BCS 28" Snowblower and Grillo 110?

[CodeMonkey]

I have both a BCS 732 and a Grillo 110. I much prefer the latter, but IIRC the PTO rotates opposite the BCS?

I spied a used BCS 28" snowblower on CL yesterday - obviously timed to sell with our recent "snow storm" (I got about a foot and that is unusual). I don't really need it just for a foot of fluffy snow - but any more snow or heavier weight snow and I could find it useful - plus I intend to eventually move further out towards the coast range where I would maybe get yet heavier snow, so I thought I would pick it up if it will work with my Grillo.

But snowblowers require the PTO to turn in a certain direction right?

Will the BCS snowblower work with my Grillo?

Thanks

 

[farmerboybill]

Not without modification. You can flip the gearbox on some models. Remove gearbox, remove impellers, flip gearbox, reinstall impellers, and reinstall gearbox. But you may come up with another problem - being able to attach the blower to the 110. They changed the PTO style, so you'll need to call earth tools to find out if they make an adapter from 110 tractor to 3 dog PTO BCS.

 

[CodeMonkey]

Ok thanks.

I think they do make the adapter - I seem to recall seeing that, but having to switch the rotation is too much hassle. I will just keep an eye open for the correct model or get a new one. Not enough snow here to bother with it really (this is the most snow we have had in 5 years and it will melt by next week), just was a decent sale price - $575 - so I though I would inquire.

 

[CodeMonkey]

I suppose I could use it on the 732

 

[jrpeterson05]

I have been trying to decide if I should get a Grillo 110 or a stick with my BCS 739. I have never used a Grillo before so I am having a hard time deciding what to do. The 739 is very similar to the 732 apart from the clutch. I use my BCS primarily for tilling. Why do you like the Grillo over the BCS?

 

[farmerboybill]

Actually, I don't think there is an adapter to the "new" Grillo PTO. At least there isn't one obviously available on Earth Tools' website. There is one available for "old" BCS and "old" Grillo, but not "New" Grillo.

I bought a new Berta blower, but have not had enough snow to use it yet this year.

 

[leonz]

Hello Bill,

I have a couple of questions, I am beginning to get the urge to start mule shopping and other than purchasing a series one john deere out of my geographic area I am am looking at the two wheel mules again.

I had a Honda GX340 engine on my timberwolf TW-5FC firewood processor and I replaced the muffler with a catalytic converter from an eastern engine rebuilder due to the fumes it made which made me very ill when I used it.

If I buy the diesel for a 739 or a grillo I will be better of power wise as I plan on buying the larger Berta two stage snow caster and the wider flail mower to replace the JDLA115; I was told later it was too small for my needs-thanks a lot dealer I cannot really stand GGGGRRRRRRRRRRR.

The other issue is the driven belt with the snubber pulley wheich can cost me two belts a year $250.00 on average- replaced the bad belt it with an A115 this year and have no power loss issues-the current mule is 6 years old so it has scrap value.


I have a salamander that sounds like a 747 taking off so it does not take long to warm engines up so an air cooled diesel will roll over like its 90 outside.


Spousal unit wont mow lawn or use mule to blow snow either so that is an issue GGGRRRRRR.

Either way I will be loading the rears or the wheels with windshield washer fluid for more ballast and I have chains for the tires as I was going to use the on the "original" "Troybuilt" tiller.

They want 15K plus for a series one with a loader and mower versus a 2 wheel mule with a flail and a snow caster. Either way I am going to invest in the catalytic converter and reset the timing on the JD unit if I purchase a series one JD with a loader; I planned on buying a rear mount pronovost snow caster eventually as I have no room to stack snow on my place as I live on a state road so that is another issue to go along with the fools over salting the roads and creating ice dams.

The orange mules are even more expensive and the build quality is worse in my opinion and the dealers are not interested in really selling product and my brother having bought three units from the local has not helped me in a repeat sale cost savings in sales offer.




Your welcome to send me a PM when you have time if you like.

LeonZ

 

[CodeMonkey]

The Grillo seems to me to be better made - certainly more powerful than the 732 I have.

I am sick and not inclined to go out in the snow and cold to compare the two right now, so that will have to do, but next tractor I get will be another Grillo.

 

[rickyd79]

I have been trying to decide if I should get a Grillo 110 or a stick with my BCS 739. I have never used a Grillo before so I am having a hard time deciding what to do. The 739 is very similar to the 732 apart from the clutch. I use my BCS primarily for tilling. Why do you like the Grillo over the BCS?

