Billy Goat Parts Blog

When Billy Goat redesigned their Hydro-Drive sod cutters, they made everything better. There’s more weight, stronger blades, and small changes throughout to make maintenance a snap. With versions for general purpose and golf applications, this is the perfect tool for speeding up large landscaping projects, and it’s a great choice for equipment rental.

Power

The SC181H is powered by a Honda GXV160 engine. While small, it delivers the reliability, easy starting and low fuel consumption the GX Series is famous for. Billy Goat includes an hour meter with this model, so you can keep tabs on maintenance.
The engine drives a Hydro Gear RT310 transaxle. Thanks to its built-in fan, synthetic oil and top grade seals, this drive unit is maintenance free. The housing around this transmission has vent holes to keep everything cool, as well as access hatches, so you can clean the case and the adjacent blade gearbox. Maximum transport speed for this machine is 3 ½ MPH.

Built for Better Cutting

From the factory, the SC181H has a cutting width of 18 inches. It’s can also use a 12 inch blade for cutting sod in tight spaces. Billy Goat’s new blades use a laser cladding process that add a coating for increased blade strength. This dramatically improves wear when cutting through sandy soil.
Maximum cutting depth for this machine is 2 ½ inches. The “Set and Forget” lever on the handle drops the blade down to a preset height, so you can get a consistent cut across the entire yard. A durable cast iron gearbox swings the blade in and out of position.
The Hydro-Drive sod cutter is built around a 3/8 inch steel frame with a ½ inch lateral supports. At 395 lbs, it weights more than 50 lbs. more than its predecessor. This keeps it from riding up over rocks and hard clumps of dirt for an even cut.

What’s the Difference Between the Standard and Golf Models?

The SC181 has two large roller wheels supporting the front end. Standard models have a honeycomb tread that sheds mud and maintains grip on dry soil. Golf sod cutters use a knobby tread that’s softer on grass and maintains grip while making shallow passes. The rear on both models is supported by a lockable caster that lets you maneuver around obstacles, or track straight for long passes.

Transport

You don’t want such a big, heavy machine to fall over or slide off your trailer. To keep it from moving, Billy Goat built in 6 tie-down points, so you can secure it in all directions.

Parts

Like everything else from Billy Goat, you can get the parts you need for the SC181H sod cutter straight from your browser. Just go to Billy Goat Parts. We’re an authorized dealer for Billy Goat, Honda and Hydro-Gear, so we’re able to offer everything you need to fix and maintain your machine. Whether you live in the U.S. or Canada, you can get parts shipped to your door by visiting www.billygoatparts.com.

Billy Goat Parts has a search engine that can find compatible parts based on your equipment’s model name and serial number. Where do you find this information? Unfortunately, with so many types of equipment and engines, the serial number can’t be at the same location on every model. Here’s where you can find your equipment’s ID plate, as well as where you can get the identifying information for your Billy Goat’s engine.

Why Can’t I Just Use the Model Number?

Billy Goat and their partners continually update their products. Model names are used for years, but there are often several revisions during the life of the product, with changes to several components. Engines don’t just go through revisions. There are several versions available to fit different applications and emissions requirements. The Honda GX390 alone has been offered in 10 versions.

Where Do I Find the Serial Number on My Billy Goat Equipment?

Vacuums
BG: On the left side, next to the engine
KV and VQ: On the rear left of the impeller housing
MV: On the left height adjustment plate

Blowers
On the right side of the frame, under the engine

Outback Brushcutter
On the lower right corner of the belt housing, below the engine

Lawn Care Products
AE aerators and OSSP overseeders: On the rear left side of the frame
Other aerators: On the left side of the tine housing
Power rakes: On the rear right corner of the frame
Sod cutters: On the left side of the frame, next to the engine, or on a plate below the handle

Debris Loaders
DL 12, 13 and 18: On the rear right side of the skid, next to the engine
DL25: On the rear left side of the skid, next to the engine

Augers
On the back of the frame

Stump Grinders
On the back of the frame

Where Do I Find Engine Serial Numbers?

Briggs & Stratton
This number is stamped on the blower housing, above the muffler heat shield, or on the rocker cover. Engines built after June 2012 also have a QR code printed on the front or back side of the engine. The serial number is printed below this code. You can also scan the code to get this number.

Vanguard
The serial number is either printed directly on the engine, or on a tag riveted to the engine . On V-twins, this number is on the side with the oil filler cap. On single cylinder engines, this number is printed on the rocker cover. If you have a chrome cover over the rocker cover, you need to remove it to see the serial number underneath. Some new models have a QR code sticker that can be scanned to get your model and serial number.

