Which one would you get?

[Outdooz]

I am sixteen and I am starting a lawn care businnes with my friend. We already have about 20 houses lined up for next year, so I am ready to buy my equipment. I am not going to buy a new lawn mower, so I have been looking at craigslist and have found some good deals but cant make up my mind. So out of these two, which on would you get?

John deere la100. (2007)
42inch. 5 geared transmission

John deere lx 178 (1998)
38inch. Hydrostatic transmission
Comes with a bagger and mulching kit.

 

[Two-Stroke]

Hey, Outdooz -- welcome to the forum.

I don't know about those two riders but I can recommend finding a two-stroke push mower (preferably a commercial-grade model) for places that a rider can't reach -- or smaller lawns. Lawn-Boy is the most common brand and they don't make the two-strokes any more so you have to find a used one.

Also, for things like trimmers and edgers, Stihl equipment is probably the best -- and they're built to last so buying used should be OK.

It's good that you have plenty of time to shop for the best deal since you don't need the mower right away.

Good luck with your business. I was doing the same thing at your age so this thread brings back memories. :thumbsup:

 

[Ric]

Depending on your budget and considering you're buying off of craiglist I wouldn't bother with either of those mowers because both will be to time consuming to use in a lawn care business and in business time is money.

You'll be better off with some type of Zero Turn Mower, something in the 44 to 48inch size with a Kohler or Kawasaki motor. You'll be able to cut your mowing time in half and you'll get a far better cut IMO.

As far as hand held equipment goes Stihl or Echo is the way to go for dependability and you can also find some good deals on those on craigslist.

If your looking for a self propelled mower, which you will need the Honda would be IMO the one you want just make sure you buy the 190cc motor because the GCV 160cc sometimes doesn't or is unable to do the job necessary. They also have some self propelled with the Kohler motors that will do a good job. Good luck with your Business

 

[Outdooz]

Thanks for the tips, but my budget for a mower is 600. I cant find any zero turns or walk behinds that are under 1000. I already have a edger weadeater leafblower trimer.

 

[LandN]

I am sixteen and I am starting a lawn care businnes with my friend. We already have about 20 houses lined up for next year, so I am ready to buy my equipment. I am not going to buy a new lawn mower, so I have been looking at craigslist and have found some good deals but cant make up my mind. So out of these two, which on would you get?

John deere la100. (2007)
42inch. 5 geared transmission

John deere lx 178 (1998)
38inch. Hydrostatic transmission
Comes with a bagger and mulching kit.

don't forget to look at other things like a truck and or trailer to haul the goods around.you probably still have time on your side to hunt for mowers for next years mowing season.make sure you and your working partner are going to split up the costs on everything unless he is an employee.if you have 20 clients ready to go(are they contract) for next year, keep in touch with them somewhat regularly. maybe even a christmas cards or something.so when the mowing time comes around there won't be much if any problems.are the yards all big enough to put a 40" plus machine on. ric is right though ztr's are faster. can you guys do basic maintenance. good luck

 

[RobertBrown]

get this one
John deere la100. (2007)
42inch. 5 geared transmission
Good luck in your endeavor....get an education

 

[Outdooz]

Yes we have 2 trucks and 2 trailers.

 

[Ric]

Thanks for the tips, but my budget for a mower is 600. I cant find any zero turns or walk behinds that are under 1000. I already have a edger weadeater leafblower trimer.

Well if that's the budget :smile: Hey I started the same way you are so what you're doing can be done, it's just a lot more work. I would suggest that you pick up another rider if and as soon possible because if the mower you goes down and you have to put the thing in the shop it could be there for a while and the down time can cost you money to say nothing about costing you clients so a back up mower of some type is a good thing to have along with the hand held equipment.
Other than that if you have the hand held equipment it sounds like you have a good start.:thumbsup:

 

[Carscw]

Ric is right always have a back up something cheap just to get you by. You never want to make that call and say I can't do your yard my mower is in the shop. I started out just like you are doing. You can make good $ but it won't happen over night. You have to love cutting grass to do this. Quality makes more money than quantity in the long run cutting fast is not always the best way

 

[Carscw]

And you dont need a JD To much money for to little mower