They will be very hard to manuever, AND the 715 only has one speed in "mower" mode - OMG are we EVER gonna get done!?!

Also, avoid the combo mower. It is not a good rig, no matter what you have for a tractor. It's ok for known areas where you're guaranteed to not hit a rock or stump. It WILL break your PTO if it hits said unmovable object.

Good information!! I was considering mowing attachments for a rough, hilly acre. The 2-wheel tractor in question is probably the 715, I haven't ran outside with the identification chart yet. But at 60 (me) I may want to consider just fencing it in and running a grazer I can eat. lol My other challenge is a seasonal creek with a "woman+riding lawnmower" size shaky bridge that divides one acre from another. I may just take the tractor in and have them get it running really good and sell it, or trade it for a... pig? Thank you so much!

 

[farmerboybill]

Dunno if a pig is the right answer - unless you want a plowed field instead of a mowed field... As long as you don't have many large predators, 2 or 3 goats might be the answer. But then you run into another problem - Goats either need a very STRONG, well built fence, or they need to be staked and tethered. That means you either need to spend thousands of dollars on fencing, or you need to move them from stake to stake several times a week or month (depending on the length of chain/rope).

You could also consider a no-mow prairie restoration. You'll need some way to control weeds (chemical, fire, mowing, grazers) the first couple years, but the maintenance is very low after that.

Good luck with making your decision.

 

[MollyMo]

Dunno if a pig is the right answer - unless you want a plowed field instead of a mowed field... As long as you don't have many large predators, 2 or 3 goats might be the answer. But then you run into another problem - Goats either need a very STRONG, well built fence, or they need to be staked and tethered. That means you either need to spend thousands of dollars on fencing, or you need to move them from stake to stake several times a week or month (depending on the length of chain/rope).

You could also consider a no-mow prairie restoration. You'll need some way to control weeds (chemical, fire, mowing, grazers) the first couple years, but the maintenance is very low after that.

Good luck with making your decision.

I like the no-mow prairie restoration idea, pretty poor soil might make getting that started a challenge. If you pasture pigs they don't always devastate the pasture, unless there are too many. Usually they'll choose a small area for bathing (mud is good they need to cool) and muck that up pretty good. They don't require more than 2 strands of hot wire, but one young one would be a target for roving dogs. A full grown pig, pissed off is a little like dealing with a bear. lol I know, I scared my sow once, and she turned in midair on me and barked like a bear. I shouted her name and she stood down and went back to grazing. But, I ask myself... do I want to be tied down to animals now that my kids are all grown up and off? lol Thank you for you suggestion, I think I'll look into the no-mow idea, and rent a walk behind and see what I think. Meantime the BSC might be for sale.