Which Engine Should You Get With Your Billy Goat Equipment?

Posted on July 8, 2020 by leapgo

Which Engine Should You Get With Your Billy Goat Equipment?Billy Goat offers a wide range of options across their equipment range, including the choice of different powerplants for some models. What’s the difference between these engines? Here’s a rundown of the motors Billy Goat uses, and what you can expect from them.

Briggs & Stratton

These residential engines are built primarily for ease of use, and they’re lighter than the commercial engines. This makes them a great choice for specialty equipment that you won’t use very often, like overseeders and sod cutters. After all, an engine designed for years of use in a walk-behind lawnmower should have no trouble with seasonal landscaping jobs.

Briggs commercial engines are more prosumer than professional, but they’re still backed by a two year warranty for commercial use. If you buy one for home use, the company covers the engine for three years.

Honda

The CR550HC uses a GC Series engine. Like Briggs & Stratton’s engines, the GC is aimed at residential users. The overhead cam design keeps the engine cool in extreme temperatures, while a clever timing chain design draws oil from the crankcase to keep the top end lubricated.

If you buy any other Honda-powered Billy Goat, you’ll get a GX Series engine. With the first models introduced over a decade ago, the GX has proven to be unfailingly reliable, while offering good overall performance and fuel economy. If you’re a professional landscaper, there’s a good chance you already own at least one piece of equipment powered by this engine.

Both engines benefit from Honda’s focus on quality and usability. With less noise and vibration than other engines, they’re easier on operators who use this equipment day after day.

Vanguard V-Twins

Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard division builds engines for commercial use. While their V-Twins don’t dominate the market like Honda’s GX, they’re still a popular choice for large ZTR mowers. Vanguard’s advanced debris management makes them perfect for dirty jobs, which is why Billy Goat uses them in their biggest truck loaders and blowers. This debris system includes a multi-stage air cleaner with a centrifugal pre-filter to keep the inside of the engine clean.

E-Start models have an electric starter with a recoil backup. Automatic compression release comes standard on all V-Twins, making them easy to turn over manually if you have a dead battery.

Billy Goat uses the Vanguard EFI to power the DL37 debris loader. Fuel injection reduces emissions, fuel consumption and throttle droop while improving power across the RPM range. It also makes the engine less sensitive to stale fuel. Low operating costs let buyers quickly recoup the increased purchase cost.

Vanguard Single Cylinder

Due to lackluster performance, Vanguard’s smaller engines barely made a dent in a market dominated by Honda and Subaru. The company aims to change that with their new line of single-cylinder engines. Designed and built in-house, they share most of the technology that has made their V-Twins best sellers in their market segment.

This isn’t simply a beefed-up Briggs & Stratton: it’s an all new design targeted specifically at Honda. It’s even designed to be a drop in replacement for “other” engines, sharing enough of its dimensions and control placement with the GX Series that it can be used in place of a Honda with no modification. This makes it a great choice for repowering old equipment.

The key advantage of this engine is low maintenance. Major maintenance is recommended every 200 hours instead of the industry standard 100 hours. A cyclonic air box comes standard, removing most dirt before it reaches the filter. As a result, filter changes are only required every 600 hours.

Billy Goat currently offers their 6.5 HP model in the OS552 overseeder, PL1801 PLUGR aerator, and F601V walk-behind blowers.

Subaru

Subaru shut down their Industrial Power Products division at the end of 2017, but it took a while before the stock of new engines was depleted. Billy Goat still lists some Subaru-powered models on their site, although they’re out of production. There is still plenty of used equipment on the market powered by these engines.

A new company, Industrial Power Products of America, Inc, now handles warranties and parts distribution for these engines. That means you can still get Subaru’s industry-leading 5-year warranty. You can also get parts for these engines from former Subaru dealers, including us.

We Have the Parts for Your Billy Goat Engine

Billy Goat Parts isn’t just a Billy Goat dealer: we’re also an authorized dealer for Honda, Subaru, Briggs & Stratton and Vanguard. That means you can get everything you need for your equipment by visiting www.billygoatparts.com. Finding parts is easy, thanks to our popular parts sections, and our search engine that can find parts based on your engine’s model and serial number. We even have built-in diagrams and factory descriptions, so you know exactly what you’re ordering. We can ship your order to any address in the United States or Canada.

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OS900 Overseeder Speed Cable Replacement

Posted on July 1, 2020 by leapgo

OS900 Overseeder Speed Cable ReplacementAre you having trouble engaging the drive system on your Billy Goat OS900 or OS901 overseeder? Does the cable still have slack with the adjuster all the way out? Your machine is probably due for a new cable. While replacement is a complicated process, it can be done with common hand tools. Here’s what you need to know to get the job done.

Tools and Parts You Will Need:

Impact driver or drill – an impact driver is recommended
5/32 inch hex (Allen) wrench
7/16 inch socket – a magnetic socket is recommended
½ inch wrench
Pliers
Hydraulic jack
Jack Stands
Wood blocks
Long flat head screwdriver
Two cable ties
5/16 inch bolt
Silicone or lithium spray lubricant – Water displacers like WD-40 do not offer long term protection.

