I had the BCS 732. They are little workhorses. I bought it used from an older gentleman who couldn't use it anymore. Got a good deal on it. $1,000. Some of the older models, the engineering is not efficient and you have to reconfigure the machine in order to use it as a different machine. For instance, to use the sicklebar, you had to disconnect the plow, unlock a pivot section and turn the handles opposite of where they were and then attach the sickle bar to where the PTO is. This was usually a major undertaking. Could have just been my machine. I did like it and I used the sickle bar as a bush hog and saved myself a lot of money. The plow was powerful and work was accomplished quickly.

We use 2 BCS walking tractors a 10hp and a 14hp. very nice machines. The ten HP we got for $210 at an auction and it had about $1200 worth of add ons that we could not afford when we bought the 14hp new (back in 1996 or so)

The Earth tool folks are good people and knowledgeable, though that is not where we got our BCS's

I have looked at these before and I thought about buying one instead of a small tractor. However, I would prefer to buy a used one. However, I have never seen any for sale in this area.

Jay

Jay, one of these walk behind tractors may be just the ticket for working in a hoophouse, Im thinking on that level for myself, I was reading that they even have potatoe planting and digging equipment.
josh

How about a Gravely? My dad had one of the older, workhorse type with a plow, brush cutter, blade, and even a sicle bar attachments. Tip for using them, you don't forcibly turn them, more like you coax them into going where you want them to go. Otherwise, you will have huge arms of steel. If you buy one, find an OLD one. The newer ones don't have the same amount of power, something to do with ratio.

I garden with the BCS 948. First, since the post is started about "earhttools" Before I ordered the BCS I had lot's of questions..the folks at earthtools are the gurus on the BCS...they were so helpful...and I wasn't even their customer! I ended up buying from a local dealer(even though they don't stock them) instead of earthtools for the shipping cost saved. earthtools also has the motherload of attachments for the BCS...
Now about the BCS...I garden, well, now, about 1.5 acres intensely while cover cropping, undercropping and such to build the soil. The BCS is GREAT. One of the greatest advantages for us on the small acreage plan is the turn on a dime radius, you lose a lot of space turning and driving a 4 wheel tractor. The adjustable depth is great too, deep for tilling or shallow for cultivating. I only bought the tiller attachment and the hiller/furrower to go along with it. Pretty easy to use, so to speak. However, I say that cautiously as a 40ish young man. This thing is made of steel and will work your muscles as such. After the first two months with the BCS my shoulders and biceps became rock solid. So, when I say easy to use, keep in mind that it doesn't come with a seat or stearing wheel. I don't know about the Gravely except from what I've seen it is quite similar in concept to the BCS... these things have power, be careful!!

The gravelys also have a sulkey that has a seat on it. Of course, it doesn't work as easily with it for plowing, hilling. But it does make mowing large areas easier. Yes, they have ALOT of power, enough to get into trouble if not careful. But also enough to WORK very hard.