Introduction of a walk behind fan in Washington State

[Chubby Bunny]

Good evening all!

I am just entering into the small/mid scale farming arena, and I am here looking to learn what I can about walk behind tractors, and maybe find a great situation for a new generation of organic farming. Unlike those who put philosophy over production, I'm hoping to produce good food for those who might not eat locally otherwise. Anyways, I just wanted to say hi, and if anyone has tips for those looking at a walk behind for their first tractor I'd appreciate them. A friend has a BCS (not sure of the model) and I've recently become enamored with the old Planet Jrs. I'm looking for something to use for cultivation on 1-3 acres to start out, until I know how I want to approach farming.

Thanks, I hope to learn a lot!

Michael

 

[ferrari99]

:welcome: from Australia. My personal opinion is buy the most versatile machine you can. I have what I would call the most versatile machine, which is actually the second biggest because the biggest is a more specialist machine.

 

[js5020]

Welcome to the forum, look around there are several real good threads on two wheel machines here. Im gonna ditto what Ferrari has said about versatility when buying a machine.

 

[Tbolt76]

Welcome! As a long time owner and user of BCS tractors, I highly recommend them. Having said that, here is what you might consider:
1.) Define budget for tractor and tillage/mowing tools
2.) Put production first, you are making an important investment, no production=no income
3.) What/Who is your market? Most critical piece of the puzzle.
4.) Consider hiring someone to do your primary tillage (plowing and discing) for you, BCS tillers are great for final seed bed prep
5.) Have a fairly detailed crop plan based on your marketing goals/plan. Sometimes walk behinds are not efficient beyond 2 acres.
6.) Do you have a site yet? Good soil? Bad?
7.) Earthtoolsbcs.com and "The New Organic Grower" (book by Eliot Coleman) are a must for resources.
Tom in NC
Double T Farm

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[Jim McAllister]

You might look at BCS America's website <bcsamerica.com> for some insight. Also you have the fortune of being very near a very respectable BCS dealer right in Ferndale, Washington for additional guidance.

 

[farm23]

I was in your position some years ago. I have 2 acres under production and 2 high tunnels. I second getting something with the most versatility and ease in changing implements. I live in a area where there is a lack of dealers so I ended up getting a BCS 853 from Earthtools and have been very happy with the decision. I believe BCS is the largest manufacturer of 2 wheel tractors and they have a large selection of accessories. If you have a dealer near by so much the better. There are other manufacturer's of 2 wheel tractors but my experience is limited to BCS but if there are others in the area check them out. A feature that I appreciate is the ability to change accessories quickly so I would put emphasis on that when looking.