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#1
M
My_guy99
M
My_guy99
I'm new to the lawn care business, started last year with a handful of clients and have 2 commercial and about 12 residential. I know I might be in the need of more equipment soon as I am using consumer grade craftsman products! They are good I must say, never let me down but I know a few commercial properties I was looking into signing a contract with required me to have a commercial mower! I didn't want to shell out the cash yet if my clients are happy and I am as to this is a just a side job for me! I make decent money on my night job just doing this to past time with something I love, GRASS, MONEY! (Giggles)
I'm not sure of brands and what I need to look for or stay away from any advice! Thanks in advance!
I'm not sure of brands and what I need to look for or stay away from any advice! Thanks in advance!
#2
Ric
You'll probably get a lot of opinions on what equipment you'll need to run and this is my opinion and personally I'd look at Exmark, Toro, Hustler, Scag, Dixie or Gravely in that order. They would also have the Kawasaki or Kohler engines in that order. I'd also tell you to run Stihl Hand Held equipment because it's the best stuff out there and most reliable. I'd stay away from any Big Box store stuff or consumer grade products because it wont hold up long if your going to be a business and mow 5 or 6 days a week.
You say you didn't want to shell out the cash Yet, If you're not ready to drop 10 or 12K minimum I'd leave it to the guys that will because you wont and can't compete with them. If you can't mow your 12 clients you have now in 4 hours or less (20 minutes a lawn) your in trouble because the guy with a 16 to 20ft trailer, a Stander and a couple of ZTR mowers will put you away. Remember In Lawn-care Time is Money.
Ric
I'm new to the lawn care business, started last year with a handful of clients and have 2 commercial and about 12 residential. I know I might be in the need of more equipment soon as I am using consumer grade craftsman products! They are good I must say, never let me down but I know a few commercial properties I was looking into signing a contract with required me to have a commercial mower! I didn't want to shell out the cash yet if my clients are happy and I am as to this is a just a side job for me! I make decent money on my night job just doing this to past time with something I love, GRASS, MONEY! (Giggles)
I'm not sure of brands and what I need to look for or stay away from any advice! Thanks in advance!
You'll probably get a lot of opinions on what equipment you'll need to run and this is my opinion and personally I'd look at Exmark, Toro, Hustler, Scag, Dixie or Gravely in that order. They would also have the Kawasaki or Kohler engines in that order. I'd also tell you to run Stihl Hand Held equipment because it's the best stuff out there and most reliable. I'd stay away from any Big Box store stuff or consumer grade products because it wont hold up long if your going to be a business and mow 5 or 6 days a week.
You say you didn't want to shell out the cash Yet, If you're not ready to drop 10 or 12K minimum I'd leave it to the guys that will because you wont and can't compete with them. If you can't mow your 12 clients you have now in 4 hours or less (20 minutes a lawn) your in trouble because the guy with a 16 to 20ft trailer, a Stander and a couple of ZTR mowers will put you away. Remember In Lawn-care Time is Money.
#3
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Gees, I am agreeing with Ric again, must be time to visit the doc :laughing:
If you can not afford reasonable commercial gear then stick to residential customers till you can.
Most of them will be at work when you mow and won't care if it takes you 10 minutes or 10 hours just so long as when they get home the grass is cut & the yard is clean.
Commercial customers will most of the time be there when you are working so you become a nuisance if you are there for 2 hours annoying them & their custmers.
In all serice business it is much easier to get a new customer than retain to a customer who wants to give you the flick.
There are a lot more residences than there are businesses and a happy residential customer will reffer you on.
So as you accumulate some cash, get some commercial grade push mowers, followed by commercial grade self propelled the decide if you really need that 61" ZTR.
My customers who make the most money do only residentials, most of them as 1 or 2 man businesses but it has taken them years to get their runs in order so they can do whole blocks in one hit.
Ric was quite right, time is money and time travelling between jobs is dead money.
If you can not afford reasonable commercial gear then stick to residential customers till you can.
Most of them will be at work when you mow and won't care if it takes you 10 minutes or 10 hours just so long as when they get home the grass is cut & the yard is clean.
Commercial customers will most of the time be there when you are working so you become a nuisance if you are there for 2 hours annoying them & their custmers.
In all serice business it is much easier to get a new customer than retain to a customer who wants to give you the flick.
There are a lot more residences than there are businesses and a happy residential customer will reffer you on.
So as you accumulate some cash, get some commercial grade push mowers, followed by commercial grade self propelled the decide if you really need that 61" ZTR.
My customers who make the most money do only residentials, most of them as 1 or 2 man businesses but it has taken them years to get their runs in order so they can do whole blocks in one hit.
Ric was quite right, time is money and time travelling between jobs is dead money.
#4
M
My_guy99
M
My_guy99
Most of my jobs are right around were I live an since last year has been great an just expanding within a 1 mile radius! Not looking for 10 clients a day just maybe a couple a day when I get off in the mornings... Kinda just going up in scale when needed. It's just me operating the deal so no help or need for serval mowers.
Am I wrong for looking at gravely so hard! Been on the top of my list, I notice that you had your order into which u ranked them?????
Am I wrong for looking at gravely so hard! Been on the top of my list, I notice that you had your order into which u ranked them?????
#5
Carscw
Carscw
I am going to go the other way.
There is no need to spend 10 grand to get started.
