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ZTR or Tractor?
#1
O
OldSalt
O
OldSalt
Sorry, but this one is going to be a bit long winded
Since I got in to the lawn care / maintenance business a few months ago I've found I don't know as much as I thought I did regarding what equipment is needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently. I currently haul around a 30" Timemaster (which I'm still paying for) and a 22" Craftsman mower in a 4' x 6' trailer I just bought last week. I have found that this setup is doing OK for me for the moment, but isn't what I really need to become more proficient and somewhat profitable.
Had one of my customers ask me if I was interested in cutting his Synagog's lawn (he's the senior Rabbi) - which I am definitely interested in. However, he questioned me if the lawn mower equipment I listed above was all I had and if it was capable to handling the job? (I currently mow a 1/2 acre and 1 acre lot for two other customers). All of this got me thinking that I need to start seriously investigating a ZTR mower or a Tractor.
Well, I started looking and after the initial sticker shock I realized that this business is not cheap to operate if you want to make a REAL go of it. So, now I'm at a decision point - do I go out and sink a boat load of money into a ZTR or Tractor. OR, do I just pack up my things and go back to a desk job? I really hate being strapped to a desk, love working in the outdoors, but at my age (50) I find my tolerance for this Florida heat is really getting to me at times. However, other than a line of credit I have with TORO I have no money available to buy anything at the moment without racking up more debt.
I know there's money to be made, but the lack of cash to get better equipment is really holding me back. (I'm barely making enough to make end meet when you include my Military Penision and VA disability checks each month).
So, here's my main question "What do I really need in regards to a ZTR or a Tractor at this time?" 95% of my business is residential currently and I have what I need to take care of them. However, I don't go after bigger accounts and commercial accounts due to that same equipment.
Any suggestions? I may decide to fold up soon depending on what type(s) of advice I get on this. Now what I really want to do, but may have to in order to make ends meet.
Thans in advance - Bill
Since I got in to the lawn care / maintenance business a few months ago I've found I don't know as much as I thought I did regarding what equipment is needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently. I currently haul around a 30" Timemaster (which I'm still paying for) and a 22" Craftsman mower in a 4' x 6' trailer I just bought last week. I have found that this setup is doing OK for me for the moment, but isn't what I really need to become more proficient and somewhat profitable.
Had one of my customers ask me if I was interested in cutting his Synagog's lawn (he's the senior Rabbi) - which I am definitely interested in. However, he questioned me if the lawn mower equipment I listed above was all I had and if it was capable to handling the job? (I currently mow a 1/2 acre and 1 acre lot for two other customers). All of this got me thinking that I need to start seriously investigating a ZTR mower or a Tractor.
Well, I started looking and after the initial sticker shock I realized that this business is not cheap to operate if you want to make a REAL go of it. So, now I'm at a decision point - do I go out and sink a boat load of money into a ZTR or Tractor. OR, do I just pack up my things and go back to a desk job? I really hate being strapped to a desk, love working in the outdoors, but at my age (50) I find my tolerance for this Florida heat is really getting to me at times. However, other than a line of credit I have with TORO I have no money available to buy anything at the moment without racking up more debt.
I know there's money to be made, but the lack of cash to get better equipment is really holding me back. (I'm barely making enough to make end meet when you include my Military Penision and VA disability checks each month).
So, here's my main question "What do I really need in regards to a ZTR or a Tractor at this time?" 95% of my business is residential currently and I have what I need to take care of them. However, I don't go after bigger accounts and commercial accounts due to that same equipment.
Any suggestions? I may decide to fold up soon depending on what type(s) of advice I get on this. Now what I really want to do, but may have to in order to make ends meet.
Thans in advance - Bill
#2
Ric
Ric
The questions you're asking can really only be answered by you. Your post sounds like a mirror Image of myself. I started when I was 50 years old and I soon leaned that if you want to be in this business you have to compete and to do that you have to have the equipment. The real question for you is do you want to make any real money because in this business time is money and if you can't get a minimum of $50 to $60 and hour you may as well stay home because you'll never cover your overhead if you buy the equipment you need.
