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Starting a new business
#1
B
BrownEyes1220
B
BrownEyes1220
Hi everyone, I am new here and thought I would go to the experts with this question.
A friend of mine is starting a lawn maintenance business and will be doing both large properties and smaller yards. He will be eventually be purchasing a self propelled walk behind mower for trimming around bushes and tight areas. But for now wants to know what is the optimal size mower deck for zero turn radious for a lawn maintenance business. A large 60", or 54" or 48" if you could only buy one right now what would you suggest?
A friend of mine is starting a lawn maintenance business and will be doing both large properties and smaller yards. He will be eventually be purchasing a self propelled walk behind mower for trimming around bushes and tight areas. But for now wants to know what is the optimal size mower deck for zero turn radious for a lawn maintenance business. A large 60", or 54" or 48" if you could only buy one right now what would you suggest?
#2
djdicetn
djdicetn
If I were going to mow commercially I would stick with a 54" or 48" deck(many yards homeowners want cut professionally don't need a humongous 60" deck and gates can be a problem).Hi everyone, I am new here and thought I would go to the experts with this question.
A friend of mine is starting a lawn maintenance business and will be doing both large properties and smaller yards. He will be eventually be purchasing a self propelled walk behind mower for trimming around bushes and tight areas. But for now wants to know what is the optimal size mower deck for zero turn radious for a lawn maintenance business. A large 60", or 54" or 48" if you could only buy one right now what would you suggest?
#3
DJlawnboy
This.
DJlawnboy
If I were going to mow commercially I would stick with a 54" or 48" deck(many yards homeowners want cut professionally don't need a humongous 60" deck and gates can be a problem).
This.
#4
B
BrownEyes1220
B
BrownEyes1220
A couple more questions if you lawn experts don't mind.
My friend also would like to know, typically how do you price for just cutting grass? By the time it takes or by the size of the lot? What is the going rate for just cutting grass based on size or time? Do you charge a bit more per service for a lawn that is cut only once or twice a month rather then a lawn that is cut four times a month due to wear and tear on equipment and length of grass?
And do you typically have a set rate for add on's like trimming shrubs, weeding flower beds, and removing clippings, and leaves?
My friend is looking for what is typical among lawn care professionals.
Thank you
My friend also would like to know, typically how do you price for just cutting grass? By the time it takes or by the size of the lot? What is the going rate for just cutting grass based on size or time? Do you charge a bit more per service for a lawn that is cut only once or twice a month rather then a lawn that is cut four times a month due to wear and tear on equipment and length of grass?
And do you typically have a set rate for add on's like trimming shrubs, weeding flower beds, and removing clippings, and leaves?
My friend is looking for what is typical among lawn care professionals.
Thank you
#5
Fish
Fish
First, price per mow, not that monthly stuff, if you do monthly, price it for 4 times a month.
I would just do mowing/trim only, if you wish to dabble in extra, which if you are doing well, you won't have time for unless there is a drought. Refer them to a partner, or at least give them a different business card, or you will be pulling your hair out.
I would just do mowing/trim only, if you wish to dabble in extra, which if you are doing well, you won't have time for unless there is a drought. Refer them to a partner, or at least give them a different business card, or you will be pulling your hair out.
#6
Ric
I use a 48" ZTR and 36" Stander combination. That way I can cover the larger lots using both mowers and smaller lots with the 36" and not have a gate problem as djdicetn already commented on. A self propelled walk behind is nice for the smaller places but a good trimmer around shrubs or bushes works best.
There are a number of things to take in to consideration when you do an estimate on a lawn. Size of the property, number of flower beds and trees to be edged, fence lines, driveways and sidewalks to be trimmed and so on. The typical lawn job consist of mowing, trimming, edging and blowing off everything, (time wise 20 to 30 minutes per job) Trimming trees, shrubs, cleaning out flower beds and so on you should charge extra. Charge by the cut and bill by the month has always worked best for me. Personally I stay away from Bi-weekly cuts because unless you charge twice the rate your losing money.
As far as what your going to charge you need to figure out your overhead or what it cost to run the company or business, Equipment cost , gas, oil parts etc for mowing equipment and your vehicle then add your time and labor and charge accordingly. I personally have Lawns with starting prices of $15 to $40 a cut depending on what is involved.
Ric
Hi everyone, I am new here and thought I would go to the experts with this question.
A friend of mine is starting a lawn maintenance business and will be doing both large properties and smaller yards. He will be eventually be purchasing a self propelled walk behind mower for trimming around bushes and tight areas. But for now wants to know what is the optimal size mower deck for zero turn radious for a lawn maintenance business. A large 60", or 54" or 48" if you could only buy one right now what would you suggest?
