BILLY GOAT Overseeder/ Power Rake Owner’s Manual

BILLY GOAT Overseeder/ Power Rake Owner's Manual

OVERSEEDER/POWER RAKE Owner’s Manual

Accessories

Replacement Parts

IMPORTANT- READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

SPECIFICATIONS

SAFETY

This product can expose you to chemicals including gasoline engine exhaust, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and carbon monoxide, which is known to the State of California to cause R birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

INSTRUCTION LABELS

N The labels shown below were installed on your BILLY GOAT® Power Rake/Overseeder. If any labels are damaged or missing, replace them before operating this equipment. Item numbers from the Illustrated Parts List and part numbers are provided for convenience in ordering replacement labels. The correct position for each label may be determined by referring to the Figure and Item numbers shown.

ENGINE LABELS

ENGINE CONTROLS

PACKING CHECKLIST

NOTE: Items in ( ) can be referenced in the Parts Illustrations and Parts Lists on pages 11-16. Your Billy Goat Power Rake 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, the Handle Assembly is attached to the unit by cables.

PUT OIL IN ENGINE BEFORE STARTING

PARTS BAG & LITERATURE ASSY
Warranty card P/N- 400972, Owner’s Manual P/N-350517, General Safety and Warnings Manual P/N-100295, Declaration of Conformity P/N-350139.

Boxing Parts Checklist

□ 5HP B&S VANGUARD
□ Literature ASSY P/N-350044

ASSEMBLY

NOTE: Items in ( ) can be referenced in the Parts Illustrations and Parts lists on pages 11-16.

1. UNFOLD the upper handle (item 26) and slide handle lock loops (item 28) into place to secure the upper handle to the lower.
2. CHECK engine oil level and fill to proper level with engine manufacturers recommended grade of oil. Move height adjust lever to down position, to level engine during checking. See engine manufacturer’s instruction manual.
3. CONNECT spark plug wire.

OPERATION

NOTE: Items in ( ) can be referenced in the Parts Illustration and Parts list on pages 11-16.

SLICING OPERATION

NOTE: NEVER PARK THIS UNIT ON A SLOPE OF ANY KIND. Always keep the reel in the up position when parking the unit.
BLADE POSITION & DEPTH CONTROL LEVER: The blades can be raised or lowered into the ground by height adjustment lever on the engine base. The height adjuster lock lever must be clockwise to lower blades pushed back against the adjustment lever in order to lower the blades into the ground. The resulting blade depth can be adjusted higher or lower.

ADJUSTING BLADE DEPTH: The blades can be raised or lowered by rotating the knob on the top of the adjustment lever. The blades are lowered by rotating the knob clockwise, and raised by rotating the knob counter- clockwise. The relative depth of the blades can be gauged by using the depth scale located on the right front corner of the engine base. With new blades installed the depth can be estimated as follows: 2.5 on the scale is even with the ground, 3 is equal to 0.25″ deep, and 3.5 is equal to 0.5″ deep.

FOLDING HANDLE: This unit is equipped with a folding upper handle for easier storage and
transportation. The handle can be folded by sliding the handle lock loops (item 28) up. This releases the upper handle, allowing it to be folded over the unit.

SPRING TINE CONVERSION
If you are converting your Power Rake to a spring tine reel, you will R need to replace the spacer on the control lever to accommodate for the tine. First remove the clip (item 18), then unscrew the yoke (item 17), remove the washer (items 69) and insert the spacer (item 75) in front of the spring. Reassemble in reverse order.

RAKING OPERATION-FLAIL REEL (See Fig. 4)

NOTE: Must have the flail reel assembly (350112) for this operation.

SET DEPTH: With engine off, set the raking depth so that the blades just touch on a flat surface (i.e. driveway, or sidewalk).

ENGAGE BLADES: Pull back on the bail on the operators handle. NOTE: When engaging the blades in heavy load conditions (i.e. heavy thatch, or very uneven turf), push down on the operators handle lifting the front wheels slightly. Engage the blades. Slowly lower the unit into the turf.

RAKE: Rake a small test area and examine the results. Thatch should be removed and deposited on top of the healthy grass. If excessive damage occurs to healthy grass, adjust the blade depth to decrease damage. Continue raking the yard, working in one direction (i.e. north-south, or east-west).
NOTE: If a large drop in engine RPM occurs, or the unit pulls you forward and bounces during operation the blade depth is set too low.

REMOVE THATCH: After raking, a layer of thatch will be deposited over the top of the lawn. This thatch must be removed prior to any fertilizing, seeding, or watering of the lawn. We suggest the use of a lawn vacuum or wheeled blower for collection and removal of the thatch.

RAKING OPERATION-SPRING REEL (See Fig. 5)

NOTE: Must have the spring tine reel assembly (350354) for this operation.

SET DEPTH: With engine off, set the raking depth so that the spring tines are just above touching the flat surface (i.e. driveway, or sidewalk) the units height is being adjusted on. NOTE: Allowing the spring tines to have substantial contact with the ground will cause premature wear and failure of the spring tines.