I could give you a list of stuff to buy or what I think you need to carry on your trailer but it would be the same as my signature and I never leave the house with anything less. I have back up equipment for everything because I can't afford down time, that can cost you the money you would be making if your on the job as well as clients. Everyone has a different outlook on what's needed. It all comes down to how big you want your business to be, do want to handle 10 clients or 100 clients.
I could give you a list of stuff to buy or what I think you need to carry on your trailer but it would be the same as my signature and I never leave the house with anything less. I have back up equipment for everything because I can't afford down time, that can cost you the money you would be making if your on the job as well as clients. Everyone has a different outlook on what's needed. It all comes down to how big you want your business to be, do want to handle 10 clients or 100 clients.
#3
O
OldSalt
Thanks for the info. It's not that I want to throw in the towel by any means. I've already invested a good bit of cash on my own so far and I am not one to easily give up. It's just that I need more and better equipment to get the types of jobs I need to be more successful at this. Is there a ZTR that is good to start out with? I can cut just about anything with my 30" Toro Timemaster push mower, but just can't cut as fast as I could with a riding mower. Like I said in my original post I've got a line of credit with TORO and can afford to get a ZTR from them - just looking for an idea of WHAT to get. The inside dimensions of my trailer are 48 3/4" wide x 6' long, so whatever I would get has to be able to fit.
Thanks - Bill
O
OldSalt
The questions you're asking can really only be answered by you. Your post sounds like a mirror Image of myself. I started when I was 50 years old and I soon leaned that if you want to be in this business you have to compete and to do that you have to have the equipment. The real question for you is do you want to make any real money because in this business time is money and if you can't get a minimum of $50 to $60 and hour you may as well stay home because you'll never cover your overhead if you buy the equipment you need.
I could give you a list of stuff to buy or what I think you need to carry on your trailer but it would be the same as my signature and I never leave the house with anything less. I have back up equipment for everything because I can't afford down time, that can cost you the money you would be making if your on the job as well as clients. Everyone has a different outlook on what's needed. It all comes down to how big you want your business to be, do want to handle 10 clients or 100 clients.
Thanks for the info. It's not that I want to throw in the towel by any means. I've already invested a good bit of cash on my own so far and I am not one to easily give up. It's just that I need more and better equipment to get the types of jobs I need to be more successful at this. Is there a ZTR that is good to start out with? I can cut just about anything with my 30" Toro Timemaster push mower, but just can't cut as fast as I could with a riding mower. Like I said in my original post I've got a line of credit with TORO and can afford to get a ZTR from them - just looking for an idea of WHAT to get. The inside dimensions of my trailer are 48 3/4" wide x 6' long, so whatever I would get has to be able to fit.
Thanks - Bill
#4
Ric
Well depending on how much or how big I was going to go with the business, I'd go with something commercial but if your confining yourself to the 4x6 trailer your choices for mowers are going to be limited to the residential ztr because the toro commercial Z Master series ztr's start at 48" for $6995. Now this may sound a little bias and it's just a suggestion but I'd go with the Toro Grandstand 36", you would have a zt and a walk behind in one mower and you wouldn't have to upgrade to a larger trailer. You could mow anything your mowing now in half the time and you'd have a commercial mower that would last for years and they have a 5 year or 1200 hour warranty. You can probably buy the Grandstand for 42 months @ 0% interest. I've used mine for the last couple of years and I've been mowing 70 plus lawns a week.
Ric
Thanks for the info. It's not that I want to throw in the towel by any means. I've already invested a good bit of cash on my own so far and I am not one to easily give up. It's just that I need more and better equipment to get the types of jobs I need to be more successful at this. Is there a ZTR that is good to start out with? I can cut just about anything with my 30" Toro Timemaster push mower, but just can't cut as fast as I could with a riding mower. Like I said in my original post I've got a line of credit with TORO and can afford to get a ZTR from them - just looking for an idea of WHAT to get. The inside dimensions of my trailer are 48 3/4" wide x 6' long, so whatever I would get has to be able to fit.