I have been doing this for around 30 years.
I still use a toro timecutter ss500
They last just as long as a $8000 mower.
With less parts to replace.
I see it every year guys spend 20 grand on equipment act like they are big shots with their fancy mower. Come September they are selling everything for half price.
Lawn care is about making the yards look good. Not about what your trailer looks like.
There is no need to spend 10 grand to get started.
I have been doing this for around 30 years.
I still use a toro timecutter ss500
They last just as long as a $8000 mower.
With less parts to replace.
I see it every year guys spend 20 grand on equipment act like they are big shots with their fancy mower. Come September they are selling everything for half price.
Lawn care is about making the yards look good. Not about what your trailer looks like.
#6
M
My_guy99
M
My_guy99
I agree! I did look at the new timecutters I believe a 30" deck, is this one for the short listI am going to go the other way. There is no need to spend 10 grand to get started. I have been doing this for around 30 years. I still use a toro timecutter ss500 They last just as long as a $8000 mower. With less parts to replace. I see it every year guys spend 20 grand on equipment act like they are big shots with their fancy mower. Come September they are selling everything for half price. Lawn care is about making the yards look good. Not about what your trailer looks like.
#7
Carscw
Carscw
The timecutter is perfect for what you want it for. You are just doing this part time no need to empty the bank.I agree! I did look at the new timecutters I believe a 30" deck, is this one for the short list
#8
M
My_guy99
M
My_guy99
art time no need to empty the bank.[/QUOTE] yeah that's my angle! I only have the couple commercial property's but maybe in the future a couple more nothing huge! Thanks! And small hand held I gather it's sthil product to look at, how's echo? Is there a certain model that's a big hell yeah to get trimmer edger unitsThe timecutter is perfect for what you want it for. You are just doing this part time no need to empty the bank.
#9
Carscw
I like echo. But I use most brands. Have had a few sthil I don't think they are worth the extra money.
Carscw
yeah that's my angle! I only have the couple commercial property's but maybe in the future a couple more nothing huge! Thanks! And small hand held I gather it's sthil product to look at, how's echo? Is there a certain model that's a big hell yeah to get trimmer edger units[/QUOTE]art time no need to empty the bank.
I like echo. But I use most brands. Have had a few sthil I don't think they are worth the extra money.
#10
Ric
Like I said you'll get a lot of different opinions on this subject. There is the right way and the wrong way to start a business and having the proper equipment can make a big difference when it comes to making money rather than spending it. Yeah I went the way Carscw said or recommended and I ended up spending three times the money over the years of mowing that I should have spent, in the long run you lose.
You have to understand that a timecutter is a mower that was designed and intended for the Homeowner. The homeowner that would be lucky to use the machine for a grand total of maybe 25 to 30 hours a year and it works great but doesn't work for a person who will be mowing 25 to 30 hours a week. Trust me when I say a 9K commercial grade mower with a 5 year 1200 hour warranty is worth it's weight in gold if you start replacing drive units or PTO's decks, spindles or engines.
Ric
art time no need to empty the bank.
Like I said you'll get a lot of different opinions on this subject. There is the right way and the wrong way to start a business and having the proper equipment can make a big difference when it comes to making money rather than spending it. Yeah I went the way Carscw said or recommended and I ended up spending three times the money over the years of mowing that I should have spent, in the long run you lose.
You have to understand that a timecutter is a mower that was designed and intended for the Homeowner. The homeowner that would be lucky to use the machine for a grand total of maybe 25 to 30 hours a year and it works great but doesn't work for a person who will be mowing 25 to 30 hours a week. Trust me when I say a 9K commercial grade mower with a 5 year 1200 hour warranty is worth it's weight in gold if you start replacing drive units or PTO's decks, spindles or engines.
#11
Ric
:laughing: I remember that statement. I only was looking for a couple of clients a day then it was I can handle maybe 4 clients a day and the next thing I new I was running 80 clients a week with my son as helper. If your good and have the equipment for the job your client list can explode in a hurry.
There's nothing wrong with a Gravely but it wouldn't be my first choice because it just doesn't have as nice a cut as the Toro or Exmark. You'll need several mowers on the trailer if your going to do the job right. At least a ZTR and a push mower of some type. I always have three mowers on the trailer, all different size decks for or to cover all kind of mowing situations. I don't know what you have for slopes or hills in your location, but from what I've seen in Indy I'd be looking for a ZTR with the lowest center of gravity I could find and with ROPS and gravely isn't it.
Ric
Most of my jobs are right around were I live an since last year has been great an just expanding within a 1 mile radius! Not looking for 10 clients a day just maybe a couple a day when I get off in the mornings... Kinda just going up in scale when needed. It's just me operating the deal so no help or need for several mowers. Am I wrong for looking at gravely so hard! Been on the top of my list, I notice that you had your order into which u ranked them?????
:laughing: I remember that statement. I only was looking for a couple of clients a day then it was I can handle maybe 4 clients a day and the next thing I new I was running 80 clients a week with my son as helper. If your good and have the equipment for the job your client list can explode in a hurry.
There's nothing wrong with a Gravely but it wouldn't be my first choice because it just doesn't have as nice a cut as the Toro or Exmark. You'll need several mowers on the trailer if your going to do the job right. At least a ZTR and a push mower of some type. I always have three mowers on the trailer, all different size decks for or to cover all kind of mowing situations. I don't know what you have for slopes or hills in your location, but from what I've seen in Indy I'd be looking for a ZTR with the lowest center of gravity I could find and with ROPS and gravely isn't it.
