BCS 749 PS Two-Wheel Tractor, Honda GX390 Electric Start

Description

BCS 749 PS Electric Start Tractor, Honda GX390

Institutional grounds teams, professional market farmers and rural landowners are the users BCS names for the 749, and the electric-start version is the one most of them choose for daily work. It combines key starting (with a recoil backup), a Honda GX390, the PowerSafe wet clutch and steering brakes on each wheel, on 22 inch tires that carry the heavier BCS implements comfortably.

Steering Brakes and a Lighter Clutch Lever

Each wheel has its own brake, so the operator can tighten a turn by braking the inside wheel instead of hauling a heavy mower round by the handlebars. The clutch lever operates a hydraulic valve rather than compressing a spring, which means less hand pressure to change gear through a long day. Combined with differential drive, a lockout lever for traction, and a shuttle forward and reverse control, the 749 is noticeably less tiring to steer than a straight-axle tractor of similar size.

Mowing, Tillage and Snow

BCS charts the 749 for its 26 and 30 inch tillers and precision depth rollers, all three power harrows, the chipper/shredder, the 30, 40 and 48 inch power sweepers, both two-stage snow blowers and every sickle and dual action bar from 30 to 82 inches; the 30 and 40 inch bars need a quick hitch or PTO extension for balance. The log splitter, spreader and utility trailer mount through the large curved coupler, the splitter also on the Power Cradle.

749 PS Electric Data Points

• Starting: electric, recoil backup fitted
• Engine: Honda GX390
• Speeds: three each way, 0.9, 2.0 and 3.0 mph
• Tires: 5x12x22″
• Brakes: individual wheel brakes plus parking brake
• Clutch: patented PowerSafe hydro-mechanical
• Weight: 342 lbs when carrying a 30″ tiller

Learning to Use Steering Brakes

Steering brakes take a little practice. Ease the tractor into a turn first, then feather the inside brake rather than grabbing it, especially with the differential locked, where a hard stop on one wheel twists the handlebars sharply. Never use one brake at transport speed on a slope. BCS’s warranty gives residential owners lifetime transmission and five-year clutch coverage, commercial users five years on the transmission, plus three years residential or one year commercial overall; the engine carries Honda’s warranty.

Comparing It With the 739 and 853

The 739 PS is lighter and cheaper on 19 inch tires, but stops short of the 32 inch brush mower, 35 inch flail and 33 inch blower. BCS itself compares the 749 with the 853, which pairs the same GX390 with a double cone clutch and a different gearbox; the recoil 749 saves money for owners who do not need key start.