Billy Goat SC181HGEU User manual

Part No. 373507 373507_A_HI
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SC181HEU Owner’s Manual
Sod Cutter Owner’s Manual
SC181HEU, SC181HGEU
Beginning Serial #: 110116001
Original Instructions
IMPORTANT- READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing a BILLY GOAT® Sod Cutter. Your new machine has been carefully
designed and manufactured to provide years of reliable and productive service. This manual
provides complete operating and maintenance instructions that will help to maintain your
machine in top running order. Read this manual carefully before assembling, operating, or
servicing your equipment.
Table of Contents
Specications/Intended Use
Sound and Vibration Data
Instruction Labels
Uncrating Instructions
Operator Controls
Operation
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Maintenance Record
3
4
5
6
7
8-9
10-13
14-15
16
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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Specications
Intended Use
This machine may only be utilized for the purpose for which it was designed, i.e. to cut 18in
(45.7 cm) wide strips of turf. Make sure that all operators of this equipment are trained in
general machine use and safety.
WARNING: During operation the lawn and turf are cut into strips. Should the cutter’s wheels
skid during use it is advisable to adjust the cutting depth. If this operation does not prevent this
occurrence check the state of the terrain. If it is too dry it should be wetted so that the blade
encounters a slight resistance, thus making cutting operations easier.
Engine: HP 5.5 HP (4.1 kw) 5.5 HP (4.1 kw)
Engine: Model GXV160UH2N1AH GXV160UH2N1AH
Engine: Type Honda Honda
Engine: Fuel Capacity 1.6 qt. (1.5 L) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L)
Engine: Oil Capacity 0.69 qt. (0.65 L) 0.69 qt. (0.65 L)
Total Unit Weight 395 lb. (179 Kg) 395 lb. (179 Kg)
Max. Operating Slope 20° 20°
Overall Length 60” (1524 mm) 60” (1524 mm)
Overall Width 26.5” (673 mm) 26.5” (673 mm)
Overall Height 38.5” (978 mm) 38.5” (978 mm)
In accordance with 2000/14/EEC 107 dBa 107 dBa
Sound at Operator’s Position 90 dBa 90 dBa
Vibration at Operator’s Position 1.54 g (15.1 m/s2)1.54 g (15.1 m/s2)
SC181HEU SC181HGEU
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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Sound
Vibration Data
Sound tests were conducted in accordance with 2000/14/EEC, and were performed on 3-1-17 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.
General Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 53°F (11.67°C)
Wind Speed: 13mph (20.92 kmh)
Wind Direction: Northwest
Humidity: 32%
Barometric Pressure: 31.15 Hg (102.1 kPa)
SOUND LEVEL 90 dB(a) at Operator Position
VIBRATION LEVEL 1.54 g (15.1 m/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 3-3-17 under the conditions listed
below.
107 dB(a)
General Conditions: Sunny
Temperature: 33.8°F (1.0°C)
Wind Speed: 10mph (16.1 kmh)
Wind Direction: Southeast
Humidity: 66%
Barometric Pressure: 30.58 Hg (103.58 kPa)
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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Instruction Labels
The labels shown below were installed on your BILLY GOAT® Sod Cutter. 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.
Fig. 1
DANGER KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
P/N 440424
Fig 2.
HEIGHT ADJUST P/N 373503 Fig. 3
LABELS CASTER LOCK P/N 371501 & 371504
Fig. 4
BLADE ARM P/N 373501 Fig. 5
CONSOLE P/N 373500
Fig. 6
DRIVE ENABLE P/N 373504
Fig. 7
SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS P/N 373505
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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Uncrating Instructions
Your Billy Goat Sod Cutter is shipped from the factory in one crate, completely assembled.
Be Sure To:
• Read all safety instructions before assembling unit.
• Take caution when removing the unit from the box.
• Put oil in engine before starting.
• Check grease in bearings per service label on unit. Add grease as required. Use only
NLGL Grade 2 Multipurpose Lithium Base Grease in your machine.
Parts Bag & Literature Assy
Warranty card P/N- 400972
Owner’s Manual P/N-373507
General Safety and Warranty manual P/N- 100295
To Uncrate Sod Cutter:
• See Fig. 8
• Open the crate from back side (handles of machine should be visible).
• Set sod cutter to free wheel as shown in Fig. 6 (see Instruction Labels on page 4 of
manual)
• Roll the sod cutter out of crate from behind
Fig. 8
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Operator Controls
Drive Control: The ground drive controls are located on each handlebar of the machine. The right side lever
control moves the machine forward at varying speeds depending on how far the operator engages the control.
The left side lever control moves the machine in reverse at varying speeds depending on how far the operator
engages the control. (While either control is engaged, the opposite control is “locked out”)
(See Fig. 5)
Blade Engage Lever: Located on the left hand side of the handle bar. It must be fully engaged when in use.
Blade Height Adjustment: : Pre-select cutting depth by inserting depth control pin in the hole which corre-
sponds to the depth desired. A chart is provided on a placard near the blade depth control handle. To set
depth while using the machine loosen cam lever clamping the depth control handle in the “up” position. Rock
the machine forward to allow the cutting blade to drop to the pre-selected depth. (The depth control handle
should rest against the depth control pin). You are now ready to start cutting sod.
(See Fig. 2)
Free Wheel Lever: Located on top of machine next to the height adjust. Pull the lever out to free wheel and
push it in to allow the drive to be engaged. (See Fig. 6)
Fig. 5
CONSOLE P/N 373500
Fig. 6
DRIVE ENABLE P/N 373504
Fig 2.
HEIGHT ADJUST P/N 373503
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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Operation
Note: Item numbers in ( ) will be referenced in the Parts Illustration and Parts List on pages 16-34.
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.
Starting the Engine
• Put oil in engine before starting!
• See engine manufacturer’s instructions for type and amount of oil and gasoline used. Engine
must be level when checking and lling oil and gasoline.
Engine Speed: Engine speed is xed.
Fuel Valve: Move fuel valve to “ON” position.
Choke: Found on engine above fuel “ON” switch.
Pull: Pull the starting rope to start engine.
Forward/Reverse Controls: See page 6 “Operator’s Controls”.
WARNING: Do not operate if excessive vibration occurs. If excessive vibration occurs, shut engine off
immediately and check for damaged or worn blade, loose blade bolts, loose engine or lodged foreign
objects.
Handling and Transporting
• Use loading ramps to move unit into truck or trailer for transport.
• Do not operate the blade when loading.
• Never load this machine by hand.
Cutting Operation
The unit performs best when the ground is wet. If possible, sprinkle the work area several hours before
starting.
CAUTION: Use extreme care when operating the blade. Inspect the work area for foreign objects that
could cause damage to the unit or injure the operator if struck by the blade. Never operate the blade with
bystanders in the work area.
General Operation
Position the turf cutter outdoors on sufciently rm, at soil. Read the instructions provided by the engine
manufacturer in the relative manual and follow them carefully to prevent situations from arising which may
endanger either persons or the machine.
TIP: When using the machine for the rst time, execute maneuvers on at ground free of foreign objects
to become more comfortable with machine operation. After switching on the engine, follow the instructions
given in the previous paragraph. Be mindful of the machine tipping forward (See Figure 9. on the following
page).
WARNING: Do not adjust cutting depth while machine is in motion. Choose a cutting depth suitable for
the type of terrain the machine is to be used on.
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

