Brand new to the business.

[RSMedic1]

I am just starting my lawn care business and
have been reading the threads for a couple
of weeks. I have learned alot. I am looking
at purchasing a new Exmark 20hp 48inch with the
ultra vac system for $7198.00 plus tax. Is this
a good deal and a good mower?

[Randy Scott]

Welcome aboard RSMedic1! I can't really give you an answer on the price but eXmarks get nothing but praise here. They seem to be one of the more preferred units but there are also alot of others being used that are good also. I just know they get good revues. Good luck with your new business!


Randy

[65hoss]

That sounds like a good price to me. You probably can't go wrong with that.

[lawrence stone]

Originally posted by RSMedic1
I am just starting my lawn care business and
have been reading the threads for a couple
of weeks. I have learned alot. I am looking
at purchasing a new Exmark 20hp 48inch with the
ultra vac system for $7198.00 plus tax. Is this
a good deal and a good mower?

I suggest you go and buy a used walkbehind with a stand on sulky first.

Then when you realize how tough this biz and go back to your day job you won't have a $7500+ toy in the garage.

[Dillon]

I suggest you don't listen to the guy above and go for it. If I listen to all of the negitive things said to me when I started I wouldn't be successful today.

[awm]

I would assume you still have a full time
or that money is not a problem.If not I
WOULD THINK BEFORE I JUMPED.But then again
you probably already have.One thing, take real
good care of the exmark and if the water is not to your liking you can sell it pretty easy.

[TJLC]

Originally posted by lawrence stone
Originally posted by RSMedic1
I am just starting my lawn care business and
have been reading the threads for a couple
of weeks. I have learned alot. I am looking
at purchasing a new Exmark 20hp 48inch with the
ultra vac system for $7198.00 plus tax. Is this
a good deal and a good mower?

I suggest you go and buy a used walkbehind with a stand on sulky first.

Then when you realize how tough this biz and go back to your day job you won't have a $7500+ toy in the garage. Stone, be nice.LOL I do agree though to not get in way over your head at first. Give it some time to make sure this is what you really want to do. It can be a tough biz. There is nothing wrong with buying used to start. A search on this subject should help also.Good luck.

[SJR Lawncare]

I think that is a pretty good buy on the Exmark, but you might want to consider a walkbehind, depending on sizes & types of properties you will be doing.At any rate, Good luck to you.

SJR

[TGCummings]

I would suggest a walkbehind to start, as well.

However, that thought should be contingent on your situation. You're just getting started, but have you a # of accounts already? If so, or if your targeting some specifics and are ready to get started on 'em, how big are they? How much do you need a rider right now?

You're off to a good start, my friend. If I had a couple weeks to read LawnSite before getting started (nearly seven years ago now!), I would've saved a lot of time and aggravation over the years.

And made a lot more bank. ;)

-TGC

[dmk395]

I think you have to be a little nuts to spend over 7k for a lawnmower. You could get a 2 nice new exmark 48", gear driven walk behinds for less money. Its one thing if you had some commerical accounts with a 3 acre mowing area, but remember, walk before you run.

[lawnguy ny]

I ALSO WISHED HAD KNOW ABOUT LAWNSITE WHEN I STARTED LATE LAST SEASON. IAM A ONE MAN SHOW. I HAVE 25 WEEKLY ACCOUNTS ONE ALL DAY HOTEL PARCEL . I BOUGHT ALL NEW EQUIPMENT I DIDNT WANT SOMEONE ELSES STUFF THAT WAS BEAT. DONT LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE STUFF THERE IS PLENTY OF BUZ FOR ALL OUT THERE . YOU LL NEED THE WRITE OFF FOR ALL YOUR PROFITS TOO.GOOD LU.....CK KNOW WHAT YUO WANT AND GOOOOOO FOR IT

[Fantasy Lawns]

it's a good mower at a fair price .....long as it fits your present accounts lay-out.....but if the job can get done ....at least your first season at it ....with a walk behind and you need the vac system for leaves you can always get a bagger .....just start out slow and if this is just part time keep the overhead low .....good luck ;-)

[1MajorTom]

RSMedic1,

Welcome to Lawnsite.
You don't mention if you have any accounts already lined up.
If you don't have any accounts at all, how do you know that you will actually need that piece of equipment?

Actually I agree with Stone. Start with a walkbehind first, then see how you like the business before you invest in pricey equipment.

I definitely think if you enjoy this type of work, have a good mind on your shoulders, and are a motivated person, you will be able to succeed.

[Charles]

Ya I agree somewhat with Lawrence. Doesn't hurt to be honest with a new person. Alot depends on the area you are starting in and how saturated it is with lawn care business. Depends on what your financial situation is and if you have deep pockets . Also depends on how much experience you have at this type of work. These are important factors to consider in how much money you put into your business at first. i know people who got into it and didnt get but a few regular customers the first year. or some who just didnt like the hard hot work and dealing with the public.
And too, are you ready to start paying for your own health insurance, retirement plan, vacation pay, liability insurance, license fees, fuel, maintenance etc?
This is not negative talk. This is called going into a business with all the facts and your eyes open.
With the bagger included in the price you quoted it sounds fair.
But 20hp is not much power nad 48" is not much of a cut. All depends on the size of the propertys you are cutting.
But you need all the pros and cons of going into any business

[RSMedic1]

I sure have enjoyed this site, and it's all the pro's and con's that seem to help the most. I know it's costly to pay that much for a mower, but I have read many times to go with the best, that it will make the job fun and fast. I currently have a tractor style mower that takes me approx. 7 to 8 hrs to cut and weedeat my personal property. I was told this type mower would cut my time in half. I am a paid fire/medic with all my insurance, retirement and benifits taken care of. And plenty of time for a lawn business. I am very excited about getting started and I thank all of you that had replied to my questions. I'm sure I will have plenty more to ask.
thanks again
RSMedic1

[DMC300]

RSMedic 1,it will not cut your time in half.Try a 1/4,you'll even have less to trim.

[npalomba]

Just don't over extend yourselve; if you could afford it, go for it, if not go for a good quality walkbehind until you gauge your business; getting a big ZTR will limit you on jobs that you big on.