Billy Goat (34") 10.5HP Home Pro Finish Mower

Very heavy mower. I don't recommend it for anyone under 135 lbs. I have used it for about two months in a mowing business and have encountered several problems.
1. The right blade was installed upside down. I mowed for a month wondering why it cut so poorly.
2. The drive belt continually comes off the pulley. putting it back on is a pain.
3. Tried to see if Mowers Direct would take back a product where I have experienced buyer's remorse and I was told once engine was fueled they can't do anything....call the manufacturer
4. manufacture's list of certified dealers who will do warranty work was not accurate on web site. first three I called said they don't do warranty work.
5. I wish the deck could raise about an inch higher. Customers are complaining their yard is too short.

Very heavy mower. I don't recommend it for anyone under 135 lbs. I have used it for about two months in a mowing business and have encountered several problems.
1. The right blade was installed upside down. I mowed for a month wondering why it cut so poorly.
2. The drive belt continually comes off the pulley. putting it back on is a pain.
3. Tried to see if Mowers Direct would take back a product where I have experienced buyer's remorse and I was told once engine was fueled they... more

Having been a Billy Goat owner for many years (Brush cutter). So I have some experience with a similar product from Billy Goat. My experience has been very good. Using the HP3400 is allot like using the Brush Cutter. With the Brush Cutter I have experienced the belt coming off at times but have found that it was caused by myself releasing the drive handle and let it slip out of my hand instead of releasing it slowly. Sure these tools are heavy, but I find that if you let the machine do the work and just follow it around, you will have less of a problem.

I received my product with the blades in the proper position and I am highly satisfied with it's performance. Maybe a brush cutter would be better for the last reviewer, it cuts higher but it's not for cutting grass.

Happy in Montana

Having been a Billy Goat owner for many years (Brush cutter). So I have some experience with a similar product from Billy Goat. My experience has been very good. Using the HP3400 is allot like using the Brush Cutter. With the Brush Cutter I have experienced the belt coming off at times but have found that it was caused by myself releasing the drive handle and let it slip out of my hand instead of releasing it slowly. Sure these tools are heavy, but I find that if you let the machine do the... more

My experience with a BG Homepro 34 is as follows:

I purchased a Homepro 34 from a local dealer at the end of June 2013 for my 1/2 acre yard. I thought it would be a heavy duty machine that would last me for years to come.

The first time I used it, the handlebars became unattached halfway through my lawn. It was a Sunday afternoon and the shop I bought it from was closed. I had to find a hardware store to purchase nuts and bolts so I could reattach the handlebars and finish my lawn.

The second time I used it, I took it out of my shed and proceeded to cut the grass. I got no more than 50 feet when one of the rear wheels fell off. I went to the selling dealer the following morning to complain. I told him about the trouble I've had in less than two uses and that I've lost all confidence in this mower and don't feel safe using it. I told him I wanted to return it and purchase something else from him. He refused, said he'd fix it if I brought it back to him and that I'm too used to dealing with big box stores and that I probably never fixed anything before just returned things. (That's what I get for trying to give the small, local guy my business.)

Eventually, after having to order new washers for the rear wheel from Billy Goat (because the selling dealer couldn't find the correct washers anywhere locally), the mower ran well for a couple of months.

It was then that I noticed several areas of rust forming on the deck. This mower was cleaned after each use and stored in a dry shed when not being used. This was completely unacceptable to me for a $2000 mower. I have a 6 year old 21" mower and an 11 year old snow blower. Neither of those has any rust at all. Again I went back to the dealer. They emailed Billy Goat with pictures of the problem. They told me they were going to try to get me a new deck. Billy Goat's response was to send a small can of Billy Goat Green spray paint. Really? Seriously?

Well, it's grass cutting time again here in the Northeast. I've been trying to sell my Homepro 34 on classified ads so I can purchase something more reliable and built with better quality. I haven't had any luck selling it, so today I traded it in for a Toro Timemaster 30. They gave me $500 for a mower that I paid almost $2000 for less than a year ago. And I felt lucky to get that. No more rusting, unreliable, potentially dangerous Billy Goat product for me to worry about.

I wonder how Billy Goat stays in business selling products like this.

My experience with a BG Homepro 34 is as follows:

I purchased a Homepro 34 from a local dealer at the end of June 2013 for my 1/2 acre yard. I thought it would be a heavy duty machine that would last me for years to come.

The first time I used it, the handlebars became unattached halfway through my lawn. It was a Sunday afternoon and the shop I bought it from was closed. I had to find a hardware store to purchase nuts and bolts so I could reattach the handlebars and finish my lawn.
more

I've had my 3400 for five months and have been pleased. I hate to cut grass, so when the ad indicated how quickly this mower would cut I had to have one.

The 3400 is not for the average guy since it is heavy (a commercial mower) and at first takes some getting accustomed to- especially holding the blade engagement lever, but after a few mowing sessions you will get used to that.

I mow zoysia grass that is very thick and difficult to mow evenly, but this mower works great with no scalping. I don't even need to bag since I mow clockwise; all the clippings are mulched and piled up for easy sweeping. That is amazing in my situation.

It does this while cutting at least 40% off my mowing time. This mower doesn't slow up for anything or ever stall or choke down. One of the most important features is that it doesn't take up much space in my storage building.

There have been no performance or durability issues. I'm also very impressed that the Billy Goat Company's lofty claims for this model are accurate and NOT misleading.

I've had my 3400 for five months and have been pleased. I hate to cut grass, so when the ad indicated how quickly this mower would cut I had to have one.

The 3400 is not for the average guy since it is heavy (a commercial mower) and at first takes some getting accustomed to- especially holding the blade engagement lever, but after a few mowing sessions you will get used to that.

I mow zoysia grass that is very thick and difficult to mow evenly, but this mower works great with no... more

I bought this mower on their reputation and the fact a friend of mine had their 3 blade mower of 2011. Well the redesign has been a failure in my opinion.

First upon installing the mulching kit, a fine line of grass is left trailing behind the mower and the dealer has no solution other than putting the blower option back on.

Within 12 months the belt continues to slip off and needs replaced because it's too stretched out.

Finally today after 18months of use, the clutch cable frays apart and pulls out of the under carriage AND the handle at the same time.

Very disappointed.

I bought this mower on their reputation and the fact a friend of mine had their 3 blade mower of 2011. Well the redesign has been a failure in my opinion.

First upon installing the mulching kit, a fine line of grass is left trailing behind the mower and the dealer has no solution other than putting the blower option back on.

Within 12 months the belt continues to slip off and needs replaced because it's too stretched out.

Finally today after 18months of use, the clutch cable frays... more