Diesel Engine Opinions

[TimberXX]

I am looking at a BCS diesel from earthtools (852). From what I see about these diesels they seem to be a pain. Oil level, terrain, fuel filters, engine priming all seems like a lot of work.

Is the fuel savings, lifespan, and power worth it?

I will be running the machine 200 hours per year. And yes I've read the earthtools page on diesels.

What are the honda guys getting in gallons per hour? How may hours will these Hondas last?

 

[js5020]

Im sure many will chime in contrary to my opinion but I wouldnt get the diesel, there is more to consider beyond fuel usage and one can buy a lot of gas for the almost 1300 bux difference in purchase price.

 

[TimberXX]

JS, what model do you have?

Thanks for the response

 

[js5020]

Im still running Gravelys here, no BCS/Grillo yet.

 

[oldmech]

Hi! I have two diesels one gas. BCS 735 diesel take about one liter hour as the Gravely diesel. The Grillo 107d with GX340 Honda can take more two liters hour. For long job 2-3 hours I use the 735 BCS diesel (hand start with rope). For short job 20-30 min. I prefer the Grillo 107 with Honda engine more easy to start . At 200hrs year you are borderline Hard choice. For now small Diesel engine are too expensive. Later if gas go to or more 5-6 dollars gal. or + 1.5 a liter may be the diesel. Honda GX are very reliable can last between 1k-2k hours. Diesel 2k+. If you can go at dealer . Try the diesel and the gas. I remember Long time ago A farmer had a Gas 860 Ford tractor . over 3 gals hour. I ask why. He told me I cannot take diesel I dislike the odor. I get sick. headache etc.. Good Luck ! Oldmech

 

[farm23]

I have the BCS 853 with the Lombardini diesel engine and have 0 problems over the last 3 years. Part of my rationale for the diesel was here in the mountains level ground is a premium.

The 852 is our primary tractor for our organic vegetable operation and we put over 200 hours a year on it. It is loud but I make sure the operator always uses hearing protection.

 

[TimberXX]

I have the BCS 853 with the Lombardini diesel engine and have 0 problems over the last 3 years. Part of my rationale for the diesel was here in the mountains level ground is a premium.

The 852 is our primary tractor for our organic vegetable operation and we put over 200 hours a year on it. It is loud but I make sure the operator always uses hearing protection.

How many hours do you get per tankful? What attachments do you use?

 

[farmerboybill]

Hi Timber,

Just dollars-&-cents wise, you'll have a hard time justifying buying the diesel engine on a Grillo or BCS tractor. Gasoline is just too "cheap", and the initial investment is just too high to justify.

However, many people buy the diesel for other reasons than dollars-&-cents. First off, the diesel has considerably more torque. They'll lug through work that will kill a gasoline engine. They'll do so while consuming less fuel. As I said, Gasoline is "cheap". If we ever have to pay the real price for gasoline, fuel consumption will suddenly become very important even on the smallest engines.

Second, Many people like the idea that you can run a diesel on vegetable oil (or any oil you choose) either straight in the summer or converted to biodiesel and in conjunction with a tank heater in the winter. Making homemade biodiesel is a much simpler process than making ethanol and getting the right octane. Related to this point, diesel "keeps" longer than gasoline. You might get a 6 month shelf life with gas, diesel will stay stable for years. The average homeowner user needs to stabilize the gasoline every time they use a small engine. How many snow blowers go into the shop in December or tillers go into the shop in April for a plugged carb?

Third, believe it or not, diesel engines are simpler than gasoline engines. You have no carburetor and no spark system. The injection pumps are very simple.

In the end, a diesel is more of a personal choice to the average owner. If you like the idea of having a diesel and can afford the higher price, go for it. If you're looking to get the best bang for the buck short term, the Hondas are great engines and will last many hours. Just make sure you keep the gasoline stabilized.

Bill in WI

 

[farm23]

How many hours do you get per tankful? What attachments do you use?

I do not keep track of fuel consumption but it seems like a couple of hours per tank. I have the tiller, rotary plow, mulch layer, flail mower, and large chipper/shredder. My next purchase will probabley the root digger plow and a 2nd BCS. There is no way I could operate this place without the BCS. A gas engine will not handle the slopes we have but it is a good choice for most folks.

 

[Bentleg]

Farmer23 I can relate to farming on slanted ground as our farm is in the NC mountains, Avery County. I'm using an old 710 and a lot of hand tools. What makes the diesel better for slopes? Do you create and maintain terraces with BCS equipment? Happy holidays!