Does anyone think this mower can hold up to residential

[Ecoscape01]

I know it seems crazy but I have no way to transport any commercial equipment so I was hoping I could start out using this mower http://www.cleanairgardening.com/su.html, doing between 10 and 15 small lawns a week 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots. The company claims that it can be used with or without the electric motor so if it burned out on me during a job I could just rip the batteries out to make it lighter and do it by hand to finish the job. If it doesn't last than I would go out and buy a gas mower. Like I said, I know it sounds crazy but this is the only feasible idea I could come up with to start the business and keep overhead low. ANY feedback would be appreciated

[HOOLIE]

I'll admit I know nothing about that mower...but still I don't think that's the way you want to go.

Do you not have a truck to transport equipment???

[RedMax Man]

Never seen one of those before. I'd stay away from it, that won't hold up cutting 10 - 15 lawns a week. For that kind of money you could get a Honda self propelled 21" mower at Home Depot or a commercial 21" mower. If your cutting that many lawns, you should be able to afford a decent mower easily. Look for used commercial mowers, they'll way outlast that toy.

[BTLS]

I'd say "back to the drawing board." You're kidding, right? Honestly, you can get a small, regular, light weight mower that will hold up for a season or so. I'm guessing you're a kid- good to start working and all but don't go electric or rechargable "anything." Well, maybe hedge clippers, but that's it. Your mower is your bread and butter. Go gas engine. You'll hate that thing. Just my opinion. Personally, I'd pay someone to smack that salesman around for trying to sell it to you. Note: do not pay someone to smack the salesman around.

[Grits]

It won't last long. I would feel like a ****** operating a battery powered mower. To be looked at as a professional, you have to act like a professional. Operating a battery powered mower does not fit into this category. That being said, if this is the only way you can make "the dream" come true.....then charge them batteries and get to mowing. But I strongly feel there has to be a better way. There are many professional LCO's trying there best to have this profession recognized as something other than "Joe-Blow and his Mower". I feel that doing things of this caliber is going against what many are trying to accomplish. Please try to go about this a different way. Don't be out in public "playing" LCO and giving the rest of us a bad image. If you refuse to be persuaded otherwise...at least DO NOT LOWBALL. You should charge way more than traditional methods and market it "ECO-Friendly"....like you mentioned in your other post. But I doubt it is not that much eco-friendlier than a real mower, with today's emission standards. This thing runs off batteries...the batteries won't last forever and then you have to get rid of them and everyone knows batteries are very bad for the environment. If you are going to go this avenue, why not get a completely man-powered reel mower? You would get some serious muscle pushing one of those around for 8-10 hours a day. It really seems like you are not ready for your business to happen. You shouldn't rush it and waste money. Wait and save your money so you can do it right the first time. Otherwise, don't waste your time and don't help to encourage people's thinking that all lawn guys are dumb drunks working for beer money or trying to save up to build that addition onto their mobile home. Act like a professional...get treated like a professional. Act like a guy with a battery powered reel mower...get treated like a scrub. Don't take it personal........I am just looking out for you and the existing LCO's that bust there a$$ everyday being true professionals. Please don't trivialize the green industry.

[Ecoscape01]

OK......POINT TAKEN....well Im not a kid actually Im 24, college student, military veteran.......i've been around the block. I've done a lot of research into this and I have two mentors who are self-employed themselves but neither are LCO's. One is a general contractor and the other owns a full service handyman company called Weekend Projects so I guess their lack of trade knowledge about lawncare is why they were not skeptical. I never really considered the durability issue. I think the batteries could hang but maybe not the mower. I could buy a 21" with fold up handles and use standard gas equipment. So now what. My buddy told me to go Echo for the weed whacker but what about the mower?

[daveintoledo]

then the one i gave you in the other thread????????

i already answered this question.... NO

come on man, there is no way that thing will hold up for business use.....and if you arent going to understand this simple fact of this business, that you have to spend a little money to make money, then you are doomed my friend.....

[lawnpro724]

Yeah right! You gotta be kidding. I think you need to find another profession if you think that will work. You would have better luck with Wal Mart special.

[Ric3077]

First of all that mower is selling for almost $400? It should be more like $40...but to echo everyone, get a better mower...

[echeandia]

doing between 10 and 15 small lawns a week 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots

How are you going to recharge it? It only runs for an hour and 15 minutes.