Part No. 373507 373507_A_HI
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Operation Continued
1. Choose a depth of cut. See instruction label on the unit (see Fig. 2). 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.
2. Holding both handles, fully engage the blade clutch lever on the operator’s left hand side.
Rocking back on the handles, allow the blade to cut into the sod to your chosen depth. Keep the
blade clutch lever fully engaged at all times when cutting (see Fig. 9).
3. As ground conditions allow, increase/decrease the ground speed by squeezing the drive lever
more (increased speed) or less (slower speed). If the engine RPM drops signicantly reduce
forward speed until the engine comes back up to speed.
4. When you reach the end of the strip you are cutting, release both the clutch lever and the
speed control until the unit stops. Using the blade depth adjustment handle raise the blade to
the maximum height possible and lock it in place.
5. Fully engage both blade drive and forward ground drive levers and the unit will drive forward
and complete the cut of the strip.
6. Release the blade lever and continue to drive the unit forward into position for the next cut,
repeat the process above as required.
Fig 2.
HEIGHT ADJUST P/N 373503
Fig 9.
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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Maintenance
Note: Item numbers in ( ) will be referenced in the Parts Illustration and Parts List on pages 11-20.
Periodic Maintanence
Note: Blade, drive belts, and chains are normal wear items. See Fig. 11 for Chain conguration. These should
be inspected on a regular basis and replaced if worn. Also see your Billy Goat Dealer for servicing your
machine.
Maintenance operation to be performed at
every indicated month or operating hour,
whichever comes rst.
Every
Use
Every
25 Hrs
Every
50 Hrs
Every
100 Hrs
Every
200
Hrs
Every
300
Hrs
Check engine oil (Add if necessary) •
Change engine oil •
Check Air Filter (Clean if necessary) •
Clean air lter •
Replace air lter •
Lubricate chains •
Check chains for tension •
Check and adjust
sparkplug •
Replace sparkplug •
Replace cutting blade (If worn past 2.00”
wide limit) •
Sharpen cutting blade •
Check traction belts •
Replace traction belts •
Grease upper Pinion Bearing on Gear-
box (Use MOBOLITH SHC 220 grease or
equivalent)
•
Grease jackshaft bearings •
Inspect for loose, worn or damaged parts •
Check rear caster rod
Check for excessive vibration •
Inspect drive cables for wear (adjust if
necessary) •
Engine Oil
Air Filter
Spark Plug
Blade
Belts
Chains
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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Maintenance Continued
Belt Replacement
Note: See Fig. 10 for belt conguration.
Switch off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before carrying out any maintenance or repair work
on the machine.
If a belt is worn or breaks it should be replaced as follows:
Note: see pages 16-34 for part illustrations
Blade Belt
1. Disconnect the spark plug, and then remove the guards.
2. Remove the master link on the lower drive chain to allow the belt to be slipped past.
3. Loosen the blade drive belt guides by loosening the nut and bolt holding them to the base. Do not complete-
ly remove the nut and bolt, just loosening it will allow the belt guide to be moved far enough back to remove the
blade drive belt from the engine drive pulley.
4. Walk the old belt off of the engine drive pulley and the rear gearbox pulley.
5. In order to remove the belt from the machine you will need to remove the bolt holding the V-groove pulley
onto the belt engagement arm and remove this pulley. In this way, you can now slip the belt out from under the
blade engagement arm.
6. Install the new belt by reversing the steps used to remove the old belt.
7. Place the blade drive belt guides back in their original locations to insure proper operation
8. Reinstall the lower drive chain onto the jackshaft by reinserting the master link.
9. Reinstall the guards.
10. Check for proper operation.
Fig 10. Belt Conguration Fig 11. Chain Conguration
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

