Market Farming

["breck" <bcarden AT breckinridgegroup.com>]

I sold my large diesel bcs and bought a used f1510 20hp.for under $2000,
bought a Woods finish mower for $500 and I am looking for a used 48” tiller
for it for under $1000. The reason I list these is so you can compare the
price and size of implements to a 2w.  For my money I am much happier with a
4w tractor instead. However, if you are interested in a 2w by all means Joel
Dufour the owner of earthtools is a great guy to deal with.

________________________________________
From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Harriet Allen
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 11:57 AM
To: market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [Market-farming] Tractors for Hilling and so forth

I like my new Grillo.  (Much the same family as the BCS).  These versatile
little "walk-behind" two-wheeled tractors take all manner of attachments and
are made in Italy.  They are becoming more available in the United States. 
See www.earthtoolsbcs.com for one source in Kentucky....earthtools will ship
the tractors completely ready to go.  I got a smallish one with differential
that takes the rotary plow.  These guys at earthtools make and adapt
attachments to fit these two-wheeled tractors.  My rotary plow is actually
for the BCS and they make it so it can spin in the opposite direction for
the Grillo.
 
They take a sully, wagon, various mowers, small balers, small black plastic
layers, rototillers, reciprocating plows, snow removal attachments and
more.  If you are working with 5 acres or less, this is a great machine and
comes at far less cost than the cheapest full-sized U.S. made tractor.  They
make diesel versions as well.   You use the same machine with different
attachments to do a number of jobs traditional American farmers would have
several machines for.
 
But the reason I'm writing is to say that I have successfully used the
rotary plow to not only turn under sod and very tall cover crop, but to make
asparagus beds and raised beds.  They would hill your potatoes in no time
and dig a trench in a couple of passes.  You can move the handles to the
side so you don't have to walk in the trench.
 
I am a woman and I am using this tractor easily (Not the largest one
though).  The only thing I wish is that the levers were a bit smaller to fit
my hand better.  Still, after using it for a few hours, I've got it down
pretty good and it doesn't tire me to use.

Hattie's Garden
31341 Kendale Rd.
Lewes, DE 19958
302-945-0350