Thanks - Bill
Well depending on how much or how big I was going to go with the business, I'd go with something commercial but if your confining yourself to the 4x6 trailer your choices for mowers are going to be limited to the residential ztr because the toro commercial Z Master series ztr's start at 48" for $6995. Now this may sound a little bias and it's just a suggestion but I'd go with the Toro Grandstand 36", you would have a zt and a walk behind in one mower and you wouldn't have to upgrade to a larger trailer. You could mow anything your mowing now in half the time and you'd have a commercial mower that would last for years and they have a 5 year or 1200 hour warranty. You can probably buy the Grandstand for 42 months @ 0% interest. I've used mine for the last couple of years and I've been mowing 70 plus lawns a week.
#5
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
there are several different commercial brands and who knows how many variations. all I can give is my experience I ran Dixie choppers for several years and thought they were the greatest thing ever. then my dealer started selling Scag he begged me more or less to demo one. I finally cracked and demoed one. I started replacing my Dixie choppers a little over a week ago and own 2 scags. bottom line is you need to get away from the tractor if you want to compete walk behinds or standers are a great option I run 2 walk behinds along with the ztr's. a crew of 3 with my company averages $225 an hour and 6-7 residential properties, mow, trim, edge, and blow. I understand ztr's are pricey but making money and being competitive cost money. good luck
#6
L
LoCo86
I take it you're really liking your Scag. If you don't mind me asking, what are the differences that's setting it apart from your Dixie Choppers? My friend had a Scag that he let me try out and I just couldn't make the swap from my Exmark mowers.
L
LoCo86
there are several different commercial brands and who knows how many variations. all I can give is my experience I ran Dixie choppers for several years and thought they were the greatest thing ever. then my dealer started selling Scag he begged me more or less to demo one. I finally cracked and demoed one. I started replacing my Dixie choppers a little over a week ago and own 2 scags. bottom line is you need to get away from the tractor if you want to compete walk behinds or standers are a great option I run 2 walk behinds along with the ztr's. a crew of 3 with my company averages $225 an hour and 6-7 residential properties, mow, trim, edge, and blow. I understand ztr's are pricey but making money and being competitive cost money. good luck
I take it you're really liking your Scag. If you don't mind me asking, what are the differences that's setting it apart from your Dixie Choppers? My friend had a Scag that he let me try out and I just couldn't make the swap from my Exmark mowers.
#7
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
I liked the lower center of gravity, several engineering differences, couple examples of that operator controls on the Dixie's move 4 pieces of linkage the Scag moves one giving it a smoother feel, and less to break or adjust. the mowing deck automatically locks when pushed up. the comfort,cut quality, and production of the Scag was good. we demoed the exmark z and sorry but that thing was just horrible in the comfort area it did cut nice though.
#8
Ric
If you like the lower center of gravity and your talking about the standers why not go with the Toro Grandstand, it has a lower center of gravity than the Scag?
Ric
I liked the lower center of gravity, several engineering differences, couple examples of that operator controls on the Dixie's move 4 pieces of linkage the Scag moves one giving it a smoother feel, and less to break or adjust. the mowing deck automatically locks when pushed up. the comfort,cut quality, and production of the Scag was good. we demoed the exmark z and sorry but that thing was just horrible in the comfort area it did cut nice though.
If you like the lower center of gravity and your talking about the standers why not go with the Toro Grandstand, it has a lower center of gravity than the Scag?
