Starting biz from scratch?

[LarryNY]

Hello All,

I am interested in starting a lawn service. Can anyone give me an idea on the equipment I would need to get started. Someone at work who has a service suggested a 30-36" walk behind, weed wacker and blower. I have a truck already and will probably buy a trailer. I would start this business on a part time basis. Any info on getting started would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks!

Larry in NY

[CCLS]

reply

Larry,

Start out with:
36 inch mower
Gas Powered String Trimmer
Gas Powered handheld blower or a backpack blower
Gas Hedge Trimmer
10ft Trailer

I would recommend Exmark or Scag for a mower and either Echo or Stihl for the 2 cycles. For the mower I would recommend hydro, but if you are on a tight budget, then belts will probably be fine. Get a Velke for your mower, so you don't have to walk behind it. If you plan on expanding in the future, you might want to go with a bigger trailer like a 16 foot.

[andersc1]

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Larry,
The term "Probably buy a trailer" shouldn't even be in your vocabulary. Your deffinately going to need a trailer, if not just for overall appearance of your company, then to carry all the equipment you will eventually need.

I would suggest getting a good walk behind, somewhere in the 36" to 48" variety. And my make preference would be ExMark or Scag for this particular mower. A good push mower, self propelled preferrably, in the 21 to 22" size like a Toro is also useful. Get a good blower and trimmer too. You'll find that there are hundreds of opinions on which is the best brand to get. We use Stihl and have never had any problems with them.

Considering this will just be a part-time business, you may consider getting used equipment if you can find any for sale in your area. It can save you some money up front, but plan on maintenance cost and possibly replacing the equipment in the next year or so. Remember, somebody sold that equipment for a reason.

And last but not least, don't forget advertising. Flyers, door hangers, news papers, etc. Should help in generating some initial accounts and revenue.

Hope this has helped,
Curtis

[Scott]

reply

A 36 would be ok since you're just starting and don't have any customers but I'd try to line up a few prior to buying anything. This will give you a better idea for what kinda lawns your heading toward and you may decide to get something better. But if you do get a 36incher stay away from sutech.

For backpack blower I'd get the biggest one you can get, stihl 420, or echo 603/650 or something similiar. Even if you don't stay in the business you'll keep this bad body forever!!! They're a life saver.

For you whip, get a straight shaft and once again go for the upper line on whatever model you decide to get.

anything else can be easily debatable, as you'll see by reading this forum.

[dancom]

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Larry
Scott, curtis and ccls all gave you good advice. a 36" wb a blower a weed eater(straight Shaft) hedge trimmer and a trailer are all you realy need to get started. if you are part time they should last you a long time.

[lawnut]

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IF YOU ARE REALLY GOING TO GIVE THIS A GO, I WOULD MAKE SURE I SPENT A LITTLE EXTRA MONEY TO BUY THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT. GOOD EQUIPMENT GOES A LONG WAY, AND LOOKS A LOT MORE PROFESSIONAL.

IF YOU NEED SOME MORE OPINIONS ON GOOD QUALITY EQUIPMENT, DON'T HESITATE TO ASK.

[LarryNY]

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Wow, thanks for the quick reply. Dont laugh but my son age 11 has been cutting lawns for about 2 years and he decided to get dad involved. He has been burning out my mowers I figured it was time to get soem good equipment. Thanks Again for the info!

Larry

[qualitylandscaping]

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LarryNY,

Welcome to the community!![]

I agree with everyone else on the necessary equipment..

What part of NY are you in? I live near Rochester..

[LarryNY]

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HI Steve,

We live on Long Island.