Honda
Look for a 4-5 letter prefix followed by 7 numbers stamped on the side of the engine. This number is printed just above the oil drain plug on most engines.

Get the Parts You Need for Your Billy Goat

Billy Goat Parts carries replacements for everything on your equipment, as well as factory accessories. When you need anything for your Billy Goat, visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We can ship your order to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

Are you taking care of the engine in your Billy Goat equipment correctly? Vanguard recently updated the oil recommendations for their engines. Here’s what you need to know to keep your single cylinder or V-twin engine lubricated.

Which Oil Should I Use?

The amount of oil and the oil change intervals vary from model to model. However, Vanguard’s oil formula recommendations are the same across all of their engines, including single cylinders and V-twins. The best oil viscosity depends on your operating temperatures.

Conventional Oils
SAE 30: 40°F and higher
10W-30: 0-100°F
5W-30: 40°F and lower

Synthetic Oils
5W-30: -20 to 120°F
Vanguard 15W-50: 20-130°F

Oil change intervals are the same for all oils, whether they’re conventional or synthetic.
Vanguard recommends oil that meets API service category SJ or higher. This information is printed on the top of the API “donut” symbol, which is on the back of the oil bottle.

When Do I Need to Replace the Oil Filter?

If your engine has an oil filter, it should be changed every 100 hours of operation, or every season. If you’re running your engine under heavy loads or high temperatures, Vanguard recommends changing the oil every 50 hours, but the oil filter will still last 100 hours.

Changing Your Engine Oil

1. Let the engine run for a few minutes to warm it up. This will help the used oil flow out faster. Park your equipment on a level surface and disconnect the spark plugs.
2. Remove the dipstick. This lets air flow into the engine, so the used oil will come out smoothly. It also lets air leave the engine as you fill the crankcase with fresh oil.
3.Remove the drain plug, located at the base of the engine. Let the oil drain into a container for recycling.
4. Install the drain plug.
5. If you have an engine with an oil filter, and it’s due for replacement, change it now. Lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter with clean engine oil. Once the seal seats on the side of the engine, tighten the filter another 1/2-3/4 turn.
6. Wipe down the area around the oil fill cap to keep debris from entering the engine.
7. Remove the fill cap and add oil.
8. Once you add the correct amount of oil, wait at least a minute to let the oil to make its way down to the crankcase.
9. Wipe off the dipstick, then fully insert it into the engine. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. The oil should reach the “Full” indicator. Add more oil as needed.
10. Insert the dipstick and connect the spark plugs.

We Have Everything For Your Billy Goat, Even Engine Parts

Billy Goat Parts is an authorized dealer for Billy Goat and their manufacturing partners, including Vanguard. We have a section on our website set aside for commonly ordered Vanguard and Briggs & Stratton parts like filters. If you need anything else, our search engine can find compatible parts based on your equipment model and serial number. Visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We ship across the USA and Canada.

The QV Quietvac is built to tackle the toughest construction cleanup jobs, including the removal of dangerous silica dust. This subjects the impeller, engine, bag and dust sock to massive amounts of dirt, accelerating wear. However, this machine will still last for years, as long as you take care of it. Here’s what you need to do to make sure your Quietvac is working at its best.

Maintenance Schedule

Before each use: Check the tire pressure and clean the debris bag
Every 5 hours of operation, or daily: Inspect the vacuum for loose or damaged parts.
Every 50 hours: Grease the fittings on the wheels, casters ans shaft. Check the drive belt.
Clean the bag and dust sock when they become clogged. How long this takes depends on your operating conditions.
Follow your engine manual’s recommendations for severe duty maintenance. Clean the air filter frequently, and clean the dipstick, oil fill and oil drain before changing the oil.

Dust Sock

Only use the dust sock in dry areas. Moisture will damage the fabric.
Clean the sock by removing it from the bag and dumping out any dust. Shake the sock to remove the dust embedded in the fabric. You can also push out dust compressed air, keeping the nozzle at least 6 inches away from the bag’s surface.