Removing the Old Cable

1. Place the blocks ahead of the front wheels. Lift up the rear of the overseeder and place the jack stands under the handle tubes, directly below the transaxle. You may find it handy to use the jack to lift and lower the back of the machine for better access during this repair.

2. There is a small hole next to the sticker for the transaxle release lever. Insert a 5/16 inch bolt into this hole. You may need to hammer the bolt in to get it to set. This bolt keeps the seed cable box from moving.

3. Using the ½ inch wrench, remove the four lock nuts on the speed cable bracket. This bracket is on the base of the overseeder.

4. Remove the bearing and screw cap connected to the right handle speed cable. These parts are on the underside of the deck next to the left handle tube. Hold the cap in place using the hex wrench while unscrewing the nut on the top side of the deck using an impact driver or drill.

5. Remove the spring extension on the speed control bracket. With the bearing removed, this spring is not under tension. It should come off by hand with little effort, but it may be easier to use the screwdriver to pull the spring off of the hooks.

6. Cut the cable ties that hold the speed cable in place on the deck and the handle.

7. Use the screwdriver to pull the rubber grommet out of the deck. On the inside of this hole, find the plastic tabs holding the cable into the deck. Push these tabs in with the pliers, then slide out the cable.

8. On the handle side, close the lever to expose the inner speed cable. Bend the cable down and pull the ferrule out of the lever. The old cable should now be free from the overseeder.

Installing the New Cable

1. Slide the ferrule on the new cable into the handle. Slide the adjuster into the metal tube in front of the handle.

2. Run the new cable along the same path as the old cable, down the left side of the overseeder. The plastic tabs on the cable housing should snap into place when you push them into the deck. Push the rubber grommet into the deck to seal the hole.

3. Attach the cable to the bearing and nut removed earlier. Install these parts.

4. Reattach the extension spring and the speed cable bracket.

5. Remove the 5/16 inch bolt you pushed into the deck during Step 2 of cable removal.

6. Lubricate the speed control system as needed. Spray grease or silicone through the large hole next to the transaxle release sticker to lubricate the bearing.

7. Adjust the cable tension. Screw in the adjuster nut to increase tension on the speed cable. The drive system should be fully engaged with the drive lever open, and engage cleanly when the lever is closed. There should be a little slack in the cable with the drive lever open.

Since this cable is new, the nut should be near the end of the barrel adjuster to minimize cable housing length. Double-check the drive-side cable connection and plastic tab insert if the cable requires significant adjustment, or if it wants to bind.

Get the Parts You Need for Your Billy Goat Equipment

When you need anything Billy Goat, visit www.billygoatparts.com. Billy Goat Parts is an authorized dealer for Billy Goat, Tuff Torq, Subaru and Honda, which means we have replacements for everything on your machine. Looking for accessories? We carry those, too. You can check our popular parts sections for common replacement parts, or use our search engine to find parts specific to your model. Our site even has factory diagrams and descriptions built in, so you can see exactly what you’re ordering. We can ship your order to any address in the United States or Canada.

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Tips for Using an Outback Brushcutter

Posted on June 24, 2020 by admin

Tips for Using an Outback BrushcutterIs it time to get your lawn back under control? Do you need to clear land around a country lot, or take back an overgrown lawn? With a Billy Goat Outback Brushcutter, you can cut down tall grass and saplings almost as easily as you can cut a suburban lawn with a walk-behind mower. These tips will help you get the most out of your brushcutter, from choosing when to cut to solving common problems you may have with your machine.

When Should I Use my Brushcutter?

No matter which season you choose, you need to make sure the ground is dry. Mud poses a serious safety risk, making it easy to slide and fall while you’re wrestling your machine through the brush. Do you need to arrange for yard waste disposal? Are you going to have a tree service come in after you’ve cleared out the ground near the trees? When you arrange for these services, have some leeway in your schedule to work around the rain.

The best season to cut is winter. Annuals are dead, and perennials are in hibernation. This decreases damage to plants that you may want to keep after cutting. There’s no foliage to cut through, and there aren’t any germinating plants that will spread seeds when disturbed. However, there’s nothing stopping you from clearing at any time of year. Cutting in the spring or summer lets you start landscaping and hardscaping projects almost immediately after land clearing.

Plan on shorter workdays than you might have for other landscaping projects. Good visibility is critical if you want to avoid obstacles and get full coverage. Avoid overcast days, and stick to peak sunlight hours.

Safety

An Outback brushcutter may have a steel blade like a mower, but it behaves more like a giant string trimmer. That means you should take the same safety precautions you’d use for a trimmer.

Before you cut, check the area for possible projectiles, including rocks, toys, and glass bottles. Chains and fence wire won’t fly, but they can wrap around your brushcutter’s spindle.

