This machine may only be utilized for the purpose for which it
was designed. This machine is designed to cut 18" (45.7cm)
wide strips of turf. Be sure that all operators of this equipment
are trained in general machine use and safety.
WARNING
Wheels can skid while operating in poor conditions. Terrain
that is too dry or too wet can cause wheel skidding. Only
operate on damp terrain, so that the Sod Cutter blade
encounters slight resistance.
Specifications
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length60" (152 cm)
Overall Width26.5" (67.3 cm)
Overall Height38.5" (97.8 cm)
Total Unit Weight395 lb (179 kg)
Maximum Operating Slope20°
ENGINE
Type:Honda
Model:GXV160UH2N1XB
Fuel Capacity:1.48 qt (1.4 L)
Oil Capacity:0.69 qt. (0.65 L)
• Read the General Safety Manual. Read how to operate
your unit safely to prevent injury to yourself or others.
• Read the Owner's Manual to familiarize yourself with
the unit. Read how to operate and maintain your unit for
optimum performance.
• Register your unit for warranty either through your
Authorized Dealer or online.
• Wear appropriate clothing for operation or maintenance
such as closed toe shoes, hearing protection, and eye
protection. Tie back loose hair.
• Be aware of surroundings during operation. Avoid
obstacles that could damage the blade. Do not operate
the unit under poor conditions.
• Add oil to the engine before starting.
• Check the gasoline. Replace old or bad gasoline.
• Grease the unit's bearings before use or as needed. Use
only NLGL Grade 2 Multipurpose Lithium-Based Grease.
Features and Controls
Instructional Decals
The instructional decals shown below were installed on your
new Billy Goat 18" Sod Cutter. If any decals are damaged
or missing, replace them before operation. Use the images
and corresponding part numbers when ordering replacement
labels.
California Proposition 65
WARNING
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 birth defects
or other reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Initial Setup
Your Sod Cutter is shipped from the factory in a wooden
crate. The unit is shipped completely assembled. You will
need to uncrate the unit and follow the Setup Checklist.
Uncrating The Unit
1. Use a prybar to open the crate from the back.
2. Locate the Free-Wheel Lever on the unit. Pull the lever to
set the unit into free-wheel motion position. This will allow
the unit to roll out of the crate with ease.
3. Grasp the unit's handlebars and pull the unit out of the
crate.
Setup Checklist
Complete the following items before operation:
3
Page 4
1
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
373500 - Decal, Console
373501 - Decal, Blade Arm
373503 - Decal, Height Adjuster
A. 373500 - Decal, Console
B. 373501 - Decal, Blade Arm
C. 373503 - Decal, Height Adjuster
D. 373504 - Decal, Drive Enable
E. 373505 - Decal, Service Instructions
F. 400424 - Decal, Warning Sharp
G. 830502 - Decal, Oil Chain
H. 371501 - Decal, Caster Left
I.371504 - Decal, Caster Right
J. 100263 - Decal, Throttle
373504 - Decal, Drive Enable
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Page 5
373505 - Decal, Service Instructions
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
400424 - Decal, Warning Sharp
371504 - Decal, Caster Right
Drive Controls
The drive controls are located on each side of the operator
console. Engage the right lever to move forward (A, Figure
2). Engage the left lever to move in reverse (B). To increase
speed, depress the lever gradually. Depress the lever fully for
maximum speed. The forward and reverse controls cannot be
operated simultaneously. Drive either in forward or reverse.
Do not attempt zero-turn motion.
830502 - Decal, Oil Chain
371501 - Decal, Caster Left
2
Blade Engage Lever
The blade engage lever is located on the upper left hand
side of the operator console (C, Figure 2). Depress the lever
completely to engage the blade, lowering it to cut into the sod.
Be sure to set the desired blade height before engaging the
blade.
Engine Stop Switch
The engine stop switch is conveniently located on right of the
operator console (D, Figure 2). To turn on the unit, move the
switch to the "ON" position.To turn off the unit, move the
switch to the "OFF" position.
5
Page 6
Blade Height Adjuster
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
The blade height adjuster is located in the center of the unit
(A, Figure 3).To select cutting depth, lower the cam lever
to unlock the blade height adjuster. Insert the depth control
pin into the position corresponding to desired cutting depth.
Use the chart provided on the instruction label 373503to
determine pin position. Raise the cam lever to lock the blade
height adjuster.
3
Free Wheel Lever
The free wheel lever (B, Figure 3) is located next to the blade
height adjuster. Pull the lever out to disengage the drive
and enable free-wheel motion. Free-wheel motion allows
you to transport the unit, pushing and/or pulling by hand as
necessary. Push the free wheel lever in to engage the drive to
resume operating activity. See instructional decal 373504.