Belt Replacement

The impeller bolt stretches slightly when it’s tightened. Always use a new bolt and washer when you reinstall the impeller.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and chock the wheels.
2. Unbolt the nozzle and nozzle plate. Set these parts aside.
3. Slide the belt off the lower pulley, then off of the impeller hub. If you don’t have enough slack, loosen the bearings on the lower pulley.
4. Slide the belt off of the drive pulley.
5. Unbolt the impeller and slide it off of the drive shaft. You may need to apply penetrating oil and wiggle the impeller off with a pair of crowbars.
6. Loosen the set screws on the drive pulley. Slide this pulley down the shaft until you can lift off the belt.
7. Slide the new belt onto the bottom and drive pulleys.
8. Install the impeller, using a new bolt and washer. Slide the belt onto the impeller pulley.
9. Line up the impeller pulley with the drive pulley and tighten the set screws.
10. Attach the nozzle plate and nozzle.

Drive Cable Adjustment

This cable will stretch over time, and will need to be adjusted if the drive isn’t engaging and disengaging cleanly when you move the handle.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the bag. Unbolt the transmission cover.
3. Move the drive levers while watching the arms on the back of the transaxle. The arms should engage, then return to their starting position.
4. Loosen the nuts on the cable barrel next to the drive levers. Twist the barrel to increase or decrease cable tension.
5. Check the arm movement. Once the arms go through their full range of motion when you use the levers, tighten down the barrel nuts. Attach the transmission cover and bag, and reconnect the spark plug.

Need Parts?

Billy Goat Parts is an authorized dealer for Billy Goat and Honda Engines, so we’re able to offer replacement parts for everything on your QV Quietvac. We have sections for commonly ordered parts, like impeller components and belts, as well as a search engine that can find parts specific to your model. To order, visit www.billygoatparts.com. We ship across America and Canada.

The Hurricane X3000 and Z3000 are some of the most powerful debris blowers on the market. They’re also able to cover large areas quickly, thanks to a stand-on ZTR setup that emulates stander mowers. However, all that capability comes with a learning curve. Here’s what you need to know to get the most from these machines.
 
 
Taking Power into Consideration
 
The most powerful backpack blower available today moves about 1,000 cubic feet of air per minute. The Hurricane Z3000 moves 8,500 CFM. This doesn’t just mean it works faster, it requires an entirely different approach. For example, while a backpack blower may move leaves a few feet, a Hurricane can move them 20 feet or more with each pass. That means fewer passes to clear out a yard or parking lot It’s also far more effective at lifting matted debris, taking minutes to complete jobs that would normally take hours.
 
While small blowers are always used at top speed, you may want to have less power when using a Hurricane in tight quarters. Air speed can be controlled by changing engine speed. Since the Hurricane series uses a hydrostatic drive system, engine speed does not affect movement speed.
 
 
Motion Controls
 
The controls on this blower work just like those on a stand-on or ZTR mower. Pushing a lever forward makes the Hurricane move forward, and pulling back moves it backward. Changing speeds left-to-right turns the blower. The parking brake engages automatically when both levers are in the neutral position.
 
 
Nozzle Control
 
The Hurricane’s three vent doors are operated by a stick on the control panel. Pushing the stick forward, left or right opens the corresponding door. Pulling the stick back closes all of the doors. This setup lets you use a combination of doors for different tasks:
 
– Use the left or right doors to move leaves and debris in open spaces.
– Use the front door to clear leaves next to buildings.
– Use the front door and one side door to push leaves farther away from buildings and curbs
– Use all three doors to clear sidewalks
 
The left door has two flaps. By setting the pin on the side of the nozzle, you can open one or both doors at a time. This lets you use the full length of the vent, or use half the width for concentrated, high power air flow. Unlike the other vents, this door is motor controlled. Opening up the door a small amount directs air downward, pushing debris off of ground surfaces. Opening the door fully pushes air straight across, which helps shape leaf piles. You can tell the position of the door by looking at the gear train above the nozzle.
 
The front vent is on the left side of the blower. If you want to blow leaves away from buildings, the left side of the blower should face the wall to get the air as close to the building as possible.
 
Closing all three doors minimizes the amount of air exiting the machine. This is ideal for transport.
 
 
 
We Have Everything You Need for Your Billy Goat
 
Billy Goat Parts is an authorized dealer for Billy Goat, Hydro-Gear and Vanguard, making us your one stop shop for everything on your Hurricane blower. Our site makes finding parts easy. Just tell our search engine your model and serial number, and it can find parts that fit your machine. These listings include factory descriptions and exploded parts diagrams, so you can see exactly what you’re ordering. We can ship your order to any address in the USA or Canada. Visit us at www.billygoatparts.com.

