Billy Goat Lawn Aerator AE401 User Manual

AE Owner’s Manual  
BILLY GOAT AERATOR  
Owner's Manual  
AE401, AE401H, AE401H5T & AE401S  
Replacement Parts  
TINE ROW KIT  
TINE KIT  
Complete tine row set for  
replacement of one  
complete row of tines.  
Includes mounting plates,  
spacer, and all hardware.  
Individual coring tine for  
replacement of worn or  
broken tines.  
P/N 360197  
P/N 360100  
Part No 360314  
Form No F031708A  
1
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AE Owner’s Manual  
SERIAL PLATE DATA  
Record the model number, serial number, date of  
purchase, and where purchased.  
Purchase Date:  
Purchased From:  
Specifications  
AE401  
AE401H  
AE401H5T  
AE401S  
Engine: HP  
5.5 (4.1 kW)  
4.0 (2.98 kW)  
4.0 (2.98 kW)  
4.0(2.98 Kw)  
Engine: Model  
1273520197B1  
B&S INTEK  
3.0 qt. (2.84 L)  
0.66 qt. (0.62 L)  
244# (109.8 Kg)  
20o  
GX120K1HX2  
HONDA OHV  
2.1 qt. (2.0 L)  
0.63 qt. (0.6 L)  
242# (109.8 Kg)  
20o  
GX120K1HX2  
HONDA OHV  
2.1 qt. (2.0 L)  
0.63 qt. (0.6 L)  
248# (109.8 Kg)  
20o  
EH12-2  
SUBARU  
Engine: Type  
Engine: Fuel Capacity  
Engine: Oil Capacity  
Total Unit Weight:  
Max. operating slope  
3.8 qt (3.6 L)  
0.63 qt. (0.6 L)  
244# (110.7 kg)  
20o  
Part No 360314  
Form No F031708A  
3
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AE Owner’s Manual  
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS and SYMBOLS  
The safety symbols shown below are used throughout this manual. You should become familiar with them before  
assembling, operating, or servicing this equipment.  
This symbol indicates important information that will prevent injury to yourself or others.  
This symbol indicates ear protection is recommended when operating this equipment.  
This symbol indicates eye protection is recommended when operating this equipment.  
This symbol indicates gloves should be worn when servicing this equipment.  
This symbol indicates that this manual and the engine manufacturer’s manual should be read  
carefully before assembling, operation, or servicing this equipment.  
This symbol indicates important information that will prevent damage to your BILLY GOAT ®  
Aerator.  
This symbol indicates the engine oil level should be checked before operating this  
equipment.  
Read and make sure you thoroughly understand the following safety precautions before assembling, operating or  
servicing this equipment:  
READ this manual and the engine manufacturer’s manual carefully before assembling,  
operating, or servicing this equipment.  
EAR PROTECTION is recommended when operating this equipment.  
EYE PROTECTION is recommended when operating this equipment.  
BREATHING PROTECTION is recommended when operating this equipment.  
EXHAUST from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause  
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.  
DO NOT operate this equipment on any unimproved forested, brushy, or grass covered land  
unless a spark arrester is installed on the muffler as required by Section 4442 of the  
California Public Resources Code. The arrester must be maintained in good working order.  
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.  
DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an  
odorless and possibly fatal poison.  
Part No 360314  
Form No F031708A  
4
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AE Owner’s Manual  
DO NOT run this equipment indoors or in any poorly ventilated area. Refueling outdoors is recommended.  
DO NOT refuel this equipment while the engine is running. Allow engine to cool for at least two minutes before refueling.  
DO NOT store gasoline near an open flame.  
DO NOT remove gas cap while engine is running.  
DO NOT start or operate engine if strong odor of gasoline is present.  
DO NOT start or operate engine if gasoline is spilled. Move equipment away from spill until gasoline has completely evaporated.  
DO NOT smoke while filling the fuel tank.  
DO NOT check for spark with spark plug or spark plug wire removed. Use an approved spark tester.  
DO NOT operate engine without a muffler. Inspect muffler periodically and replace if necessary. If equipped with muffler deflector,  
inspect deflector periodically and replace if necessary.  
DO NOT operate engine with grass, leaves or other combustible material near the muffler.  
DO NOT touch muffler, cylinder, or cooling fins when hot. Contact with hot surfaces may cause severe burns.  
DO NOT leave equipment unattended while in operation.  
DO NOT park equipment on a steep grade or slope.  
DO NOT operate equipment with bystanders in or near the work area.  
DO NOT allow children to operate this equipment.  
DO NOT operate equipment with guards removed.  
DO NOT operate equipment near hot or burning debris or any toxic or explosive materials.  
DO NOT operate equipment on slopes greater than specified in Specifications section of this manual.  
DO NOT operate barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial footwear  
DO NOT place hands or feet underneath unit, or near any moving parts.  
DO NOT operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  
DO NOT aerate near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance  
DO NOT start engine without tine height adjust lever in up position and clutch bail engaged.  
DO NOT change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.  
ALWAYS Stop the tine reel when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.  
ALWAYS Shut the engine off and wait until the tine reel comes to complete stop before performing maintenance.  
ALWAYS Use equipment only in daylight or good artificial light.  
ALWAYS wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields  
ALWAYS remove spark plug wire when servicing equipment to prevent accidental starting.  
ALWAYS check fuel lines and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.  
ALWAYS store fuel in approved safety containers.  
WARNING: Important  
Remove all rocks, wire, string, etc. that can present a hazard during work prior to starting.  
DO identify and mark all fixed objects to be avoided during work such as sprinkler heads, water valves, limbs, or clothes line  
anchors, etc.  
