How many residentials ?

[birddog]

Started in the bus last year and had only twelve accounts, because I was first year and didn't want to over step my bounds, but it seemed I had way to much free time on my hands. It is just me with a Scag 48', how many residentials based on .25-.50 acres is enough if you only had 3-4 days to work with.

[BUSHMASTER]

Do what you are able to you can always trade out some low paying jobs for higher later on more money..less work..

[kutnkru]

I would say that you should be able to handle about 15+ lawns with 8m/sf of turf daily. this should keep you busy, give you 30 mins for lunch, and not kill you to get them done.

Just my .02
Kris

[cleancut]

I would say about 20....I was doing 45 by myself until I finally hired my first employee...That was 4 yrs. ago..Derrick

[Fantasy Lawns]

20-25 min each ... then depending on shield time about 3 an hour would rock ...thats mow n go ... but if you mow the street then your lovin life ..;-)

[TJLC]

I only do a handful of residential accounts because my 6 commerical accounts keep me busy enough. I still, always go look at a new yard if someone asks me to. Most of my residentials are friends and neighbors. The commericals keep me fed during the slow months,so they get most of my attention.

[Mark]

Wow clean-cut you were solo and cutting 45yds a day, now thats what i call flying. less than 13min a yd that includes unloading reloading and travel time. Im solo have been cutting around 9 to 11 yds a day. 10hrs My yds are large but you must be cutting 2k yds at that rate.

[LoneStarLawn]

I think he was taking about 45 total for the entire 3-4 days of work that was in the original question.

[Edited by LoneStarLawn on 02-12-2001 at 08:59 PM]

[sodbuster]

what is the best way to get business' what type of advertising do you do

[cleancut]

Mark, you misunderstood..The last year that I was solo, I was cutting about 45 yards a week not a day...That was working 6 day weeks...Now, we cut 18-20 a day but I have help...Derrick

[LoneStarLawn]

sodbuster...That is a little off topic for this thread..Try using the search function at the top right of the page those questions have been answered many times, so I think you will get alot of information. If you want more, try starting a new thread with the topics that you need answered. I hope this will help...

[cleancut]

As far as advertising, I use a variety...When I first started, I placed a small ad in our local paper..That has worked great..Six year laters and I still use almost the same identical ad, except it's in a total of 3 papers..I also put out alot of flyers to target specific areas and I also sent out letters to potential and existing customers...Has worked great, my business has doubles every year...Derrick

[sodbuster]

lone star lawn care i am sorry new to this just trying to get some questions answered

[LoneStarLawn]

Don't worry about it...you will get plenty of help here, but you will get it faster with a search or if the threads stay on the orignal topic...

[Mark]

Cleancut that sounds more like it. Sorry i thought you were cutting 45 a day LOL. Now i understand i just wanted to know your secert. Im doing around 51 a week and thats all i want, i have some commercial to. Hope you have a great season,sorry about my mistake. Marks Mowing Service

[lawnboy11]

Last year I had 110 res/week, but I had help. This year I'm planning on no help and reducing the client list to full service/best quality accounts only. I sent termination notices to 12 crappy accounts (mow only, slow payers) and sent out 90 estimates/contracts. I want a minimum of 60/week, but I can handle maybe 75-80 max. alone(4 days of mowing/maint.) The properties range from 40*80 up to 1/2 acre with most being on the smaller side, average is 60*80 so I can do 20-25/day alone no problem. It's a tight route. You have to remember to set aside one or two days a week at least do do all of the other work and leave time for rain. Bottom line is that I'm planning on 75-80 solo, but it all depends on property sizes/route concentration.

[lawrence stone]

Originally posted by lawnboy11
Last year I had 110 res/week, but I had help. This year I'm planning on no help and reducing the client list to full service/best quality accounts only. I sent termination notices to 12 crappy accounts (mow only, slow payers) and sent out 90 estimates/contracts. I want a minimum of 60/week, but I can handle maybe 75-80 max. alone(4 days of mowing/maint.) The properties range from 40*80 up to 1/2 acre with most being on the smaller side, average is 60*80 so I can do 20-25/day alone no problem. It's a tight route. You have to remember to set aside one or two days a week at least do do all of the other work and leave time for rain. Bottom line is that I'm planning on 75-80 solo, but it all depends on property sizes/route concentration.

What kind of mowers are you using to get that kind of production? Mulching plates?

[accuratelawn]

Lawboy's numbers might seem high, but I can tell you that they are within reach. Two years ago we (myself and one guy) did 120 weekly accounts. 5 long days. 60 and 42 ZTR and 36 walkbehind were used.
At that point most accounts were residential 6k - 25k plus three apartments 2 - 5 acres.
These accounts were underpriced. Now we wised up. Priced accounts better, work smarter, and provide full service.
The number of accounts is now 80 with income 20%+ higher.
Work smart and you will generate better income.

[65hoss]

I can handle between 55 and 60 myself. The 1/2 to 1 acre lots are the best. I get the full advantage of the Lazer HP, they take less time than small lawns.

[Mowman]

At the present time I have 12 accounts. This year I'm shooting for 40. I feel that I can give high quality service and still get them done in 5 days. That's only 8 per day. Last year I got behind and got them all done in one day. A very LONG DAY. Don't want to get in that postion very often though. I want to stay working alone. I feel I can give HIGH QUALITY service and not worry if Larry,Curly,or Moe is coming in to work today or not. Just the way I want to RUN my business.
Mowman