#9
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
I didn't buy standers I seriously considered them but went with the tiger cub, price and quality. I don't want you to get mad at me Ric but I don't think toro makes that great of a rotary type commercial mower. in fact the dealer I bought my new scags from is dropping toro from his dealership he can't sell them
#10
Ric
Well I'd have to disagree with that, IMO Toro makes one of the best commercial mowers on the market today and they have a great percentage of the commercial market here along with Exmark which they own and make. I've run Gravely's, Dixie Chopper, John Deere, Scag, and Toro and the Toro cut quality is the best out of all I've run. Scags are something I rarely see out commercially, there are a few but not many and personally from what I've seen I don't care for there cut quality at all them and John Deere. I think the Scag and John Deere are both highly over rated. To each his own, that's why they make so many different brands.:smile:
Ric
I didn't buy standers I seriously considered them but went with the tiger cub, price and quality. I don't want you to get mad at me Ric but I don't think toro makes that great of a rotary type commercial mower. in fact the dealer I bought my new scags from is dropping toro from his dealership he can't sell them
Well I'd have to disagree with that, IMO Toro makes one of the best commercial mowers on the market today and they have a great percentage of the commercial market here along with Exmark which they own and make. I've run Gravely's, Dixie Chopper, John Deere, Scag, and Toro and the Toro cut quality is the best out of all I've run. Scags are something I rarely see out commercially, there are a few but not many and personally from what I've seen I don't care for there cut quality at all them and John Deere. I think the Scag and John Deere are both highly over rated. To each his own, that's why they make so many different brands.:smile:
#11
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
I knew that'd get you fired up Ric 
anyway like I was saying there's a lot of brands a variations out there try some different stuff out find out what works for your business plan. a lawn tractor is not very time efficient and time is money brother.
anyway like I was saying there's a lot of brands a variations out there try some different stuff out find out what works for your business plan. a lawn tractor is not very time efficient and time is money brother.
#12
exotion
exotion
The toro 21" proline is the top of the line commercial mower.... Better than any other on the market
#13
LazerZLandscaping
What is your budget right now?
LazerZLandscaping
Sorry, but this one is going to be a bit long winded
Since I got in to the lawn care / maintenance business a few months ago I've found I don't know as much as I thought I did regarding what equipment is needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently. I currently haul around a 30" Timemaster (which I'm still paying for) and a 22" Craftsman mower in a 4' x 6' trailer I just bought last week. I have found that this setup is doing OK for me for the moment, but isn't what I really need to become more proficient and somewhat profitable.
Had one of my customers ask me if I was interested in cutting his Synagog's lawn (he's the senior Rabbi) - which I am definitely interested in. However, he questioned me if the lawn mower equipment I listed above was all I had and if it was capable to handling the job? (I currently mow a 1/2 acre and 1 acre lot for two other customers). All of this got me thinking that I need to start seriously investigating a ZTR mower or a Tractor.
Well, I started looking and after the initial sticker shock I realized that this business is not cheap to operate if you want to make a REAL go of it. So, now I'm at a decision point - do I go out and sink a boat load of money into a ZTR or Tractor. OR, do I just pack up my things and go back to a desk job? I really hate being strapped to a desk, love working in the outdoors, but at my age (50) I find my tolerance for this Florida heat is really getting to me at times. However, other than a line of credit I have with TORO I have no money available to buy anything at the moment without racking up more debt.
I know there's money to be made, but the lack of cash to get better equipment is really holding me back. (I'm barely making enough to make end meet when you include my Military Penision and VA disability checks each month).
So, here's my main question "What do I really need in regards to a ZTR or a Tractor at this time?" 95% of my business is residential currently and I have what I need to take care of them. However, I don't go after bigger accounts and commercial accounts due to that same equipment.
Any suggestions? I may decide to fold up soon depending on what type(s) of advice I get on this. Now what I really want to do, but may have to in order to make ends meet.
Thans in advance - Bill
What is your budget right now?
#14
LazerZLandscaping
I looked it up on the net, looks to be older, are they still being manufactured? Are these a common used machine at power equipment shops and Craigslist?
LazerZLandscaping
The toro 21" proline is the top of the line commercial mower.... Better than any other on the market
I looked it up on the net, looks to be older, are they still being manufactured? Are these a common used machine at power equipment shops and Craigslist?
#15
exotion
exotion
No.... They are not. It has 3piece metal wheels with semi neumatic wheels. Super thick aluminum alloy deck. 3 speed HD gear box. Blade brake (best I've ever used easiest to work on) kawi 179cc engine with oil filter and large air filter, brush guard, greasable control arms and gear box. And so much more. For $1600 it really is the best..... They have used the same design for like 40 years improving features over the years.
Last year they changed the deck design haven't gotten a chance to use it but looks nice
Last year they changed the deck design haven't gotten a chance to use it but looks nice
#16
Carscw
Carscw
Snapper still the best push mower.