Choke-Throttle Combination Lever
Note:The choke-throttle combination lever is only available
on the 24" Sodcutter! It is not available for 18" or below
models.
The choke-throttlelever(E, Figure 2)is located on the right
side of machine, next to the forward drive lever. To start
the machine under cold conditions, push down the chokethrottle lever completely to choke the engine. Then, use the
engine switch to start the machine. Gradually raise the chokethrottle lever to increase engineRPM speed. To decrease
RPM,pushthe lever down.
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Page 7
Operation
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
ground conditions allow, increase or decrease the ground
speed of the unit. To gradually increase speed, gradually
depress the lever. The unit operates at maximum speed
Before Operation
As with all mechanical tools, use reasonable care during
operation. Inspect the work area and machine before
operation. Be sure that all operators of this equipment are
trained in safety and general use. Be sure all operators have
read and understand the Owner's Manual.
Before operation, always:
1. Check the unit for loose hardware.
2. Check the engine oil level. Add oil if necessary.
3. Check the engine gasoline level. Add gasoline if
necessary. Replace old or bad gasoline.
4. Inspect the operation area conditions. Sod should not be
too dry, nor too wet. Sod should be damp. Sod that is too
dry can damage the blade. Sod that is too wet may cause
slippage.
5. Inspect the operation area for obstacles. Remove
with the lever fully depressed. The unit operates at
minimum speed with the lever minimally depressed.
7. Cut sod in strips. At the end of a strip, fully release the
blade engage lever. Then, fully release the drive lever
until the unit stops. Release the cam lever on the blade
height adjuster to unlock the blade. Pull up on the height
adjuster handle to raise the blade out of the sod. Lock the
blade into place.
8. Drive the unit to the next strip of sod to be cut. Stop the
unit, and lower the blade to desired depth using the blade
height adjuster. Resume cutting by fully depressing the
blade engage lever.
Periodic Maintenance
The blade, drive belts, and chains are normal wear items.
Inspect these items regularly and replace if worn. For engine
maintenance, please refer to the engine manufacturer
owner's manual.
obstacles that may damage the blade.
General Operation
1. Position the unit on sufficiently firm (but damp), flat soil.
2. Select desired cutting depth. Insert the depth control pin
into the desired position on the blade height adjuster. See
the Blade Height Adjustertopic under the Features and
Controls section.
Note:Do not adjust cutting depth during operation. Park, turn
off the unit, then adjust cutting depth.
Note:Sod should be cut leaving a minimum amount of dirt
(1/4”-3/8”) attached to the roots. This minimizes its weight for
removal and encourages faster growth when reused.
3. Start the engine. Push the throttle lever down completely,
then pull the recoil handle to start the engine. Under cold
conditions, choke the engine before attempting to start.
See the Engine Controls section.
4. Check the unit for excessive vibration. If there is no
excessive vibration, continue to the next step.
WARNING
Do not operate the unit if excessive vibration occurs. If
excessive vibration occurs, immediately shut off the engine.
Check for a damaged or worn blade, loose hardware, or
lodged foreign objects. If you cannot find the source of
excessive vibration, contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
5. To begin cutting operation, firmly grasp both handles and
fully depress the blade engage lever. Rock back on the
handles to allow the blade to cut into the sod. Keep the
blade engage lever fully depressed at all times during
operation.
6. Begin driving the unit. Depress the right handle to move
Maintenance
Operation
Check engine
oil.
Check gasoline.X
Check for
loose, worn, or
damaged parts.
Check for
excessive
vibration.
Replace engine
oil.
Lubricate and
check chain
tension.
Inspect axle
area between
wheels for debris
buildup. Clean if
necessary.*
Clean engine air
filter.
Grease jackshaft
bearings.
Check belts.
Adjust or replace
if necessary.
Grease rear
castor rod.
Replace if
necessary.
Check drive
cables for wear.
Adjust or replace
if necessary.
Grease the
upper pinion
bearing on the
gearbox.
Each Use25
Hrs50Hrs
X
X
X
X
X
X
100
200
Hrs
Hrs
X
X
X
X
X
X
forward. Depress the left handle to move in reverse. As
7
Page 8
Maintenance
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
Operation
Replace engine
air filter.
Replace cutting
blade if worn
past the 2" wide
limit.
*Clean by removing the front and rear access plates between
wheels.
**Use Mobilith SCH 220 or equivalent grease.
Each Use25
Hrs50Hrs
100
Hrs
200
Hrs
X
X
6. Slip the damaged or worn drive belt from around the
transmission pulley (D). From a position at the front of the
unit, gently pull the belt, navigating it around the idler arm
(B).
