otus_branch
Silver Member
Sorry about the all-blue text in my post above - I must have messed up in my attempt to quote...
I checked the Earthtools site price list, and the BCS 852 (with no attachments) is $3000 for the 13 HP gas (Honda) engine, and $3800 with a 10 HP diesel (Lombardini - I think) engine. I've had good luck with the gas (Kohler) engine on my 850, but my annual hours are not as high as yours. Joel (Earthtools proprietor) certainly recommends diesel for 200+ hrs/yr, so you're a candidate... I am confident that the transmission (simple - straight gear, yet also easy to use) and implements could take these hours easily, given proper maintenance. They are certainly Ag/Commercial grade...
I didn't check implement prices, but if memory serves me right, around $1K each for the mower deck and oil-bath sickle, and around $500 for the tiller (+/- depending on size). I've no idea about the blade cost...
-otus
I checked the Earthtools site price list, and the BCS 852 (with no attachments) is $3000 for the 13 HP gas (Honda) engine, and $3800 with a 10 HP diesel (Lombardini - I think) engine. I've had good luck with the gas (Kohler) engine on my 850, but my annual hours are not as high as yours. Joel (Earthtools proprietor) certainly recommends diesel for 200+ hrs/yr, so you're a candidate... I am confident that the transmission (simple - straight gear, yet also easy to use) and implements could take these hours easily, given proper maintenance. They are certainly Ag/Commercial grade...
I didn't check implement prices, but if memory serves me right, around $1K each for the mower deck and oil-bath sickle, and around $500 for the tiller (+/- depending on size). I've no idea about the blade cost...
-otus