What is the Billy Goat AE401H aerator?
The Billy Goat AE401H is a professional self-propelled core aerator designed for landscape contractors, rental fleets and demanding residential lawn care.
Who is the Billy Goat AE401H best suited for?
It is well suited to professional landscapers, rental operations and property owners who need reliable plug-style aeration with simple controls.
What engine does the Billy Goat AE401H use?
It is powered by a 122cc Honda GX120 air-cooled four-stroke OHV engine.
How much power does the Honda GX120 engine produce?
The listed net output is approximately 3.2 HP, or 2.4 kW at 3,600 RPM.
How wide is the Billy Goat AE401H?
It has an aeration width of 48 cm, or 19 inches, per pass.
What type of aeration does the AE401H provide?
It performs plug-style core aeration by removing small soil cores from the lawn.
Why is core aeration beneficial for lawns?
Core aeration helps reduce soil compaction and improves the movement of air, water and nutrients into the root zone.
Can core aeration improve root growth?
Yes. Relieving soil compaction can encourage deeper roots and support thicker, healthier and more drought-resistant turf.
How many coring tines does the Billy Goat AE401H use?
It uses 24 coring tines.
What size are the coring tines?
The detailed specifications list the tines as approximately 0.625 inches wide by 3.5 inches long.
Are the supplied tine dimensions consistent?
No. The opening description lists 2.5-inch tines, while the detailed specifications list 3.5-inch tines. The exact tine length should be confirmed before publishing.
What is the tine pattern on the AE401H?
The listed tine pattern is approximately 4.5 inches by 7 inches.
Can individual tine stars be replaced?
Yes. The patented tine-star design allows individual replacement instead of requiring the entire shaft assembly to be replaced.
What is the Lift-n-Lock system?
Lift-n-Lock allows the operator to raise and disengage the tines for easier turning, repositioning and transportation.
What makes the tine engagement comfortable?
The AE401H is designed with smooth tine engagement to reduce abrupt movement and operator fatigue.
Is the Billy Goat AE401H self-propelled?
Yes. It uses a single-speed self-propelled drive system.
What are outboard drive wheels?
The drive wheels are positioned outside the tine assembly instead of using a conventional centre-wheel design.
What are the benefits of outboard drive wheels?
They help reduce centre-wheel slipping, vibration, wear and damage during ramp loading.
Does the AE401H use a centre wheel or centre drum?
No. Its design eliminates the conventional centre-wheel and centre-drum arrangement found on some aerators.
What is the water tank used for?
The water tank adds weight directly over the tines to improve soil penetration.
How much water does the AE401H tank hold?
The proprietary water tank has a capacity of approximately 23 litres.
Does the water tank replace steel side weights?
Yes. It provides adjustable operating weight without requiring bulky removable steel weights.
Does the water tank always need to be filled?
No. Water is added when extra penetration is needed in firm or dry soil.
What is the single-bolt tine fastener?
It is a secure and service-friendly fastening system designed to simplify tine maintenance and replacement.
Does the Billy Goat AE401H have folding handles?
Yes. Its Fold-n-Go handles fold without tools for easier transportation and compact storage.
Is the Billy Goat AE401H easy to service?
Yes. It features tilt-up service access, removable tine stars, adjustable drive chains and greaseable pillow-block bearings.
What are pillow-block bearings?
Pillow-block bearings support the rotating tine shaft and include grease fittings for routine lubrication.
What are the benefits of greaseable bearings?
Regular lubrication helps reduce wear, extend component life and minimize maintenance downtime.
What type of chain does the AE401H use?
It uses a thick O-ring-style chain designed to retain lubrication and provide long service life.
Can the AE401H be pressure washed?
The chain is designed to withstand pressure washing, but direct high-pressure water should be kept away from the engine, bearings and other sensitive components.
What type of wheels does the AE401H use?
It uses semi-pneumatic front and rear wheels.
How much does the Billy Goat AE401H weigh?
The listed machine weight is approximately 110 kg.
What are the dimensions of the Billy Goat AE401H?
It measures approximately 145 cm long, 74 cm wide and 133 cm high when assembled.
Is the Billy Goat AE401H easy to transport?
Its folding handles help reduce storage space, but its 110 kg weight requires a suitable trailer, ramp and secure tie-down system.
How large is the fuel tank?
The Honda GX120 engine has a listed fuel capacity of approximately 2 litres.
What is the engine-oil capacity?
The listed engine-oil capacity is approximately 0.56 litres.
How is the Billy Goat AE401H started?
It uses a manual recoil starting system.
Is the Billy Goat AE401H suitable for rental fleets?
Yes. Its simple operation, durable design and service-friendly components make it well suited to rental use.
Can the AE401H be used on residential lawns?
Yes. It is suitable for residential properties where access, soil conditions and turning space are appropriate.
Can the AE401H be used on commercial properties?
Yes. Its professional construction and core-aeration performance make it suitable for regular commercial turf maintenance.
When is the best time to aerate a lawn?
Aeration is most effective when the grass is actively growing and the soil is moist but not saturated.
Can the AE401H be used on dry soil?
Yes, but very dry soil may reduce core depth. Filling the water tank or lightly watering beforehand may improve penetration.
Can the AE401H be used on wet soil?
Saturated turf should be avoided because it can cause rutting, surface damage and poor-quality cores.
Should underground hazards be marked before aerating?
Yes. Irrigation heads, shallow utilities, landscape lighting and other hidden obstacles should be identified before operation.
What maintenance does the Billy Goat AE401H require?
Routine maintenance includes checking engine oil, inspecting and lubricating the drive chains, greasing bearings, cleaning the machine and replacing worn tines.
What is the warranty on the Billy Goat AE401H?
The listed manufacturer’s warranty is one year, subject to current warranty terms.
What are the main benefits of the Billy Goat AE401H?
Its main benefits include smooth tine engagement, Lift-n-Lock disengagement, outboard drive wheels, replaceable tine stars, adjustable water weight and easy service access.
Where can I buy the Billy Goat AE401H aerator in Canada?
The Billy Goat AE401H aerator is available in store from Arns Equipment in Calgary or online across Canada at arns.ca.
