The Bcs Group filed its first patents in 1942 and since then has always protected its technical exclusivities at the international level. The most recent recognition obtained in this sense concerns the continuously variable transmission equipping the top-of-the-range single-axle Bcs 780 Hy Stargate
In all industrial sectors, companies have two paths available to pursue innovation: either acquire the results of others’ research—by paying royalties or purchasing finished components—or invest in research and development by adequately structuring their technical departments. The first solution is typical of small manufacturing organizations and medium-sized industries whose final products derive from the assembly of functional units produced by third parties. The second, decidedly more demanding, is embraced by more structured manufacturers—organizations that aim to stand out in the market by making their products as original and unique as possible through patent-protected solutions.
An example of this is BCS, a company founded in 1943 with the launch of the first mechanical mower in history, the “MF243.” This machine was immediately protected in its most original and strategic mechanisms—the oscillating head and its bar—by two specific patents, which still form the basis of the “622” mower produced by the Lombard manufacturer. Since then, the list of patents filed by BCS has evolved almost continuously, with the latest recognition arriving at the end of May, once again for an exclusive feature introduced on a single-axle machine.
In fact, the originality of the continuously variable transmission powering the “780Hy Stargate” walking tractor was acknowledged. This system also works in combination with the “PowerSafe” multi-disc oil-immersed clutch, which BCS had previously protected with a specific patent. This clutch, common to all single-axle models of the same series, serves both as a connecting element between engine and transmission—the engine being either a Honda “GX390” series or a Yanmar “L100V” diesel—and as a safety device in case the operator loses control of the machine.
In such a case, the clutch’s “normally open” construction type instantly disconnects engine and transmission while simultaneously stopping traction and PTO thanks to an integrated brake. It does not, however, switch off the engine, allowing the operator to quickly regain control of the machine and continue working. The clutch is also practically maintenance-free, not subject to overheating, and ensures more comfortable machine handling compared to systems used in other similar work machines.
As mentioned, in the case of the “780Hy Stargate,” its presence is combined with a hydrostatic transmission that decouples engine speed from forward speed, which can range continuously from zero to almost five kilometers per hour simply by operating the “EasyGrip” lever on the handlebar. No manual gear shifting or disengagement is required, avoiding the jolts usually caused by such maneuvers, and instead ensuring smooth, progressive operation that makes work easier and less tiring.
The same lever also allows reversing direction independently of PTO and engine RPM, so that the implement always operates at its optimal speed. The PTO, on the other hand, is purely mechanically driven by the engine in order to maintain high efficiency and performance. Conceived this way, and also equipped with a differential lock system, the “780Hy Stargate” proves to be a professional high-power single-axle machine—about nine or twelve horsepower depending on engine type—that is always easy and safe to use not only for farmers and groundskeepers but also for hobby farmers. They can also benefit from the possibility of using implements mounted either at the front or at the rear, thanks to reversible handlebars
They can do it all
BCS single-axle machines can handle a multitude of tasks simply by changing the implements installed. In agriculture, these include single-furrow plows, reversible and rotary groundblasters, ridgers with or without rotary tillers, rotary hoes with or without leveling rollers for seedbeds, earthing-up tools, and mulchers.
For forage applications, cutter bars are available in widths from 80 to 210 centimeters, while green-area maintenance can be tackled with single- and double-blade mowers, single-blade shredders, single-rotor shredders with mobile knives (“BladeRunner” and “RollerBlade”).
For winter maintenance, the range includes fixed and turbine snow blades as well as sweepers, which can also be used for cleaning sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, or barns. Also available are a dozer blade for moving gravel, sand, or soil, a wide range of tires in different sizes and designs, and iron wheels for use on very hard ground.
All implements share fast mounting and dismounting, and the ability to operate either at the front or rear thanks to the reversible handlebars.
Translation with ChatGPT
