BCS 889 PS StarGate Hydrostatic Two-Wheel Tractor, Honda GX390 Electric Start

Description

BCS 889 PS StarGate Hydrostatic Tractor, Honda GX390 Electric Start

The 889 is the newest hydrostatic tractor in BCS’s StarGate series, a line designed around performance, reliability, ergonomics, safety and ease of use. It uses a compact hydrostatic transmission, the PowerSafe hydro-mechanical clutch and reversible handlebars for front and rear attachments, and it is sold with electric start on a Honda GX390, with a recoil starter as backup.

One Speed Range, Stepless Control

Where the 779 has low and high ranges, the 889 has a single range for simpler operation, topping out at 3.3 mph with front-mounted attachments and 3.0 mph rear-mounted. Speed and direction change continuously through the EasyGrip lever, independent of engine and PTO speed, which BCS sees as ideal for long mowing and snow removal sessions. The PTO is connected mechanically to the engine through fewer gears, so less power is lost on the way to the attachment.

A Lighter, Self-Cooled Transmission

The transmission is a single light-alloy casting, more compact than earlier hydrostatic units. Oil is cooled inside the gearbox and by air from a dedicated fan, with no external cooling coils, so the 889 runs a 22 inch wheel width where the 779 needs 27 inches. A heavy-duty quick hitch tang is built in, like the 750’s, so attachments use the HD bushings. An external lever disengages the axle, letting the tractor be pushed with the engine off.

StarGate 889 Data

• Engine: Honda GX390, electric start with recoil backup
• Drive: hydrostatic, single range
• Top speed: 3.3 mph front mount, 3.0 mph rear mount
• Clutch: PowerSafe hydro-mechanical
• Wheels: 22″ tires, 22″ wheel width
• Hitch: integrated heavy-duty quick hitch tang
• Brakes: individual steering brakes and parking brake

One Filter for Two Circuits

StarGate maintenance is simpler because the hydrostatic oil filter is shared with the clutch circuit and the pump is easy to reach. That also means one dirty filter affects both, so change it on the manual’s schedule and inspect it after any season of heavy flail or chipper work. BCS warrants the transmission for life on residential use and for five years commercially, the clutch for five years at home, and the tractor three years residential or one year commercial; the engine is covered by Honda.

889 Against the 779 and 750

The 779 costs less, offers two speed ranges and a recoil option, but its 27 inch track rules out the 26 inch tiller, which the 889 runs. Upgraded, shock-absorbing handlebars make it smoother behind a sickle bar. The geared 750 shares the HD bushing system and alone runs the 33 inch HD tiller.