Do you need a blower that works faster than a backpack? Do you wish you could get something with more power than the F13 contractor blower, but don’t need a giant machine like the F18? The new F14 walk behind blower bridges that gap, making it a great choice for landscapers, seal coaters and property services for schools, estates and golf courses.
 
 
Better Construction for Better Performance
 
The F14 uses a composite housing paired with a composite 17 inch impeller with 16 blades and closed faces.  By using plastics, the clearances can be much tighter than those on a metal fan. The result is more power, less fuel consumption, less wear and tear, and less noise. Durability is better, too. While metal fan blades can loosen during use, the F14’s fan is cast in a single shot that won’t come apart. Composite construction also saves weight, making the blower easier to move, so you can finish jobs faster.
 
Like other Billy Goat walk-behind blowers, this model lets you adjust the angle of the nozzle from the controls. By moving a single lever, you can skim the surface of the ground to roll debris into a pile, then aim upward to shape the pile without blowing it around. Billy Goat includes a forward discharge elbow that snaps into the air outlet. This makes it easy to push leaves and debris away from buildings.
 
The F14 is powered by Vanguard’s new 408cc single cylinder engine. While its 14 HP output is impressive, where it really shines is its focus on maintenance. The air box has a cyclonic air filtration system, something rarely seen outside of the largest commercial V-Twin engines. This keeps large debris away from the air filter, giving it a 600 hour service life. That’s twice as long as any other engine in this class.
 
 
Models
 
Billy Goat makes two versions of the F14. The F1402V only uses the engine to spin the impeller. The F1402SPV adds hydrostatic drive, decreasing operator fatigue and increasing speed. On average, an operator will be able to push the F1402V at a speed of 1-2 MPH, while having the help of the F1402SPV’s drive system increases speed to 2-3 MPH. Both models weigh about the same.
 
 
Accessories
 
The F14 can be outfitted to best fit the terrain you deal with day to day.
 
A caster wheel kit makes it easier to turn the machine, which is helpful when working around landscaping features.
 
If you regularly work on hills, the parking brake kit can keep the blower from rolling away when you leave the controls.
 
Do you have trouble with flat tires? You can swap out the pneumatic front wheel and tire with one fitted with a foam-filled tire.
 
Want to make transporting your blower easier? The quick hold down kit includes a bracket that you can bolt to your trailer, creating a place to lock down your blower.
 
 
Warranty
 
Briggs & Stratton Vanguard guarantees the engine for three years of use. Billy Goat guarantees the housing for 5 years, and the rest of the machine for two years of use. These warranties cover both commercial and residential users.
 
 
Get the Parts and Accessories You Need for Your Billy Goat
 
You can get everything you need to upgrade or repair your wheeled blower from Billy Goat Parts. We’re a certified dealer for Billy Goat, Tuff Torq and Vanguard, which means we offer replacements for everything on your machine. Want to add a parking brake, or switch to a foam front tire? We also sell accessories. Our site can show you parts listings and factory parts diagrams specific to your model. To order, visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We can ship your order to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

The bag is the most important part of your Billy Goat vacuum, and also the source of the most problems. Knowing how to properly maintain the bag can help you avoid clogs and get maximum performance. Here’s everything you need to know about these bags, from break-in to cleaning.
 
 
Attaching and Removing Bags
 
To attach a bag to your vacuum, lift the vacuum door and slide the bag into the slot. Once the bag opening seats, lock the four straps to the handle, starting with the straps closest to the door.
 
To empty the bag, move your vacuum to the area where you want to unload the debris and shut off the engine. Wait until the motor and impeller come to a complete stop. Unlatch the clips on the bottom of the bag. Lift the top center of the bag to take the tension off of the straps. Remove the back straps, followed by the front straps. Pull the bag opening away from the vacuum and tilt the bag back to empty it.
 
 
Cleaning Vacuum Bags
 
After using the vacuum, remove the bag from the machine. Turn the bag inside out to remove any debris clinging to the fabric. Rinse the inner bag surface with a garden hose, and let the bag dry before putting it back on the vacuum. If you’re using your vacuum multiple times per week, you may want to pick up a spare bag, so you always have one ready to use while the other is drying.
 
Over time, the bag fabric will become saturated with dust. Wash the bag in water and a mild detergent, then rinse and wipe down the inner and outer surfaces. Never use a pressure washer or compressed air to clean your bag. Doing so will damage the fabric.
 