I use a 48" ZTR and 36" Stander combination. That way I can cover the larger lots using both mowers and smaller lots with the 36" and not have a gate problem as djdicetn already commented on. A self propelled walk behind is nice for the smaller places but a good trimmer around shrubs or bushes works best.
A couple more questions if you lawn experts don't mind.
My friend also would like to know, typically how do you price for just cutting grass? By the time it takes or by the size of the lot? What is the going rate for just cutting grass based on size or time? Do you charge a bit more per service for a lawn that is cut only once or twice a month rather then a lawn that is cut four times a month due to wear and tear on equipment and length of grass?
And do you typically have a set rate for add on's like trimming shrubs, weeding flower beds, and removing clippings, and leaves?
6
My friend is looking for what is typical among lawn care professionals.
Thank you
There are a number of things to take in to consideration when you do an estimate on a lawn. Size of the property, number of flower beds and trees to be edged, fence lines, driveways and sidewalks to be trimmed and so on. The typical lawn job consist of mowing, trimming, edging and blowing off everything, (time wise 20 to 30 minutes per job) Trimming trees, shrubs, cleaning out flower beds and so on you should charge extra. Charge by the cut and bill by the month has always worked best for me. Personally I stay away from Bi-weekly cuts because unless you charge twice the rate your losing money.
As far as what your going to charge you need to figure out your overhead or what it cost to run the company or business, Equipment cost , gas, oil parts etc for mowing equipment and your vehicle then add your time and labor and charge accordingly. I personally have Lawns with starting prices of $15 to $40 a cut depending on what is involved.
#7
Fish
Fish
Yeah, well climate/weather is always a concern, as well as the competition, and their wages/meaning immigrant labor, etc. Not popular to talk about, but more than relevant to this discussion and reality.... So you need to go there, even though it is not popular....
#8
Ric
I fail to see where the climate/weather, competition, and their wages and immigrant labor force are a concern. I don't have any control over any of that so why would I have a concern?
Ric
Yeah, well climate/weather is always a concern, as well as the competition, and their wages/meaning immigrant labor, etc. Not popular to talk about, but more than relevant to this discussion and reality.... So you need to go there, even though it is not popular....
I fail to see where the climate/weather, competition, and their wages and immigrant labor force are a concern. I don't have any control over any of that so why would I have a concern?
#9
LazerZLandscaping
If I were to buy right now, for a ZT, I would use between 48-60" deck. For a mower I would get an Exmark Lazer Z. I have four of them, (three in current use, one is a project). They are very dependable machines.
Hope your friend has good luck in the landscaping business. What kind of push mower is your friend interested in?
LazerZLandscaping
Hi everyone, I am new here and thought I would go to the experts with this question.
A friend of mine is starting a lawn maintenance business and will be doing both large properties and smaller yards. He will be eventually be purchasing a self propelled walk behind mower for trimming around bushes and tight areas. But for now wants to know what is the optimal size mower deck for zero turn radious for a lawn maintenance business. A large 60", or 54" or 48" if you could only buy one right now what would you suggest?
If I were to buy right now, for a ZT, I would use between 48-60" deck. For a mower I would get an Exmark Lazer Z. I have four of them, (three in current use, one is a project). They are very dependable machines.
Hope your friend has good luck in the landscaping business. What kind of push mower is your friend interested in?
#10
LazerZLandscaping
I charge cutting grass by acre. Some prices I can charge are as low as $15/acre, and I've done lawns as high as $105/acre, but my rate is $15/acre. By the size of lot and an additional $10/hour for if it takes longer than an hour. Your friend should set a price that is comfortable for him, and at the same time doing it not for too low and not for too high. Your friend should also make the decision for cutting grass based on size/time. Again, my going rate is done by acre. I don't charge more for service if the lawn is cut a couple times a month.
I don't remove the clippings, they are a natural fertilizer. I do have rates for trimming shrubs, weeding, and an additional $5/acre for leaf pickup in the fall.
LazerZLandscaping
A couple more questions if you lawn experts don't mind.
My friend also would like to know, typically how do you price for just cutting grass? By the time it takes or by the size of the lot? What is the going rate for just cutting grass based on size or time? Do you charge a bit more per service for a lawn that is cut only once or twice a month rather then a lawn that is cut four times a month due to wear and tear on equipment and length of grass?
And do you typically have a set rate for add on's like trimming shrubs, weeding flower beds, and removing clippings, and leaves?
My friend is looking for what is typical among lawn care professionals.
