Billy Goat OS901SPS User manual

Part No 351520 Form No F022513A
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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
Unit shown with Seed Box Lid, sold separately
BILLY GOAT SELF PROPELLED OVERSEEDER
OS901SPS, OS901SPH
Owner's Manual
Accessories Replacement Parts
Seed Box Lid Kit
Chariot Kit
Reel Kit
A convenient way to
enclose the seed box
P/N 351600
Allows the user to ride
behind the unit and
decrease fatigue from
walking
P/N 351601
Use to replace worn or
damaged reels
P/N 351603
Blade Kit
Use to replace worn or
damaged blades on the
reel
P/N 351610

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
CONTENTS
SPECIFICATIONS AND SOUND/VIBRATION ___ 3
INSTRUCTION LABELS 4
PACKING CHECKLIST_ __________5
ASSEMBLY ___________________________________________________________6
OPERATION 7-8
MAINTENANCE 9
TROUBLESHOOTING____________________________ 10
PARTS LIST____________ 11-22

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
Specifications
OS901SPS OS901SPH
Engine: HP’
9.0 HP (6.7kW)
9.0 HP (6.7kW)
Engine: Model
EX270D50021
GX270K1QA2
Engine: Type
Subaru
Honda
Engine: Fuel Capacity
6.4 qt. (6.1 L)
5.6 qt. (5.3 L)
Engine: Oil Capacity
1.06 qt. (1 L)
1.16 qt. (1.1 L)
Total Unit Weight:
314# (142 kg)
323# (147 kg)
Max. operating slope
15o
20o
Sound test in accordance with 2000/14/EC
104 dB(a)
104 dB(a)
Sound at operators ear
84 dB(a)
84 dB(a)
Vibration at operator position
0.81g (7.95 m/s2)
0.81g (7.95 m/s2)
SOUND
SOUND LEVEL 84 dB(a) at Operators Position
Sound tests were conducted in accordance with 2000/14/EC, and were performed on 10-13-2010 under the conditions listed below.
Sound power level listed is the highest value for any model covered in this manual. Please refer to serial plate on the unit for the sound
power level for your model.
VIBRATION DATA
VIBRATION LEVEL .81g (7.95m/s2)
Vibration levels at the operator’s handles were measured in the vertical, lateral and longitudinal directions using calibrated vibration test
equipment. Tests were performed on 10-13-2010 under the conditions listed below.
General Conditions: Sunny
Temperature: 73oF (23oC)
Wind Speed: 11 mph (17 kmh)
Wind Direction: South West
Humidity: 27%
Barometric Pressure: 30.34Hg (770 mm Hg)
General Conditions: Sunny
Temperature: 66oF (19oC)
Wind Speed: 3 mph (4.8kph)
Wind Direction: East
Humidity: 30.2%
Barometric Pressure: 29.9Hg (101.3kpa)
104

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
INSTRUCTION LABELS
The labels shown below were installed on your BILLY GOAT ®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.
LABEL DANGER KEEP HANDS LABEL CLUTCH ITEM #142 LABEL TRANS. RELEASE
AND FEET AWAY P/N 500177 ITEM #146 P/N 351507
ITEM #145 P/N 400424
LABEL CAUTION GUARDS LABEL DEPTH GAUGE
ITEM #133 P/N 900327 ITEM #59 P/N 351504
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS SEEDER BOX LABEL SEED METERING
ITEM #56 P/N 351501 ITEM #66 P/N 351503
(page 12) (page 12)
ENGINE LABELS
.
SUBARU HONDA

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
PACKING CHECKLIST
Your Billy Goat Overseeder is shipped from the factory in one carton.
PUT OIL IN ENGINE BEFORE STARTING
READ all safety instructions before assembling unit.
TAKE CAUTION when removing the unit from the box the Handle Assembly is attached to the
unit and cables could snag.
Boxing Parts
Checklist
Subaru 9 HP
Honda 9 OHV
Parts bag
P/N-351009
Foot pedal
assembly
PARTS BAG &
LITERATURE ASSY
Warranty card P/N- 400972, Owner’s Manual P/N-351520, General Safety and Warnings Manual P/N-
100295, Declaration of Conformity P/N-351508.

