Best tractor for tilling

jrpeterson05 · Feb 18, 2015

For the past couple years I have been hiring out my tiller to till gardens and yards for sod prep. I started out with a Husqvarna rear tine tiller but I quickly realized I needed something bigger. I found an old BCS 720 last year than has worked great. Now I am ready to go a little bit bigger. Some jobs I could use two tillers and I could always keep the BCS 720 as a backup.

I have been looking at Grillos for a couple reasons. First is price, and second I have heard they are slightly better tillers. I was hoping to get some feedback about what model would best serve my needs and what options would be best. The two models I am looking at are the 85d and the 107d. I will be using it completely for tilling in the beginning but I would most likely be getting a snow thrower in the future. Other attachments that I could see myself getting in the future is rotary plow and lawn mower.

I have read quite a few post about the various features of each model. A lot of my indecision comes from the fact I haven't ever been able to see what difference a differential, or different wheel sizes make. Sometimes it is a chore to turn the 720 around at the end of a row and I'm guessing a differential would help with that.
Will the 85d with a 9 hp engine have enough power to run a 27" tiller or would a 11 hp engine be needed? What wheel options would be best suited for tilling? Would larger wheels be better and does having solid wheels provide any benefit (other than not having to worry about flats)?

I would appreciate any input that I could get for those of you who have used either of those tractors for tilling.

Thanks

TimberXX · Feb 18, 2015

I've owned both. I really doubt either is a better tiler than the other, but I've never used a tiller.

My current unit is a 107d. It was a little faster than the 853, and I liked that the reserve wasn't a cable. Oh and the $1200 savings helped.

Once you said mowing, I would recommend the 107d. That 3.2 mph top speed is great.

I biggest difference is dealer support with bcs, vs on your own with earthtools for the Grillo.

Best of luck.

Ed of all trades · Feb 19, 2015

Have you been on Earth tools website? Lots of info on there.

cmyoung2 · Feb 19, 2015

My first was a BCS 725, 26" tiller, 8hp Kohler . Power was not an issue, the Kohler was plenty strong. The 725 does not have a diff. I upgraded to a BCS 850, 11 hp Honda now. The diff and steering brakes make all the difference in the world. It is really amazing. Big tires are a plus, ground speed and ground clearance. Solid tires add weight which = traction. Useful for plowing, snowblower, actually almost anything. If you are looking at rotary plow, go big on tires and engine. Other plow types, moldboard, potato, ect, traction, power is not a priority. Mowing, power and ground speed-taller tires are nice. Don't know anything about the Grillo models, but the same principles should apply.

jrpeterson05 · Feb 20, 2015

cmyoung2 said:
My first was a BCS 725, 26" tiller, 8hp Kohler . Power was not an issue, the Kohler was plenty strong. The 725 does not have a diff. I upgraded to a BCS 850, 11 hp Honda now. The diff and steering brakes make all the difference in the world. It is really amazing. Big tires are a plus, ground speed and ground clearance. Solid tires add weight which = traction. Useful for plowing, snowblower, actually almost anything. If you are looking at rotary plow, go big on tires and engine. Other plow types, moldboard, potato, ect, traction, power is not a priority. Mowing, power and ground speed-taller tires are nice. Don't know anything about the Grillo models, but the same principles should apply.

Thanks for the comments. You said that the diff and steering brakes make all the difference. Is that for tilling? or any application?

I have been to the earthtools website, there is a lot of good information there. I think I have watched all the videos that are out there about these tractors, as well.

cmyoung2 · Feb 21, 2015

The diff and steering brakes are a big plus to almost all applications. They make turning so much easier that you even have to be careful not to "get thrown off" when turning sharp with a little speed. Also helps with downhill drift when mowing steep slopes. Makes using the power barrow a breeze no matter how loaded it is. Haven't built a cart/trailer yet, but I think one would be a challenge without diff&brakes.