Part No. 373507 373507_A_HI
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Maintenance Continued
Checking and Replacing the Blade
• Always check the state of the blade before commencing work. Do not forget to switch off the
engine!
• Remove the sparkplug wire.
• During work operations if the blade strikes stones or stumps stop straightaway and make sure that
it has not become bent or broken. A damaged blade must be replaced.
• If the blade is very worn, cracked or bent, it may snap and project objects outwards, risking
serious injury.
• Use heavy-duty work gloves to check or replace the blade to avoid risk of injury to hands.
• The blade xing screws and relative nuts are also subject to wear. Always
replace them at the same time as the blade, using bolts and screws of the same
grade and type. Torque the bolts to 26-28 ft. lbs. (35.25-37.96 N.m)
• The blade wears more quickly on dry, sandy ground. In these conditions it should be replaced
more frequently.
To remove the blade, proceed as follows:
1. Switch off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire
2. Adjust the cutting height to maximum
3. Check the state of the blade. Check that the blade is not cracked, bent, excessively worn or
broken
4. When replacement or inspection is completed, reattach spark plug
Checks
• Adjust the belt and cable control tension after the rst few working hours to account for initial
break-in.
• Briey operate all the machine's components to detect any abnormal noises or overheating.
• During the initial running in period avoid heavy-duty usage to encourage proper break-in of
mechanical parts.
• Never neglect maintenance operations after work and carry out all prescribed checks regularly.
Drive Belt
1. Disconnect the spark plug, and then remove the guards.
2. Loosen the blade drive belt guides by loosening the nut and bolt holding them to the base. Do not complete-
ly remove the nut and bolt, just loosening it will allow the belt guide to be moved far enough back to remove the
blade drive belt from the engine drive pulley.
3. Using a 3/8” drive wrench handle, insert it into the transmission drive belt idler arm and turn the idler arm
clockwise looking down from the top of the machine. This will provide enough leverage to remove the belt from
the engine drive pulley.
4. Once the belt is removed from the engine drive pulley, there will be enough slack that the idler arm will swing
free. The idler arm tension spring will most likely become loose from it’s anchor point.
5. Slip the transmission drive belt from around the transmission pulley and pull out of the front of the machine
navigating the belt from around the idler arm.
6. Pull the belt out of the bottom of the machine through the hole under the engine drive pulley.
7. Install the new belt by reversing the steps used to remove the old belt.
8. Place the blade drive belt guides back in their original locations to insure proper operation
9. Reinstall the guards.
10. Check for proper operation.
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

