Estimate help

[Bills Circle Mowers]

Hello all,
We are power equipment dealer who is adding commercial mowing to our business. We have been asked to submit a bit on the "Common grounds" of a sub division. Area is about 3/4 of a mile wide and 1/4 mile or a little over deep. This unit has a post type fence, plus trees and a few other utility and phone boxs scattered along the inside edge of the commons. This area is about 40 feet wide all the way around. We have never tried something of this size and not sure how to bid it. Would be open to all helpful suggestions.
Thanks in advance,
Bill

[kutnkru]

If Im getting your input I would estimate this area as follows:

1/4 mile = 1320sq.ft. x 40ft. = 52,800 sq.ft.
3/4 mile = 3960sq.ft. x 40ft. = 158,400 sq.ft.

Total turf areas in question = 211,200 = 3 acres.

I would bid this property at $28 acre for flat, wide area mowing with minimal obstacles plus time for trimming and blowing at $32/hr.

I would bid this property at $55 acre for hilly, wide area mowing with lots of obstacles, berms, dips etc. plus the time for trimming and blowing at $32/hr.

Welcome to the Lawn Biz mr equipment dealer.
Kris

[joshua]

well i have to agree with exactly what kutnkru has said, i don't cut propertis of that size but if i were to i would use his formula, it seems like one of the best thati've seen.

[Henry]

How many sq. ft. in an acre?

[GLM]

Henry I just asked that question and its 43560sq.ft. per acre. Is to the above estimate I would cut that for about $245. About 2.5 hours(cuts 864.3 sq.ft. per minute in fourth gear.) with my 36" at a dollar minute plus trimming and blowing. Common areas can be nice because the are a little more open sometimes. Some times you lick out and get a road edge with nothing to trim around and its quick. Good luck.

[Getmow]

Do I get this right. You are now in direct competition with the people you sell equipment to??? There goes the neighborhood!

[bilchak]

Getmow,

Correct. Is this really a wise business move on
his part? I can see people going elsewhere now.

Jb

[Getmow]

I bought from one in my area but he just did government contracts and would have NEVER ventured into the local market. Just bad business IMHO.

[Eric ELM]

My dealer is one of the biggest lawm mowing companies around here. It doesn't affect us at all, but what is nice is, I use the same equipment they use, so I know they will stock parts for what they use so I can always get what ever I need too. The longest down time I have had since I started buying Choppers was from 5 PM when I dropped my old Chopper off for an intake manifold gasket til 7 PM when they called me up and said it was ready. That is what I call service. :)

I think a dealer that mows is the best one to deal with. They know what down time is all about and will handle it promptly.

[Getmow]

Eric,
I guess it all depends on the local market. In our area the need for quality dealers is greater than the need for LCO's.

[Bills Circle Mowers]

Hi again,

I want to thank everyone for the advice and information on the estimate I asked for. To those of you concerned about my being a dealer and commercial mowing, the only reason we looked at doing mowing was because
1. We are being asked by the public to do so. If they are asking then either there is no one doing it or they aren't satisfied with what they are getting. There are a lot of "hobbist cutters" in the area but none really serious about it that I am aware of. If anyone in my area is a professional lawn cutter then bring in your business number and get 10% off parts and labor.. 2. Being a dealer in a rural area our customer base for service work is mainly residential owners so this seems to me to be a good way to diversify my business so I can continue to be here in the future for all my customers.
3. I just like being outside..
Again thank you all for your imput. It was much appreiciated
Bill

[kutnkru]

Originally posted by Bills Circle Mowers
If they are asking then either there is no one doing it or they aren't satisfied with what they are getting. There are a lot of "hobbist cutters" in the area but none really serious about it that I am aware of.
I find this statement hard to digest, but then again I am not familiar with the demographics of your area, or your prospective clientel.

My only input would be that if you know of a cutter who is trying to get serious about the business you may want to help them out by referring what you are not able to handle.

If you work with someone that has potential and shares your valued beliefs of customer service then you both can prosper. He will refer the hundreds that ask us yearly where we get our equipment serviced, or who we recommend for parts.

Eric, I like the idea of a timely turn around for repairs. Unfortunately in our area this is not the case, thats why we have an In-House mechanic. It also makes sense to deal with someone who has a vested interest in this business because you will definitely have a better chance for eliminating your down time.

Just My Honest Opinion.
Kris