#12
Carscw
Carscw
Look at the cost timecutter $3000
Commercial mower at least $6000.
EZT drives rebuild kit if they break. Mine never have with over 2000 hours. $60.
Hydro pump on a commercial mower $650
Search this group and you will see they go out a lot.
Maintaining a commercial mower will cost you more then twice the money.
You will have to do twice as many yards to pay for it.
I have a scag commercial ztr on its 3rd hydro pump in 4 years.
I have a timecutter with over 3000 hours in 11 years. Never a problem with the drives.
Commercial mower at least $6000.
EZT drives rebuild kit if they break. Mine never have with over 2000 hours. $60.
Hydro pump on a commercial mower $650
Search this group and you will see they go out a lot.
Maintaining a commercial mower will cost you more then twice the money.
You will have to do twice as many yards to pay for it.
I have a scag commercial ztr on its 3rd hydro pump in 4 years.
I have a timecutter with over 3000 hours in 11 years. Never a problem with the drives.
#13
Ric
So what's your point? I've ran Cub Cadet mowers for years and never had issues but you can't deny the fact that the CC Z Force and Toro Time Cutter are and were designed as residential mowers and should be used for that purpose. If CC and timecutter mowers were all that great all the businesses would be using them but guess what there not. Just because you and I had reasonable luck with a mower and know how to maintain one doesn't mean everyone will. In-fact the chances of someone else having the same luck is slim to none.
As far as maintaining a commercial mower goes and the cost involved vs a residential, that's debatable. It would have a lot to do with what you buy and the dealer you use and how long you use the machine. I mean really My Grandstand has a 5 yr 1200 hr warranty so what is it going to cost me if something goes wrong and they fix it for nothing in that 5 years, same thing on the Z master. If memory serves the warranty is a 3 year consumer or 30 days commercial on the Time Cutter. That will save you a lot of money.
Ric
Look at the cost timecutter $3000 Commercial mower at least $6000. EZT drives rebuild kit if they break. Mine never have with over 2000 hours. $60. Hydro pump on a commercial mower $650 Search this group and you will see they go out a lot. Maintaining a commercial mower will cost you more then twice the money. You will have to do twice as many yards to pay for it. I have a scag commercial ztr on its 3rd hydro pump in 4 years. I have a timecutter with over 3000 hours in 11 years. Never a problem with the drives.
So what's your point? I've ran Cub Cadet mowers for years and never had issues but you can't deny the fact that the CC Z Force and Toro Time Cutter are and were designed as residential mowers and should be used for that purpose. If CC and timecutter mowers were all that great all the businesses would be using them but guess what there not. Just because you and I had reasonable luck with a mower and know how to maintain one doesn't mean everyone will. In-fact the chances of someone else having the same luck is slim to none.
As far as maintaining a commercial mower goes and the cost involved vs a residential, that's debatable. It would have a lot to do with what you buy and the dealer you use and how long you use the machine. I mean really My Grandstand has a 5 yr 1200 hr warranty so what is it going to cost me if something goes wrong and they fix it for nothing in that 5 years, same thing on the Z master. If memory serves the warranty is a 3 year consumer or 30 days commercial on the Time Cutter. That will save you a lot of money.
#14
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
You really need to sit down & do your math carefully.
I have a customer who does nothing but pennsioners lawns on a government contract.
He uses Honda residential walk behinds, Honda line trimmer, Stihl blower, Shindawa chain saw, Atom edger & a local Greenfields 28" domesic ride on.
The Greenfields run a cork plate clutch & drive system and has prooved very reliable.
All of his gear is second hand & I do all the scheduled maintenance on it and to date only break downs are belts.
He makes a very good living, goes to FiJi or Hawaii every year for a 2 week vacation and has a fairly good life.
Another customer decided he was going to do mowing as a second job, walked into a glass front and walked out with $ 20,000 worth of debt which over 3 years is still being payed off.
All commercial grade Husqvarna gear and the only thing worth buying ( IMHO ) was the chainsaw. His repair bills are greater than the others scheduled maintanance.
If the gear you have is doing th job and making you money, then stick with it for now.
And put your expansion efforts into customers you can service with the equipment you currently own.
Put 1/2 to 1/3 of the PROFIT you are making aside and keep it for equipment upgrades.
At the end of the season have a good look at how much you have in your kitty.
This is your equipment budget, bought outright , leased or paid off, this is all you have to spend.
Do not buy an expensive piece of kit in order to win a contract unless you can amortise that cost with your existing customer base as the new client can give you the flick in a heartbeat then you are working your first job to pay for the second.
Because the working conditions in lawn care are highly variable you will most likely find no one mower will do everything as Ric has already advised.
Long term you will have to decide weather you are going to continue doing lawns to use the spare daylight hours you have or if you can make a better living tossing the full time job for your mowing business.
If you decide to go the first way then keep the costs down. Look at what is in the back of other mowing contractors trailers in your area, try some second hand gear, Usually you can get some one season and flog it off the next for near what you paid for it.
Once you have decided what works best for you then consider pulling the trigger on new mowers.
