Billy Goat F9-18 Blower User Manual

1. Product Identification

Before use, record your machine's identification details from the label (A, figure 1) located on the engine base. Note your model number, serial number, and engine model and serial numbers in the provided fields for quick reference. Throughout this manual, "left" and "right" are from the operator's perspective.

Product Reference Data:

• Mower Model Number: [Field for input]
• Mower Serial Number: [Field for input]
• Dealer Name: [Field for input]
• Date of Purchase: [Field for input]

Motor Reference Data:

• Manufacturer: [Field for input]
• Model: [Field for input]
• Type/Specifications: [Field for input]
• Code/Serial Number: [Field for input]

When contacting your authorized dealer for parts, service, or information, always provide these numbers. Refer to the engine's user manual for the location of engine ID numbers.

2. Safety Information

This equipment is designed for safety, but operator caution is essential. Read and understand this manual before operating. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of others. If unsure about a task, consult a professional.

Preparation

• Inspect the operating area and remove any objects (stones, toys, cords) that could be thrown or cause damage.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, head protection, and face protection.
• Secure long hair and remove jewelry to prevent entanglement with moving parts.

Fuel Handling

• Handle gasoline with extreme care; it is flammable and its vapors can explode. Use only approved containers.
• Never refuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke while handling fuel. Never refuel or drain fuel indoors.

Warning Labels and Symbols

Your machine is equipped with warning labels. Familiarize yourself with their meanings:

• General Warnings: Look for labels indicating potential hazards such as cancer and reproductive harm (referencing www.P65Warnings.ca.gov).
• Thrown Objects Hazard (Label 5110550): This unit can throw objects and debris. Do not operate without a discharge chute or debris bag. Keep bystanders at a safe distance. Do not remove the debris bag while the engine is running.
• Keep Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the machine.
• Cutting Hazard: Risk of cutting fingers, hands, or feet. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
• Noise Hazard (Label 80133777): Always wear hearing protection when operating the machine.
• Rotating Parts Hazard (Label 500176, 80133779): Keep hands and feet away from belts, pulleys, chains, and other rotating components. Never remove safety guards while the engine is running.
• Machine Operation Hazard (Label 5110549): Indicates hazards associated with operating near machinery.
• Spark Plug Warning: Shut off the engine, wait for moving parts to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing maintenance or repairs.
• Training Required (Label 80133778): Do not operate this machine unless you have been trained. Refer to the technical manual for repairs and maintenance.
• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injury.
• Respiratory Protection: Wear appropriate respiratory protection to prevent dust inhalation.

3. Initial Setup

Follow these steps to assemble the blower:

Attaching the Upper Handle

Align the upper handle (A, figure 3) with the outer sides of the lower handles (B). Use eye bolts (C), washers (D), and lock nuts (E) to secure the left side. Use bolt (F) and remaining hardware for the right side.

Attaching Cables

The throttle control (gas regulator) is typically attached to the engine's throttle shaft and routed for shipping. Secure the throttle control to the engine's throttle shaft using the provided mounting screws.

Self-Propelled Models: Attaching Drive Cable

For self-propelled models, the drive cable is stored under the machine. Route the cable under the axle. Attach the cable end (A, figure 7) to the drive control handle (B) using the pivot pin (C) and retainer clip (D). Insert the drive cable into the bracket (E) until it clicks.

Connecting Control Cables

Route the throttle cable and drive cable (if applicable) along the handle. Secure them with the provided cable ties, ensuring they follow the handle contour and do not interfere with wheels.

Aim-N-Shoot Cable Setup

Unroll the Aim-N-Shoot cable. Route it along the outside of the machine to the handle. Manually press the air control cone (figure 5) to release slack in the cable's ball end (A, figure 6). Attach the Aim-N-Shoot cable to its holder on the Aim-N-Shoot control handle (B).

4. Operation

Before Starting

Ensure all operators are trained and familiar with this manual. Before each use:

• Check the machine for loose parts.
• Check and add engine oil if necessary.
• Check fuel level and add fresh fuel if needed. Replace old or poor-quality fuel.
• Inspect the operating area for hazards and obstructions. Do not operate in wet conditions.

Control Devices

Key controls include:

• Aim-N-Shoot Control: For directing airflow.
• Throttle Control: (Not available on F10 models) Adjusts engine speed.
• Air Control Cone: Adjusts airflow direction.
• Manual Adjustment Knob: For locking the air control cone position.
• Drive Lever (Self-Propelled Models): Engages the self-propelled drive.

Starting the Engine

Refer to the engine's specific manual for detailed starting procedures. Generally, ensure fuel is present, the spark plug wire is connected, and follow the choke and ignition sequence.

