Why not a BCS 853?

[akroeze]

Other than financial reasons, is there a good reason to NOT get a BCS 853 and instead get one of the lower level models?

 

[akroeze]

Upon further review I may be misinterpreting the models. Is the 853 the "top of the line" or is something else?

It would be nice if there were a side by side spec chart for comparison, am I not looking in the right spot?

 

[Hiptfarms]

Earthtools website has a chart that compares the different models. It even has the older models. It tells the engine types, years of manufacture, tire sizes, etcetera.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Bentleg]

Here is a link to the chart: http://www.earthtoolsbcs.com/BCS_Model_Chart1.pdf

The 853 is a very good machine.

 

[SageBrush]

The 853 gives you steering brakes, to me thats a must have. I wouldn't consider anything under the 853. There is also horsepower and the type of clutch. I started out shopping for a BCS, but after comparing tillers and features for the money I ended up with a Grillo 107D. Think about the main use of the machine also and the attachments it will run. You may need more HP to run something like a large mower deck or maybe less for a small tiller etc.

 

[ferrari99]

As far as I can see for versatility the 853 is the best, there is one larger model but it is really a specialist soilworking machine. That is what I have found with my personal research, so take it or leave it. Our model numbering is different here in oz and we don't have the transport speed.

 

[farmerboybill]

If one was only going to run a smaller 18 or 20" tiller, a solid axle machine with small tires and a smaller light engine is going to be just as effective at a much lower cost.

Other than that use, just about every other application is going to benefit from having the ability to lock and unlock the differential.

A larger machine with a differential is typically more maneuverable than a smaller machine without it. Even moving stationary equipment like the chipper is going to be easier because it's so big a clumsy. That, and you need all the HP you can get for the chipper.

 

[akroeze]

The 853 gives you steering brakes, to me thats a must have. I wouldn't consider anything under the 853. There is also horsepower and the type of clutch. I started out shopping for a BCS, but after comparing tillers and features for the money I ended up with a Grillo 107D. Think about the main use of the machine also and the attachments it will run. You may need more HP to run something like a large mower deck or maybe less for a small tiller etc.

One of the main reasons I was going with BCS was that we have a dealer locally. I suppose that should only be a secondary concern, but I also feel like looking into a Grillo will just complicate things further! I've already been waffling between a riding tractor vs a 2 wheel... this has been a month long process as it is and I'm in "decision paralysis" due to information overload!

If one was only going to run a smaller 18 or 20" tiller, a solid axle machine with small tires and a smaller light engine is going to be just as effective at a much lower cost.

Other than that use, just about every other application is going to benefit from having the ability to lock and unlock the differential.

A larger machine with a differential is typically more maneuverable than a smaller machine without it. Even moving stationary equipment like the chipper is going to be easier because it's so big a clumsy. That, and you need all the HP you can get for the chipper.

I don't know that I'd be using the chipper. We recently purchased a property and next year will be starting up a market garden so the main uses of this machine will be for tillage and bed shaping, possibly harvesting.

 

[SageBrush]

Its always best to get more machine than you need. Getting a differential and steering brake model is important. I use the brakes more than I expected, they are usefull in tight turns and while side hilling briefly. I have no dealers for two wheel tractors near me, so I had to go far about 60 miles for a BCS or ship a Grillo. Later when I got serious I found out the Grillo dealer in the next state over would actually meet me on the road about 75 miles from home. It worked out well. I saved over $1,000 going to the 11 hp 107D with the 27" tiller. Plus I actually like the slim and trim Grillo machine better with the simple clutch. I've had no issues with it after two seasons of constant use cultivating around 2 acres. I cultivate and till with it often, actually don't use my PTO rototiller much anymore. I get the rows nice and tight with the Grillo and it preps the seed bed much better than anything else I've tried. I still use the tractor for row making and ground breaking, but a two wheel tractor in 2nd gear makes quick work of cultivating around the crops I'm picking from. Its a great tool, should have bought one years ago instead of the slow solid axle junk I've been suffering with for years. BCS and Grillo both make great machines, since I was just running a tiller the Grillo made more since to me. The 11 hp Honda is plenty for my needs and it turns so easily!

Your better off skipping the chipper, the little suckers can't do much more than small branches. I have a nice brand name 5" PTO chipper I bought used and its night and day better than any small gas powered 2" machine. If you don't have a 4 wheel tractor, there are stand alone units that will easily run circles around the little chippers for not much more money used.

 

[cmyoung2]

I had a BCS725, with several attachments and loved it, but always wanted the diff and steering brakes. Found a used 850, 14 hp, not much different than the 853. Have even more attachments, and like it enough I sold the 725. The difference is amazing. 850 is much more maneuverable than the 725, especially mowing around obstacles and making turns in a tight garden. Even makes the power barrow more of a dream machine. Don't know that hp is that important unless you have a rotary plow (next on the list) or are using a chipper/shredder, but other than fuel use, why not go big and make sure. Once you get hooked, you will end up with more and more uses for the machine.