One of the best ways to keep a Billy Goat TKV650SPH running efficiently is to conduct periodic maintenance and repairs that will keep its key parts in great condition. From the belt to the impeller blade, routine maintenance is an essential part of equipment ownership.
When Performing Maintenance, Safety Comes First
Performing routine vacuum maintenance can be just as dangerous as using the equipment if operators don’t follow a few key safety guidelines. Before getting started with maintenance tasks, keep a few tips and guidelines in mind:
- Always perform maintenance with the equipment turned off.
- Allow the engine to cool before performing maintenance work.
- When working with blades or other sharp parts, wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid serious injury.
- Perform maintenance work in a ventilated, level area.
- Never perform maintenance around small children, pets, or other bystanders who could increase the risk of injury.
Getting Started with Billy Goat TKV650SPH Maintenance
With safety concerns covered, it’s time to get started with periodic maintenance for the Billy Goat TKV650SPH vacuum. The easiest way to get started is by performing the routine checks and changes recommended by the official maintenance schedule. This includes:
- Cleaning the debris bag and checking the bag strap tightness with each use.
- Inspect the equipment for loose or damaged parts after every 5 hours of use.
- Check for excessive vibration after every 5 hours of use.
In addition to these basic maintenance checks and routines, vacuum owners may also need to undertake some more complicated tasks. Whether it’s replacing the drive chain or sharpening the chipper blade, a simple, step-by-step process can get the job done.
Removing the Impeller
When the engine is cool, disconnect the spark plug, drain the fuel and oil from the engine, and remove the bag. Next, remove the quick release and upper handle. Make sure not to stretch, slice, break, or kink any control cables, fittings, or housings during this process. Now, remove the transmission cover, transmission plate, idler pulley, transmission, and transmission belt. Turn the engine upside down so that the impeller is on top. Then, carefully follow these steps:
- Remove the impeller belt and the lock washer
- Lift the impeller upward and slide it out. If it does not slide out easily, additional steps may be required. Consult the owner’s manual for these additional steps.
- Reinstall the impeller by following these steps in reverse. Make sure to use a new impeller bolt, lock washer, and washer. Tighten the impeller bolt.
- Reinstall the engine and reassemble the vacuum. Add gas and oil. Reconnect the spark plug.
Replace or Align the Drive Chain
Get started by letting the engine cool and then propping the back of the vacuum up on blocks for easier access. Remove the transmission cover and transmission belt, then remove the bolts on either side of the transmission that hold the flange bearings. With the added slack, slowly remove the drive chain or realign it properly. Finally, slip the new drive chain on and follow the prior steps in reverse.
Adjust Belt Tension
Turn the vacuum off and wait for the engine to cool. Next, remove the transmission cover to access the belt. Tension is adjusted by modifying the distance between the cable threads near the belt. Once access to the threads has been established, move the belt toward the threads to loosen tension and away from the threads to increase tension.
Replace the Belt
To replace the belt, open up access to the vacuum using the steps discussed when removing the impeller. Remove the impeller first, and then remove the belt. Place the new belt into position, replace the impeller, and secure it using the impeller bolt, washer, and lock washer. With the impeller installed, verify that the new belt remains in the appropriate groove. Net, reassemble the vacuum, add gas and oil, and reconnect the spark plug.
Remove and Sharpen the Chipper Blade
Follow the instructions for removing the impeller blade. With the equipment open, use a 3/16″ Allen wrench and a half-inch open end wrench to remove the chipper blade from the impeller itself. The blade can be sharpened by grinding the edge at a 40-degree angle. While the blade can be sharpened several times, it must be fully replaced when the blade no longer overhangs the chip relief hole.
Get the Right Parts for the Job
Equipment maintenance isn’t the only key part of Billy Goat vacuum ownership. Having the right parts for the job can ensure that maintenance is effective, produces lasting results, and avoids producing unnecessary complications. When replacing parts, make sure to always have OEM Billy Goat parts on hand that are fully compatible with the TKV650SPH vacuum model. BillyGoatParts.com makes this easier, with a parts lookup tool that will narrow available parts by model number and other key considerations. With the right parts and procedures, the TKV650SPH will work like new for many years to come.