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
ASSEMBLY
1. UNFOLD the upper handle and slide handle lock loops (item 35) into place to secure the upper handle to the
lower.
2. ATTACH the bar of the foot pedal to the bracket located on the engine. Use the lock nut (93) from the parts bag.
3. ATTACH the pedal section to the rear of the frame between the two brackets by aligning the holes and inserting
the tube (201) from the parts bag.
4. Tap the two pins (202) into both ends of the tube installed in step 3, and using pliers, spread the cotter pins to
keep it from coming out.
5. CHECK engine oil level and fill to proper level with engine manufacturers recommended grade of oil. Make sure
to adjust the machine so that the engine is level during checking. See engine manufacturers’ instruction manual.
6. CONNECT spark plug wire.
93
201
202

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
OPERATION
ADJUSTING BLADE DEPTH
The depth of the blades can be raised or lowered by rotating the knob
located at the rear of the machine. The relative depth of the blades can be
gauged by using the depth scale located on the rear of the machine and the
bar next to it.
SLICING 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.
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. 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 unit’s 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, or quicker results. The slicing reel should be set
even with the ground for verti-slicing work, and set to a maximum 1/2" depth for overseeding
jobs. Setting the reel deeper than this 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 allow, it should be
done gradually in multiple passes..
VERTICUTTING / 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/Overseed in criss-
cross pattern (See Fig. 1 and See Fig 2).
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 35) up. This releases the upper handle, allowing it to be folded over the unit.
BLADE POSITION & DEPTH CONTROL LEVER
The blades can be raised or lowered into the ground by height adjustment foot pedal at the rear of the unit.
The blades will be in their lowered position when the foot pedal is unlocked from the bracket and will be in
transport position when the pedal is locked to the bracket. See images below for operation. The resulting
blade depth can be adjusted higher or lower.
See ADJUSTING BLADE DEPTH above.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Pressing on the
outside tabs of the
pedal will allow it to
unlock from the
bracket and lower
into position.
Pressing on the
center of the pedal
and pushing it into
the bracket will
allow it to be locked
in transport position.

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
VERTI-CUTTING OPERATION
MOW: Mow the lawn to shorter than the normal cut height (approximately 2" tall)
DRY: Be sure grass is dry. Wet conditions can cause increased damage to healthy grass.
SET DEPTH: With engine off, set the raking depth so that the blades just touch on a flat surface
(i.e. driveway, or sidewalk).
START ENGINE: See Safety and General Operations manual.
ENGAGE BLADES: Push the Reel Lever down on the operators handle (upper left side).
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: Verti-cut a small test area and examine the results. Some thatch and cut stems should
be 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: If a large drop in engine RPM occurs, or bounces during operation the blade depth is set
too low.
REMOVE THATCH/STEMS: After verti-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
MOW: Mow the lawn to shorter than the normal cut height (approximately 2" tall)
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 ft2 [4.5
kg. per 93 m2 ]) Adjustments to the seed drop is located on the front of the unit on the seed dial and
should be used in conjunction with the seed chart on the console.
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, or sidewalk).
START ENGINE: See Safety and General Operations manual.
ENGAGE REEL AND SEED DROP: Push down on the Reel lever on the operators handle. NOTE:
When engaging the reel 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 reel. 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 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
INSTRUCTION LABEL P/N 351501
To set the seed flow rate, loosen the knob on
the indicator dial and set it to the
corresponding stop setting on the seed
application chart (below or on the console) for
the type and amount of seed being used.

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
MAINTENANCE
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Periodic maintenance should be performed at the following intervals:
Maintenance Operation
Every Use (daily)
Every 25 Hours
Inspect for loose, worn or damaged parts.