ENGAGE TINES: Pull back on the bail on the operators handle. NOTE: When engaging the spring tines in heavy load conditions (i.e. heavy thatch, or very uneven turf), push down on the operators handle lifting the front wheels slightly. Engage the spring tines. Slowly lower the unit into the turf.

RAKE: Rake a small test area and examine the results. Thatch should be removed and deposited on top of the healthy grass. If excessive damage occurs to healthy grass, adjust the spring tine depth to decrease damage. Continue raking the yard, working in one direction (i.e. north-south, or east-west).
NOTE: If a large drop in engine RPM occurs, or the unit pulls you forward and bounces during operation the spring tine depth is set too low.

REMOVE THATCH: After raking, a layer of thatch will be deposited over the top of the lawn. This thatch must be removed prior to any fertilizing, seeding, or watering of the lawn. We suggest the use of a lawn vacuum or wheeled blower for collection and removal of the thatch.

VERTI-CUTTING OPERATION (See Fig. 6)

NOTE: Must have the slicing reel assembly (350602) for this operation.

SET DEPTH: With engine off, set the raking depth so that the blades just touch on a flat surface (i.e. driveway, or sidewalk).

ENGAGE BLADES: Pull back on the bail on the operators handle. NOTE: When engaging the blades in heavy load conditions (i.e. heavy thatch, or very uneven turf), push down on the operators handle lifting the front wheels slightly. Engage the blades. Slowly lower the unit into the turf.

SLICE: Vertie-cut a small test area and examine the results. Some thatch and cut stems should be P removed and deposited on top of the healthy grass. Grass runners should be cut and ready for removal. If excessive damage occurs to healthy grass, adjust the blade depth to decrease damage. Continue raking the yard, working in one direction (i.e. north-south, or east-west).
NOTE: E If a large drop in engine RPM occurs, or the unit pulls you forward and bounces during operation the blade depth is set too low.

REMOVE THATCH/STEMS: After verity-cutting, a layer of thatch and cut stems will be deposited over the top of the lawn. We suggest the use of a lawn vacuum or wheeled blower for collection and removal of the thatch/stems.

OVERSEEDING OPERATION

NOTE: Must have the slicing reel assembly (350602) for this operation.

DRY: Be sure grass is dry. Wet conditions can cause increased damage to healthy grass.
SEED: Spread grass seed according to the seed suppliers directions (e.g. 10 lbs. per 1000 ft. [4.5 kg. per 93 m ])

SET DEPTH: With engine off, set the raking depth so that the blades reach 1/4″-1/2″(6-12 mm) below a flat surface (i.e. driveway, F or sidewalk).

ENGAGE CLUTCH: Pull back on the bail on the operators handle. NOTE: When engaging the clutch in heavy load conditions (i.e. heavy thatch, or very uneven turf), push down on the operators handle lifting the front wheels slightly. Engage the clutch. Slowly lower the unit into the turf.

SLICE: Run machine over the area that has been seeded to incorporate the seed into the soil. If excessive damage occurs to healthy grass, adjust the blade depth to decrease damage. Continue raking the yard, working in one direction (i.e. north-south, or east-west). NOTE: If a large drop in engine RPM occurs, or the unit pulls you forward and bounces during operation the blade depth is set too low.

WATER/FERTILIZE: After the seed has been worked into the soil, water and fertilize according to the seed suppliers directions.

ADJUSTING SEED RATE

LAWN PREPARATION

• Mow lawn to lowest setting on your mower.
• Do not water prior to seeding.
• Power rake to dethatch lawn and remove thatch.
• Fertilize lawn with broadcast spreader.
• For best results oversee in two passes of one-half application rate each, at right angles or in a crisscross pattern. (See Fig 7 & 8)
• Water heavily immediately then lightly for 10 – 14 days, keeping soil moist.
• After germination, water less often to promote root growth.

TIPS

Before beginning, it is best to evaluate the condition of the lawn by cutting one or more core samples from area to be treated. A core can be cut using a piece of PVC, or metal pipe. Hammer the pipe into the ground, remove it, push the core out of the pipe and inspect it to determine the depth of thatch in your yard.

MOW
Mow the lawn to its normal cut height. Be sure grass is dry. Wet conditions can cause increased damage to healthy grass.

INSPECT
Check the lawn before beginning work. Remove all rocks, wire, string, or other objects that can present a hazard during work

IDENTIFY
Mark all fixed objects to be avoided during work, such as sprinkler heads, water valves, buried cables, or clothes line anchors, etc.

THATCH
Thatch is a dense layer of dead grass, clippings, and roots that builds up over time at the base of the lawn preventing air, water, and fertilizer from reaching the soil. This can cause shallow root development and make a lawn more susceptible to drought and disease. Thatch also provides an ideal environment for insects to hide and multiply. Periodic removal of thatch will keep your lawn in good health.