Note I said mowers plural, you will need back ups for everything because customers will not wear you not turing up because your mower is not working and mowing a 1/2 acre yard with a push mower because your ride on is broken is a pain, doing it 12 times a week is a lot of hard work particularly if you have 8 hours to put in latter that night.
Also remember while it is beer money you can be really flexiable with pricing. Once it becomes mortgage money things change, quickly.
I have a customer who does nothing but pennsioners lawns on a government contract.
He uses Honda residential walk behinds, Honda line trimmer, Stihl blower, Shindawa chain saw, Atom edger & a local Greenfields 28" domesic ride on.
The Greenfields run a cork plate clutch & drive system and has prooved very reliable.
All of his gear is second hand & I do all the scheduled maintenance on it and to date only break downs are belts.
He makes a very good living, goes to FiJi or Hawaii every year for a 2 week vacation and has a fairly good life.
Another customer decided he was going to do mowing as a second job, walked into a glass front and walked out with $ 20,000 worth of debt which over 3 years is still being payed off.
All commercial grade Husqvarna gear and the only thing worth buying ( IMHO ) was the chainsaw. His repair bills are greater than the others scheduled maintanance.
If the gear you have is doing th job and making you money, then stick with it for now.
And put your expansion efforts into customers you can service with the equipment you currently own.
Put 1/2 to 1/3 of the PROFIT you are making aside and keep it for equipment upgrades.
At the end of the season have a good look at how much you have in your kitty.
This is your equipment budget, bought outright , leased or paid off, this is all you have to spend.
Do not buy an expensive piece of kit in order to win a contract unless you can amortise that cost with your existing customer base as the new client can give you the flick in a heartbeat then you are working your first job to pay for the second.
Because the working conditions in lawn care are highly variable you will most likely find no one mower will do everything as Ric has already advised.
Long term you will have to decide weather you are going to continue doing lawns to use the spare daylight hours you have or if you can make a better living tossing the full time job for your mowing business.
If you decide to go the first way then keep the costs down. Look at what is in the back of other mowing contractors trailers in your area, try some second hand gear, Usually you can get some one season and flog it off the next for near what you paid for it.
Once you have decided what works best for you then consider pulling the trigger on new mowers.
Note I said mowers plural, you will need back ups for everything because customers will not wear you not turing up because your mower is not working and mowing a 1/2 acre yard with a push mower because your ride on is broken is a pain, doing it 12 times a week is a lot of hard work particularly if you have 8 hours to put in latter that night.
Also remember while it is beer money you can be really flexiable with pricing. Once it becomes mortgage money things change, quickly.
#15
M
My_guy99
Thank you for the input here, I thought the time cutter was a commercial grade mower. I guess it shows you what I know about that so far
M
My_guy99
Like I said you'll get a lot of different opinions on this subject. There is the right way and the wrong way to start a business and having the proper equipment can make a big difference when it comes to making money rather than spending it. Yeah I went the way Carscw said or recommended and I ended up spending three times the money over the years of mowing that I should have spent, in the long run you lose. You have to understand that a timecutter is a mower that was designed and intended for the Homeowner. The homeowner that would be lucky to use the machine for a grand total of maybe 25 to 30 hours a year and it works great but doesn't work for a person who will be mowing 25 to 30 hours a week. Trust me when I say a 9K commercial grade mower with a 5 year 1200 hour warranty is worth it's weight in gold if you start replacing drive units or PTO's decks, spindles or engines.
Thank you for the input here, I thought the time cutter was a commercial grade mower. I guess it shows you what I know about that so far
#16
M
My_guy99
Honestly I can't handle 80 clients that's crazy with my full-time job. This is just a side gig basically just to keep me busy when I have idle time and some extra money in the pocket! There aren't really any slopes that I have as far as clients at the moment but who knows what the future may hold. Don't plan on picking up to many more commercial properties trying to get in a bad taste in my mouth now about a few of the run-ins I've had with them already.
M
My_guy99
:laughing: I remember that statement. I only was looking for a couple of clients a day then it was I can handle maybe 4 clients a day and the next thing I new I was running 80 clients a week with my son as helper. If your good and have the equipment for the job your client list can explode in a hurry. There's nothing wrong with a Gravely but it wouldn't be my first choice because it just doesn't have as nice a cut as the Toro or Exmark. You'll need several mowers on the trailer if your going to do the job right. At least a ZTR and a push mower of some type. I always have three mowers on the trailer, all different size decks for or to cover all kind of mowing situations. I don't know what you have for slopes or hills in your location, but from what I've seen in Indy I'd be looking for a ZTR with the lowest center of gravity I could find and with ROPS and gravely isn't it.
Honestly I can't handle 80 clients that's crazy with my full-time job. This is just a side gig basically just to keep me busy when I have idle time and some extra money in the pocket! There aren't really any slopes that I have as far as clients at the moment but who knows what the future may hold. Don't plan on picking up to many more commercial properties trying to get in a bad taste in my mouth now about a few of the run-ins I've had with them already.
#17
M
My_guy99
I've had a friend that has a timecutter haven't spoke to him about the quality of it but I believe he traded in for another commercial mower but I don't think he ever had any maintenance issues although he did have it maintained by the dealer. I'm not one to take it to a dealer so all maintenance will be done by me of course I don't like dealers touching anything of mine if I have anything to do with it.