Snapper Commercial CP215520HV honda engine
Snapper Commercial CP215520HV honda engine
#17
Ric
The Mini Me Mower :laughing:
Ric
The toro 21" proline is the top of the line commercial mower.... Better than any other on the market
The Mini Me Mower :laughing:
#18
exotion
Excatly what makes me nervous about the turfmaster lol
exotion
The Mini Me Mower :laughing:
Excatly what makes me nervous about the turfmaster lol
#19
O
OldSalt
$4k
Only been at this about 3 months so money's not exactly overflowing on the intake.
O
OldSalt
What is your budget right now?
$4k
Only been at this about 3 months so money's not exactly overflowing on the intake.
#20
TaskForceLawnCare
OldSalt I think you can make it work with your budget. just comb the classifieds and keep bugging your local dealer, for nice trades ins. as far as the color of the paint you'll never know who makes the ztr its the old Chevy vs Ford argument, does it really matter buy what works best for you and your wallet can handle.
TaskForceLawnCare
$4k
Only been at this about 3 months so money's not exactly overflowing on the intake.
OldSalt I think you can make it work with your budget. just comb the classifieds and keep bugging your local dealer, for nice trades ins. as far as the color of the paint you'll never know who makes the ztr its the old Chevy vs Ford argument, does it really matter buy what works best for you and your wallet can handle.
#21
Skydragon750
Skydragon750
Just got my 42" zero turn and it's a gravely. Never ever going back to a tractor. Second season in and got it 0% interest for 48 months. This commercial is a beast. Best investment so far for the business.
#22
Vanousb
Task is right. Your budget will get you a quality zt for the size your business seems to be right now. Dealer trade ins and craigslist if you are machanically confident, etc can got you bigger bang for buck. All big brands mentioned are going offer a version of quality mower and have their own selling points. Suggest you sit on and drive a few even if you dont buy new to get a feel for what feels right for you, then look for used to match. There are a few high end residentials with commercial features that could handle the job as you described. Not sure of your local, but saw a guy on here who lives in clarksville on tn/ky has an exmark he is selling before deployment overseas just to give you an idea.
Vanousb
OldSalt I think you can make it work with your budget. just comb the classifieds and keep bugging your local dealer, for nice trades ins. as far as the color of the paint you'll never know who makes the ztr its the old Chevy vs Ford argument, does it really matter buy what works best for you and your wallet can handle.
Task is right. Your budget will get you a quality zt for the size your business seems to be right now. Dealer trade ins and craigslist if you are machanically confident, etc can got you bigger bang for buck. All big brands mentioned are going offer a version of quality mower and have their own selling points. Suggest you sit on and drive a few even if you dont buy new to get a feel for what feels right for you, then look for used to match. There are a few high end residentials with commercial features that could handle the job as you described. Not sure of your local, but saw a guy on here who lives in clarksville on tn/ky has an exmark he is selling before deployment overseas just to give you an idea.
#23
Ric
I think at $4k you'll be fighting an up hill battle. Yes there are some Residential units available for that price but there not going to be much in the way of longevity or cut quality and as far as trying to find a good or nice trade in goes at the dealer I have yet to find a dealer who would even consider a trade in, they always say you'd be stupid to trade when you can sell the thing on craigslist for more money than I can give you on a trade which 90% of the time is true.
The thing about buying off Craigslist you have to remember is those mowers that are there are there for a reason and that reason is there worn out and have a ton of hours and if there not worn out you can probably go to the dealer and buy the same mower for the same price there.
Your best bet if you want a ZTR is to do the same thing as I just did and that's to forget budget and go to a dealer and buy the ztr you want, preferably a commercial unit that will last you a good number of years and handle any expansion of your business and go through GE or Sheffield and get your financing 42 or 48 months @ 0 interest. I just did that same thing and my payments on Toro My Z-Master run a minimum of $142.00 a month, and you can make any payment you want above that and pay it off as quick as you want. You get service and warranty along with it
Ric
$4k
Only been at this about 3 months so money's not exactly overflowing on the intake.
OldSalt I think you can make it work with your budget. just comb the classifieds and keep bugging your local dealer, for nice trades ins. as far as the color of the paint you'll never know who makes the ztr its the old Chevy vs Ford argument, does it really matter buy what works best for you and your wallet can handle.