Wear non-slip boots to keep your footing, eye protection to protect yourself from flying debris, and hearing protection to block out the noise from the engine and the blade. Vibration-reducing gloves will keep your hands from going numb during use.

Preparing Your Outback

Check the tire pressure: The recommended pressure for your Outback’s tires is written on the sidewall.

Check the oil: Make sure you’re using the right weight of oil for the current temperatures. 5W-30 may be recommended for near-freezing temperatures, but it will burn off quickly when used in the summer.

Check the air filter: Brush cutting raises dust and debris, which can clog your engine’s air filter long before the recommended cleaning interval. Wipe out the air box, and clean or replace the filter elements as needed.

Check the blade: It should have a flat surface that has the sharpness of a butter knife. Sharpen or replace the blade as needed. The blade nut is made from metal that stretches over the driveshaft threads, so it won’t shake loose from vibrations. Always use a new nut when fitting an old or new blade.

Addressing Common Problems

Getting a poor cut with your machine? Check your deck for clogs. Make sure the choke is open once the engine is warm, and open the throttle. Make sure the blade is straight and sharp, and remove any grass wrapped around the blade spindle.

Is the clutch slipping or squealing? This can happen if the clutch gets wet. If the clutch is dry, adjust the cable tension. Over time, the clutch cable can stretch, keeping it from fully engaging the clutch. The cable spring should stretch ¼ to 3/8 of an inch when closed. Putting more tension on the spring can keep the blade brake from engaging.

Do you have a self-propelled model, and the transaxle isn’t working correctly? Like the clutch cable, the drive cable can stretch and may need adjustment. The cable should have a little slack when the bail is open to disengage the drive system. If that doesn’t work, check the drive belt. It also stretches over time and may be due for a replacement.

Keep Your Brushcutter Working with Quality Parts from Billy Goat Parts

Billy Goat Parts is a certified dealer for Billy Goat and their equipment partners, including Honda Engines and Briggs & Stratton. We carry replacements for everything on your Outback, from major components to small hardware. Our site has sections for common replacement parts, like mowing blades, along with an advanced search engine that finds parts for your specific model and serial number. We even have parts diagrams integrated into our system, so you can see exactly what you’re ordering. Visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We ship across the United States and Canada.

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The AE 400: Frustration Free Aerating

Posted on June 17, 2020 by leapgo

The AE 400: Frustration Free AeratingDrum aerators are a pain to use, but you might not need all the features of Billy Goat’s reciprocating aerators. That’s where the AE 400 Aerator comes in. It uses tine stars to cut into soil, delivering the same compaction relief as a drum aerator. However, its low weight design, wheel positioning and easy tine disengagement make it easier to use and care for.

A Different Approach to Aerating

The AE 400 may look like a drum aerator, but it uses tine stars like Billy Goat’s towable aerators. The tines are fixed to these stars, rolling across and cutting into the soil. A water tank mounted above the reel pushes the tines into the ground. When full, this tank weighs 50 lbs. Once the job is done, this tank can be emptied, making the machine easier to move around. Shifting the weight from the tines to the deck gives the AE 400 the softest tine action in the industry. It creates holes that relieve compaction and open soil up to air and water with minimal damage to the surrounding turf.

Like a drum aerator, the tines on this machine must be lifted out of the ground before making a turn. The Lift-n-Lock system makes this easier while requiring less strength than a drum aerator.
Using a lever on the handle tilts the rear axle down, lifting the tines out of the ground. Once the aerator is in position for the next pass, the operator hits a second lever with their knee to raise the axle and drop the tines back into the soil. Through this process, the operator never has to take their hands off of the controls.

The tines leave behind a 4.5 x 7-inch hole pattern, covering a 29-inch wide strip with each pass. Billy Goat equips the AE 400 with hollow tines from the factory, and they offer compatible solid steel spikes for core free aerating.

Easy to Move and Maintain

Despite the number of controls on this machine, it still has the Fold-n-Go handle system found on other Billy Goat aerators. Just pull up on the two metal loops holding the handle in place, and the top section can be folded forward for transport or storage. Unlike drum aerators, the drive wheels are mounted outboard. With no center wheel to deal with, the AE 400 is easy to roll up ramps and load onto trailers.

This aerator is designed to flip forward onto its front bumper, providing easy access to the underside for maintenance. The tine stars hold a total of 24 tines. Each tine is held on by a single bolt, making them easy to replace. Greasable pillow block bearings hold the tine reel in place, while an O-ring chain connects the reel to the engine. These heavy-duty parts extend the aerator’s service life.

Models

Billy Goat makes three versions of the AE 400, each with a different engine.

The AE 401 comes with a Briggs & Stratton 900 Series engine making 6.5 HP. This residential engine is a good choice if you only plan on using your aerator occasionally. Briggs guarantees the engine for 24 months of residential use, or three months of commercial use. This model weighs 242 lbs.

