Is a BCS 715 worth anything?

[portajon]

A neighbor is planning to put a BCS 715 on craigslist. Seems it has been sitting in the corner of his garage since the children left home 20 years ago.

I don't need another major project but I fancy the idea of having a rototiller.

Is this something I should consider, and at what price?

 

[JamesHW]

Value of this 715 would hinge on specifics as to the tractor itself, number of hours and condition. The 715 was made from 1974 - 1994 With a variety of engines and HP. Acme, Kohler & Briggs engines were sold on this tractor and some engines (the Acme?) could be hard to get parts for. No matter what the condition, I would not bet against it starting up right away with a little fresh gas (or diesel). If it starts I would definitely consider it if I needed a tiller.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/2-wheel-tractors/177559-bcs-model-715-tiller.html

BCS Model 715 tiller?

 

[portajon]

It is an Acme motor.

Leaves me torn between an opportunity and a project.

Thank you both for the guidance.

 

[TimberXX]

Earth tools has a direct bolt on Kohler that fits the old acme holes. I would jump on it, but best of luck!

 

[portajon]

Earth tools has a direct bolt on Kohler that fits the old acme holes.

That's good to know, but $550 + Shipping does not compare well against the listing of a "$700 Troy Bilt Rototiller in good condition with less than 10 hours on a new Briggs & Stratton Engine".

 

[Hiptfarms]

Troybilt versus BCS, I've owned them both (original Troybilt and BCS 720 and 850). BCS wins hands down. They are totally different animals.

 

[aczlan]

Troybilt versus BCS, I've owned them both ( original Troybilt and BCS 620 and 850). BCS wins hands down. They are totally different animals.

Agreed.

Aaron Z

 

[portajon]

I was asked to help move the 715 to the driveway. Wheels were locked in every gear position and would only move if gear stick positioned in middle of large gap between first and second notches. No markings on the transmission, motor would not turn over, clutch lever would not budge.

 

[shooterdon]

My buddy has one and he loves it...but it runs

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I was asked to help move the 715 to the driveway. Wheels were locked in every gear position and would only move if gear stick positioned in middle of large gap between first and second notches. No markings on the transmission, motor would not turn over, clutch lever would not budge.

Sounds like a good or bad winter project.

As part of my inheritance I got a 5 year old snapper rider that we bought for Mom after Dad pasted. My brother was going to get it read to go for me but the starter would not turn it over. Turned out the crank was frozen but it had only set a year and she had driven it into the garage the summer before. She had ran it low on oil. He had put a new like identical engine on a Craftman's frame that was about shot so he put it on the 5 year old Snapper and I used it about 10 years. The 1948 Model B AC tractor was a non runner until we rebuilt it twice.

I now consider non running equipment as scrap iron. The Model B was about the same as the first the first tractor I drove at the age of 5. Since the DIL wants a tiller if the 715 was about free I would go for it and work on it is the shop at our place.

 

[Captain Dirty]

I was asked to help move the 715 to the driveway. Wheels were locked in every gear position and would only move if gear stick positioned in middle of large gap between first and second notches. No markings on the transmission, motor would not turn over, clutch lever would not budge.

What you describe could justify a low offer.
But it may not be as bad as it seems. I am not familiar with BCS. My Goldoni has worm drive to the axle. The wheels will not turn the transmission, the machine freewheels only when both steering clutches are disengaged. Main clutch on the Goldoni is conical and sticks if stored in the engaged position. ACME engines are crude in the sense that a third-world mechanic could probably rebuild one with a Leatherman.

 

[ruffdog]

Here is a nice BCS 750 for sale.

BCS 75 Tractor Electric Start W/ Tiller - Great Condition - farm &...

 

[Hiptfarms]

The cone clutch is stuck. You'll need to pull the engine off and remove the cone clutch, put it in a vice and break it free. Not as scary as it sounds. Worse case you can send it to earthtools to be relined. The gears sound right from your description. There is a neutral position in between each gear setting. You can get a replacement sticker for the transmission also from earthtools. The instructions for removing and freeing the clutch are also on the earthtools website.

 

[jbradley]

Troybilt versus BCS, I've owned them both (original Troybilt and BCS 720 and 850). BCS wins hands down. They are totally different animals.

I agree, as well.

 

[Hiptfarms]

Here's a picture of the gear shifter indicator on my 720.

 

[portajon]

Thanks for the photo, the 720 is much more 'rugged' than the 715 shifter which is a straight line with indented notches.

The cone clutch is stuck....

That's the good news.

The bad news is that the Acme motor does not turn over, and I appreciate the advice received.

If it starts I would definitely consider it if I needed a tiller.

...could be hard to get parts for.

Earth tools has a direct bolt on Kohler that fits the old acme holes.

I now consider non running equipment as scrap iron.

ACME engines are crude in the sense that a third-world mechanic could probably rebuild one with a Leatherman.