Ferrari 340 (BCS 740) vs. Grillo G 110

[Tandem]

Hello TBN members.

First of all I would like to thank the Chishti family and the IMC Digital Universe staff for starting and maintaining this great resource. Most people are not aware of how much time and effort goes into running a forum website.

Also, thanks to the many members that contribute to these forums. A lot of the information I found here would be very hard to get elsewhere.

I would like to purchase a 2-wheeled tractor and so far it looks like it will be either a Ferrari 340 (identical to BCS 740) or Grillo G 110, both with the Honda GX390 and Berta 26" (650mm) flail mower.

I hope to use the tractor mainly with the flail mower for cutting tall grass, weeds, bramble and shrubs in an uneven terrain. I would also like to build a small trailer to haul firewood and logs around the property. I may get a rotary power harrow in the future.

I am leaning towards these two models because of the following features:

• Honda GX390 Engine (I have a Billy Goat BC2430 with Honda GXV390 and going with a smaller engine does not seem wise.)
• Differential Lock
• Independent Brakes

Here are few questions I still have even after reading the specifications and viewing any videos I could find.

1. What are the differences between the Ferrari 340 (BCS 740) and Grillo G 110?
   Based on their brochures and websites they seem quite comparable and any differences must lay in smaller details.
   
   
2. What is necessary to make the Grillo compatible with front mount implements?
   Someone mentioned that Grillos cannot run front mount attachments without modification.
   
   
3. How does the gear shifting compare on these models?
   Based on some videos and pictures I have the impression that the gear shifting hardware is better thought out on the BCS. (I hate the gear shifting setup on the Billy Goat.)
   
   
4. What is the handle height and angle adjustment like on both models?
   Some say that the Grillo only allows swinging the bars to one side and locking them there whereas the BCS allows swinging to either side and more up and down positions.
   
   
5. How well do the reversible handlebars work?
   From what I saw in some videos it seems that the BCS is easier to change and changing the handlebar directions on the Grillo requires removing washers and pins.
   
   
6. Is the differential lock any different between the 2 brands?
   BCS states that the differential with lock is serial. What does that mean?
   
   
7. Where can I download an owner's manual for the BCS or Ferrari?
   I was able to download a manual for Grillo, but found it pretty much useless.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Tandem]

I just found more BCS photos and videos at Tracmaster. They also have a manual and parts diagrams for the BCS.

So far, I like the BCS better than the Grillo because of the following reasons:

• It looks like there is a larger selection of attachments available without any need for modifications.
  
  
• I like the gated shifter implementation on the BCS with neutral between each gear. It also seems easier to see which gear the shifter is in.
  
  
• I find it very useful to be able to swing the handlebars to either left or right on the BCS.
  
  
• Reversing the handlebars from front to back is definitely easier on the BCS. With the Grillo, I would have to worry about accidentally dropping the retaining pins or washers and also guiding one of the cables and making sure it does not get pinched. It looks like the gear number decal can be scraped during the bar reversal on the Grillo.
  
  
• All the leavers and controls on the BCS appear to be better made and thought out.

 

[joecoin]

Can't speak to the BCS. I have a Grillo 107d, slightly smaller than the 110. (11 hp Honda gas engine vs. 13 hp).

Your question number 2. There was no modification with the two front mount attachments I purchased. (A 33" finish mower and a 26" inch brush mower).
I don't have any rear mount implements, but I have played with reversing the handle bars. It takes 5 minutes, just don't drop the clip or washer! Hold the release lever engaged when rotating the bars and you won't ruin the decal, although I did not care about that.

It will not mow in reverse, but supposedly there is a way to cheat that. I have not explored that yet.

Gear shifting is straight forward, not hard at all. I bought it to mow brush and lawn, I love it. I should have gotten bigger tires and had them foam filled.

 

[Tandem]

Thank you Joe,

Which wheels/tires do you have and how do you think the bigger tires would be beneficial?

 

[farmerboybill]

There are as many or more attachments for a Grillo machine. The Grillo PTO turns in the opposite direction versus the BCS PTO, so the front mount attachments are not interchangeable. If you buy an attachment new, specify which machine you have. If you buy an attachment used, you may have to modify it to fit your machine, be it BCS, Grillo, or any other brand. This is usually easily done because the manufacturers of the attachments make them to fit all brands. One exception is the sickle mower. It doesn't care which way you turn it.

The Grillo has both swing and height adjustment on the handlebars, the same as BCS.

Differential lock is the same,.

The biggest difference is the BCS has a hydraulic clutch and the Grillo has a less expensive, easier to service dry clutch. I used to be strongly anti-powersafe, but now am ambivalent. My points still stand regarding the clutch, save one - it has proven to be reliable so far.

The gearshift is nicer on the BCS, but the Grillo's shifter is good as well. It does cause more hunting for the gear you want, but a good operator won't have much trouble.

In the US, Tire size is 5-12 on the Grillo. You can go up to 6.5-12s, but they have nearly the same height. Changing tire size is greatly dependent on what you're doing with your machine. The taller the better in many cases, especially mowing very rough terrain or rotary plowing. Some situations, like tilling and power harrowing, taller tires can hurt performance.

Joecoin,

You can't mow backward with a Grillo because the PTO rotation reverses when you engage the reverser. There is no way to defeat this, and you WILL cause damage if you try.

 

[joecoin]

I have the stock tires, 5”x10”x20”. I mow in some very rough areas and the tractor bottoms out a lot. Taller tires would give me more clearance.

 

[joecoin]

...

Joecoin,

You can't mow backward with a Grillo because the PTO rotation reverses when you engage the reverser. There is no way to defeat this, and you WILL cause damage if you try.

Well I'll give up that foolish idea. Thanks for saving me from a lot of anguish!

 

[Tandem]

Thanks everyone for the details, much appreciated. Now I just need to source one here in New Zealand. So far I am not too impressed with the distributors here, will see.

 

[Tandem]

Wow, 3 years later and a 2-tweeled tractor is finally on the way, a Pasquali XB40 (CBS 740) and 65cm Berta Flail Mower.

I be glad to take some photos if there is any interest, let me know.

All best in 2019 to you all.

 

[sixdogs]

Wow, 3 years later and a 2-tweeled tractor is finally on the way, a Pasquali XB40 (CBS 740) and 65cm Berta Flail Mower.

I be glad to take some photos if there is any interest, let me know.

All best in 2019 to you all.

Yes, there is interest on my part.