Billy Goat KV650H Lawn and Litter Vacuum, 187 cc Honda, Mesh Bag with Dust Skirt

This is a terrific vacuum and does exactly what I hoped for when I ordered it. Sturdy and with plenty of power, it made short work of a yard full of leaves. The Honda engine starts easily and the throttle allows setting the right speed for the task at hand. The device is a bit heavy and cumbersome to maneuver and takes a fair amount of shoulder strength. It wouldn't be my choice for someone of limited strength, and the self-propelled model would probably be a better choice for them. The bag is very well designed and appears durable, but when full it can be a chore to carry and unload. Still, that's a minor quibble; it's a big improvement over smaller blower/vacuums and their tiny bags. The photos used by some sellers show the optional vacuum hose attached, which can be misleading since it's an extra-cost item and doesn't come with the basic unit. Frankly, though, I was glad the Goat arrived without the hose. I sometimes have occasion to push the device up to a foundation wall or tree, and the hose which attaches to the front skirt would prevent me from doing that. In sum, I'd highly recommend this item for anyone who has a large amount of leaves to clean up every fall.

I just ordered my second one and have never had it destroy itself or fail. The solid axles might develop some surface rust in wet environments like any push machine with solid axles and bushing but destroying itself it has never done. Incredible suction, ease of use and valve is why we are getting another one for a business application. Oh, it has never not started first pull. Unless I ran it out of gas. Which happens. Just fill up the tank and vacuum on.

The media could not be loaded.    I purchased my Billy Goat vacuum to clean up after outdoor movies and special events that I coordinate and host.PERFORMANCE: I opted for the push model. Any man worth his salt should have no problem pushing/maneuvering it on grass,dirt or pavement. It has powerful suction and easily inhales beer bottles, aluminum cans, paper plates and even small pieces of popcorn & candy left behind from the night before. And for leaves, it works great as well. This is a huge timesaver and worth every dollar I spent.I deducted a star for (arguably) a deceptive engine configuration. Billy Goat offers this (and other vacuums) with a choice of either a Briggs or Honda engine. Models ending in "H" obviously denote the Honda engine. If I am going to pay extra for a Honda engine, I want the commercial-grade "GX" series. I was surprised to see that my vacuum was powered by a "GS" motor, which is good, but more suitable for residential as opposed to professional use.

Let me start by saying while I love the trees in my yard I absolutely hate working with leaves! For years I have dreaded the fall. My yard is 4.25 Acres. I have 9 large oak trees, one large hickory tree and several other fruit trees. raking leaves takes days not hours. For the past three years I used my zero turn mower to chop up the leaves. That worked some but I and the mower would be covered with dust. Not pleasant to say the least. This year I decided to look into a leaf vac. I did some research and found the Billy Goat. I checked the reviews here on Amazon but wanted to see one in person. So I found a dealer 38 miles away and went shopping. First impressions were very positive. This thing is built like a tank. After looking at all the models the dealer had I decided on the KV650H. I paid and got it home and started using it that very day. WOW! While its still work to use this it beats all my other alternatives hands down. My leaves are dry and it just sucks them up and they are shredded. The large wheels make it easy to push on flat ground. If you have a hill I would recommend a self propelled unit. I have a slight incline in my front yard so I just push across the incline. The bag is very will designed I like the twist knobs. Emptying it is a breeze. Don't let the bag get completely full since it will be very heavy and hard to handle. I usually wait until the front wheels start coming off the ground and empty it then. I still hate working with leaves but this has made the job much easier and quicker.

The media could not be loaded.  I wish I could give zero stars. This piece of junk never starts . Once the outside temperature drops below 40 degrees, it takes - no exaggeration - 100 pulls start. I have had it for 2 seasons and from new, it's been like this. I had it serviced by reputable dealer and in warmer weather, it started. Today - 26 degrees - 50 pulls - nothing.Fresh gas. Recent tuneup (plugs, oil change and air filter) - 40 pulls, nothing,Save your money and look elsewhere. This products is labeled "Easy Start" - they should be sued for false advertising.This just in, I picked it up after "repairs" and the drive chain fell off as I was pushing it into the garage - this has happened two times before and has never been fixed right. The hits just keep on coming!You have been warned - this Billy Goat product is worthless - I want my money back!

When it worked it did well for a short time, unfortunately mine made a very load noise followed by a lot of rattling sounds and stopped. I tipped it up and the fan blade wobbled around, no longer appeared to be attached. Filed a return which was accepted by Amazon and much appreciated. When removing the oil and gas for packing it up I noticed rust on a wheel axel so I removed 2 wheels and found rust on both axels. It was always in my garage and never used on wet grass so it came to me like that.