I just bought a BCS 715 in excellent condition. The previous owner must have been one of those guys that believes in keeping his machine in original condition. I on the other hand would like to replace the exhaust with a quieter one and replace the oil type air filter with a modern filter. I may even get the adapter and replace the Acme engine with a new engine may-be 10hp. The Acme engine is 8hp and runs great so I may sell it and the fancy blue rain bonnet on E-Bay after I get the adapter and new engine. I have the owners manual and might be able to use my cell phone to take a picture of any page you may need to see. The only parts I need for mine are new tines. The old ones must have been original equipment also. They are worn slam out. Some are about 4 inches long and they are supposed to be 6 inches or more long. Where can I find a set of tines, eight right and eight left?

Hello - happy there is some interest in Roto-Hoe's -- Picked up a 500 yesterday and am having problems removing the three shredder knives that attach to the rotating drum (reel). There are two bolts holding each knife - one of which (the one closest to the axle) that match the hole in the side of the enclosure - easy to extract this one. The second bolt does not have a matching hole for extraction and I see no way to pull it out. I'll add that for all three knives, both bolt heads are inserted from the enclosure side, and the nut is attached from the cutting reel side. I've looked over the schematic in the PDF of the Roto-Hoe Repair Parts Instruction Manual, but don't see details on removal or specifics on the bolt orientation. I was wondering, could it be that the upper bolt should be inserted opposite the lower bolt? Meaning that the head of the upper bolt should go through the reel toward the outer enclosure? I'm at the point where it looks to me like drilling a second hole through the outer enclosure to match the upper bolt location would be a practical approach as I don't fancy pulling out the entire reel to access the upper bolt. Any suggestions welcome - maybe I'm missing something obvious! Bill

Yes, I certainly do as I have a new G85. I really hate disinformation, so let me help you with at least this model. First of all if you want to get the accurate history of BCS and Grillo call up Earth Tools and speak to Joel, the owner, who is 37 and has been in his family business since he was 12. Briefly Grillo has been making walk-behind tillers from their beginnings where BCS was making sickle mowers. BCS decided that they wanted to explore expanding their line diversty and contacted Grillo, who was equally interested in adding sickle mowers to their line. They actually partnered up for a period, but eventually went their own ways but still have friendly ties with each other. Another words, Grillo was never made by BCS, ever, nor was it owned by BCS. They began as separate companies from the "get go" and are still separate except for the instance mentioned above. Grillo has been making fine tillers for a very long time and they basically have not changed for years. However, BCS is predicting to have some majour revamping of their tiller lines soon. They have already discontinued their 710 model that was replaced by the 712. The Grillo tillers in this country are powered by different power plants than in the European market. I opted for the Vanguard/Briggs & Stratton 7.5hp engine. It is actually made in Japan by Mitsubishi and is a dead ringer for a Honda. The pull start even feels the same nas a Honda. From what I have heard and read, it is just about as good and has the same longevity as the Honda, but it is at least $400 less expensive. The only reason that you might opt for the 9hp Honda rather than the 7.5hp Vanguard is if you might want to use some of the PTO accessories. Also, you will find that the Grillo is less expensive than similar BCS tillers. Finally, the Grillo is very safe as well. I have no idea who told someone that the tiller tines rotate backwards when the Grillo is in reverse. You can't even engage the tiller tines whilst the tractor is running in reverse! As for the G*d awful green, I think that is a matter of taste. I happen to really like that bright neon green. It isn't the same old boring RED garden shop junk and it certainly doesn't look it. I decided to get the Grillo after my old 26 year old Econo-Horse Troy-Built died. I would recommend a Grillo to anyone and everyone that could see fit to afford one. I really started out to purchase a BCS, but thanks to the honesty and integrity of Joel DuFour, at Earth Tools, I am so glad to have found the Grillo line. I hope this has helped and developed a more accurate representation of Grillo tractors and impliments, as well as any confusion regarding BCS as well. Regards

Yea, if you want a workout you could just buy a front tine tiller. Who needs a bowflex lol? Stick with the rear tines you are looking at, thatÂs way too much area to till. Kohler makes a good motor, my grandmother passed 18 years ago and her tiller is still going strongÂBTW she bought it used, and used it from spring till frost. Whatever model you choose check the seals for leaking oil. Check the tines for cracked or bent tines. The tines can be sharpened, but if they are too far gone the tempering will be ground off. Start it and put it in gear and listen for any odd grinding noises or anything else peculiar. And last but not least, as with any CraigÂs list purchase, Take your time and do not be rushed to "buy before the other guy shows up", And if you have a bad felling about it Âwalk away.