[StBalor]

what kind of vehicle you gonna be useing?

[thefed]

do some reading man, this website is full of knowledge if you look hard

get a gas mower, you have to

and yes, echo is a good whacker, maybe stay away from home depot models tho

[Willofalltrades]

It really seems like you are not ready for your business to happen. You shouldn't rush it and waste money. Wait and save your money so you can do it right the first time. Otherwise, don't waste your time

Oh I hated it when people said that. I got told it so many times! Even a few dealers tell me, and I won't fricken do business with them now. Ha my dealer started to tell me a little bit ago... shot it down before he went any further. You want to own your own business then do it! Your 24, what you got to loose besides your credit? lol. (thats a joke).
I think you can make more money developing a Commercial Electric powered mower that recharges in a half hour and can withstand 1000 hours of use. Have a RV generator on the trailer to charge batteries... The city folk would love it. Heck, get your contractor friend to pitch in and invest!
If you still wan to cut grass... don't do it with that thing in the link. lol

[Ecoscape01]

well i figure a charger's probably not gonna draw more than 100 amps.....even for a quick charger. I've installed stereos that drew more amps than that from an alternator so I could possibly use an Amp charger for autos. I dunno. That part is a little shaky. At first I thought between clients but if I'm marketing right then I'm tryin to keep them as close together as possible so that wouldn't really work. I gotta figure somethin out there. I just talked to my contractor buddy and I tried to plead everyone's case AGAINST my idea. I've been workin with him and another entrepreneur on this, as well as doing hours of my own research and he still feels i should stick with the eco-friendly idea. I'm a little more skeptical now with everyones feedback but not done with the idea yet. I'm gonna talk to the manufacturer tomorrow. The guy in the demo looked like a wackjob so that made me a little nervous but if their two year warranty is solid than I might take a chance with the electric idea if I can think of an efficient way to be able to charge depleated batteries while i'm working a job

[Willofalltrades]

well i figure a charger's probably not gonna draw more than 100 amps.....even for a quick charger. I've installed stereos that drew more amps than that from an alternator so I could possibly use an Amp charger for autos. I dunno. That part is a little shaky. At first I thought between clients but if I'm marketing right then I'm tryin to keep them as close together as possible so that wouldn't really work. I gotta figure somethin out there. I just talked to my contractor buddy and I tried to plead everyone's case AGAINST my idea. I've been workin with him and another entrepreneur on this, as well as doing hours of my own research and he still feels i should stick with the eco-friendly idea. I'm a little more skeptical now with everyones feedback but not done with the idea yet. I'm gonna talk to the manufacturer tomorrow. The guy in the demo looked like a wackjob so that made me a little nervous but if their two year warranty is solid than I might take a chance with the electric idea if I can think of an efficient way to be able to charge depleated batteries while i'm working a job

Small $200 crappy generator from Harbor freight. Your already buying cheap mowing equipment... whats a cheap power source?

[Mr Priceless]

as soon as i saw the pic the first thing that went thru my head was the first line of White and Nerdy:hammerhead: :laugh:

[Willofalltrades]

as soon as i saw the pic the first thing that went thru my head was the first line of White and Nerdy:hammerhead: :laugh:

aaahahahaha

[DoetschOutdoor]

This guy can not be serious...? NO ONE would be stupid enough to ask if they should mow with an electric mower.

[CoreyD]

that looks like an old old old school lawnmower

[CoreyD]

you can buy a used plain old riding mower that runs for $200
mine is 15 years old and it does just fine lol

[J&R Landscaping]

I would run far and fast from that machine!!!!!

[GreenN'Clean]

Spend your money on a commercial mower and you'll know it going to, hold up. The last thing you want is to have a machine breaking down on you every week, and I think the mower you were looking at will be more of a problem then anything

[RonB]

If you use a fuel generator to charge the batteries what's the point?

Want to save the world - figure out how to make a perpetual motion motor work.

[Total.Lawn.Care]

Once you buy this battery operated mower, then generator, you will have already spent enough to get two decent 21" mowers.

Now, if you are getting a Enviro Friendly mower, why are you aksking about Echo, gas powered handheld equipment.

Do it the rigth way, get gas powered stuff, but try to stay out of the big boxes (Home Depot, Lowes) if you are serious about this as a business. Find you a good power equipment dealer and buy your stuff there. Echo is fine, if you get it from a dealer. The stuff in Home Depot is not up the the same quality.