 
Breaking In New Bags
 
While you can use a new vacuum bag straight out of the box, breaking it in will improve performance. This process helps open up the pores in the fabric and gives the bag some shape. The result is a bag that holds more debris and is less likely to clog. This process also improves the performance of bags that are freshly washed.
 
To break in a new bag, attach it to your vacuum. Set the vacuum on a flat, dirt-free surface, like a parking space or driveway. Start the engine, and set the throttle to 50%. Let the vacuum run for 30 minutes.
 
 
Do I Need a Felt or Standard Bag?
 
Felt bags have finer pores. This helps trap more dirt inside the bag, but it also means the bag will clog up faster than a regular vacuum bag. You should switch to a felt bag if fine dust pours out of your current bag while in use.
 
Keep in mind that a felt bag is not effective at filtering silica. If you need to clean up cement dust, use a QV Quietvac with a dust sock installed. The sock has a superfine surface that traps silica before it becomes airborne.
 
Need Something for Your Billy Goat Equipment?
 
Billy Goat Parts is your one stop shop for everything Billy Goat. We’re a certified dealer for the brand, as well as their manufacturing partners. That means we carry everything from vacuum bags to spark plugs. Our website has a section dedicated to vacuum bags, making it easy to find a replacement. We also have a search engine that can show you factory parts diagrams for your model, so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. Visit us online at www.billygoatparts.com. We ship across the United States and Canada.

You probably glossed over the sound and vibration section of your Billy Goat equipment manual, but these two factors can have a big impact on the health of you and your employees. Here’s what these numbers mean, and what you can do to protect everyone using your equipment.
 
 
Noise
 
Billy Goat measures their equipment using ISO 11094 and ISO 5395, which are standard tests for measuring noise from outdoor equipment. That means you can do an apples-to-apples sound comparison between a Billy Goat product and equipment from other manufacturers. Measurements are taken at the operator’s position, so they accurately predict real world noise exposure.
 
Extended exposure to sounds over 70 dB can cause hearing damage. Virtually any machine powered by a small engine will produce at least 85 dB of noise. At that level, hearing damage can occur after one or two hours. The moving parts of the machine also add to the noise. Billy Goat’s walk-behind blowers are the loudest type of equipment they make, with models making around 95 dB of noise.
 
Ear plugs and muffs decrease the sound reaching your ear by their dB rating. For example, if you’re wearing 22 dB ear muffs while using equipment that makes 90 dB of noise, your ears are exposed to 68 dB of noise. When you’re choosing hearing protection, be sure there’s enough noise being blocked to bring the level below 70 dB.
 
 
Vibration
 
Over time, extended exposure can lead to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS.) This can cause numbness in the fingers and muscle weakness. Up to 1 in 10 people who work with vibration tools regularly may develop HAVS. This typically progresses from numbness after using tools to occasional numbness and finally permanent loss of feeling. Likewise, blood vessel damage can lead to Raynaud’s syndrome (white finger) in cold weather, and eventually permanent damage. Vibration exposure can also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
 
Research into vibration damage is relatively new. While the European Union warns against prolonged exposure over 0.5 m/s2, there aren’t any concrete regulations in the U.S. OSHA recommends frequent monitoring of employees, so that risk factors are identified early. When it comes to lawn care equipment, it may be best to take a proactive approach with maintenance and personal protective equipment.
 
Vibration gloves should be EN ISO 10819:2013 and/or ANSI 105-2016 certified. Unlike hearing protection, this is a pass/fail standard. Gloves that meet these standards reduce vibration transfer by 40% in frequency ranges strongly associated with nerve damage.
 
Vibration dampening materials are bulky, which can limit dexterity. Before you buy a set of gloves, try a few pairs on. Some designs allow for more finger movement than others. This is important for safety as well as comfort. Gloves that force you to grip handles tightly increase vibration transfer. Likewise, the gloves should have good insulation or good breathability, depending on whether you’re working in hot or cold weather. This helps your hands maintain circulation, reducing blood vessel damage.
 
It’s also important to maintain your equipment. Imbalanced blades, loose bolts and poorly-tuned engines don’t just increase wear and tear on your equipment, they also increase the vibrations experienced by the operator. Keeping up on repairs can greatly reduce exposure.
 
 
Keep Your Equipment at Peak Performance
 
If you need something for your Billy Goat equipment, you can get it at Billy Goat Parts. We’re a certified dealer for Billy Goat and their manufacturing partners, which means we’re able to ship OEM parts and accessories for your aerator, blower, debris load, or anything else from the company to any address in the U.S. and Canada. Visit us at www.billygoatparts.com.