Walk Behind Tiller Versus Garden Tractor

17 years ago

I've heard some people say garden tractors with a tiller attachment will last much longer on average. Is this really true? Will a BCS or Honda walk behind really bite the dust sooner than an average garden tractor with a tiller?

Why does a garden tractor + tiller last longer (if they do)? I think someone here mentioned that a walk behind will just put too much stress on the transmission. Is it easier to repair a garden tractor or a walk behind?

Garden tractors are more versatile and physically less demanding; on the other hand, they're also considerably more expensive, it's harder to see what you're doing to the soil and they're less maneuverable it tight spaces.

I'm debating whether I should just get a few used walk behinds, or whether it's worth it to invest in a garden tractor right away. I'll be doing some landscaping type work, as well as planting around 4 acres (which will be tilled initially by a real tractor).

Would appreciate any input or advice you guys have.

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Comments (6)

montesa_vr Morton
17 years ago
If there's a garden tractor/tiller combination that will outlast a BCS tiller, I'd like to hear about it. I doubt it exists.
canuckistani
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi Montesa,

What is a realistic lifespan for a frequently used BCS walk behind? Anybody else have any ideas?
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montesa_vr Morton
17 years ago
probably longer than yours. All gear drive, no belts, built for commerical service. Buy the 852 for additional versatility.
zen_man
17 years ago
If you are gardening on a slope, it feels less dangerous to be walking behind your machine instead of sitting on top of it. However, if I had 4 acres that was reasonably flat, I definitely would be considering a tractor with a comfortable seat.

ZM
canuckistani
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for the tip Montesa. So we're talking about a BCS lasting for decades of heavy use?
farmerboybill
17 years ago
Hey,

There are garden tractors of equal quality as the BCS walk-behind tractor, but not better. The 300 and 400 series Deere, Kubotas, and Yanmars are a few new machines of equal quality . These machines will cost over 10 grand easy. A new 853 with 26 inch tiller will cost you $5200. You can get a 8-14 year old 830 or 850 and expect to pay 1300 to $2500 or a 14+ year old 735 or 737 for 800-1800 that would be comparable to the current 853. A walk behind machine has lower fuel consumption as well since it's not lugging your butt around while tilling.

It's all in what you're doing. If you're going to be custom roto-tilling for others (as you stated in your previous post) You'll want something that will fit through back yard gates and down narrow paths. Not many ride-on garden tractors will do this. The 853 is about 20 inches wide without the tiller, 31 inches wide with the 30 inch tiller. You can take it anywhere.

As with anything you buy, the BCS will last as long as you take care of it. Change the oils (engine, transmission, tiller gearbox), keep it out of the weather, replace wear parts (tiller tines), operate it safely and within its capabilities, and it will last for decades. Leave it sit outside, never touch the oils, work the snot out of it beyond its capabilities, and it won't make 5 years. A lot of rental places run BCS machines as tillers and bruch cutters. If a rental place is willing to own one, it's gotta be heavy duty.