Billy Goat (27") 187cc Honda Self Propelled Lawn/Litter Vacuum w/ 2" Chipper

I really like the unit and it seems to pick up the leaves and small limbs that have fallen. Have used the chipper on some larger limbs and very happy with the way it chips them to use in my garden for mulch. Just having one issue.

The plastic cover on the self propelled unit at the back acts somewhat like a fender over the rear wheels and it does not have enough clearance and drags on the wheel. Have not figured out a way to get more clearance.

With luck it vacuums up leaves and that's only if they are lying flat on level ground in one layer. It does not vacuum up the thousands of little maple-tree spinners that fall on the lawn and it only pushes along leaves that are more than just one layer high. It's heavy, as is the leaf waste bag when it's full.

The bag fills up almost immediately and is difficult to empty due to the canvas bag that all of the leaf mulch sticks to. Emptying the bag is also another project: since the bag gets so heavy with leaves, it's difficult to pull up the O-rings of the bag of their little holders and one wastes a lot of gas during the emptying process and reattaching the bag because it's so time consuming.

We found the entire leaf removal process with the Billy Goat took us LONGER and more exhausting than our usual method of blowers and rakes.

With luck it vacuums up leaves and that's only if they are lying flat on level ground in one layer. It does not vacuum up the thousands of little maple-tree spinners that fall on the lawn and it only pushes along leaves that are more than just one layer high. It's heavy, as is the leaf waste bag when it's full.

The bag fills up almost immediately and is difficult to empty due to the canvas bag that all of the leaf mulch sticks to. Emptying the bag is also another project: since the bag... more

I've been a Billy Goat owner for 12yrs. You definitely appreciate new equipment when in hand. This unit gets the job done, and I'm looking forward for the next 12yrs or more to come!

Was a bit apprehensive after spending more than I had wanted. After using I am glad I spent the extra. The Honda motor is a hard pull but always starts on one pull. The self propelled was a good call. The hose attachment is a winner! Wet leaves, large leaves I have had no clogs.

My only complaint is the bag is a pain to empty without a helper. If you are planning on using paper bags for pickup I have had to empty to a wheel barrow and then load the bags. Purchased a large yard funnel so will see if that helps. All in all I have been volunteering to help my neighbors pick up leaves. Love my Billy Goat!

Was a bit apprehensive after spending more than I had wanted. After using I am glad I spent the extra. The Honda motor is a hard pull but always starts on one pull. The self propelled was a good call. The hose attachment is a winner! Wet leaves, large leaves I have had no clogs.

My only complaint is the bag is a pain to empty without a helper. If you are planning on using paper bags for pickup I have had to empty to a wheel barrow and then load the bags. Purchased a large yard funnel so... more

This is my first experience with a lawn vacuum. I bit the bullet and purchased a slightly more expensive model with a Honda engine. I have only 3 days' exposure to my Billy Goat, maybe 3 hours each day, so I can't give you a long-term review. I can say the parts are well made and assembled (very little additional assembly needed out of the box). Engine is powerful, enough to handle the small branches it claims to chew.

The item that requires the most thought is your method to handle a full bag of leaves and twigs. In my case, I need to bag the contents and haul off. I have found that laying an open tarp on the ground and speading the contents of the bag onto the tarp allows much easier bagging. I have also purchased a second cloth bag and plastic scoop attachment to allow one person to bag while the second person gathers more leaves.

This is my first experience with a lawn vacuum. I bit the bullet and purchased a slightly more expensive model with a Honda engine. I have only 3 days' exposure to my Billy Goat, maybe 3 hours each day, so I can't give you a long-term review. I can say the parts are well made and assembled (very little additional assembly needed out of the box). Engine is powerful, enough to handle the small branches it claims to chew.

The item that requires the most thought is your method to handle a... more

I got a TKV650SPH after looking at them and others for a few years. I used it this weekend on wet soaked leaves and was impressed how well it works, It pulls a little hard but started first pull every time and the bag full of wet leaves can be heavy but I just dumped it sooner.

I got the hose attachment and it was perfect for our rock gardens and hard to reach places. I must say I would not get one that does not have the self propelled option. It was a lot of money for me, but worth every dollar. I cant wait to try it this spring.

I got a TKV650SPH after looking at them and others for a few years. I used it this weekend on wet soaked leaves and was impressed how well it works, It pulls a little hard but started first pull every time and the bag full of wet leaves can be heavy but I just dumped it sooner.

I got the hose attachment and it was perfect for our rock gardens and hard to reach places. I must say I would not get one that does not have the self propelled option. It was a lot of money for me, but worth every... more

Used it once and self propelled feature no longer works!! How do I get it fixed??? Should have bought it locally!!!!!))

I was shocked an almost $1700 machine did not come filled with oil!!! Gave me a bad taste about Billy Goat.

While it does very well at vacuuming, it does not shred very well. I have oak trees and most of the leaves remain whole or just get cut in half. It is very hard to get started. I have to use starter fluid when it is cold. It is really difficult to empty the bag if it gets more than half full since it gets so heavy. The self propel function works really well.

I recently purchased this machine. The suction is incredible. I ran it through a dense carpet of leaves (First time I had picked up leaves this season), and the machine worked flawlessly. Very powerful. Works best on dry leaves. The wet stuff tends to clog the discharge shoot.

Machine out of the box will chop up leaves into smaller pieces, allowing for a higher yield per disposable leaf bag. I like the machine alot. And highly recommend this model for the added convenience of the on board chipper.

It makes easy work of small sticks along the way. *Hearing protection is a must when operating this beast! All my best.

I recently purchased this machine. The suction is incredible. I ran it through a dense carpet of leaves (First time I had picked up leaves this season), and the machine worked flawlessly. Very powerful. Works best on dry leaves. The wet stuff tends to clog the discharge shoot.

Machine out of the box will chop up leaves into smaller pieces, allowing for a higher yield per disposable leaf bag. I like the machine alot. And highly recommend this model for the added convenience of the on board... more

This is my first equipment of this type. I have ordered things truck freight and I am super impressed with how quickly this arrived. When you have a lot of leaves and debris, it is amazing how fast the bag fills.

Probably not necessarily viewed as a happy feature if your goal is to just remove, although it does a great job of that. However, if you are trying to accumulate material for mulching and composting, which I am, I know I'll never have to buy the stuff or have it hauled in. Seems very well made and has quickly become my favorite implement.

This is my first equipment of this type. I have ordered things truck freight and I am super impressed with how quickly this arrived. When you have a lot of leaves and debris, it is amazing how fast the bag fills.

Probably not necessarily viewed as a happy feature if your goal is to just remove, although it does a great job of that. However, if you are trying to accumulate material for mulching and composting, which I am, I know I'll never have to buy the stuff or have it hauled in.... more