7. From a position underneath the unit, pull the belt out
through the hole under the engine drive pulley (A).
8. Install the new drive belt. Be sure to reattach the idler arm
spring (E), tighten the hardware securing the blade belt
guides, and reinstall the guards.
9. Check the unit for proper operation. If there is loose
hardware or excessive vibration, do not operate the unit.
Contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
Belt Maintenance
Replacing the Drive Belt
1. Park the unit on a flat, level surface. Turn off the engine
and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the guards.
3. Loosenthe nut and bolt that secure the blade belt guides.
Do not remove the hardware completely, only loosen it.
4. Insert the handle of a 3/8" drive wrench into the
transmission drive belt idler arm (B, Figure 4). Use the
wrench handle to turn the idler arm clockwise (from an
aerial view orientation). This step provides the leverage
needed to remove the belt from the engine drive pulley
(A).
4
Replacing the Blade Belt
1. Park the unit on a flat, level surface. Turn off the engine
and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove guards.
3. Remove the master link on the lower drive chain.
5
4. Loosen the nut and bolt that secure the drive belt guides.
Do not remove the hardware completely, only loosen it.
5. Gently lift the damaged or worn blade belt (H, Figure
4)off the engine drive and rear gearbox pulleys.
6. Remove the bolt securing the V-groove pulley (G) to the
belt engagement arm. Then, remove the V-groove pulley.
7. Install the new blade belt.
8. Reattach the V-groove pulley, tighten the hardware
securing the blade belt guides, reattach the master link on
Note:In Figure 4, orientation is from underneath the
machine.
5. Remove the damaged or worn drive belt (C) from engine
drive pulley (A).
Note:The idler arm (B) will swing free, and the idler arm
spring (E) will become loose. Retain the spring to reattach
after installing the new belt.
8billygoat.com
the lower drive chain, and reinstall the guards.
9. Check the unit for proper operation. If there is loose
hardware or excessive vibration, do not operate the unit.
Contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
Cable Maintenance
Adjusting Cable Tension
Page 9
1. Park the unit on a flat, level surface. Turn off the engine
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. To adjust cable tension, adjust the barrel length (A,
Figure 6). To adjust the barrel length, loosen the barrel
nut (B) by hand. Engage the drive lever (C) to desired
tension.
Note:The blade wears faster when operating in dry and/or
sandy conditions. Under these conditions, it will need to be
replaced more frequently.
Replacing the Blade
6
Note:Do not apply excessive tension to the cables. This can
lead to damage or premature failure.
3. Tighten the barrel nut.
4. Apply lithium grease to the slot in the lever where the
cable sits. This step will prevent damage and premature
failure.
Blade Maintenance
Checking the Blade
Before operation, always check the condition of the blade and
the hardware securing the blade to the unit. Only operate if
the blade is undamaged.A bent or broken blade is damaged
and must be replaced.When replacing the blade, always
replace the hardware securing the blade.
DANGER
Use heavy-duty work gloves while checking or replacing the
blade to avoid risk of injury.
If the blade strikes and object during operation, stop
immediately, disengage the blade lever, and turn off the unit.
Inspect the blade for damage and replace if necessary.
Note:If the blade is too worn, cracked, or bent, it may snap
and project outwards, risking serious injury.
DANGER
The blade is sharp! To avoid injury, always wear heavy
duty gloves when inspecting or replacing the blade.
1. Park the unit on a flat, level surface. Turn off the engine
and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Use the blade height adjuster to lift the blade height to
maximum height. Lock the blade in position with the cam
lever.
3. Remove the hardware securing the blade on each side.
Discard old/worn hardware.
4. Carefully slide out the damaged blade. Discard old/worn
blade.
5. Carefully insert new blade.
6. Use new blade hardware to securethe new blade on
each side.
Troubleshooting
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Abnormal vibration
occurs.
Engine will not start.Engine Stop Switch is in
Engine runs poorly.Loose spark plug
Blade is loose.
Engine bolts are loose.
Handlebar vibration
mounts are damaged or
worn.
STOP position.
Choke not engaged.
No gasoline, or bad/old
gasoline.
Spark plug wire
disconnected
Blade Engage Lever is
depressed.
wire. Carburetor out of
adjustment. Dirty air
filter.
Water or debris in the
fuel system.
Stop operation
immediately, and turn
off the unit. Inspect the
blade and tighten or
replace.
Stop operation
immediately, and turn
off the unit. Inspect the
engine mounting and
tighten.
Stop operation
immediately, and turn
off the unit. Inspect
handlebar vibration
mounts and tighten.
Move Engine Stop
Switch to RUN position.
Engage the choke. See
Engine Controls.
Add or replace gasoline.