The cost aspect is a big deal with me considering I really don't have the clientele that the man's a high price mower but I understand that high price more may be able to handle the big jobs and last longer than a less expensive mower of course
M
My_guy99
Look at the cost timecutter $3000 Commercial mower at least $6000. EZT drives rebuild kit if they break. Mine never have with over 2000 hours. $60. Hydro pump on a commercial mower $650 Search this group and you will see they go out a lot. Maintaining a commercial mower will cost you more then twice the money. You will have to do twice as many yards to pay for it. I have a scag commercial ztr on its 3rd hydro pump in 4 years. I have a timecutter with over 3000 hours in 11 years. Never a problem with the drives.
I've had a friend that has a timecutter haven't spoke to him about the quality of it but I believe he traded in for another commercial mower but I don't think he ever had any maintenance issues although he did have it maintained by the dealer. I'm not one to take it to a dealer so all maintenance will be done by me of course I don't like dealers touching anything of mine if I have anything to do with it.
The cost aspect is a big deal with me considering I really don't have the clientele that the man's a high price mower but I understand that high price more may be able to handle the big jobs and last longer than a less expensive mower of course
#18
M
My_guy99
Honestly I'm still using my consumer great craftsman rider 24 horse and it's been doing me a great over last eight years all my notes done by me. I replace the Hydrostat oil a few years ago didn't have any problems with it but didn't like the fact that my menu just stated it was non-serviceable. So I hacked into it anyway and changed it, been doing me a great so far but don't expect for the hold up for another eight years of course. I've only have approximately 190 hours on it so far an it runs like a top
M
My_guy99
So what's your point? I've ran Cub Cadet mowers for years and never had issues but you can't deny the fact that the CC Z Force and Toro Time Cutter are and were designed as residential mowers and should be used for that purpose. If CC and timecutter mowers were all that great all the businesses would be using them but guess what there not. Just because you and I had reasonable luck with a mower and know how to maintain one doesn't mean everyone will. In-fact the chances of someone else having the same luck is slim to none. As far as maintaining a commercial mower goes and the cost involved vs a residential, that's debatable. It would have a lot to do with what you buy and the dealer you use and how long you use the machine. I mean really My Grandstand has a 5 yr 1200 hr warranty so what is it going to cost me if something goes wrong and they fix it for nothing in that 5 years, same thing on the Z master. If memory serves the warranty is a 3 year consumer or 30 days commercial on the Time Cutter. That will save you a lot of money.
Honestly I'm still using my consumer great craftsman rider 24 horse and it's been doing me a great over last eight years all my notes done by me. I replace the Hydrostat oil a few years ago didn't have any problems with it but didn't like the fact that my menu just stated it was non-serviceable. So I hacked into it anyway and changed it, been doing me a great so far but don't expect for the hold up for another eight years of course. I've only have approximately 190 hours on it so far an it runs like a top
#19
M
My_guy99
U are speaking my language, everything you said makes perfect sense and exactly what I thought about in the first place.
I really didn't want to start a account for equipment but it makes sense just have a small bucket is primarily for upgrading equipment and when it breaks go from there.
I'm really kicking my butt because last year, I ran across a Dixie chopper for about 2500 I believe and I passed on him because I really didn't know the history of the mower itself. Had a previous deal with the same guy that had the mower and that deal went bad, it was a trailer with no Vin number on it but he had a title really good price but I didn't want to deal with if it was the right Vin for the trailer or not I would had to put money into it anyway but didn't want the headache of dealing with the Vin number issue!
To my understanding a Dixie chopper will last forever but just was unfamiliar with the particulars about this mower. The hydros is really what scared me if there was a problem or not I never even got a chance to test drive it and that really gonna bought me because I had to go on vacation that following week and needed some of that money that I was going to put down on that mower so basically that was a little bit of my vacation money.
I doubt if this will replace my full-time gig and don't really want it to I love what I do, I drive semi's at night easy money no body to really bother me boss wise just go to one terminal drop a trailer come back go home... I can easily pull just over 100k doing that a year having this side job with lawn care is just icing on the cake of course.
M
My_guy99
You really need to sit down & do your math carefully. I have a customer who does nothing but pennsioners lawns on a government contract. He uses Honda residential walk behinds, Honda line trimmer, Stihl blower, Shindawa chain saw, Atom edger & a local Greenfields 28" domesic ride on. The Greenfields run a cork plate clutch & drive system and has prooved very reliable. All of his gear is second hand & I do all the scheduled maintenance on it and to date only break downs are belts. He makes a very good living, goes to FiJi or Hawaii every year for a 2 week vacation and has a fairly good life. Another customer decided he was going to do mowing as a second job, walked into a glass front and walked out with $ 20,000 worth of debt which over 3 years is still being payed off. All commercial grade Husqvarna gear and the only thing worth buying ( IMHO ) was the chainsaw. His repair bills are greater than the others scheduled maintanance. If the gear you have is doing th job and making you money, then stick with it for now. And put your expansion efforts into customers you can service with the equipment you currently own. Put 1/2 to 1/3 of the PROFIT you are making aside and keep it for equipment upgrades. At the end of the season have a good look at how much you have in your kitty. This is your equipment budget, bought outright , leased or paid off, this is all you have to spend. Do not buy an expensive piece of kit in order to win a contract unless you can amortise that cost with your existing customer base as the new client can give you the flick in a heartbeat then you are working your first job to pay for the second. Because the working conditions in lawn care are highly variable you will most likely find no one mower will do everything as Ric has already advised. Long term you will have to decide weather you are going to continue doing lawns to use the spare daylight hours you have or if you can make a better living tossing the full time job for your mowing business. If you decide to go the first way then keep the costs down. Look at what is in the back of other mowing contractors trailers in your area, try some second hand gear, Usually you can get
some one season and flog it off the next for near what you paid for it. Once you have decided what works best for you then consider pulling the trigger on new mowers. Note I said mowers plural, you will need back ups for everything because customers will not wear you not turing up because your mower is not working and mowing a 1/2 acre yard with a push mower because your ride on is broken is a pain, doing it 12 times a week is a lot of hard work particularly if you have 8 hours to put in latter that night. Also remember while it is beer money you can be really flexiable with pricing. Once it becomes mortgage money things change, quickly.
