Billy Goat AE400 Series 19" Core Aerator, Honda and Vanguard Engine, Single Bolt Tine Fastener

The Billy Goat AE400 Series 19" Core Aerator is a commercial walk-behind lawn aerator designed for professional landscapers, rental businesses, property maintenance crews, and homeowners. Available with a Honda or Vanguard engine, it features a 19 in (48.3 cm) aeration width, 24 coring tines, and core depths of up to 2.75 in (7.0 cm). Its outboard drive wheels, water-weight system, soft tine engagement, and folding handles provide a practical combination of aeration performance, operator comfort, and simplified maintenance.

KEY FEATURES

• INDUSTRY'S SOFTEST TINE ENGAGEMENT AND EXCLUSIVE LIFT-N-LOCK™ DISENGAGEMENT: The soft tine engagement system is designed to provide smooth operation when lowering the tines into the ground. The exclusive Lift-N-Lock™ system makes disengagement easier, reducing operator effort when turning, repositioning the machine, or crossing obstacles.
• OUTBOARD DRIVE WHEELS: Outboard drive wheels eliminate the traditional center-wheel arrangement, helping prevent center-wheel slip during aeration. Their positioning also helps protect the tines from damage when loading the machine onto ramps or transporting it between jobs.
• FOLD-N-GO™ HANDLES: The folding handle design makes the aerator easier to transport and store when not in use. This space-saving feature is particularly useful for rental businesses, landscaping contractors, and crews transporting multiple machines.
• SINGLE BOLT TINE FASTENER: The single-bolt tine fastening system simplifies tine replacement and routine maintenance. It helps reduce the time required to service worn or damaged tines, keeping the aerator ready for demanding seasonal workloads.
• 19 IN (48.3 CM) AERATION WIDTH: The AE400 Series provides an effective working width for residential and smaller commercial properties. Its compact design allows operators to aerate efficiently while maintaining maneuverability around landscaping features.
• 24 CORING TINES: The aerator is equipped with 24 standard coring tines designed to remove soil plugs and relieve compaction. This configuration provides consistent aeration coverage while creating openings for air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone.
• INTEGRATED WATER-WEIGHT SYSTEM: A convenient fill-and-drain water-weight system adds approximately 50 lb (22.7 kg) when full, eliminating the need to handle separate steel ballast weights. Positioned directly over the tines, the added weight helps improve soil penetration when working in challenging ground conditions.
• UP TO 2.75 IN (7.0 CM) CORE DEPTH: The coring tines can penetrate up to 2.75 in (7.0 cm) under suitable soil conditions. This depth helps relieve compaction and creates channels that support healthier turf development.
• UP TO 19,000 SQ FT/HR (1,765 M²/HR) PRODUCTIVITY: The AE400 Series is capable of aerating up to 19,000 sq ft/hr (1,765 m²/hr), making it suitable for routine residential and commercial lawn-care work. Its streamlined design helps operators complete aeration jobs efficiently.
• STREAMLINED DRIVE DESIGN: The AE400 Series replaces the conventional center-wheel and drum arrangement with outboard drive wheels and a simplified machine layout. This design reduces reliance on components associated with wear and vibration in traditional aerators.
• TILT-UP SERVICEABILITY: The machine's tilt-up design provides convenient access for inspection and maintenance. Combined with the single-bolt tine fasteners, it helps simplify routine service and reduce equipment downtime.

APPLICATIONS / USE CASES

• RESIDENTIAL LAWN AERATION: The 19 in (48.3 cm) working width makes the AE400 Series suitable for aerating residential lawns and smaller properties. Its compact dimensions and folding handles also simplify transportation between jobs.
• PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING: Lawn-care contractors can use the AE400 Series for routine seasonal aeration and turf-maintenance services. Productivity of up to 19,000 sq ft/hr (1,765 m²/hr) helps crews manage multiple properties efficiently.
• SOIL COMPACTION RELIEF: The 24 coring tines remove soil plugs to create openings in compacted turf. The integrated water-weight system can provide additional downward force when greater penetration is needed.
• OVERSEEDING PREPARATION: Core aeration creates openings that can improve seed-to-soil contact during lawn renovation. The AE400 Series is useful for preparing established lawns before seasonal overseeding treatments.
• EQUIPMENT RENTAL BUSINESSES: Straightforward operation, folding handles, and simplified tine maintenance make this aerator suitable for rental fleets. The fill-and-drain ballast system also eliminates the need to manage separate steel weights.
• COMMERCIAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE: Property maintenance crews can use the machine to aerate commercial lawns, institutional grounds, and landscaped common areas. Its outboard wheel configuration and soft tine engagement support frequent operation across different properties.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• One Billy Goat AE400 Series 19 in (48.3 cm) Core Aerator in the selected model configuration
• Honda or Vanguard engine, depending on the selected model
• Pull / recoil starting system
• Chain-drive system
• 24 standard coring tines
• Single-bolt tine fastening system
• Lift-N-Lock™ tine disengagement system
• Fold-N-Go™ folding handles
• Integrated fill-and-drain water-weight tank
• Outboard drive wheels
• Semi-pneumatic wheels

Optional specialized tines and the solid spike tine kit are sold separately unless otherwise specified.

MACHINE OPTIONS

• AE401H – HONDA ENGINE: Powered by a 118 cc (7.2 cu in) Honda engine with pull start, this model delivers dependable core aeration for residential, rental, and professional applications. It features a 19 in (48.3 cm) aeration width, 24 coring tines, and a dry weight of 242 lb (110 kg).
• AE403V – VANGUARD ENGINE: Powered by a 169 cc (10.3 cu in) Vanguard engine with pull start, this model offers an alternative engine configuration for demanding lawn-maintenance work. It provides the same 19 in (48.3 cm) working width, 24-tine arrangement, and maximum productivity as the Honda-powered model, with a dry weight of 252 lb (114 kg).

