Buying used 850 BCS

[Gary Ray]

Hi,
We have had a 722 for 15 years and are on our 7th set of tines (some granite in our soil). I am looking at buying a used 850, but two issues of concern:
1. Could not get the unit into 4th gear (for transport). Gears would grind at low rpm with clutch fully engaged. There seems to be a plastic 'keeper' on the arm that switches the gears that actually keeps the unit from entering this gear. Some sort of lock out? Is the transport not supposed to be for moving tractor at a quick walk?
2. Brakes did not seem to work. Perhaps adjustment, or worn shoes. Common occurance? Tricks to change out?
Thanks.
Gary

 

[JoeBuyer]

I have never used an 850 before. I have the 722 that you have with a Briggs 8hp engine and it is a workhorse. I am guessing the plastic is some sort of safety or caution since even my 3rd gear is too fast for me to walk beside. I would guess a 4th gear would be quite fast. The BCS transmissions have a lifetime warranty and they are as solid as a rock. So your description of mechanical issues would be a concern for me. Was this unit used professionally? What is wrong with your 722?

 

[Bentleg]

Sounds like it just needs the clutch cable adjusted for the gear grinding. Brakes need attention too. Are you looking at a good deal?

 

[farmerboybill]

Hey Gary,

The 850's transport speed is in "mower" mode only. If you get into it in "tiller" mode, it'll run you over. If you want a tiller with transport, you'll need to find a newer 853 or an older 735 or 737. The new 740 powersafes have transport gear completely blocked off.

First thing I'd try on the brakes is to tighten up the cables. If they still don't work, they're froze up - a very common problem with machines that have brakes that aren't often used or machines that are left outside. The brakes are very easy to work on. Take off the tires and pull off the brake drum. Remove the springs and pull out the pads, Now VERY CAREFULLY work the cam back and forth with lots if rust breaker lube and a locking pliers. It may be so siezed that you need to break the (usually poor) welds that hold the lever on and knock the cam out of the backplate to clean it up. Otherwise, you can drop $35 and buy a new backplate.

 

[farmerboybill]

Hey Joe,

The lifetime warranty is kind of a gimmick. It's lifetime to the FIRST owner. Secondhand machines are not warrantied. I think the problems with this machine are not in the transmission, anyway.

 

[JoeBuyer]

Hey Joe,

The lifetime warranty is kind of a gimmick. It's lifetime to the FIRST owner. Secondhand machines are not warrantied. I think the problems with this machine are not in the transmission, anyway.

I did not know that about the warranty. I bought mine used for a fraction of new cost like I always do. All I have needed to repair on my 722 is a rotten fuel line. Can't beat that.