Two-wheeled tractors

Test Report

Superbly versatile and with good looks on their side, these tractors are tough machines for tough jobs.

There are six models in the BCS family, including petrol- and diesel-driven, ranging from 5.5hp to 10hp. We test the 740 with a power harrow and the 730 with a rotary plough attachment.
Starting the machines is easy — in neutral, engage the operator presence control (OPC) handle and pull the recoil. The 740 is also available with electric start. The 730 is powered by an eight-horsepower Honda engine and has two forward speeds plus reverse. The 740 is fitted with a 10hp diesel engine, although a nine-horsepower Honda is available. Both the 730 and 740 benefit from diff locks and a quick reverse facility with a safety device to prevent simultaneous engagement of rear working implements and reverse gear. The 740 additionally has steering brakes, making it remarkably manoeuvrable. Handlebars on both are easy to adjust for height, will offset and fold for transport.
Our testers find the controls easy to use, though one does find gear engagement fiddly. Handling is smooth.
One tester is impressed with the machine and prices. “It’s a very versatile machine. You can change implements as you need — take it all to site on a trailer or in a pick-up and you could save a lot of time. And it’s excellent value,” he says.
The tractor units have plenty of power for cultivating in wet sticky soil and the diff lock is useful where skidding is likely. Both machines are quiet and there are no problems with vibration.
We decide it’s time to do some grass cutting. Changing attachments is simple and based on a male/female coupler. A quick-release system is available so it’s a case of just pulling a lever, manoeuvring the tractor away from one implement, lining it up with the next and pushing the connection together.
The handlebars then need swivelling through 180° from the cultivating to the mowing position. This requires some thought — unclip the gear rods, hold the handlebar adjustment down and swing the handlebars round, then reconnect the gears — but it is a tool-free operation and speed should come with practice.
We are impressed with the grass-cutting scythe. It floats independently to the tractor and has a skid at either side to lift it over bumpy ground.
Rotary, flail and mulching mowers are available — but ploughing, cultivating and grass cutting are only the start of the options. The tractors can also be used to power chipper-shredders, brushes, levelling blades and snow-throwing equipment, or to tow a trailer.