I've got a small BCS tiller and really like it. It will outwork larger models of other makes including the old Troy Builts. I don't have any attachments for it though.

I presume you've poked around the Earth Tools site?



The "hype" here is pretty accurate. The BCS machines are really tiny two-wheeled farm tractors. They're commercial grade machines that with proper maintenance will outlast their owners.

Are they "worth it"? That's a tough one and I'd have to say "it depends."

One way to look at it is to compare costs to 4-wheel tractors on a PTO HP basis. Take one of the bigger BCS machines with a 13 HP Honda engine, an 852/853 let's say. That machine will cost you $3600 without electric start or any implement. I'm gonna guess that that 13 HP engine will give you 10 HP at the PTO. Now compare that machine to, say, a John Deere 3005 which will give you 23.5 HP at the PTO. That machines lists for $11,700 and a dealer will, ata guess, sell it to you for $10,500 out the door.

BCS 852/853
$3600 / 10 PTO HP =  $360 per PTO HP

JD 3005
$10,500 / 23.5 PTO HP = $447 per PTO HP

Kinda interesting numbers to have in mind when you run into the guys who say "I'd never pay that much for a tiller!"

But is it the right machine for you?

There are several caveats to consider:

(1) Don't invest in BCS equipment if you're planning on buying a 4-wheel tractor in the next few years.

(2) Don't buy BCS equipment that you'll only run for a few hours a year.

(3) Always compare the cost of the tractor and implement to a standalone machine that serves the same purpose.

If you're willing to build your stable of machines around a BCS tractor, then the purchase makes sense. But it doesn't make sense, IMO, to buy $6,000 worth of equipment to till for 6 hours a year and chip brush for 2 hours a month. In that situation, you're likely better off spending $2,000 for a nice Troy-Bilt tiller and standalone shredder/chipper. YMMV, of course.

As far as buying a BCS tiller then getting a tractor, I am exactly that guy. I bought a 732 (with a nonstandard 13 HP Honda engine!) then bought a JD utility tractor a couple years later. The JD tractor runs a 5' tiller so that knocked out a lot of the "need" for the BCS. I still use it quite a bit and am not sorry I bought it. It's great for tilling small plots and cultivating. I also found a rotary plow for it on CL for a sweet price and that implement lets me break ground and hill potatoes nicely.

As far as the chipper goes, I can't comment as I haven't used it. I would expect it to be a solid piece of equipment that runs better than a standalone Troy-bilt or similar. (I have a Troy-bilt chipper/shredder and am not a fan. Wanna drive up and buy it?) If you want another opinion, call Wes Stauffer and ask him about it. Wes is biased, obviously, but he's an honest guy and will tell you if the implement has shortcomings. He talked me out of buying the log splitter attachment by noting that you get "more splitter for less money" by buying a standalone unit. One thing about Wes though, if you get him started talking about BCS equipment, be prepared to be on the phone a while.

Good luck with things and hope that helped.