The AE 401H uses a 118 cc Honda GX120. While it only makes 4 HP, it’s a commercial-grade engine. That means longer lasting components, less noise and less vibration for serious work. The 401H weighs the same as the 401. Honda guarantees this engine for three years of residential or commercial use.

If you want reliability and power, consider the AE 402V. It comes with Vanguard’s new 203 cc engine, which makes 6.5 HP. This engine has features normally only seen on V-Twins, like a cyclonic air filter and an automatic fuel cutoff that keeps fuel from mixing with oil during transport. The AE 402V weighs 252 lbs. This engine is guaranteed for three years of residential or commercial use, plus one additional year once the engine is registered with Vanguard.

No matter which model you choose, Billy Goat will guarantees the rest of the AE 400 aerator for one year, aside from wear components.

Your Complete Source for Billy Goat Parts and Accessories

Billy Goat Parts is a certified dealer for Billy Goat, Briggs, Vanguard and Honda Engines. That means we carry everything you need for your Billy Goat equipment, as well as the engine that powers it. Check our popular parts sections for common maintenance items, or use our search engine to find parts for your specific model. We even have parts diagrams built into our search system, so you can see exactly what you’re ordering and where it fits on your machine. Visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We ship across the United States and Canada.

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PL1800 and PL1801 PLUGR Aerators

Posted on June 10, 2020 by leapgo

PL1800 and PL1801 PLUGR AeratorsJust because you have a small yard doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. The PL1800 and PL1801 PLUGR aerators use Billy Goat’s reciprocating tine system, delivering top quality results without the difficulties of drum aerators. Their simple design is less likely to tear up turf, making these machines a great choice for homeowners and rental businesses.

Small Size Without the Compromises

These PLUGR aerators work a strip 18 inches wide, and can make cores up to 2.75 inches deep. The design places the engine directly over the tines, using its weight to help push through the soil. This eliminates the need for extra weights. As a result, the entire aerator weighs just 240 lbs. That’s about 100 lbs. less than a similarly sized aerator before adding weights or filling the drum with water.

Unlike drum aerators, the PLUGR doesn’t have to be lifted to make a turn. The reciprocating action keeps the tines moving in and out of the soil cleanly as you turn. Need to back up? You can still keep the tines engaged, increasing the hole density. By actively pushing tines into the soil, the machine doesn’t have to vibrate to get good penetration. You don’t just get better aeration with these machines. They also make those holes more efficiently with less noise and vibration.

The 1800 and 1801 don’t come equipped with hydrostatic drive. However, the action of the tines helps pull the aerator forward, taking some of the effort out of pushing this machine. Fingertip controls on the handle engage the tines and drive system. Once engaged, the aerator can be pushed and turned just like a walk-behind mower. With a total width of 24 inches, it has no trouble getting around heavily landscaped lawns. You can expect to cover 22,000 square feet, or about half an acre, per hour.

You have 5 choices when it comes to tines: 3/8 and 7/8 inch solid spike tines, 3/8 and 5/8 inch hollow core tines and wide Zoysia transfer hollow tines for transplanting grass.

Maintenance

The reciprocating tine system uses just four tines. They screw into arms connected to the camshaft, letting you replace them without taking the camshaft out of the aerator. Switching between tines only takes a few minutes.

The PL1800 and 1801 have a one-piece lift-off cover for easy maintenance. With this cover off, you have full access to the engine, belt drive and tine shaft. Getting the parts for maintenance is easy, too. Billy Goat offers complete service kits, including new core tines, a belt and grease for installation.

The aerator’s easy fold handle uses metal loops to hold the handle in place. When you’re done using the aerator, just slide these loops up, and fold the handle forward.

What’s New for the PL1801?

The PL1801 is an updated version of the 1800, but Billy Goat still sells both models. The two aerators are mostly identical, but the PL1801 has some upgrades that make it more reliable and easier to use:

– The wheels have better bearings, increasing their service life.

– The redesigned drive system uses a longer belt. This spreads out the load when de-clutching, increasing the belt’s service life.

– The handle attaches using isolation mounts. These absorb vibrations before they can reach the hands of the operator.

– On the back, you’ll find a sticker directing you to text a number to get a video tutorial. This makes it easy for rental customers to get up to speed on using this aerator.

Models

Billy Goat makes two versions of the PL1800 and PL1801. The only difference between these versions is their engines. Both the PL1800H and PL1801H are powered by a Honda GX 190, while the PL 1800 and PL1801V are powered by a Vanguard 205cc. Despite the different displacements, these engines make about the same amount of power.

Warranty

Both Honda and Vanguard guarantee their engines for three years of commercial use. Billy Goat guarantees the rest of the PL1800 and 1801 for one year of commercial use.