I own and run BCS 853 and Grillo G131. I like both a lot. I also have quite a bit of experience with all current BCS and Grillo models. They are very different machines (732/739 and G110). Comparing 732/739 which are nearly the same, to G110...There would be a similar comparison between 732/739 and 853. G110 is the closest direct competitor to 853, not 732/739. So you are comparing up 1 "class" in this scenario. So its not the fairest comparison. But, bottom line for me is the longer overall length of handlebars/steering column. Machine feels a whole lot better. Makes it easier to work with in my opinion. Sure it also has more power and steering brakes and 3rd working speed (732 has 2 working speeds), and larger standard tires. All that being said if all you do is till I don't think you "need" G110 or 853 to till. The 732/739 is fine for that. There is difference in tiller though. Grillo tiller has bolo style tines and height adjustment can be operated with one hand as opposed to BCS. Its also more adjustable width wise. I guess if I had to pick between 732/739 and G110 for only tilling, I would pick G110 every time. But on the flip side if you wanted a comparison between Grillo G107D and BCS 853, I would pick the BCS 853 every time. In that scenario I am comparing up 1 "class" as well but starting with Grillo instead of BCS.

 

[rickyd79]

Yea, to make it work you would have to convert current BCS tapered 3 jaw to spline, then put a Grillo G110 male QH on it (assuming it bolts up). Have not tried that... So just thinking off the top of my head. Might work. But we don't deal much with snow throwers in TN (at least not where I live).

 

[jrpeterson05]

I own and run BCS 853 and Grillo G131. I like both a lot. I also have quite a bit of experience with all current BCS and Grillo models. They are very different machines (732/739 and G110). Comparing 732/739 which are nearly the same, to G110...There would be a similar comparison between 732/739 and 853. G110 is the closest direct competitor to 853, not 732/739. So you are comparing up 1 "class" in this scenario. So its not the fairest comparison. But, bottom line for me is the longer overall length of handlebars/steering column. Machine feels a whole lot better. Makes it easier to work with in my opinion. Sure it also has more power and steering brakes and 3rd working speed (732 has 2 working speeds), and larger standard tires. All that being said if all you do is till I don't think you "need" G110 or 853 to till. The 732/739 is fine for that. There is difference in tiller though. Grillo tiller has bolo style tines and height adjustment can be operated with one hand as opposed to BCS. Its also more adjustable width wise. I guess if I had to pick between 732/739 and G110 for only tilling, I would pick G110 every time. But on the flip side if you wanted a comparison between Grillo G107D and BCS 853, I would pick the BCS 853 every time. In that scenario I am comparing up 1 "class" as well but starting with Grillo instead of BCS.

Thanks Ricyd79. I do understand they G110 and 739 are on different levels and I understand the differences between them. I'm just trying to get a feel for how Grillos are compared to BCS. I have never been able to see or use a Grillo. It sounds like you would pick the machine with more features. I think the G110 and the 853 are pretty much on the same level, if you are familiar with both of those, how would you compare them? As I mentioned I do mostly tilling but I do have a snowblower and a mower is very likely in the future so I believe I could use the extra features of the larger machine. I'm just trying to figure out witch way to go. I know Grillos are cheaper but I could pick up used implements fairly easy for the BCS that would offset that initial cost difference, so price to me isn't really a factor, In the end I think it will be about the same. I just want to get the machine that best suits my needs up front.
A couple of my concerns or points of interest are:
1)shifting: BCS it is easy to find the gear you want, but you do have to go through the maze. How is Grillo? is it easy to find the right gear.
2)How does the active clutch feel, especially in tight spaces when you are starting and stopping several times. (that is one of the biggest reasons I do not like the 739. When I get into some tight spots where I need to reverse and it usually takes a few squeezes of the clutch to get the PTO engaged. After a few back and forths my hand really starts to ache.
3)maintenance: I am a bit nervous to do anything with the powersafe clutch if anything ever happens to it, I understand Grillo clutches are a lot easier to work on.
4)overall quality: I am familiar with BCS quality, how is Grillo compared, is it better, worse or the same?

Any other features you like or dislike between the two would be helpful.

Thanks.

 

[Nsewell]

I bought a G110 last year from rickyd79. I love the active clutch. It is very easy to shift gears and pto. I have no experience with the BCS other than just trying them out when I was deciding what I wanted. But I think the clutch is easier to use, to stop you just let go to move you press the lever down.