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• SPECIAL 3/8 IN (9.5 MM) HOLLOW TINE: A specialized hollow tine designed to remove smaller soil cores during aeration. This option is useful when a narrower core opening is preferred for turf-maintenance applications.
• SPECIAL 3/8 IN (9.5 MM) SOLID TINE: A narrow solid tine designed to penetrate the soil without extracting a core. It provides an alternative aeration method for applications where soil removal is not desired.
• SPECIAL 7/8 IN (22.2 MM) SOLID TINE: A larger-diameter solid tine for applications requiring wider soil penetration. This option allows operators to configure the aerator for specific turf renovation and soil-treatment requirements.
• SPECIAL 1-1/2 IN (38.1 MM) HOLLOW TINE: An oversized hollow tine designed to extract larger soil cores for specialized aeration applications. It provides an alternative configuration for turf renovation projects requiring larger openings.
• SOLID SPIKE TINE KIT: This optional kit allows the AE400 Series to be configured for solid-spike aeration instead of conventional hollow-core extraction. It is useful for applications where soil penetration is required without removing soil plugs.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – AE401H (HONDA ENGINE)

• MANUFACTURER: Billy Goat
• PRODUCT SERIES: AE400
• MODEL: AE401H
• PRODUCT TYPE: Walk-behind core aerator
• ENGINE BRAND: Honda
• ENGINE DISPLACEMENT: 7.2 cu in (118 cc)
• STARTER TYPE: Pull / recoil
• DRIVE: Chain
• NUMBER OF TINES: 24
• TINE PATTERN: 4.75 in × 7 in (12.1 cm × 17.8 cm)
• STANDARD CORING TINES: 0.625 in × 3.5 in (1.6 cm × 8.9 cm)
• AERATION WIDTH: 19 in (48.3 cm)
• MAXIMUM CORE DEPTH: Up to 2.75 in (7.0 cm)
• MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY: 19,000 sq ft/hr (1,765 m²/hr)
• DRY WEIGHT: 242 lb (110 kg)
• WATER BALLAST CAPACITY BY WEIGHT: Approximately 50 lb (22.7 kg) when full
• LENGTH: 57 in (144.8 cm)
• WIDTH: 29 in (73.7 cm)
• HEIGHT: 52.5 in (133.4 cm)
• WHEELS: Semi-pneumatic
• DRIVE WHEEL CONFIGURATION: Outboard
• TINE ENGAGEMENT: Soft tine engagement with Lift-N-Lock™ disengagement
• TINE FASTENERS: Single-bolt design
• HANDLE: Fold-N-Go™ folding handle
• SERVICE ACCESS: Tilt-up design
• MACHINE WARRANTY: 1 year
• ENGINE WARRANTY: 3-year limited manufacturer's warranty

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – AE403V (VANGUARD ENGINE)

• MANUFACTURER: Billy Goat
• PRODUCT SERIES: AE400
• MODEL: AE403V
• PRODUCT TYPE: Walk-behind core aerator
• ENGINE BRAND: Vanguard
• ENGINE DISPLACEMENT: 10.3 cu in (169 cc)
• STARTER TYPE: Pull / recoil
• DRIVE: Chain
• NUMBER OF TINES: 24
• TINE PATTERN: 4.75 in × 7 in (12.1 cm × 17.8 cm)
• STANDARD CORING TINES: 0.625 in × 3.5 in (1.6 cm × 8.9 cm)
• AERATION WIDTH: 19 in (48.3 cm)
• MAXIMUM CORE DEPTH: Up to 2.75 in (7.0 cm)
• MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY: 19,000 sq ft/hr (1,765 m²/hr)
• DRY WEIGHT: 252 lb (114 kg)
• WATER BALLAST CAPACITY BY WEIGHT: Approximately 50 lb (22.7 kg) when full
• LENGTH: 57 in (144.8 cm)
• WIDTH: 29 in (73.7 cm)
• HEIGHT: 52.5 in (133.4 cm)
• WHEELS: Semi-pneumatic
• DRIVE WHEEL CONFIGURATION: Outboard
• TINE ENGAGEMENT: Soft tine engagement with Lift-N-Lock™ disengagement
• TINE FASTENERS: Single-bolt design
• HANDLE: Fold-N-Go™ folding handle
• SERVICE ACCESS: Tilt-up design
• MACHINE WARRANTY: 1 year
• ENGINE WARRANTY: 3-year limited manufacturer's warranty

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between the Billy Goat AE401H and AE403V?

The AE401H uses a 118 cc (7.2 cu in) Honda engine and has a dry weight of 242 lb (110 kg), while the AE403V uses a 169 cc (10.3 cu in) Vanguard engine and has a dry weight of 252 lb (114 kg). Both models offer the same 19 in (48.3 cm) aeration width, 24-tine configuration, and maximum productivity.

2. How does the water-weight system work?

The integrated tank can be filled with water to add approximately 50 lb (22.7 kg) of ballast directly over the tines. This helps improve penetration when additional weight is beneficial, and the water can be drained to reduce machine weight for transport.

3. What is the benefit of the outboard drive wheels?

The outboard wheel arrangement eliminates the traditional center drive wheel, helping prevent center-wheel slip during operation. It also helps protect the tines from damage when loading the machine onto ramps.

4. How easy is it to replace the aerator's tines?

The AE400 Series uses a single-bolt tine fastening system designed to simplify tine removal and replacement. Its tilt-up service design also provides convenient access for routine inspection and maintenance.

5. Can the AE400 Series be used for solid-spike aeration?

Yes. An optional solid spike tine kit is available for applications where soil penetration is preferred without extracting cores. The kit is sold separately from the standard aerator.