Connect spark plug
wire.
Release the Blade
Engage Lever.
Refer to the engine
manufacturer owner's
manual.
Clean the fuel system.
9
Page 10
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
Engine is locked and
will not pull over.
Belt continuously slips.Belt is too worn.
Poor cutting
performance.
Drive will not engage or
will not release.
Oil is present in the
engine cylinder.
Engine is damaged.
Clutch cable out of
adjustment.
Conditions are too poor
for deep cutting.
Worn or damaged
blade.
Blade is locked with
debris.
Engine speed is too low.
Conditions are too poor
for deep cutting.
Return-to-neutral
mechanism is out of
adjustment.
Drive cable out of
adjustment.
Drive lever is damaged.
Remove sparkplug and
turn engine over to clear
oil out. Refer to the
engine manufacturer
owner's manual.
Refer to engine
manufacturer owner's
manual or contact your
Authorized Service
Dealer.
Replace belt.
Adjust the clutch cable.
Dampen the area to be
cut.
Replace blade and
blade hardware.
Clean blade of debris.
Increase engine speed.
Dampen the area to be
cut.
Adjust the Return-toneutral mechanism.
Adjust the drive cable.
Replace the damaged
drive lever.
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Page 11
Gearbox Assembly Gearbox Assembly
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
Page 12
Gearbox Assembly Gearbox Assembly
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
Item No. Item No. Description Description Part No. Part No. QTY QTY
2828WASHER 1.125 OD x 0.344 ID x .25 THK ZPWASHER 1.125 OD x 0.344 ID x .25 THK ZP44115044115011
3131NUT LOCK 3/8-16 HEXNUT LOCK 3/8-16 HEX8160003816000344
3232WSHR-STL, BLV, .323 X .717 X .055 CN MZWSHR-STL, BLV, .323 X .717 X .055 CN MZ8181010818101011
9393SHAFT, BELLCRANKSHAFT, BELLCRANK37323937323911
9494BELLCRANK, BLADE DRIVE SC181HBELLCRANK, BLADE DRIVE SC181H37322237322211
9595PULLEY IDLER INSIDE 4”PULLEY IDLER INSIDE 4”52006152006111
9696PULLEY IDLER 4.00” OD X 3/8” BOREPULLEY IDLER 4.00” OD X 3/8” BORE50011350011311
9797TUBE BUMPER SCTUBE BUMPER SC37140037140011
9898BASE, FRAME SC181HBASE, FRAME SC181H37310037310011
101101BELT, GATES 5L X 59 LNG BANDLESSBELT, GATES 5L X 59 LNG BANDLESS37326937326911
102102BELT FINGER AE900BELT FINGER AE90036234036234022
105105BUSHING PIVOT FRAME AEBUSHING PIVOT FRAME AE36018336018322
108108BLT-RDHDSQNK, 0.375”-16X2.00” G5 ZPBLT-RDHDSQNK, 0.375”-16X2.00” G5 ZP8024062802406244
110110NUT-HEX-NYLK, FLG .250”-20 ZPNUT-HEX-NYLK, FLG .250”-20 ZP8165001816500111
113113CLIP CABLE - THICK PANELCLIP CABLE - THICK PANEL37122237122244
116116GROMMET, 1.2” ID FIT 1.38” HOLEGROMMET, 1.2” ID FIT 1.38” HOLE5107562510756211
117117KEY 3/16” SQ X 5/8”KEY 3/16” SQ X 5/8”9201072920107211
129129NUT WHIZ 1/4”-20 WASH FACENUT WHIZ 1/4”-20 WASH FACE90045590045511
134134SCREWCAP 1/4”-20 X 1 3/4” HCS ZPSCREWCAP 1/4”-20 X 1 3/4” HCS ZP8041009804100911
150150ARM, CLUTCH WAARM, CLUTCH WA37311437311411
151151SPRING EXTENTION .500” X 5.00”SPRING EXTENTION .500” X 5.00”35130335130311
152152TUBE BUSHING CASTERTUBE BUSHING CASTER51018451018411
153153SCREWCAP 1/4”-20 X 7 1/2” GR5 HCS ZPSCREWCAP 1/4”-20 X 7 1/2” GR5 HCS ZP8041023804102311
Page 27
Engine Assembly Engine Assembly
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
128
164
117
80
84
63
120
88
140
140
63
32
167
77
118
123
163
121
81
83
59
119
85
Page 28
Engine Assembly Engine Assembly
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION
SC181HSC181H
SC181HGSC181HG
Item No. Item No. Description Description Part No. Part No. QTYQTY
3232
5959WASHER 1.5 OD x .453 ID x .25 THKWASHER 1.5 OD x .453 ID x .25 THK