I think at $4k you'll be fighting an up hill battle. Yes there are some Residential units available for that price but there not going to be much in the way of longevity or cut quality and as far as trying to find a good or nice trade in goes at the dealer I have yet to find a dealer who would even consider a trade in, they always say you'd be stupid to trade when you can sell the thing on craigslist for more money than I can give you on a trade which 90% of the time is true.
The thing about buying off Craigslist you have to remember is those mowers that are there are there for a reason and that reason is there worn out and have a ton of hours and if there not worn out you can probably go to the dealer and buy the same mower for the same price there.
Your best bet if you want a ZTR is to do the same thing as I just did and that's to forget budget and go to a dealer and buy the ztr you want, preferably a commercial unit that will last you a good number of years and handle any expansion of your business and go through GE or Sheffield and get your financing 42 or 48 months @ 0 interest. I just did that same thing and my payments on Toro My Z-Master run a minimum of $142.00 a month, and you can make any payment you want above that and pay it off as quick as you want. You get service and warranty along with it
#24
O
OldSalt
O
OldSalt
A lot to think about here...
I think I'll swing by one of the local dealers here tomorrow or Saturday and take a look at things.
Thanks for all the advice so far.
I think I'll swing by one of the local dealers here tomorrow or Saturday and take a look at things.
Thanks for all the advice so far.
#25
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
do whatever you want man, but I have yet to finance a mower. if you finance your already in the hole for whatever your payment is every month. I prefer to budget for new big equipment purchases every 3 years max 4 years. that's the typical warranty span, if your buying new. having said that I started my business with a used Dixie chopper I paid $4,500 for several years ago and my dad still mows his 3 acre yard with it and my grandmas 2 acre yard with it. the only things that have been done to it are normal maintenance items, belts, blades, oil, ect.. don't rush into it man do some homework figure out what it is thats best for the size you want to be next year. your truck, trailer and mower are the enablers to you building your lawn care enterprise.
#26
Ric
He can do what ever he wants it's up to him. It was just a suggestion and not ever having to finance a mower may be nice however, for some it may not be an option and with a good down payment his payments can be minimized and with 0% for 42 or 48 months with a $500 off the price tag from Toro it's basically the same as paying cash. The thing is that if financing a mower can can gain or increase your client list and increase your productivity, give you service and warranty it becomes a win win to me. I don't look at financing a mower as starting out in the hole, I look at at it as security for the business.
Ric
do whatever you want man, but I have yet to finance a mower. if you finance your already in the hole for whatever your payment is every month. I prefer to budget for new big equipment purchases every 3 years max 4 years. that's the typical warranty span, if your buying new. having said that I started my business with a used Dixie chopper I paid $4,500 for several years ago and my dad still mows his 3 acre yard with it and my grandmas 2 acre yard with it. the only things that have been done to it are normal maintenance items, belts, blades, oil, etc.. don't rush into it man do some homework figure out what it is that's best for the size you want to be next year. your truck, trailer and mower are the enablers to you building your lawn care enterprise.
He can do what ever he wants it's up to him. It was just a suggestion and not ever having to finance a mower may be nice however, for some it may not be an option and with a good down payment his payments can be minimized and with 0% for 42 or 48 months with a $500 off the price tag from Toro it's basically the same as paying cash. The thing is that if financing a mower can can gain or increase your client list and increase your productivity, give you service and warranty it becomes a win win to me. I don't look at financing a mower as starting out in the hole, I look at at it as security for the business.
#27
O
OldSalt
I dislike having to finance anything, and only wish I had all the money I need to get a bigger mower, but I may not have a choice but to finance something.
My current mower, a TimeMaster, is on an 18-month 0% interest plan with GE/Toro. What I have available to me at this time is $4k on a line of credit - so in the end if I get something right now I'm still having to finance the d@m# thing anyway. Which, again, is not my preferred payment method but is my only option at this time to get anything.
