Grillo vs BCS

[oldmech]

Hi! Kubota makes small Diesel engines. OC60-E3 and OC95-E3 These engine complies with EPA Tier 4 emission regulation . The most stringent emission regulation in the world. But these engines are very expensive. Also Soon ( less 50 years)! No more pollution because no more oil to burn. Good Luck! Oldmech

 

[farmerboybill]

Hey 5030,

This thread directly relates to small gasoline or diesel engines on a BCS or Grillo walk-behind tractors. As far as I know, there is no factory-built, mass produced, affordable engine that is powered by NG and can be mounted to Lawn and garden equipment. As far as I know, there is no readily available source to fill up a tank of NG that would be practical on a small machine.

As I said, you won't see them COMMONLY used in the near future. My town had police cars that ran on NG 15 years ago. They don't anymore. Most NG powered items are stationary and will continue to be stationary for at least the next decade. You're not likely to see a NG on an OTR truck in the next 20 years. For that to happen, truck stops will need to install NG pumps and man the pumps with personnel to fill the tanks. You might see them in short haul delivery trucks that return to their terminal every night and can be fueled then in the next ten years, but not OTR trucks. For example, Schwan's trucks are all LP powered.

Besides that, NG has it's own demons when it comes to extraction. Man-made earthquakes, to name one. The crap we pump in the ground during fracing to name another.

I'd rather run veggie oil in a little less "efficient" diesel engine on a BCS or Grillo versus NG.

 

[5030]

I take it you haven't been to any new, under construction truckstops lately. Love's and Flying J are both incorporating NG filling and DEF filling stations in their pump lines.

Unattending filling of NG tanks (by customers) is very simple with OPD equipment. Pre-OPD was a risky operation. OPD filling removes the risk factor.

I work in the industry and it's coming.....

I realize what the thread topic addresses.

 

[clytle374]

I hope diesel is around for good long while. Getting really tired of emission standards on small engines, while ships moving all the cheap goods from higher pollution factories in China don't have to worry about it much.

Speaking of storage issues, I can't exactly store it in a trash bag. Am I going to get small 5gal tanks to refill the tractor ever 30 minutes? Or have 6 times the size tank? Or will I have to take it to a OPD station?

Not to mention all the debate with fracking, and the fact that if previous usage goes back to pre recession levels, it won't be so cheap.

And with the concern about CO2 being so prevalent, it's a doomed as all other fuels.

 

[SharingFarm]

Would like some advice on the Grillo G107D. There are 2 engines for this one with a significant price difference. The 11hp Honda version and the 8hp Kohler/Lombardini Diesel. For power, reliability, lower maintenance, and repair, which engine would you choose?

Also, is there a Canadian distributor for the Grillo?

Thanks,

 

[Bentleg]

Hi. Joel's list includes 4 dealers in Canada. http://www.earthtoolsbcs.com/Grillo_dealer_list_April_2013.pdf

I'd go with the diesel with a electricity generator in mind.

 

[farmerboybill]

Hi Sharingfarm,

The Honda powered unit is surely the best bang for your buck. If there were a 9 or 9.5 hp diesel option to mount on the 107, it'd be the better engine in terms of maximum power. I've only sold one diesel in three year and that was because the customer insisted.

 

[mkeith]

Would like some advice on the Grillo G107D. There are 2 engines for this one with a significant price difference. The 11hp Honda version and the 8hp Kohler/Lombardini Diesel. For power, reliability, lower maintenance, and repair, which engine would you choose?

Also, is there a Canadian distributor for the Grillo?

Thanks,

Those Honda motors have a very good reputation and are used in many types of equipment. Maintenance and repair should not be a problem. I know I would buy the Honda. If you use your tractor enough, the diesel can eventually pay for itself in fuel savings (according to the Earth Tools website). I'm sure the diesel is reliable, too. But there are WAY more Honda's out there floating around. I think maintenance should be about equal, but I'm not sure.

I gather that the biggest problem with small gas engines is gummed up carburetor. A lot of people don't add fuel stabilizer, then let it sit for many months during the winter, year after year. Then the fuel gums up the carburetor. If you add stabilizer, and use the equipment regularly, I don't believe you will have any problem with the carburetor.

--McKenzie

 

[oldmech]

Hi! Gas or diesel. If you plan use less 200 hrs year. Take Honda 11hp. I Have a Grillo 107d with Honda take about 2 liters hour. My BCS diesel 735 with 8hp diesel about 1 liter hour. I use the Grillo in winter with snowblower. For long job in summer I take the Diesel because I have this one. Small diesel are too expensive to buy You need 1000 hours for pay . Good luck Oldmech

 

[wstr75]

I agree with Farmerboybill, MKeith and Oldmech. I have an 853 with 11 hp Lombardini (now Kohler), a 737 with 13 hp Honda and a 710 with 8 hp Honda. The Lombardini is almost unstoppable. It is also very loud. The Hondas are quiet, reliable and if you run fuel stabilizer, slide the fuel control to "off" and idle the engine until the carburetor is out of fuel (when the engine dies), they never give any maintenance trouble.
Bill in NC