Experience Needed: Ferrari 72S vs BCS 712

[Masterz]

Hi Folks,

I'm in the market for a lifetime, one size fits (just about) all, kind of tiller...er, 2-wheel tractor. I've looked at them all, but thanks to COVID- it appears that I won't have the opportunity to try ANY of them before buying one, so I'm writing to the collective wisdom of this group to get your opinions.

Requirement: periodically working a 30 x 50ft garden; possibly another of the same size in the next year
Criteria:

1. Budget of $1,000 (w/o shipping)
2. Must have a differential
3. No belts or chains
4. Suitable for hard ground
5. No real need for attachments...at least for now

I've narrowed the list to two available 1970's models: BCS 712 vs Ferrari 72S Super
Thoughts and be sure to explain why please...

Thank you!

 

[JamesHW]

No experience with the specific models, but suggest you widen your list to include the Gravely tractors in your search. $1,000 is not a lot, but you do see them.

 

[Masterz]

Thanks, James. Could spend more, but budgeting $1,000 w/consideration to how often I'll be using it and the economic outlook.
I'll have another look at Gravely, but the two I've asked for opinions on for sale currently and meet my criteria.

 

[mpapiary]

The BCS 712 does not have a differential. The BCS tractor in your picture appears to be a model 715 which also does not have a differential. The 715 was a very popular tractor for BCS and will easily handle your gardening requirements along with your price requirement. Same vintage with more available gearing would be the 725 (also no differential) and the 735 which is a differential tractor. You are probably going above budget with either of those though.

 

[plumberroy]

I love my Gravely's but when it comes to tilling European walking tractors will till circles around them. If you are going to work ground with a gravely a rotary plow is the attachment you want . I have both a Gravely professional 12 and a Grillo g85d I till with the Grillo and mow with the Gravely.
1qI know Grillo and BCS worked together in the 80's current BCS tillers are based on the Grillo design. I know I have used a lot of tillers ant nothing comes even close to my Grillo