I'm not going to jump into anything. That was part of the reason I asked my initial question on this thread. All of you have a ton more experience on the Commercial side than I do. And, I do appreciated all the information. I have some decisions to make and, again, will not rush in to anything. There are several commercial mower dealers in my area here in North Florida that I plan to visit over the weekend to get a better idea of what inventory is available to me. In the end I need to get something bigger than what I currently have or I'm not going to make it on the business side. I like doing this type of work, but the bills still need being paid and my military retirement and VA disability check aren't enough to carry me.
O
OldSalt
He can do what ever he wants it's up to him. It was just a suggestion and not ever having to finance a mower may be nice, however for some it may not be an option and with a good down payment his payments can be minimized and with 0% for 42 or 48 months with a $500 off the price tag from Toro it's basically the same as paying cash. The thing is that if financing a mower can can gain or increase your client list and increase your productivity, give you service and warraty I don't look at it as starting out in the hole, I look at at it as security for the business.
I dislike having to finance anything, and only wish I had all the money I need to get a bigger mower, but I may not have a choice but to finance something.
My current mower, a TimeMaster, is on an 18-month 0% interest plan with GE/Toro. What I have available to me at this time is $4k on a line of credit - so in the end if I get something right now I'm still having to finance the d@m# thing anyway. Which, again, is not my preferred payment method but is my only option at this time to get anything.
I'm not going to jump into anything. That was part of the reason I asked my initial question on this thread. All of you have a ton more experience on the Commercial side than I do. And, I do appreciated all the information. I have some decisions to make and, again, will not rush in to anything. There are several commercial mower dealers in my area here in North Florida that I plan to visit over the weekend to get a better idea of what inventory is available to me. In the end I need to get something bigger than what I currently have or I'm not going to make it on the business side. I like doing this type of work, but the bills still need being paid and my military retirement and VA disability check aren't enough to carry me.
#28
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
thanks for your service brother, I'm an OIF and New Dawn veteran. if you haven't done it already get VA registered you can do that through their web site. federal states that any government agency use tax dollars for contracting has to use at least 10% veteran business's.
#29
Ric
Yeah Nobody likes to finance anything but sometimes it can end up the only option. Check that credit line if your using that Toro Card. Even though you have the Time master @ 0% interest anything you add to that card may not be 0%. I got the Toro Card with my Z-Master but anything I add to it has to be paid off in full or I have to pay the Interest for anything I charge and I think it's like 23.99% if it's not paid off on the next payment. It doesn't effect the Z-Master interest rate just anything I add so needless to say I didn't activate the card.
Ric
I dislike having to finance anything, and only wish I had all the money I need to get a bigger mower, but I may not have a choice but to finance something.
My current mower, a TimeMaster, is on an 18-month 0% interest plan with GE/Toro. What I have available to me at this time is $4k on a line of credit - so in the end if I get something right now I'm still having to finance the d@m# thing anyway. Which, again, is not my preferred payment method but is my only option at this time to get anything.
I'm not going to jump into anything. That was part of the reason I asked my initial question on this thread. All of you have a ton more experience on the Commercial side than I do. And, I do appreciated all the information. I have some decisions to make and, again, will not rush in to anything. There are several commercial mower dealers in my area here in North Florida that I plan to visit over the weekend to get a better idea of what inventory is available to me. In the end I need to get something bigger than what I currently have or I'm not going to make it on the business side. I like doing this type of work, but the bills still need being paid and my military retirement and VA disability check aren't enough to carry me.
Yeah Nobody likes to finance anything but sometimes it can end up the only option. Check that credit line if your using that Toro Card. Even though you have the Time master @ 0% interest anything you add to that card may not be 0%. I got the Toro Card with my Z-Master but anything I add to it has to be paid off in full or I have to pay the Interest for anything I charge and I think it's like 23.99% if it's not paid off on the next payment. It doesn't effect the Z-Master interest rate just anything I add so needless to say I didn't activate the card.
#30
O
OldSalt
Thanks Task Force and thanks to you as well.
I was in from 1981 right before the USS Nimitz shot down those 2 Libyan Fighter jets off the coast of Libya, until my last West Pacific Deployment on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) right before I retired in January 2010.