Part No 360314  
Form No F031708A  
5
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AE Owner’s Manual  
INTENDED USE  
INTENDED USE: This machine is designed for aerating established lawns and large grass covered areas. The  
machine should not be used for any other purpose than that stated above.  
DO NOT operate if excessive vibration occurs. If excessive vibration occurs, shut engine off immediately and check  
for damaged or worn tine reel, loose pulley bolts or set screws, loose engine or lodged foreign objects. (See trouble  
shooting section on page 14).  
INSTRUCTION LABELS  
The labels shown below were installed on your BILLY GOAT ® Aerator. If any labels are damaged or missing, replace them before operating this  
equipment. Part numbers from the Illustrated Parts List are provided for convenience in ordering replacement labels. The correct position for  
each label may be determined by referring to the part numbers shown.  
LABEL WARNING GUARDS  
P/N 900327  
LABEL EXPLOSIVE FUEL  
P/N 400268  
LABEL PATENT  
P/N 360286  
LABEL WARNING UNIT WEIGHT  
P/N 360188  
LABEL LIFT HERE  
P/N 360187  
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS AE  
P/N 360025  
ENGINE LABELS  
SUBARU  
HONDA  
THROTTLE CONTROLS  
Subaru  
Honda  
Throttle  
Throttle  
Choke  
Fuel valve  
Choke  
Fuel valve  
Part No 360314  
Form No F031708A  
6
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AE Owner’s Manual  
PACKING CHECKLIST  
Your Billy Goat is shipped from the factory in one carton, completely assembled.  
READ all safety instructions before assembling unit.  
TAKE CAUTION when removing the unit from the box.  
PUT OIL IN ENGINE BEFORE STARTING  
PARTS BAG &  
LITERATURE ASSY  
Warranty card P/N- 400972, Owner’s Manual P/N-360314, Declaration of Conformity P/N-360194.  
Boxing Parts  
Checklist  
FILL WITH WATER  
ONLY!  
Owner’s Manual  
AE 360314  
Engine Manual Per  
Model  
Honda 4.0 HP  
Subaru 4.0 HP  
ASSEMBLY  
1. HONDA AND SUBARU: Unfold the upper handle (item 48) and slide handle lock loops (item 118) into place to  
secure the upper handle to the lower handle (item 82 & 83).  
2. PIVOT the lift rod (item 46), insert the pin through the lift handle (item 52) then lock in place with lynch pin (item  
47). Repeat same steps on other side.  
3. FILL the water tank (item 2) to desired weight with water ONLY.  
4. CHECK engine oil level and fill to proper level. Also check oil in gear reduction reservoir and fill if necessary. See  
engine owner’s manual for type and amount of oil to use. Move the tine engagement lever to the down position, to  
level engine during checking.  
5. CONNECT spark plug wire. Set the engine stop switch to the ON position. You will use the stop switch on the  
handle during operation.  
Part No 360314  
Form No F031708A  
7
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AE Owner’s Manual  
OPERATION  
Like all mechanical tools, reasonable care must be used when operating machine.  
Inspect machine work area and machine before operating. Make sure that all operators of this  
equipment are trained in general machine use and safety.  
PUT OIL IN ENGINE BEFORE STARTING  
STARTING  
ENGINE: See engine manufacturer’s instructions for type and amount of oil and gasoline used. Engine must be  
level when checking and filling oil and gasoline.  
GEAR REDUCTION: See engine manufacturer’s instructions for type and amount of oil used. Engine must be level  
when checking and filling the gear reduction case. The engine is shipped from the factory with oil in the gear case.  
It should be checked before first use.  
ENGINE SPEED: Controlled by lever on the engine. Under normal conditions, operate at the minimum throttle  
speed to accomplish your task.  
NOTE: The unit ground speed varies with the engine speed.  
FUEL VALVE: Move fuel valve to "ON" position  
Honda: Located below the air cleaner on the engine.  
CHOKE: Engage the choke when starting a cold engine.  
Honda: Located below the air cleaner on the engine.  
THROTTLE: Move the throttle control lever on the engine to fast position. Pull starting rope to start engine.  
IF YOUR UNIT FAILS TO START:  
See Troubleshooting on page 14.  
NOTE: Honda engines are equipped with a low oil sensor to prevent engine damage. When it senses a low oil  
condition (i.e. unit is operating or sitting on a steep slope) the engine shuts down. The low oil condition must be  
corrected before the engine can be restarted. See the engine owner’s manual for more information.  
DO NOT operate if excessive vibration occurs. If excessive vibration occurs, shut engine off immediately and check  
for damaged or worn tine reel, loose pulley bolts or set screws, loose engine or lodged foreign objects. (See  
trouble shooting section on page 14).  
Fig 2  
HANDLING & TRANSPORTING:  
CAUTION: This unit is heavy. It requires at least two people to lift it.  
REMOVE: The aerator is equipped with a water tank as weight. Drain the water using  
drain plug before loading and unloading the unit.  
NOTE: The water tank is also heavy (up to 50 lbs.) when it is full of water. The tank  
should be drained then handled carefully and secured in place during transport.  
LIFTING: The aerator is equipped with lift handles. After draining the water tank, lift  
the unit with two people, one on each side of the unit. Grip the unit at the points  
marked "LIFT HERE" when lifting. Lift using your legs and not your back. See Fig. 2  
Lift here  
Lift here  
USING RAMPS: Use ramps that are of adequate strength for a unit of this weight.  
When loading the aerator using ramps be sure the ramp is not too steep and that the  
surface of the ramp provides good traction.  
IT TAKES AT LEAST TWO  
PEOPLE. ONE ON EACH SIDE  
OF THE UNIT  
Never lift the machine while the engine is running.  
Part No 360314  
Form No F031708A  
8
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