how to price leaf clean-up

[cjm2783]

hi,

just wondering how you guys price leaf clean-up.

also, do you guys know of an auction to buy used equipment? i really need a ztr or commercial walk behind. this is my 1st season, my two 21" got my through this yr, but i'm looking at buying bigger mowers this winter.

cjm

[mariner]

Price em by the hour(how long you think it will take to do). I usually blow all leaf material onto the lawn then go around with the walk behind with bag on and chop em all up after the bag fills up. Then empty the bag and suck up all of the rest. This way you will get a lot more in your bagger than just straight sucking them up.

[crzymoe]

i blow everthing into a pile and tarp them to the road were we have a leaf loader (giant vacuum) on the dumptruck. i couldnt imagine doin it any other way, if i had to mow everything first then bag them i wouldnt do it. This is also my 5th year in the business, got a great deal on the vacuum a few years ago

[Fairbanks]

i have had it good , what i do it is also what Mariner does , go around once with the mower and pick a bunch up then and then go around with the leaf vac , it works great ! i use to do the trap way but i found my new way works best. price according to the compotion in the area and how much you feel its worth , but make sure you know what everyone else is charging so you can get a idea.

Also with buying a new mower or used at a auction, i was thinking about doing it but it also depends on how many accounts you have , if you only have like 10 , and the 2 21" are working, i would stick it out another year , get a few more customers and as you save your money get like a quick 36 or a med. sized w/b unless you want a big ZTR or W/b with a sulky... wait a while.

Evan
A&E quality lawn care
16 years old.