U are speaking my language, everything you said makes perfect sense and exactly what I thought about in the first place.
I really didn't want to start a account for equipment but it makes sense just have a small bucket is primarily for upgrading equipment and when it breaks go from there.
I'm really kicking my butt because last year, I ran across a Dixie chopper for about 2500 I believe and I passed on him because I really didn't know the history of the mower itself. Had a previous deal with the same guy that had the mower and that deal went bad, it was a trailer with no Vin number on it but he had a title really good price but I didn't want to deal with if it was the right Vin for the trailer or not I would had to put money into it anyway but didn't want the headache of dealing with the Vin number issue!
To my understanding a Dixie chopper will last forever but just was unfamiliar with the particulars about this mower. The hydros is really what scared me if there was a problem or not I never even got a chance to test drive it and that really gonna bought me because I had to go on vacation that following week and needed some of that money that I was going to put down on that mower so basically that was a little bit of my vacation money.
I doubt if this will replace my full-time gig and don't really want it to I love what I do, I drive semi's at night easy money no body to really bother me boss wise just go to one terminal drop a trailer come back go home... I can easily pull just over 100k doing that a year having this side job with lawn care is just icing on the cake of course.
#20
Ric
The Timecutter is one of Toro's low end Residential mowers and like I said meant for like 25 maybe 30hrs a year for a homeowner to use. The EZT drive on the Timecutter is a light Duty drive. You can step up to there better Residential which would be the Titan Series but there more money and they do come with the Hydro gear 3100 drives which are a commercial drives but still have the Residential engines.
The problem with the new guys trying to break into the business is they don't understand that in the lawncare business time is money. They think they can buy the residential equipment and make big bucks and it's easy and there so wrong. You say you have all this idle time to make extra money mowing lawns and that your Craftsmen has done you fine for 8 yrs and your happy with mowing a couple of lawns a day and that's great. The problem with that is the time it takes you to do 2 lawns at 15.00 a lawn or what ever with your tractor I can do 4 or 5 in that same time period at the same 15.00 a lawn with the right equipment. Big difference in how much money you put in your pocket.
You talk about not being able to handle 80 clients a week with a full time job and I can understand that but at the same time I understood those 80 clients a week were putting up to 4K a month in my pocket, my full time job sure didn't.
Ric
Thank you for the input here, I thought the time cutter was a commercial grade mower. I guess it shows you what I know about that so far
The Timecutter is one of Toro's low end Residential mowers and like I said meant for like 25 maybe 30hrs a year for a homeowner to use. The EZT drive on the Timecutter is a light Duty drive. You can step up to there better Residential which would be the Titan Series but there more money and they do come with the Hydro gear 3100 drives which are a commercial drives but still have the Residential engines.
Honestly I can't handle 80 clients that's crazy with my full-time job. This is just a side gig basically just to keep me busy when I have idle time and some extra money in the pocket! There aren't really any slopes that I have as far as clients at the moment but who knows what the future may hold. Don't plan on picking up to many more commercial properties trying to get in a bad taste in my mouth now about a few of the run-ins I've had with them already.
The problem with the new guys trying to break into the business is they don't understand that in the lawncare business time is money. They think they can buy the residential equipment and make big bucks and it's easy and there so wrong. You say you have all this idle time to make extra money mowing lawns and that your Craftsmen has done you fine for 8 yrs and your happy with mowing a couple of lawns a day and that's great. The problem with that is the time it takes you to do 2 lawns at 15.00 a lawn or what ever with your tractor I can do 4 or 5 in that same time period at the same 15.00 a lawn with the right equipment. Big difference in how much money you put in your pocket.
You talk about not being able to handle 80 clients a week with a full time job and I can understand that but at the same time I understood those 80 clients a week were putting up to 4K a month in my pocket, my full time job sure didn't.
#21
Ric
I have to disagree with the account thing, not having the account is crazy. I mean really why would you want to try and save money to buy equipment when you have company's like Toro, Hustler and others that have set up interest free loans for 48 months and have give people the opportunity to start businesses at no cost. You can buy an $8 or $9000 mower interest free and pay 150 to 200 a month for a mower that can make you $3 or $4000 dollars a month. The mower pays for itself.
Ric
U are speaking my language, everything you said makes perfect sense and exactly what I thought about in the first place.
I really didn't want to start a account for equipment but it makes sense just have a small bucket is primarily for upgrading equipment and when it breaks go from there.
