Advice from Pro's

[baldman]

Hi, I know that you get these everyday but I gotta ask just a few questions if some of you could give some helpful tips. I started out last year as a one man show and now I have the funds to start a 3 to 6 man show. I currently have a Honda (top of the line for them) self propelled mower with echo trimmer, edger and a ****l blower. The question is what type of ZTR's are best with a crew that will hold up with little down time? Also I have a new EZ go golf cart and considering using it as a sprayer, any thoughts? I understand that I will need a license for that, but that is no problem. I am just trying to start a career that will grow as I go so I am asking for any professional advice.

Baldman

p.s. any advice on trimmers, edgers, and blowers appreicated.

[1Chavez]

Shindaiwa for trimmers (T260), edgers (not really needed, but LE260) blowers (eb630). For an upstart, a pretty indestructable mower in my mind is a Scag walkbehind. Your golf cart idea, not too good because many chemicals will rust the cart in no time. Oh, and get licenced first.
-Rich

[suzuki4life]

shindi trimmers/blowers and as for ztrs or walkbehinds: scag (heavy+expensive) or exmark. In reality most commerical Z's are built pretty much the same, so whatever has the best support in your area. Cause something WILL break, there is no avoiding it.

-zach

[Scaper-S2k]

How many employees have you had working at the same time in the past....full time?

Equipment will be the least of your issues.

[boazcat]

How many employees have you had working at the same time in the past....full time?

Equipment will be the least of your issues.

I agree with Erich... To make the jump from solo to 6 employees means you have aquired a serious number of accounts.

I didn't buy a Ztr until I absolutely had to. I bought it for one very large account. Now, since then, I have been able to take some larger residential lots and get them done much quicker. But as I look at it now, I might have done just fine without it and not taken that first account.

Good luck and welcome to the Forum!

Michael

[safari lawn]

I agree with Scaper, you need to get an accountant, and look into the requirements of that many employees, Taxes, Workmans Comp etc. as for equipment your going to get as many answers as there are people on here. I worked for someone and we had a 4 - 6 person crew and used a Exmark 52 hydro, Lesco 48", Bobcat 36" and Echo / Shindawa Trimmers, and Echo Blowers. I have no need for a Zeroturn riding mower, and if you do mostly residential lots 1/4 1/3 1/2 acre lots your going to find the productiveness cut back and taking longer than you would with a walk behind w/velkes. If you get some commercial with over 2 acres then i would think about zero turns. I have had good results with the operation and service of my Exmarks and will stick with them personally.

[greenC]

[baldman]

Thanks for the response, I have acquired around 60 accounts, most are 1 to 2 acres. A friend of mine owns a 3 million dollar home and has basically locked up the neighborhood if we get into this (he has already started advertising for us and knows the entire subdivision). I know I can't handle it alone and he owns a construction company that has a ton of employees that he could put a few on my crew. I know it's a big jump but I want to make a career out of this and willing to do whatever it takes, which is hard, hard work. He is working on getting a scag ztr, but is a walk behind better for 1 to 2 acres? As I mentioned on my original post, my echo trimmer, edger, and blower will not hold up, so which should we go with? Thanks again for all your help.

[jrservices]

Very nice. Looks like a turf tracer hp with the 19 hp kawasaki.Looks like mine........

[steve-o]

wait a minute jr......... that's my mower !!!!! i know cause i used mine today.

steve

[suzuki4life]

if you are doing 60+ 1-2 acre props, i would be looking into 72" diesels or even 60"'ers. u need to cover some area dixie choppers are fast :laughing:

-zach

[safari lawn]

Dont you love the way they are making the Gas Cans more Vapor contained from fumes and removed the vents, but the openings of the gas tanks are getting bigger