Miracle Multitaskers

(Page 4 of 4)

December 2006/January 2007
By Dan Nagengast 
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The tires on the BCS resemble tractor tires, deeply lugged and 5 inches wide. You can purchase axle extensions that increase the width of the tractor for mowing across steep slopes.

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I spoke with Virg Funk of Topeka, Kan., who’s owned BCS tillers for 16 years. He uses the tiller, snow blower and a chipper/shredder. Virg also has a moldboard plow, the use of which requires 90 pounds of wheel weights. Funk says the electric starter is a big plus, especially on cold mornings when he uses the snowblower. His one concern is that the control cables, which must bend back and forth as the handles are reversed, can stretch over time. But parts, service and distribution are excellent now, he says, and he can always get what he needs.

As with the DR, the BCS is ready to attack difficult tasks. This means it requires a considerable amount of upper-body strength. Users who don’t possess this strength may run into difficulties when busting sod or attempting to till exceptionally dry soil.

The BCS is powerful and can easily accomplish some highly specialized jobs. Its wide range of implements allows it to handle many duties on small farms or acreages. I would gladly host a BCS tractor on our farm.

How to Choose

Choosing between the DR and the BCS is a matter of what jobs you want the equipment to perform. If you’re a small farmer or serious gardener, I would recommend the BCS for the many implements available for it. If you need a piece of equipment to keep your land and lanes in top shape, or want to add an emergency generator attachment, you’ll probably prefer the DR.

I had been hoping to find a more sustainable solution to my land caretaking chores — a multifaceted tool, with one really great engine. This dream machine would always start, have plenty of power and last a long time. I found two this summer in the DR and BCS.

Dan Nagengast is executive director of the Kansas Rural Center and co-owner of Wild Onion Farm in Lawrence, Kan. Contact him at nagengast@earthlink.net.
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