I have to disagree with the account thing, not having the account is crazy. I mean really why would you want to try and save money to buy equipment when you have company's like Toro, Hustler and others that have set up interest free loans for 48 months and have give people the opportunity to start businesses at no cost. You can buy an $8 or $9000 mower interest free and pay 150 to 200 a month for a mower that can make you $3 or $4000 dollars a month. The mower pays for itself.
#22
BlazNT
BlazNT
Ric the title of the thread is "small time" not big time. Staying small is the idea behind this thread. Having a payment for years is not staying small.
#23
M
My_guy99
You hit the nail on the head, I don't want to do a bunch of clients but I do want to get it done and move on to the next client or home if I'm done for the day! It's just me so I can't knock out 15 or 20 a day, 5 and I'm good for a weekend! That's 2 commercial with 3 residential that I do weekly now and have others I do during the week when I have time!
M
My_guy99
Ric the title of the thread is "small time" not big time. Staying small is the idea behind this thread. Having a payment for years is not staying small.
You hit the nail on the head, I don't want to do a bunch of clients but I do want to get it done and move on to the next client or home if I'm done for the day! It's just me so I can't knock out 15 or 20 a day, 5 and I'm good for a weekend! That's 2 commercial with 3 residential that I do weekly now and have others I do during the week when I have time!
#24
M
My_guy99
Ric I'm the small guy that u big bigs like to crush, I'm trying to get a bit of the pie too if I may!!???
I'm debt free but the house at the moment so I can go buy a new mower with cash if I dig in my personal account but I separate my money; business and my full time time! I'm thankful that I do have a job I love that I can make over 4K a week and that's bring home... Then turn around an do This as a hustle
M
My_guy99
I have to disagree with the account thing, not having the account is crazy. I mean really why would you want to try and save money to buy equipment when you have company's like Toro, Hustler and others that have set up interest free loans for 48 months and have give people the opportunity to start businesses at no cost. You can buy an $8 or $9000 mower interest free and pay 150 to 200 a month for a mower that can make you $3 or $4000 dollars a month. The mower pays for itself.
Ric I'm the small guy that u big bigs like to crush, I'm trying to get a bit of the pie too if I may!!???
I'm debt free but the house at the moment so I can go buy a new mower with cash if I dig in my personal account but I separate my money; business and my full time time! I'm thankful that I do have a job I love that I can make over 4K a week and that's bring home... Then turn around an do This as a hustle
#25
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
If you are making that sort of money at your full time job and are debt free then , get a hobby or do some charity work
There are lots of charity groups who care for dissabled , pennsioner, TIP veterans and the like so if mowing lawns is what you like to do they will welcome you with open arms.
There are lots of charity groups who care for dissabled , pennsioner, TIP veterans and the like so if mowing lawns is what you like to do they will welcome you with open arms.
#26
M
My_guy99
M
My_guy99
this is a hobby as well as my motorcycle and working on my cars lets c also woodworking! I stay busy with somethingIf you are making that sort of money at your full time job and are debt free then , get a hobby or do some charity work
#27
Ric
What does small time mean? Does it mean you run garbage for equipment, lack the knowledge to do things the right way and screw up the guy who is trying to make a Living at lawncare? Does it mean you are the Hack wants his beer money for the week and don't have the proper license, don't keep books and don't pay taxes at the end of the year......Really what is the definition of the small time business owner VS the big time LCO
Ric
Ric the title of the thread is "small time" not big time. Staying small is the idea behind this thread. Having a payment for years is not staying small.
What does small time mean? Does it mean you run garbage for equipment, lack the knowledge to do things the right way and screw up the guy who is trying to make a Living at lawncare? Does it mean you are the Hack wants his beer money for the week and don't have the proper license, don't keep books and don't pay taxes at the end of the year......Really what is the definition of the small time business owner VS the big time LCO
#28
Carscw
Carscw
The equipment that ric calls garbage. Like the timecutter is the number one mower used by people that do property preservation ( foreclosed homes)
Why? Because of price and they handle the abuse. The drives last longer then a pump and Motor set up.
I have a 06,07 and a 2011 all 3 with over 2000 hours carrying my 250 pounds up and down hills. Cutting 4 foot weeds. Bricks, rocks, axe heads. And many other things you can not see in yards.
Buddy of mine runs 11 of them full time.
At $3000 it pays for it self in one week.
I really do not see how people can comment about a mower they have not used.
Why? Because of price and they handle the abuse. The drives last longer then a pump and Motor set up.
I have a 06,07 and a 2011 all 3 with over 2000 hours carrying my 250 pounds up and down hills. Cutting 4 foot weeds. Bricks, rocks, axe heads. And many other things you can not see in yards.
Buddy of mine runs 11 of them full time.
At $3000 it pays for it self in one week.
I really do not see how people can comment about a mower they have not used.
#29
Carscw
Carscw
What can the $10.000 mower do that the $3000 mower can not do?
Don't say last longer. I already know that's not true.
Don't say last longer. I already know that's not true.
#30
Ric
Ya Know I really have know doubt that the Timecutter is the number one mower used by the homeowner and the has the number one selling drive on the market in the EZT but the reason the drive is the number one selling drive on the market doesn't make it a good drive, it's just the cheapest and used on every low budget home owner ztr mower that sold in every BBS in the world and purchased by the homeowner. I mean really how many ztr mowers does HD, Lowes, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware and even Badcock's sell in a day compared to your local dealer down town.