Thank you
I charge cutting grass by acre. Some prices I can charge are as low as $15/acre, and I've done lawns as high as $105/acre, but my rate is $15/acre. By the size of lot and an additional $10/hour for if it takes longer than an hour. Your friend should set a price that is comfortable for him, and at the same time doing it not for too low and not for too high. Your friend should also make the decision for cutting grass based on size/time. Again, my going rate is done by acre. I don't charge more for service if the lawn is cut a couple times a month.
I don't remove the clippings, they are a natural fertilizer. I do have rates for trimming shrubs, weeding, and an additional $5/acre for leaf pickup in the fall.
#11
exotion
Seems like your setting your self up for failure... 15 an hour is garbage. Burger flippers get paid more than that.. as for leaf clean up I don't even know how you manage that. I could imagine trying to do that.
I charge the max I feel the customer will pay. Generally $25+ a lawn for 1/2 acre lots... That lot includes the house.
Leaf clean up is bid by job I wait for the leaves to fall I take them to the dump I charge between $100-$300 a lawn
exotion
I charge cutting grass by acre. Some prices I can charge are as low as $15/acre, and I've done lawns as high as $105/acre, but my rate is $15/acre. By the size of lot and an additional $10/hour for if it takes longer than an hour. Your friend should set a price that is comfortable for him, and at the same time doing it not for too low and not for too high. Your friend should also make the decision for cutting grass based on size/time. Again, my going rate is done by acre. I don't charge more for service if the lawn is cut a couple times a month.
I don't remove the clippings, they are a natural fertilizer. I do have rates for trimming shrubs, weeding, and an additional $5/acre for leaf pickup in the fall.
Seems like your setting your self up for failure... 15 an hour is garbage. Burger flippers get paid more than that.. as for leaf clean up I don't even know how you manage that. I could imagine trying to do that.
I charge the max I feel the customer will pay. Generally $25+ a lawn for 1/2 acre lots... That lot includes the house.
Leaf clean up is bid by job I wait for the leaves to fall I take them to the dump I charge between $100-$300 a lawn
#12
Ric
I agree, I think you have to look for somewhere between $50 and $70 an hour to make a comfortable living out of it. If you can't make that you may as well stay at home.
Ric
Seems like your setting your self up for failure... 15 an hour is garbage. Burger flippers get paid more than that.. as for leaf clean up I don't even know how you manage that. I could imagine trying to do that.
I charge the max I feel the customer will pay. Generally $25+ a lawn for 1/2 acre lots... That lot includes the house.
Leaf clean up is bid by job I wait for the leaves to fall I take them to the dump I charge between $100-$300 a lawn
I agree, I think you have to look for somewhere between $50 and $70 an hour to make a comfortable living out of it. If you can't make that you may as well stay at home.
#13
DJlawnboy
DJlawnboy
I pay some kid $20 to do one of my rentals. Wish I had lazer around.
#14
Carscw
Carscw
I have never done a pay the same every month for a year.
Till the other day.
Lady called me she is 69 her husband is 79. The guy they had is just doing a bad job. They only want to pay by the month.
I charged them $50 per month.
I will make no money at all.
Probably will cost me money.
Till the other day.
Lady called me she is 69 her husband is 79. The guy they had is just doing a bad job. They only want to pay by the month.
I charged them $50 per month.
I will make no money at all.
Probably will cost me money.
#15
LazerZLandscaping
Well that's just for lawn mowing. Most of my clients take at least an hour or more to do. So still for most lawns I do I get paid $25 or more depending on how many acres. And then sometimes I have more stuff to do, (weed wack, blowing, etc.) I just don't mow lawns, I have plant care contracts, My business also specializes in home improvement and renovation, you make some real good money off that, I cut hardwood trees on my land and sell for cordwood, brush mowing & hogging, demolition, site work, chipping, painting, concrete, new lawns, sodding, etc, I do endless types of things in my combined home improvement and landscaping business. I make real good money, better than most here in NH. My employees get good wages too. I make even more in winter with snowblowing, sanding, plowing, I even take care of private roads that some towns or cities may not cover.
So then again, don't judge a book by it's cover. I don't work for minimum wage. If I did I wouldn't have a big business and all the employees I have today. My mowing may seem cheap, but I do better than most overpriced companies, So I have lots of clients and I am referred a lot so I get even more clients.
LazerZLandscaping
Seems like your setting your self up for failure... 15 an hour is garbage. Burger flippers get paid more than that.. as for leaf clean up I don't even know how you manage that. I could imagine trying to do that.
I charge the max I feel the customer will pay. Generally $25+ a lawn for 1/2 acre lots... That lot includes the house.
