Second Crew... Same Equipment Set-up or no?

[PNA]

For those who have more than one crew. Did you set-up the second crew so they have the same equipment (same mfg., same models, etc.) or did you go with a different set-up? What are the Pros and Cons and what do you recommend?
Thanks!
PNA

[Scaper-S2k]

Same brands, but not necessarily the same exact equipment. Different sized mowers mainly.

[Phil Nilsson]

Did you set-up the second crew so they have the same equipment (same mfg., same models, etc.) or did you go with a different set-up? What are the Pros and Cons and what do you recommend?
Thanks!
PNA

Yes exactly the same ... EXACTLY ... we were large scale commercial maint setup ... only variation <<<<<<<<<wide area>>>>>>>>> mower to go ahead of regular rigs. We used Jacobsen equipment for the most part. And had at least a $5,000 mower spare parts inventory on hand at all times (at least) same mowers, same everything ... you learn how to fix "one" you know how to fix "all" ... many, many advantages (IF) you select good equipment to begin with.

[dancom]

Good advice from Phil.
I agree, we have three crews all equipment is the same. It makes it easier to keep spare parts and to work on them just like phil said.

[Scaper-S2k]

That's fine if all your lawns are the same basic size.

We have a few 36" mowers, more 44" mowers, 52" inchers and 62 inchers as well. They all get used for different sized lawns.

Personally I can't see operating with various sized lawns with a limited size of mowers. Unless you absolutely have to.

But then again, we do different sized commercial accounts and it's needed.

[Seascape]

Although i like to spread my contacts out and give everyone a little peice of pie,,, on major purchases dealer loyalty can pay you back big time.

For instance,, this past spring i purchased a 54" bobcat ztrn for 5400 cash. About 2 weeks later my dealer asked how it was working out. I replied ,,"actually as much as we are working it its been flawless,, but honestly we could use another 1". He in turn replied "well you should come up when you get a minute,i dont have another 54 right now but i have some larger units we can talk about".

It worked out nicely and it wasnt the first time.

[dancom]

I do use different sizes, but i use the same brands. Each truck has a zero turn, walk behind, 21" push mower, a stick edger, two weed eaters and a back pack blower. some of my large comercial accounts (10 acres or more) I send two crews. I bought one 32" walk behind that has almost eliminate the need for the 21" push mower. I have found that even diferent size decks still use a lot of the same parts. i always use the same heads on all the weed eaters so the parts are intechangeble and once someone knows how to re-line one they can re-line them all.

[Scaper-S2k]

Dancom, I thought you meant that you had 'EXACTY' the same mowers like Phil said. But if you have the different sizes, then we are on the same exact page. Same brand, just various sizes.