I can understand using a Timecutter on foreclosure homes that makes perfect sense to me, If I was cutting 4 foot weeds, running over bricks, rocks, axe heads and what ever and didn't care what things look like when I was done the timecutter is a good choice to screw up although a cheap lawn tractor would be a little cheaper to replace. OTOH I'd also use a commercial mower to do lawns that need to be left with a manicured look.
It's really funny with you talking about how many hours you have on the drives and at the same time there's a thread on here about an EZT rebuild at 90 hrs because theirs stop working.
Ric
The equipment that ric calls garbage. Like the timecutter is the number one mower used by people that do property preservation ( foreclosed homes)
Why? Because of price and they handle the abuse. The drives last longer then a pump and Motor set up.
I have a 06,07 and a 2011 all 3 with over 2000 hours carrying my 250 pounds up and down hills. Cutting 4 foot weeds. Bricks, rocks, axe heads. And many other things you can not see in yards.
Buddy of mine runs 11 of them full time.
At $3000 it pays for it self in one week.
I really do not see how people can comment about a mower they have not used.
Ya Know I really have know doubt that the Timecutter is the number one mower used by the homeowner and the has the number one selling drive on the market in the EZT but the reason the drive is the number one selling drive on the market doesn't make it a good drive, it's just the cheapest and used on every low budget home owner ztr mower that sold in every BBS in the world and purchased by the homeowner. I mean really how many ztr mowers does HD, Lowes, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware and even Badcock's sell in a day compared to your local dealer down town.
I can understand using a Timecutter on foreclosure homes that makes perfect sense to me, If I was cutting 4 foot weeds, running over bricks, rocks, axe heads and what ever and didn't care what things look like when I was done the timecutter is a good choice to screw up although a cheap lawn tractor would be a little cheaper to replace. OTOH I'd also use a commercial mower to do lawns that need to be left with a manicured look.
It's really funny with you talking about how many hours you have on the drives and at the same time there's a thread on here about an EZT rebuild at 90 hrs because theirs stop working.
#31
M
My_guy99
Thanks for the negativity! I'm legit website all my legals in order an registered as a member of commerce!??? insurance an all, I don't do $20-$30 cuts, I take my time and charge accordingly!
I have standards an don't take any an every client!
All I asked on here was advice on equipment not to be belittle by people like you Ric! U can believe what you may but I know who I am an just cuz u had to step away from your full time job cause it wasn't being the $4k a month is maybe you fault an that's why you have to do 80 clients! I make 8k a month gross this is just busy money here, excuse me for being greedy though! I might not make as much as you cutting lawns but clearly I spur pass you when it comes down to it at the end of the day, don't be jealous it's just the facts Ric! You opened this can of worms ?...
M
My_guy99
What does small time mean? Does it mean you run garbage for equipment, lack the knowledge to do things the right way and screw up the guy who is trying to make a Living at lawncare? Does it mean you are the Hack wants his beer money for the week and don't have the proper license, don't keep books and don't pay taxes at the end of the year......Really what is the definition of the small time business owner VS the big time LCO
Thanks for the negativity! I'm legit website all my legals in order an registered as a member of commerce!??? insurance an all, I don't do $20-$30 cuts, I take my time and charge accordingly!
I have standards an don't take any an every client!
All I asked on here was advice on equipment not to be belittle by people like you Ric! U can believe what you may but I know who I am an just cuz u had to step away from your full time job cause it wasn't being the $4k a month is maybe you fault an that's why you have to do 80 clients! I make 8k a month gross this is just busy money here, excuse me for being greedy though! I might not make as much as you cutting lawns but clearly I spur pass you when it comes down to it at the end of the day, don't be jealous it's just the facts Ric! You opened this can of worms ?...
#32
Ric
I don't really know where you get your info but your claims follow suit. Just to get the facts straight I didn't step away from my job, I retired from my job at 50 because I could and I draw a pension from that job and I also draw SS. I did and do lawncare because I like the business not because I have to or for the money. Personally I don't understand why you want to belittle yourself with lawncare if your making 8K a month. I think your just like you said in your post before , you like to hustle people just as you are running a hustle with this thread.
Ric
Thanks for the negativity! I'm legit website all my legals in order an registered as a member of commerce!樂樂樂 insurance an all, I don't do $20-$30 cuts, I take my time and charge accordingly!
I have standards an don't take any an every client!
All I asked on here was advice on equipment not to be belittle by people like you Ric! U can believe what you may but I know who I am an just cuz u had to step away from your full time job cause it wasn't being the $4k a month is maybe you fault an that's why you have to do 80 clients! I make 8k a month gross this is just busy money here, excuse me for being greedy though! I might not make as much as you cutting lawns but clearly I spur pass you when it comes down to it at the end of the day, don't be jealous it's just the facts Ric! You opened this can of worms ...
I don't really know where you get your info but your claims follow suit. Just to get the facts straight I didn't step away from my job, I retired from my job at 50 because I could and I draw a pension from that job and I also draw SS. I did and do lawncare because I like the business not because I have to or for the money. Personally I don't understand why you want to belittle yourself with lawncare if your making 8K a month. I think your just like you said in your post before , you like to hustle people just as you are running a hustle with this thread.