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Maintenance Continued
Cable Control Adjustment
To adjust the cables place the machine on at ground, switch off
the engine and disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
Blade and Drive Control Cables
Adjustments to the tension on the cables are made by adjusting
the barrel length located on the handle. By extending the barrel
out, more tension will be put on the cable. Make sure that you do
not apply too much tension as this will cause premature failure or
cause the lever to engage when it is not wanted.
Note: Apply lithium grease to the slots on the drive levers where
the cable sits to avoid premature failure.
INCREASE
DECREASE
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

Part No. 373507 373507_A_HI
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Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Engine will not start. • Rocker Stop switch on operators
console is in “stop” position.
• Choke not on.
• Out of gasoline, bad or old gas.
• Spark plug wire disconnected.
• Dirty air cleaner.
• Blade clutch is engaged
• Move Rocker Stop switch on
operators console to “run” position.
• Check engine.
• Check Gasoline.
• Check for spark with an approved
tester.
• Clean or replace air cleaner.
• Disengage the blade clutch lever.
Engine runs poorly Spark plug wire loose. Carburetor
out of adjustment. Water or dirt
in fuel system. Spark plug fouled,
faulty or wrong gap
Adjust carburetor (refer to engine
manual). Reset gap or replace
spark plug (refer to engine manu-
al).
Belt slips “Clutch cable out of adjustment.
Belt worn.
Trying to cut too deep for soil con-
ditions.”
“Adjust clutch cable.
Replace belt.
Replace blade or irrigate sodded
area.”
Abnormal vibration “Loose cutting blade.
Handlebar vibration mounts old or
worn.
Loose engine bolts”
“Stop work immediately.
Check blade mounting bolts.
Replace damaged or bent blade if
required.
Inspect handlebar vibration
mounts.
Check engine mounting.”
Will not cut or has poor cutting
performance
“Dull or damaged Blade.
Debris locked against blade.
Engine running at too low RPM.
Sod is too dry.”
“Sharpen or replace blade.
Remove debris.
Check engine RPM (refer to en-
gine manual).
Irrigate area where cutting sod.”
Drive will not engage “Transmission by-pass rod is in
neutral
Drive cable out of adjustment.
Broken drive cable.
Worn or broken belt.”
“Dis-engage transmission by-pass
rod.
Adjust drive cable.
Replace with new cable. Replace
belt.”
Drive will not release “RTN mechanism out of adjust-
ment.
Drive cable out of adjustment.
Damaged drive lever.”
“Adjust RTN mechanism.
Adjust drive cable.
Replace drive lever.”
Engine is locked, will not pull over “Oil in cylinder due to having
engine tipped with head down too
long.
Damaged engine.”
“Remove sparkplug and turn
engine over to clear oil. Clean
sparkplug and replace.
Refer to engine owner’s manual.”
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

Part No. 373507 373507_A_HI
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Troubleshooting Continued
When servicing engine refer to specic manufacturer’s engine owner's manual. All engine warranty
is covered by the specic engine manufacturer. If your engine requires warranty or other repair work
contact your local servicing engine dealer. When contacting a dealer for service it is a good idea to
have your engine model number available for reference (See table on page 3). If you cannot locate
a servicing dealer in your area you can contact the manufacturer’s national service organization:
American Honda- 800-426-7701
Warranty Claim Procedure
Should a BILLY GOAT® machine fail due to a defect in material and/or workmanship, the owner
should make a warranty claim as follows:
• The machine must be taken to the dealer from whom it was purchased or to an authorized
Servicing BILLY GOAT Dealer.
• The owner must present the remaining half of the Warranty Registration Card, or, if this is not
available, the invoice or receipt.
• The Warranty Claim will be completed by the authorized BILLY GOAT Dealer and submitted to
their respective BILLY GOAT Distributor for their territory Attention: Service Manager. Any parts
replaced under warranty must be tagged and retained for 90 days. The model number and serial
number of the unit must be stated in the Warranty Claim.
• The distributor service manager will sign off on the claim and submit it to BILLY GOAT for con-
sideration.
• The Technical Service Department at BILLY GOAT will study the claim and may request parts
to be returned for examination. BILLY GOAT will notify their conclusions to the distributor service
manager from whom the claim was received.
• The decision by the Technical Service Department at BILLY GOAT to approve or reject a War-
ranty Claim is nal and binding.
For online product registration go to www.billygoat.com
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

Part No. 373507 373507_A_HI
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Maintenance Record
Date Service Performed
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION