2 Wheel Tractors - Buying & Using

[js5020]

I've been out surfing for other manufacturers of these 2 wheeled machines, found several that are available, bcs, goldini, grillo, but the ones that were most interesting were rapid and aebi, these were hydro's! pretty cool I thought. Some models look very sophisicated and probably very expensive. It was interesting to see the variety of attachments that can be used with them also.

 

[ZJ_HR]

I saw HST machine on fair, Rapid (Swiss) I think. Seems very attractive and usefull, especially with separate motors for each wheel. Unfortunatelly, didn't have possibility to try one.

 

[Bentworker]

I got the Berta rotary plow video from Earth Tools. I want one!

On the flip side I got busy with the welder this past weekend and made up a wheel barrow attachment for my BCS. Works well.

 

[jperry507]

Bentworker, that looks like a great setup. Those wheels look really beefy! Are they stock?

I'd love to buy a BCS this winter with a tiller and a sickle mower. I need to get the video from Earth tools to convince myself about the rotary plow though. Everyone claims it is great, but I've never see one in action.

-Jim

 

[schmism]

Ive used my uncles gravely's for years. he now has 2 L's

Ill have one as soon as i can get my hands on one.

for now i dug this out of the back of the shed on my new property.

see if it rings any bells as i have no idea what it is.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...old-garden-tractors-1000-alex.html#post975268

 

[Solo]

It might be a David Bradley. If you can find any #'s on it check out this web site. David Bradley tractors and implements

Solo

 

[js5020]

can this be moved to the 2 wheel tractor forum?

 

[MossRoad]

can this be moved to the 2 wheel tractor forum?

How's that?

 

[js5020]

Ask and receive, once again the TBN staff is on the job. Thanks Moss

 

[Bret4207]

You guys having problems with the Gravley "tiller"- it's not a "tiller", it's a "cultivator" designed to stir the top 2" or so of soil. This is the rig that attaches to the rotary plow and has the horizontal "teeth" about 18" wide. Works really great for it's intended purpose.

On the rotary plow- the secret to turning is to push down on the handle bars and sort of swng the tractor around on the inside tire. If you get too far over just back it a bit and back in the furrow you go. It's sort of a dance, but once you get the hang of it it's easy.

One of the nice advantages to the rotary plow is that you can make raised beds in a heartbeat. Just adjust the plow to throw a bit higher and the dirt automatically forms the bed.

The Gravley tool bar cultivators work good in long row situations if you can keep it in steels. They're getting scarce these days. A little welding and creative thinking comes in handy.

The biggest difference between a CUT and a 2 wheeler is the physical effort aspect. If you want a can holder for your beer, air conditioning and a CD player then a 2 wheeler ain't for you. If you are half mountain lion and don't mind a little sweat they are an answer to your prayers. The Gravelys, Simplicitys, Bolens, Planet Jr's, David Bradleys and all the private labels rigs like the Sears, Monkey Wards, etc. are capable of getting some real work done for very little money. My first plowing was with a Wards branded Simplicity with a 3.5 Clinton (replacement) engine and a 6" single bottom plow in heavy sod. I was fresh out of the Marine Corps and tougn as nails. That thing kicked my butt for 4 hours, but I got it done. Shortly thereafter I bought a Frazer Rototiller- sort of the original rear tine tiller- and then a Gravely. Still have that Frazer, it must be pushing 65 years old and does a better job than any other rear tine tiller I've ever seen. I'm 47 and I can still whip up a lot of ground with these machines. Use one for a summer and you won't need to worry about a heart attack come snow shoveling time! Unfortunately these days too amny "men" refuse to grab onto something and MAKE it move. Won't work with an older 2 wheeler.

On the grain drill- Find a nice old drill not over 6-8 foot wide in good shape, they're out there at farm auctions. I'm partial to Ontario, but Oliver, McCormick (IH) and all the other big outfits made them. Rig either a forecart to attach the drill to or if your 2 wheeler is heavy enough go right to the rear and make a hitch. Drills don't pull real hard in decent ground. A 5 footer could be pulled by one horse, so a 2 wheeler sould easily handle it.

Given a little effort and ingenuity a 2 wheel tractor is a viable option for anyone working under say- 20 acres. Over that the sheer ground to be covered demands either a bigger rig or more help. I've got over 340 acres and still feel the need for a Gravely or 2.

This thread needs to be kept up. I lurked at TBN for 3 years before I noticed this. Good job guys!

 

[milkman]

This thread needs to be kept up. I lurked at TBN for 3 years before I noticed this. Good job guys!

I agree, I'm really enjoying my 20 yr. old BCS 735 this year. I doubled the size of my garden, mainly to give me more room to work what I put out, not necessarily that I wanted more stuff. When I started using the BCS last year, I was having a problem with the fuel vaporizing in the line, called vapor lock, so I called Joel ad Earth Tools and he suggested using AV gas, well since that's not readily available here, I moved the gas tank and rerouted the fuel line away from the exhaust side of the engine and solved that problem. The old 735 is a real joy to use, it has large tires and a differential, easy to turn at the end of the row, 5 speed forward and 2 rev, I have a trailer with all my tools and the tiller, and when I get to the garden I just unhook the trailer and attach the tiller and go to work. Nothing like the smell of fresh turned soil.

 

[milkman]

Got some pictures in another thread in this section, didn't want to post them here too.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/2-wheeled-tractors/89060-post-pics-your-two-wheeler-2.html

 

[js5020]

Just thought I'd bump this thread up to the top again, it can tend to get lost.

 

[milkman]

js5020, thanks for the bump, I just went back and looked at some of the pics and links, real interesting thread and it's that time of year around here, already had the BCS out and in the dirt. Here's another pic from last year, hoping the garden does as well this year.

 

[js5020]

I had the Gravely out, but not for gardening. I got 3 acres cut so far this year,,,,, with the 30"deck!!!!!!! Lots of walking in 3 acres.

 

[krislu]

I had the Gravely out. I got 3 acres cut so far this year,,,,, with the 30"deck!!!!!!! Lots of walking in 3 acres.

Now that's a true dedicated Gravely man!

- Kris

 

[js5020]

Well said Kris,,, my neighbors just say I'm nuts,,,, it is hard to justify myself when the CUT and 5' deck are just sitting there, or at the very least a steering sulky. But I do enjoy using the Gravely, and get plenty of exercise in the process.

 

[krislu]

Well said Kris,,, my neighbors just say I'm nuts,,,, it is hard to justify myself when the CUT and 5' deck are just sitting there, or at the very least a steering sulky. But I do enjoy using the Gravely, and get plenty of exercise in the process.

You'll stay trim, that's for sure. - Kris

 

[FlaDon]

I had the Gravely out, but not for gardening. I got 3 acres cut so far this year,,,,, with the 30"deck!!!!!!! Lots of walking in 3 acres.

About 2 months ago, I took my 32 year old Gravely 566 out and mowed a trail with the 30" in the Everglades National Park. Trail was "only" 1.6 miles long. Needless to say, I used a riding sulky instead of walking it. Took 2 days as it hadn't been cut since atleast 2005.

 

[Highsmith]

I
Given a little effort and ingenuity a 2 wheel tractor is a viable option for anyone working under say- 20 acres. Over that the sheer ground to be covered demands either a bigger rig or more help

Would others agree or disagree about the "under 20 acres" point made above? I expect to get involved in truck farming next year and am currently reclaiming some acreage from years of neglect here in South Central Texas. A 4 wheel tractor seems to excessive for any needs I may have in the near future, but I have way too much work for just a hoe and shovel. The 2 wheel tractor may be a perfect fit for me. We are going out tomorrow to measure our future 1st garden area, but I am sure it is way under 20 acres, more like 3-4 acres. But once that is going good it will be easy to expand to 20 acres.