I registered with the VA Back in 2010. Will check on the contractor info - thanks
O
OldSalt
thanks for your service brother, I'm an OIF and New Dawn veteran. if you haven't done it already get VA registered you can do that through their web site. federal states that any government agency use tax dollars for contracting has to use at least 10% veteran business's.
Thanks Task Force and thanks to you as well.
I was in from 1981 right before the USS Nimitz shot down those 2 Libyan Fighter jets off the coast of Libya, until my last West Pacific Deployment on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) right before I retired in January 2010.
I registered with the VA Back in 2010. Will check on the contractor info - thanks
#31
O
OldSalt
I didn't know that about the interest rate change on the Toro card. Will check on that before I pull the trigger on anything IF I decide to go with a Toro this next go round. Thanks.
Spent 7 hours today with my Timemaster mowing a 1-acre jungle. Needless to say a larger machine would have made things a whole lot easier to mow. All they wanted was mowing- no edge or trim - so....that's what I did. A lot of the weeds were 4-5 ft tall with 1/2 to 3/4 inch stalks.
BEFORE
AFTER
O
OldSalt
Yeah Nobody likes to finance anything but sometimes it can end up the only option. Check that credit line if your using that Toro Card. Even though you have the Time master @ 0% interest anything you add to that card may not be 0%. I got the Toro Card with my Z-Master but anything I add to it has to be paid off in full or I have to pay the Interest for anything I charge and I think it's like 23.99% if it's not paid off on the next payment. It doesn't effect the Z-Master interest rate just anything I add so needless to say I didn't activate the card.
I didn't know that about the interest rate change on the Toro card. Will check on that before I pull the trigger on anything IF I decide to go with a Toro this next go round. Thanks.
Spent 7 hours today with my Timemaster mowing a 1-acre jungle. Needless to say a larger machine would have made things a whole lot easier to mow. All they wanted was mowing- no edge or trim - so....that's what I did. A lot of the weeds were 4-5 ft tall with 1/2 to 3/4 inch stalks.
BEFORE AFTER
#32
Ric
LOL That looks like some I run into. I hope you changed the guy a bundle.
Ric
I didn't know that about the interest rate change on the Toro card. Will check on that before I pull the trigger on anything IF I decide to go with a Toro this next go round. Thanks.
Spent 7 hours today with my Timemaster mowing a 1-acre jungle. Needless to say a larger machine would have made things a whole lot easier to mow. All they wanted was mowing- no edge or trim - so....that's what I did. A lot of the weeds were 4-5 ft tall with 1/2 to 3/4 inch stalks.
View attachment 23072 BEFORE
View attachment 23073 AFTER
LOL That looks like some I run into. I hope you changed the guy a bundle.
#33
O
OldSalt
Yep!
BTW, the Z-Master 2000 you have - how long and wide is the machine?
Thanks
O
OldSalt
LOL That looks like some I run into. I hope you changed the guy a bundle.
Yep!
BTW, the Z-Master 2000 you have - how long and wide is the machine?
Thanks
#34
TaskForceLawnCare
its a little dark but hey gotta make that $ while I can. I've bought the clam shell grass catcher for the new ztr. I haven't even uncreated it yet but I would have charged that guy at least $700 to clear that mess.
TaskForceLawnCare
its a little dark but hey gotta make that $ while I can. I've bought the clam shell grass catcher for the new ztr. I haven't even uncreated it yet but I would have charged that guy at least $700 to clear that mess.
#35
Ric
Its length is 78.6 inches with the roll bar in the up position, 80. 4 when down. Its width is 51.5 inches with the deflector up and 63.1 with the deflector down. It weight is 926 lbs.
Ric
Yep!
BTW, the Z-Master 2000 you have - how long and wide is the machine?
Thanks
Its length is 78.6 inches with the roll bar in the up position, 80. 4 when down. Its width is 51.5 inches with the deflector up and 63.1 with the deflector down. It weight is 926 lbs.
#36
O
OldSalt
Thanks
O
OldSalt
Its length is 78.6 inches with the roll bar in the up position, 80. 4 when down. Its width is 51.5 inches with the deflector up and 63.1 with the deflector down. It weight is 926 lbs.
Thanks