Check engine oil

Inspect belts

Engine (See Engine Manual)
Grease bearings

Inspect and clean engine air filter

Oil height adjustment linkage

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 deformed or cracked blades.
Measure the overall diameter of the blade.
5. If blades are warped or the diameter of the blade is 6.75"(171 mm) in length they must be
replaced. NOTE: We recommend replacing all the blades at once.
JACKSHAFT BELT REPLACEMENT
1. Wait for engine to cool and disconnect spark plug.
2. Place the rear of the unit on blocks.
3. Remove the right rear tire (item 11) and spring (item 155) attaching the housing to the frame.
4. Remove (3) screws (item 114) holding the belt guard (item 19) in place
5. Remove the four screws (item 107) holding the mule drive assembly (item 60) in place.
6. Remove the belt (item 14) by rotating the mule drive pulley and walking it out of the groove, and remove the mule assembly leaving the belt on the
transmission.
7. Remove the carriage bolt and nuts holding the right bearing on the jackshaft. Do not remove the bearing and pulley.
8. Remove the belt guard (item 58) by removing the three screws (item 114).
9. Walk the belt off of the crankshaft pulley, and then slide it down the jackshaft to the bearing hole. This will allow the belt to be slid around the mule
pulley.
10. Replace the belt by feeding it into the hole and around the pulley that the old one was removed. Make sure it is seated in the jackshaft pulley and
then walk it onto the crankshaft pulley making sure it is inside the belt fingers.
11. Reattach the bearing and tighten the hardware securely.
12. Reattach the mule drive and belt, making sure that the belt is seated properly in the transmission pulley and the mule drive assembly.
13. Check the idler tension on the belt when the drive lever is engaged, if it is too loose the spring (item 82) holding the idler arm will need to be
replaced.
14. Reattach the guards, tire, spring and spark plug and make sure of proper operation.
REEL BELT REPLACEMENT
1. Wait for engine to cool and disconnect spark plug.
2. Remove (2) screws (item 38) holding the belt guard (item 20) in place
3. Remove the belt (item 17) by rotating the reel pulley (item16) and walking it out of the groove. Discard old belt.
4. Install new belt using same procedure to walk the belt into the groove, making sure that it is inside the belt fingers.
5. With new belt installed push the reel drive lever down and make sure the idler pulley puts tension on the cable. The proper adjustment should have
the blade lever fully engaged and the belt should be snug on the pulleys.
6. Re-install the belt guard and reattach the spark plug.
MULE BELT REPLACEMENT
1. Wait for engine to cool and disconnect spark plug.
2. Place the rear of the unit on blocks.
3. Remove the right rear tire (item 11) and spring (item 155) attaching the housing to the frame.
4. Remove (3) screws (item 114) holding the belt guard (item 19) in place
5. Remove the four screws (item 107) holding the mule drive assembly (item 60) in place. This will allow access to the belt.
6. Remove the belt (item 14) by rotating the mule drive pulley and walking it out of the groove, and then sliding it off of the transmission. Discard old
belt.
7. Install new belt using same procedure to walk the belt into the groove, making sure it is seated fully in all pulleys. Reattach the mule drive assembly.
8. With new belt installed pull the drive levers up and make sure the idler pulley puts tension on the cable. The proper adjustment should have the drive
lever fully engaged and the belt should be snug on the pulleys.
9. Re-install the belt guard, spring, tire, and then reattach the spark plug.

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OS901SP Owner’s Manual
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Abnormal vibration.
· Damaged or missing blades. Loose
handle bolts. Loose engine bolts
· Stop work immediately. Replace any
damaged or missing blades. Tighten all
loose nuts and bolts.
Engine stalls or labors when
raking
· Blades set too deep into ground.
· Raise blades so that they just touch the
ground on a level surface
Engine will not start.
· Stop switch off (Honda only). Throttle
in off position
· Check choke position.
· Out of gasoline or bad, old gasoline. · Check gasoline.
· Spark Plug wire disconnected. · Connect spark plug wire.
· Gas valve off. ·Turn on gas valve.
· Dirty air cleaner.
· Clean or replace air cleaner. Contact a
qualified service person.
Engine is locked, will not pull
over.
· Debris locked against reel, or drive
pulleys. Engine problem.
· Pull spark plug wire and remove debris.
Contact an engine servicing dealer for
engine problems.