Take it for what it is worth, it is my opinion.

[daveintoledo]

well i figure a charger's probably not gonna draw more than 100 amps.....even for a quick charger. I've installed stereos that drew more amps than that from an alternator so I could possibly use an Amp charger for autos. I dunno. That part is a little shaky. At first I thought between clients but if I'm marketing right then I'm tryin to keep them as close together as possible so that wouldn't really work. I gotta figure somethin out there. I just talked to my contractor buddy and I tried to plead everyone's case AGAINST my idea. I've been workin with him and another entrepreneur on this, as well as doing hours of my own research and he still feels i should stick with the eco-friendly idea. I'm a little more skeptical now with everyones feedback but not done with the idea yet. I'm gonna talk to the manufacturer tomorrow. The guy in the demo looked like a wackjob so that made me a little nervous but if their two year warranty is solid than I might take a chance with the electric idea if I can think of an efficient way to be able to charge depleated batteries while i'm working a job

and has already made up his mind.... then dont ask the question if you dont want honest answers.... your alread doomed to failure.....

[Ecoscape01]

OK GUYS listen clearly.......if your gonna respond to the thread then read the comments before it. I'm pretty much sold on abandoning the whole eco-friendly idea even though my contractor buddy spent a long time last night trying to convince me otherwise. I posted a thread to get advice. I read! Somethings were brutally honest and some were insulting - either way a good amount of it is solid advice from reputable or at least knowledgable people. BOTTOM LINE - I LISTENED AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT. Now on a different topic, I posted a new thread inquiring about a Honda HRC215 21" for sale. It's about a year old and it's for sale for $595.00 The sales rep said that they get all their used mowers from the same company. This company buys them new and then trades them in after a year. Is that cuz the warranty is only good for a year and they don't wanna mess with it after that. I read from someone's comments on this site that Honda is the best for smaller walkbehind hyrdos - any comments/advice

[Ecoscape01]

I'm dead set on entering the business......eco-friendly - out the door........it was just an idea and it seems like everyone had a frickin anurism (spelling). anyway. I'm talkin about using it for like 10 - 20 small 1/4 - 1/2 acre lots...... i'm aiming for some big suburban developments in the area.....not commercial or even large residential...not yet......do you think the 5.5hp Honda can handle that or do you have any other suggestions

[Ecoscape01]

if anything I'll offer eco-friendly service to small lot customers once I'm established if they're willing to pay a much higher price.....that makes more sense

[BTLS]

Now you're getting somewhere. Honda mower for some small residential jobs- yes. For 595? No. You can get a new one that will last a season for less-dare I say it- from home depot. I did and it works fine. I don't encourage anyone to get things from home depot- but if you do, they have warranty options that are okay. Note- this is for your first mower only- after you have some cash, get a 32 inch walk behind from a dealer near you for service. AND- do offer the eco-friendly stuff for a high rate- that may take off more than you know. Just remember, residential gear is rated for home owner use...you'll be doing more in a month or so than homeowners will do in a year- that's why it doesn't last. Having said that, my honda and john deere mowers last a season or so. Start working, continue cultivating the eco-friently stuff- see which one pays off better. good luck bro

[Ecoscape01]

Contingency planning is a huge part of entrepreneurship........I told you guys I wasn't an idiot. I just had a flawed idea, or at least poorly coordinated plan for putting the idea into action. I just needed some professional criticism and BOY DID I GET IT :-)

[wowmowwow]

buy a new 36" exmark with a velkie. get a co signer with 0% finance. you can pay it off in no time....its great on gas so you can ride it to each local yard....take it to a welding shop an dhave the rig a platform to hold your blower and trimmer...im sure they can figure a way to make it secure and to where you could remove it at each yard.

[Ecoscape01]

Unfortunately the area is 20 minutes from my home so I would be unable to transport it but that sounds like an interesting idea

[hess]

you wouldn't see me doing that!!!

[daveintoledo]

Unfortunately the area is 20 minutes from my home so I would be unable to transport it but that sounds like an interesting idea

forget this and just go get a job..... you have no transportation and no equipment....

[Scotts' Yard Care]

Check out the thread above about the man who just got a new 32" mower.

[echeandia]

Check out the thread above about the man who just got a new 32" mower.