Leaf clean up is bid by job I wait for the leaves to fall I take them to the dump I charge between $100-$300 a lawn
Well that's just for lawn mowing. Most of my clients take at least an hour or more to do. So still for most lawns I do I get paid $25 or more depending on how many acres. And then sometimes I have more stuff to do, (weed wack, blowing, etc.) I just don't mow lawns, I have plant care contracts, My business also specializes in home improvement and renovation, you make some real good money off that, I cut hardwood trees on my land and sell for cordwood, brush mowing & hogging, demolition, site work, chipping, painting, concrete, new lawns, sodding, etc, I do endless types of things in my combined home improvement and landscaping business. I make real good money, better than most here in NH. My employees get good wages too. I make even more in winter with snowblowing, sanding, plowing, I even take care of private roads that some towns or cities may not cover.
So then again, don't judge a book by it's cover. I don't work for minimum wage. If I did I wouldn't have a big business and all the employees I have today. My mowing may seem cheap, but I do better than most overpriced companies, So I have lots of clients and I am referred a lot so I get even more clients.
#16
DJlawnboy
That's what I figured. I knew that you couldn't just be mowing. Yes, at your rates people would flock to you. Once a company quoted me 200 for my 2 acres when I was on vacation....I let the grass grow lol. Sounds like you got quite the set up. I could see serious cash from NH winters and snowblowing.
DJlawnboy
Well that's just for lawn mowing. Most of my clients take at least an hour or more to do. So still for most lawns I do I get paid $25 or more depending on how many acres. And then sometimes I have more stuff to do, (weed wack, blowing, etc.) I just don't mow lawns, I have plant care contracts, My business also specializes in home improvement and renovation, you make some real good money off that, I cut hardwood trees on my land and sell for cordwood, brush mowing & hogging, demolition, site work, chipping, painting, concrete, new lawns, sodding, etc, I do endless types of things in my combined home improvement and landscaping business. I make real good money, better than most here in NH. My employees get good wages too. I make even more in winter with snowblowing, sanding, plowing, I even take care of private roads that some towns or cities may not cover. So then again, don't judge a book by it's cover. I don't work for minimum wage. If I did I wouldn't have a big business and all the employees I have today. My mowing may seem cheap, but I do better than most overpriced companies, So I have lots of clients and I am referred a lot so I get even more clients.
That's what I figured. I knew that you couldn't just be mowing. Yes, at your rates people would flock to you. Once a company quoted me 200 for my 2 acres when I was on vacation....I let the grass grow lol. Sounds like you got quite the set up. I could see serious cash from NH winters and snowblowing.
#17
LazerZLandscaping
Yes I have lots of clients and I have a pad of paper with jobs that I haven't even started on and jobs to finish. I take quality in my work and that's why my clients always call back. I get referred and see some of my business cards hanging up at town halls and local businesses. $200 for two acres?! That's $100/acre, seems overpriced. Yeah, it's quite the set up, took years and years to become the company that it is today. And there is serious cash in the winter, the winters up here are brutal.
LazerZLandscaping
That's what I figured. I knew that you couldn't just be mowing. Yes, at your rates people would flock to you. Once a company quoted me 200 for my 2 acres when I was on vacation....I let the grass grow lol. Sounds like you got quite the set up. I could see serious cash from NH winters and snowblowing.
Yes I have lots of clients and I have a pad of paper with jobs that I haven't even started on and jobs to finish. I take quality in my work and that's why my clients always call back. I get referred and see some of my business cards hanging up at town halls and local businesses. $200 for two acres?! That's $100/acre, seems overpriced. Yeah, it's quite the set up, took years and years to become the company that it is today. And there is serious cash in the winter, the winters up here are brutal.
#18
jekjr
jekjr
The area you live in plays a large part ad well. Down here people who cut weekly is almost nill. A handful and I mean small handful cut weekly or on a 10 day rotation.
We charge $35 to $45 for an average lot of 1/2 acre to 3/4 acre. An acre lot normally close to $50.
Once we hit multiple acres we shoot for $30 to $35 per acre. After about 5 acres we will cut it for $25 per and we try not to go less than that regardless. That cheap is with almost no weed eating.
We have cut as much as 40 acre tracts. Would cut larger.
We charge $35 to $45 for an average lot of 1/2 acre to 3/4 acre. An acre lot normally close to $50.
Once we hit multiple acres we shoot for $30 to $35 per acre. After about 5 acres we will cut it for $25 per and we try not to go less than that regardless. That cheap is with almost no weed eating.
We have cut as much as 40 acre tracts. Would cut larger.