HEAVY THATCH
Lawns with an excessive amount of thatch will require multiple treatments for effective removal. Trying to remove excessive thatch (greater than 3/4″[19 mm] deep) in one treatment will damage or destroy the living part of the lawn. It is best to remove heavy thatch in seasonal treatments (i.e. spring, and fall).

SLOPES
Rake slopes across not up and down the slope. This is much easier and safer for the operator and is better for the lawn. Raking across will help to reduce runoff during watering and allow the sloped ground to hold more seed, fertilizer, and water. The units maximum Operating slope is 35% or 19°.

DEPTH
The wide range of depth adjustment on your unit is provided to allow for blade wear. Setting the reel deeper will not produce better Results. The flail reel is intended to be set so it just touches the surface on flat ground. The slicing reel should be set even with the ground for verity-slicing work, and set to a maximum 1/2″ depth for overseeing. Setting the reel deeper will only result in premature wear on the unit (i.e. failed belt). If you desire to work the ground deeper than the above guidelines, it should be done gradually in multiple passes.

SLICING / OVERSEEDING: Mow the lawn to shorter than the normal cut height before starting (i.e. approximately 2″ tall for fescue grass). For the best result, Slice/Oversee in crisscross pattern (See Fig. 7 & 8).

MAINTENANCE

NOTE: Items in ( ) can be referenced in the Parts Illustrations and Parts Lists on pages 11-16.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Periodic maintenance should be performed at the following intervals:

FLAIL BLADE WEAR

1. Wait for engine to cool and disconnect spark plug.
2. Close fuel valve on engine (if available).
3. Securely gain access to the underside of the machine.
4. Inspect blades for wear, and immediately replace any bent or cracked blades. Measure the overall length of the blade. (See Fig. 9)
5. If blades measure less than 3.25″(83 mm) in overall length they must be replaced. NOTE: We recommend replacing all the flails at once.

SLICING BLADE WEAR

1. Wait for engine to cool and disconnect spark plug.
2. Close fuel valve on engine (if available).
3. Lean unit back onto lower handles and secure in place.
4. Inspect blades for wear, and immediately replace any bent or cracked blades. Measure the overall length of the blade from the center of the attachment bolt to the tip of the worn blade.
5. If blades measure less than 3″(76 mm) in length they must be replaced. NOTE: We recommend replacing all the blades at once.

ROTATING FLAIL REEL END TO END

To maximize flail blade life and performance the reel can be rotated end to end periodically to provide a fresh lead cutting edge.
O Takes approx. 20 min. and requires 1/2″ and 9/16″ socket wrenches with extension bar.

1. Wait for engine to cool and disconnect spark plug.
2. Close fuel valve on engine (if available).
3. Lean unit back onto lower handles and secure in place.
4. Remove seven lock nuts (item 62 & 40) holding the belt and shaft guards (item 21 & 22) in place. It is necessary to lower the height adjust lever to reach the locknuts on the guards. Remove the guards.
5. Remove the drive belt (item 9) by “walking” it out of the groove on the reel pulley (item 2).
6. Remove the four lock nuts (item 60) and washers (item 68) holding the bearings (item 23) to the frame of the unit.
7. The reel is now free from the machine. Slide the reel down and out of the machine.
8. Remove the caps crew (item 71), lock washer (item 57), reel pulley (item 2), key (item 42), and reel spacer (item 10) from the end of the reel.
9. Rotate the reel end to end, and re-install these items on the opposite end of the reel.
10. Re-install the reel in reverse order of removal. Re-install the guards in reverse order of removal.

DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT

NOTE: Takes approx. 10 min. and requires 1/2″ socket wrench with extension.

1. Wait for engine to cool and disconnect spark plug.
2. Remove four lock nuts (item 62) holding the belt guard (item 21) in place. It is necessary to lower the height adjust lever to reach the locknuts on the guard. Remove the guard.
3. Remove the belt (item 9) by rotating the reel pulley (item 2) and walking it out of the groove. Discard the old belt.
4. Install new belt using same procedure to walk the belt into the groove.
5. With new belt installed pull bail rod back to engaged position and measure extension of idler spring. Spring should stretch I 3/4″ – 1″ (19 25 mm) with bail engaged. Adjust clutch cable as necessary to achieve this extension.
6. Re-install the belt guard.

TROUBLESHOOTING

POWER RAKE SEEDER BOX KIT

FLAIL REEL KIT
P/N 350112-S

FLAIL SHAFT KIT 350185

SPACER BUMPER KIT 350258

FLAIL BLADE KIT 350186

SLICING BLADE KIT 350187

SLICING REEL ASSY

SPRING TINE REEL ASSY – 350355-S

SPRING REPLACEMENT KIT – 350356-S

PARTS DRAWING PR/OS

PR551V, PR551VT, PR551VV, OS553V

PARTS LIST PR/OS

References

• P65Warnings.ca.gov

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