Keeping Your PLUGR Aerator Running

When you need parts and accessories for your Billy Goat, visit the experts at Billy Goat Parts. We’re a certified dealer for Billy Goat, Honda and Vanguard. That means we sell OEM replacement parts that cover your entire aerator. We also carry replacement tines in every shape and size to fit your lawn care needs. To make finding parts easy, we have sections for commonly needed parts, like air filters and belts. If you need something else, our search engine can show you factory diagrams and parts information specific to your machine. That way you know you’re buying exactly what you need. To order, visit www.billygoatparts.com. We can ship what you need to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

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Billy Goat AE1300H Aerator

Posted on June 3, 2020 by leapgo

Billy Goat AE1300H AeratorDrum aerators are cheap, but they have a lot of disadvantages. They’re heavy, hard to maintain, take a lot of time to use, and can do major damage if used improperly. Billy Goat’s AE1300H aerator solves these problems by using a reciprocating tine system. This makes it faster, lets it make more holes with each pass, and it can even turn without damaging soil. Commercial users can easily recoup costs in labor savings and reduced turf repairs, while the ruggedness and simplicity of this aerator makes it a great choice for rental companies.

Variable Aeration Density

Since the movement of the tines isn’t connected to the aerator speed, it’s possible to get the hole density you need in one pass. The slower you move, the more times the tines will penetrate the soil, leaving behind anywhere from 8 to 48 holes per square foot. That’s two to 10 times as many holes as drum aerator. If you need greater hole density for bare spots where you’re doing patch repair or preparing seed beds, just slow down in these areas to add more holes. Once you’re out of the area, you can speed up to return to your previous hole density. Billy Goat recommends these speeds for common lawn care tasks:

0.5 MPH: 48 holes sq ft, patching and seeding
2 MPH: 12 holes sq ft, high-density aeration
4 MPH: 8 holes sq ft, regular aeration

If that top speed seems a little fast, keep in mind that Billy Goat offers a chariot that hooks to the back of the AE1300. This lets you stand behind the aerator as it pulls you along.

The benefits don’t stop there. Billy Goat’s Flextech arms use a reciprocating motion to move pairs of tines in and out of soil. This action lets the tines dig up to three inches into the soil, about twice as deep as a comparable drum aerator.

The AE1300H has a top speed of 4.3 MPH. Since the wheels are in line with the tine mechanism, this aerator has the same width as a 26-inch drum aerator, but it covers 30 inches with each pass. Between the increased width and speed, this machine can aerate almost 60% faster than a comparable drum aerator. That’s without taking hole density into account. In real world use, you may see more significant time savings using this aerator.

Easier to Use

Drum aerators only work when they’re rolling straight forward. If you turn or back up with the tines against the ground, they’ll tear up the turf. The AE1300’s reciprocating system lets it aerate in reverse, and the tines won’t drag in turns, leaving behind clean holes. This doesn’t just mean this aerator is easier to use. It also gets into areas that are unreachable with regular aerators.

Hills are no problem, either. By using a long platform and massive 15-inch tires on the drive axle, this model has no trouble climbing slopes up to 20 degrees.

There are just 8 tines held on by four bolts. Inspecting, cleaning, and replacing tines takes a fraction of the time to do compared to other machines. If you need to spike aerate to avoid cores or improve drainage, Billy Goat offers solid steel tines for this model that can be swapped out in minutes.

This aerator uses a hydrostatic drive, giving the operator infinite speed control. By separating the drive system from the engine and tines, it also reduces the transfer of vibrations to the handles.

Engine

Billy Goat uses Honda’s GX 390 to power this machine. It’s not as groundbreaking as this aerator’s design, but it’s easy to see why Billy Goat chose it for this machine. The GX Series has a reputation for fuel efficiency, low noise, and unparalleled reliability.

Warranty

Honda guarantees the engine in the AE1300H for three years, whether it’s used for residential, commercial, or rental use. Billy Goat guarantees the rest of this aerator for one year, no matter how it’s used.

Get the Parts You Need Straight from Your Browser

From tines to spark plugs, Billy Goat Parts has everything you need to keep your Billy Goat equipment running. We’re an authorized dealer for Billy Goat and Honda Engines, so we carry everything you need for your machine. Our site makes ordering simple: we have common parts sections, and our search engine can show you parts diagrams and factory descriptions for your model. This makes it easy to match up what you’re ordering with what’s on your machine. Visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We can ship your order to any address in the United States or Canada.

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Understanding Soil Tests

Posted on May 27, 2020 by leapgo

soil testingFertilizing the soil is a regular part of turf maintenance, but it’s also one of the easiest to misunderstand. While companies market all sorts of fertilizers, you can’t tell what’s right for your lawn by just looking at the label. To know exactly what your lawn needs, you need to conduct a soil test. These tips will help you get the most accurate results and act on them accordingly to get the best results from your lawn.

Getting Good Results from Your Test

Expect the lab to take at least two weeks to send you your results. If you want the best results from overseeding, you want to fertilize before laying down seed. That means you should send in your samples at least a month ahead of time, so you can apply the right fertilizer mix and integrate it into the soil before seeding.