He probably doesn't have the $1000 to buy the mower.

[Clear-Cut]

elecctric is not as powerful as gas...if you get a customer with some tall grass ur pretty much screwed and that grass will fry ur little electric mower.

i got a craftsman from home depot..6.5 hp for i think $150-200 or something...i did about 12 lawns a week for about 30 weeks and the thing is still running strong..and it fits in the trunk of my car! and i have a small coupe! (im getting a truck this summer though lol..it doesnt look very professional pulling up in a car with a mower sticking halfway out of my trunk haha)

edit: or you can buy a manual push reel lawn mower for less than $100 haha...i hope you hav strong legs

[Ecoscape01]

your right Echeandia! I don't have the grand to spend on just a mower cuz I gotta get handhelds. Some people are rippin into me about usin my car to start the business but whatever. I know people who have done it successfully for a season. I'm just gonna get a Toro self Pace from Home Cheapo. I know some guys on here hate it but some people on this site have admitted to using one for a season. It got great reviews and it's like 370. I'll beat it up for a season and save for a truck and better mower. What about handhelds though? Should I get a used commercial trimmer or try to use a new residential and hope it lasts a season. I know this is all seems so unprofessional and some guys are gettin PO'd but I don't have the luxury of startin off with as much equip as other guys - doesn't mean I can't do it though. As for the unprofessional look - I can make up for it to my customers with face time and then they will totally forget about me pulllin up with a lawnmower stickin out of my hatch-back. I may not even have it stickin out. I never have people in my car so I'm rippin out my rear seat and possibly front passenger to make room and save weight so it might just fit inside the car. I don't need a passenger seat anyway. When me and my fiance' go anywhere we just take her corolla

[Prestige-Lawncare]

your right Echeandia! I don't have the grand to spend on just a mower cuz I gotta get handhelds. Some people are rippin into me about usin my car to start the business but whatever. I know people who have done it successfully for a season. I'm just gonna get a Toro self Pace from Home Cheapo. I know some guys on here hate it but some people on this site have admitted to using one for a season. It got great reviews and it's like 370. I'll beat it up for a season and save for a truck and better mower. What about handhelds though? Should I get a used commercial trimmer or try to use a new residential and hope it lasts a season. I know this is all seems so unprofessional and some guys are gettin PO'd but I don't have the luxury of startin off with as much equip as other guys - doesn't mean I can't do it though. As for the unprofessional look - I can make up for it to my customers with face time and then they will totally forget about me pulllin up with a lawnmower stickin out of my hatch-back. I may not even have it stickin out. I never have people in my car so I'm rippin out my rear seat and possibly front passenger to make room and save weight so it might just fit inside the car. I don't need a passenger seat anyway. When me and my fiance' go anywhere we just take her corolla

Many LCO's have started this very same way you mention here. Just remember ... you need to re-invest some of your earnings back into better, commercial equipment ... and get a small truck and trailer. You'll be surprised how word of mouth, and others seeing you working in an area will increase you business then.

Start the way you are mentioning here ... but grow it as soon as you possibly can.

Good Luck ...
.

[hess]

boy o boy sounds like you determined to make it one way or another but that what it takes to make it. residential trimmer would work fine been using one for 4 years not a problem. As long as you take pride in your equipment it will last a long time.

[hosejockey2002]

If a guy was actually serious about starting an eco-friendly LCO, the Neuton Electric Mower (http://www.drpower.com/TwoStepCategory.aspx?Name=NeutonMower2Step) works pretty well for what it is. I used one before I mowing in my business as a one time shot for a customer and I was amazed at how well it cut and how powerful it was. It is a very small mower, not cheap ($500 with accessories) and the bag is small. It's supposed to run an hour or so on a charge, so you would have to take several spare batteries. ($60 apiece) Charging them with a generator would of course defeat the whole purpose of an "eco-friendly" LCO. You would also have to edge either by hand or with a cordless trimmer. The Neuton mower also has a string trimmer attachment. If would all be horribly inefficient in comparison to a typical "gas-powered" LCO, so you would have to find a client base that was willing to pay twice the going rate for lawn maintenance. If you really wanted to walk the walk, put all that electric stuff in a little 4x6 trailer and tow it with a Toyota Prius!

[Alps Lawn]

wow... that definetly isnt the way to go in my opinion