Controlling Airflow

The unit features an air control cone (C, figure 8), the Aim-N-Shoot control rod (A), and a manual adjustment knob (D) to direct airflow. You can adjust airflow up or down to help move debris. The air control cone is useful for clearing large piles of debris. Use the Aim-N-Shoot rod to direct airflow at the top of a pile to move debris further away.

Note: Never direct airflow at people, vehicles, or objects. Clear the area of large obstructions and be aware of your surroundings. Flying debris can cause injury or damage.

For tasks not requiring the Aim-N-Shoot function, use the manual adjustment knob (A, figure 10) to set the air control cone. Loosen the knob to adjust the cone's position, then retighten to secure it. Ensure the manual adjustment knob is released before using the Aim-N-Shoot function to prevent damage.

Front Deflector

An optional front deflector (A, figure 11) directs airflow forward, useful for cleaning narrow cracks or areas under overhangs. Turn off the engine before installing. Remove the deflector from its holder (B). Insert the deflector's larger opening into the cone and expand it. Position the unit at the desired angle by rotating the deflector.

Note: With the front deflector installed, the machine may handle differently and be harder to steer. Keep hands on the unit at all times. The Aim-N-Shoot function will not work with the front deflector installed.

Operating the Unit

• Push Models: Start the engine and push the unit forward.
• Self-Propelled Models: Start the engine. Squeeze the drive lever (A, figure 12) with your left hand to engage the self-propelled drive. The drive lever must be fully engaged or disengaged; do not partially engage it. Full engagement prevents premature transmission failure.

Clearing the Unit

Stop the engine, wait for moving parts to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire before clearing debris.

5. Maintenance Procedures

Impeller Replacement

1. Stop the unit, let the engine cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the front housing cover (A, figure 13) by removing eleven bolts (B) and nuts (C). Remove the nut (D) securing the adjustment knob (E), then remove the knob, washer (F), and bolt (G).
3. Remove the impeller (A, figure 14). Loosen and remove the impeller bolt (B), lock washer (C), and washer (D). Use penetrating oil if necessary. Remove the impeller key.
4. Install a new impeller onto the engine shaft. Secure it with a new washer, lock washer, impeller bolt, and impeller key. Do not reuse old hardware.

Torque Specifications:

• F9, F10, F14 models: 60 +/- 2 ft-lbs.
• F13, F18 models: 38 +/- 2 ft-lbs.

Drive Belt Replacement

1. Stop the unit, let the engine cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the impeller (follow steps 2-3 in Impeller Replacement).
3. Remove the rear cover (A, figure 15). Loosen and remove four bolts (B) and washers (C).
4. Remove the rear housing (A, figure 16). Loosen and remove bolt (B) and nut (C) securing it to the deflector arm (D).
5. Loosen the tensioner pulley nut (A, figure 17), but do not remove it. Push the tensioner pulley right to release belt tension (B).
6. Remove the belt from the engine pulley and transmission.
7. Install the new belt onto the transmission and engine pulley. Move the impeller pulley left to tension the belt. Do not overtighten.
8. Reinstall the rear housing and cover.
9. Reinstall the impeller, using a new bolt and key.
10. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Adjusting Belt Tension

1. Stop the unit and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove covers as described in Impeller Replacement (step 2) and Drive Belt Replacement (steps 2-3).
3. Loosen the tensioner pulley nut. Push the pulley left or right to adjust belt tension. Do not overtighten.
4. Retighten the tensioner pulley nut once correct tension is achieved.
5. Reinstall covers and reconnect the spark plug wire.

Drive Chain Replacement

1. Stop the unit, let the engine cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Secure the unit to prevent movement.
3. Remove the chain guard (A, figure 18) by removing two screws (B).
4. Loosen the bearing (A, figure 19) by loosening two nuts (B) – do not remove them. This provides slack to remove the wheel.
5. Remove the wheel (A, figure 20) by removing the retaining ring (B) and sliding the wheel off the axle.
6. Remove the chain. Detach it from the sprockets.
7. Install a new chain onto the sprockets. Reinstall the wheel and retaining ring.
8. Reinstall the bearing, ensuring it applies correct tension to the chain. Tighten bearing nuts. Note: Overtightening will make the chain too tight; undertightening can cause it to slip off.
9. Reinstall the chain guard and reconnect the spark plug wire.

Adjusting Drive Cable

1. Stop the unit and let the engine cool.
2. Locate the drive cable adjustment nuts at the transmission end. Loosen the nuts and move them up or down the cable threads to adjust tension. Tighten nuts securely. Note: Improper adjustment can lead to the drive not engaging or engaging permanently. Ideally, there should be little to no slack when the drive is disengaged.
3. Start the unit and engage the drive lever to check tension. Repeat adjustment if necessary.

Maintenance Schedule

6. Troubleshooting

7. Specifications

Dimensions

Weight

F9 - Engine

F10 - Engine

F13 - Engine

F14 - Engine

F18 - Engine