Thoroughly clean the tools you use to extract the soil. Cross-contamination can throw off the results.

Conduct separate tests for areas that have different soil. A heavily worked flower bed will have different nutrients than a section of unfertilized turf.

Dig several holes around the area. If you have spots that have thriving or failing plants, include these areas in your digging. Cut chunks of soil at a depth of 6 to 8 inches deep. Mix the soil samples in a bucket, then spread the soil across a newspaper. Once the soil is dry, it’s ready to be packaged and sent to the lab.

The test results will list soil pH, nutrients and toxins. Here’s what you need to know to interpret these results.

Soil Acidity

pH ranges from 1 to 14. 7 is neutral. This is the acidity of plain water. Numbers above 7 are alkaline or “sweet,” while numbers below 7 are acidic or “sour.” Most plants thrive in soil that has a pH between 6.2 and 7.2. Blueberries, rhododendrons, and many weeds prefer more acidic soil. If you live in the central or southwest, expect to have alkaline soil. In the rest of the U.S. and Canada, soil is usually acidic.

Mixing lime into soil makes it less acidic. Sulfur, gypsum, Sphagnum peat moss and organic compost make soil less alkaline. Sulfur and gypsum are the most cost-effective of these soil treatment options.

Nutrients

There are 5 main nutrients required by plants:

– Phosphorus (P)
– Potassium (K)
– Calcium (Ca)
– Magnesium (Mg)
– Sulfur (S)

If you live in a place with sandy soil, you’ll also get measurements for micronutrients. These include iron, copper, manganese, boron and zinc.

Regular fertilizer comes with an “N-P-K” rating based on the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium it contains. More is not better. Adding too much of these nutrients can cause burns and even kill plants.

These additions will help you make up for deficiencies in other nutrients:

– Lime and gypsum add calcium.
– Lime and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) add magnesium
– Gypsum, potassium sulfate, manure, compost and sul-po-mag add sulfur.

Keep in mind that lime makes soil alkaline, while sulfur and gypsum make soil acidic. You may be able to adjust nutrient levels and pH using one addition, or you may want to avoid them to keep from throwing off soil acidity.

Extra micronutrients won’t harm plants, so manufacturers make fertilizers and fertilizer additives with all of these nutrients for one step treatment.

Toxic Chemicals

Soil toxicity tests look for levels of Aluminum (Al) and lead (Pb.) Aluminum makes it hard for plants to build roots, especially in acidic soil. Acid-loving plants deal with high aluminum content better than other plants. While it’s hard to remove aluminum from soil, decreasing soil acidity will make it harder for plants to absorb this toxin. Adding gypsum can reduce absorption by forcing plants to take on calcium instead.

Lead won’t keep plants from growing. However, vegetables can be unsafe to eat if they contain more than 300 ppm (parts per million) of lead. Children can absorb lead directly from soil with a content over 150 ppm. If the soil has more than 400 mg/kg of lead, don’t grow leafy vegetables or root vegetables in it. Keeping soil pH between 6.5 and 7 can reduce plant absorption. Anything over 1,000 mm/kg is unsafe. Avoid direct contact and do not grow food in the soil. Apply mulch to the area and adjust the soil pH to reduce the transfer of lead to you and your plants.

We Can Help You Keep Your Equipment Working Through the Season

Billy Goat Parts has everything you need to keep your Billy Goat equipment working, whether you’re clearing, overseeding, fertilizing or dethatching your lawn. We’re an authorized dealer for Billy Goat and their manufacturing partners, which means we carry OEM parts for everything on your equipment. Want to get more out of your Billy Goat by adding accessories? We carry those, too. To order, visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We ship across the United States and Canada.

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Billy Goat PR550 Power Rake: Professional Performance in a Residential Package

Posted on May 20, 2020 by leapgo

Billy Goat PR550 Power RakeRemoving thatch by hand is back-breaking work, and most dethatchers are too big and clumsy to reach every part of a heavily landscaped lawn. Fortunately, there’s a machine that combines the best features of both methods. The Billy Goat PR550 Power Rake is small enough to tackle residential lawns full of trees and other obstacles, getting in places that normally have to be raked by hand. The heavy-duty flail pulls out thick thatch with ease, and Billy Goat offers accessories for lighter dethatching and overseeding. This makes it a great choice for home landscapers and rental businesses looking to offer a machine that’s easy for their customers to transport and use.

High Performance in a Small Package

The 20-inch wide reel covered in heat-treated, tempered flails. As these flails scrape against the soil, they lift up and pull out thatch. The compact size of this machine makes it perfect for residential lawns, as it has no trouble moving around and between trees, fences, and sidewalks. The down sweep rotation of the flails propels the rake forward, making the PR550 self-propelled without needing a separate drive system.

A 10 gauge steel engine base and steel guards surrounding the flail don’t just make this rake durable, it also makes it heavy relative to its size. This added weight quells vibrations, making it more comfortable to use. However, thanks to its compact size, this machine is about as heavy as a self-propelled walk-behind mower. This makes it possible to lift the PR550 into truck beds instead of having to trailer it to worksites. The steel wheels ride on roller bearings and have tall tires, making the machine easy to roll with or without the reel engaged.

Built for a Long Life and Easy Maintenance

Most power rakes this size are built for residential users, but you still get commercial quality components when you buy a Billy Goat. The drive system uses steel pulleys, which are accessed through a side panel held on by two bolts. This makes it easy to adjust the idler or replace the drive belt.

The reel rides on cast iron pillow block bearings with grease zerks. These serviceable bearings have a longer life than the plastic bearings found on most power rakes this size. Reel height adjustment is infinite, eliminating the wear spots of a fixed position adjuster. The flails have a maximum cut depth of 0.125 inches with an additional ½ inch of adjustment to compensate for blade wear.

When you’re done using the PR550, you can lower the folding handle by moving a pair of steel loops.

Models

Billy Goat makes two versions of the PR550. The only difference between them is their engines.

The PR550 comes equipped with a 205 cc Vanguard 6.5 HP engine. This model weighs 160 lbs.

The PR550H comes with a Honda GX160 engine, making 5.5 horsepower. This model is slightly lighter than the PR550 at 158 lbs.

With either model, you can expect to cover 13,000 square feet, about 1/3 of an acre, per hour.

Accessories

Want to dethatch, but worry you might hit a rock or a sprinkler with the flails? The spring tine reel pulls up thatch without harming sprinkler heads and other objects embedded in the ground.

After dethatching, you can use the vertislicing reel to prepare the soil for overseeding. This reel cuts into the surface of your lawn to maximize seed to soil contact.

The overseeder kit comes with the vertislicing reel and a seed box, letting you use the PR550 as an overseeder. This lets you slice and seed in one pass, saving time when you plant new seed on your lawn. Swap the reel out, and you can go back to using the PR550 for dethatching.

Warranty

Briggs & Stratton Vanguard and Honda both guarantee their engines for three years of commercial or residential use. Like all Billy Goat products, the rest of the PR550 is guaranteed for one year of commercial or residential use.

Get the Most from Your Billy Goat Power Rake

Do you want to turn your PR550 into an overseeder? Is it due for some new flails? No matter what you need, Billy Goat Parts has it. We’re an authorized dealer for Billy Goat, Vanguard and Honda Engines, so we carry OEM accessories and replacement parts for everything on your equipment. When you need to fix your Billy Goat, visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We can ship your order to any address in the United States or Canada.

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OS901 Series Hydrostatic SP Overseeder

Posted on May 13, 2020 by leapgo

OS901 Series Hydrostatic SP OverseederWith its large seed box and hydrostatic drive, the OS900 Series has been a favorite of landscapers looking to save time on overseeding. The updated OS901 might not look much different from its predecessor, but it has some new features that make this overseeder easier to use and more effective than ever before.

Vertislicing for Improved Germination

The OS901 has an 11 blade slicing reel that’s 22 inches wide. As the machine drops seed, these blades cut thin slots in the surface of the soil to increase seed to soil contact. Billy Goat redesigned the reel blades to improve slicing performance, reduce thatch pickup and increase its service life. The reel connects to the engine with a dual belt drive to improve reliability. Since this drive system is built into the side of the overseeder, it’s easy to service. Joints at the front axle and handle base give the unit two points of articulation. This lets the slicing reel float over the contours of the soil for a consistent cut depth.

While the new blades might not be noticeable until you use this overseeder, it’s easy to see a major change at the back of this machine. In addition to a lever-based height adjuster, there’s now a foot-actuated adjuster. This lets you lower and raise the reel quickly when moving across pavement and landscape features. Wish you had this feature on your OS900? Billy Goat offers a conversion kit to add the pedal to older models.

The reel height has an infinite adjustment range to spread out wear over the blades for a longer service life. The maximum cutting depth is 0.125 inches, plus an extra ½ inch of adjustment to compensate for blade wear. A hand-adjusted knob lets you set a precise depth limit, so you always get the same cut when you drop the blades with the foot lever.

Hydrostatic Drive to Take the Effort Out of Seeding

To help the blades penetrate the soil, both versions of the OS901 weigh over 300 lbs. To compensate for this, the 901 uses a hydrostatic drive system from Tuff Torq. Squeeze the lever on top of the left handle, and the drive engages, moving the overseeder along at a comfortable walking speed. Since it isn’t geared, you can dial in just the right speed for the terrain, whether you’re on flat ground or hills.

Eliminating the Complexity and Common Problems with Overseeding

Seed is held in a 30 lb. open box. With or without the optional clear cover, it’s easy to see the inside from the operator’s position, so you know when you need to stop for a refill. This box is mounted high to prevent dew and moisture from making the seeds stick together.

Drop rate is set using a lever on the front of the box. An application chart on the panel between the operator handles tells you everything you need to know to set depth and drop rate. The auto drop system turns seed dropping on and off with reel engagement. That way, it doesn’t dump seed on the ground when starting and stopping, and there’s no spreading seed during transport. The agitator is built into the front axle, eliminating the need for belts or friction drive systems. When you’re done, the handles fold down without using screws.

Models

Billy Goat makes two versions of the OS901 overseeder. The only difference between them is their engines.

The OS901SPH uses Honda’s GX270. If you own any other professional equipment, you probably have at least one of these engines already, and for good reason. Over the years, this single-cylinder has built a reputation for unfailing reliability.

Before Subaru shut down their small engine division, Billy Goat built the EX27-powered OS901SPS. It’s 9 lbs. lighter than the Honda-powered model, and the engine has a similar reputation for reliability. While Subaru Industrial may be closed, they still honor warranties and offer replacement parts.

Warranty

Honda guarantees the GX Series for three years of commercial use, while Subaru’s 5-year warranty is still honored by a distributor. Billy Goat guarantees the rest of the OS901 for one year of commercial or residential use.

Get Everything You Need for Your Billy Goat from One Place

Billy Goat Parts isn’t just an online parts warehouse. We’re a certified dealer for Billy Goat, Tuff Torq and Honda. That means you can get OEM parts and accessories to fix and upgrade everything on your equipment. Have a Subaru engine? We still provide the parts you need to keep it running. Visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. We ship across the United States and Canada.

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Billy Goat OS500 Series Push Overseeder

Posted on May 6, 2020 by leapgo

Billy Goat OS500 Series Push OverseederAre you looking for a way to get better results when overseeding? Would you like something that can effectively remove thatch and seed your lawn? Billy Goat’s OS500 Series push overseeders are exactly what you need. Easy drop rate regulation and a high-performance slicing reel deliver the right amount of seed directly to the soil. Switch out the slicing reel with a tine reel, and you can also pull up tough thatch without damaging sprinklers or throwing rocks.

Engine

Billy Goat makes two versions of the OS500. The only difference between these models is their engines.

The OS552 comes with a Vanguard 205cc engine. Its large-displacement gives it plenty of torque to slice through packed down soil. While it may be small, it packs features normally found on V-Twin engines, including a triple-sealed air filter and an automatic fuel cutoff. Together, they keep the inside of the engine clean and prevents oil dilution during transport.

The OS552H uses Honda’s GX170. While it may not have the brute force of the Vanguard, there’s a reason this engine is a staple, professional, piece of equipment. A low noise, low vibration design combined with Honda’s trademark reliability make it a great choice for commercial use.

Seeding

The front-mounted polycarbonate box holds up to 25 lbs. of seeds. That’s enough to overseed 1/8 to ¼ of an acre depending on the drop rate. Instructions are printed inside the lid, making it easy to set the right drop rate for your seed. Seed dropping and slicing are controlled by a bail, so you can turn both functions on and off while pushing the overseeder without stopping the engine.

Slicing and Dethatching

The OS500 comes from the factory with a 20-inch slicing reel for overseeding. The blades on this reel cut through surface soil, improving seed to soil contact. The blades have a height adjustment that ranges from 0.125 to 0.5 inches. Infinite adjustment lets you get the perfect height while compensating for tine wear.

Billy Goat offers flail and spring tines to use this overseeder as a power rake. Flail tines offer maximum performance removing thatch, while spring tines glide safely over sprinkler heads and other obstacles embedded in turf. Flails are double-sided, so you can flip them around once one face wears down. Using either set of tines lets you remove thick thatch, or remove a thin thatch layer to improve soil exposure when overseeding.

Performance

The size and weight of the OS500 are comparable to a large walk-behind mower. Both the OS552 and OS552H weigh 178 lbs and measure 26.5 inches wide and 54 inches long. The steel wheels ride on roller bearings, reducing rolling friction to make it easier to push. Users can expect to cover 13,200 square feet, about 1/3 of an acre, per hour at a regular walking speed.

The OS500 comes with a folding handle held in place by a pair of metal loops. This makes folding and unfolding faster than handles that use thumb screws, and you don’t have to make guesses about the tightness of the handle. Once the loops seat, the overseeder is ready to use.

Warranty

Billy Goat guarantees the OS500 for one year of commercial use. Both Honda and Vanguard guarantee their engines for 3 years of commercial use.

Get Everything You Need for Your Power Rake Straight From Your Browser

Billy Goat Parts is a certified dealer for Billy Goat, Briggs & Stratton Vanguard and Honda Engines. This lets us offer a full selection of OEM parts and accessories for your equipment. We make shopping easy with sections for commonly ordered parts, including air filters, belts, and hardware. Need something to make repairs? Our search engine can show you listings based on your model and serial number. It also has factory parts descriptions and diagrams built-in, so you can see exactly what you’re ordering. We can ship what you need to any address in the United States or Canada. To order, visit us at www.billgoatparts.com.

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