Yipee! - Found a good used BCS 722

LET-CA · Feb 26, 2010

I've been watching Craigslist and was able to get a good buy on a used BCS 722 with a 20-inch tiller. It's powered by the B&S 8hp sleeved industrial engine. I've only had a chance to run it for about 20 minutes because Sacramento is having a very wet winter this year. The unit runs and works great and I'm looking forward to having a ton of tomatoes along with a smaller number of several other basic vegetables. I can't remember the last time I was so excited for Spring to arrive!

farmerboybill · Feb 26, 2010

Hi Let-Ca,

Congratulations on a good purchase and welcome to the forum. There are several knowledgable owners of BCS equipment on here and we're always willing to answer questions.

Bill in WI

LET-CA · Feb 27, 2010

First question - Is it worthwhile to get a set of the wheel width spacers to make the track a little wider? I'm working level ground but wonder if I'll get better traction with the tires outside of the tiller width.

Thanks in advance to all with opinions.

mpapiary · Feb 28, 2010

That depends on what you plan on doing with your new toy. Traction won't be an issue while using the tiller as the tiller helps move the tractor along. Even if you attach a hiller/furrower to the tiller you won't have any problems. Plowing or using the snow/dirt blade you will need all the help with traction you can get.

jperry507 · Mar 2, 2010

I like to keep my tire width narrower than my tiller so that I don't have tire tracks after running the tiller through the garden.

Congrats on the new-to-you BCS, if your experience is anything like mine, you'll love it!

~ Jim

LET-CA · Mar 4, 2010

And the rain still comes. . . I'm really looking forward to my garden this year, once the rain stops. We haven't had this much rain in years.

I've been reading up on these units and feeling more fortunate each day. I'm lukcy too because I have a well-stocked BCS dealer less than a mile from my home. They've got pretty much everything in stock; now if I just had some more money. . . .

farmerboybill · Mar 4, 2010

Hi Let-Ca,

Another reason against wheel spacers is the wider your track, the harder it is to turn a solid axle machine. I had put free-wheel devices(the outside tire ratchets forward when turning), 6-12-23 inch tall tires, 10 inches worth of wheel extensions on each side, and weights on my 730 last year to dig my potatoes. The 730 was an absolute bear to turn with all that weight and rubber out that far from the transmission. That's an extreme example, but a true one.

Extensions are great and necessary in several applications, but running a tiller is not one of those situations.

mpapiary · Mar 4, 2010

Man those are some good looking potatoes!!! My crop last year were total duds, no bigger than golf balls and most of the plants didn't make it. Does your 730 do a good job plowing with the extra weight?