What kind of Vehicles are you using?

[munypitt65]

Just about to start up a business here in VA, what type of trucks are you all using? Is a smaller truck better for residential? Thanks for any help

[RICHIE K]

We use all FORD trucks f250 or better

[cgaengineer]

Was using a '99 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L 4x4 Supercharged, but am now using an '04 Tacoma 4x4. Its a bit low on power for pulling a large trailer, but I like my Toyotas!

[carcrz]

2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab Diesel.

[LB1234]

depends what type of turning radius you need and tow capacity.

We have residential lots that vary from less than a 1/4 acre to over an acre. However, they are all located in areas that it doesn't matter what size trailer/truck combo there is cause we don't have any on dead end streets or anything were we have to turn the truck/trailer around.

[weeble67]

Pick what suits your buisness the best. If you need a 4x4 buy one. It's your hauling capacity warrants buying a diesel then buy one. Maybe your operation is small and you only tow a 5x7 open trailer, so a mini truck will work great for you. Do what you feel is best, lay out your goals and buy what will assist you in reaching your goals the best.

[Rob.C]

I had a 2008 ford f350 supeduty dually, but the transmmission started slipping and I blought a 2008 LTZ 3500 HD dually, what a awsome truck.:weightlifter:

[Horsepower Lawns]

01 Ford Lightning.
Has all the power I need to pull my trailer and run low 13s/high 12s. ;)

[Rob.C]

I would keep the lightning for play and get another work truck...but thats cool. Ford lightning is one of my favorite trucks.:weightlifter:

[cutbetterthanyou]

I would buy a diesel izuzu or misto dump truck. They are 1 ton or larger so you won't out grow it for a long time. The diesel is pretty economical. They have a sharp turning radius. And the dump will allow you to do more landscaping if you want or if you get into bagging somewhere to put grass

[stevenf]

I drive a FORD also!!! An 89 Bronco II :cool2:

[GroundEffects125]

Ford f 350 there wont be anything u cant pull

[bullethead]

If all you are going to do is residential mowing of smaller properties - consider using a small truck (i.e. Ford Ranger with a modified bed - like Justmowing). So easy to get around in and no trailer to screw with.

If you have to haul a trailer to accomodate a ZTR and whatnot - get at least a 3/4 ton truck.

[dave k]

06 Bowtie 2500 HD 4X4 Crew Cab with Duramax Diesel and Allison Tranny, 16' Hurcules enclosed v nose trailer, feels like i'm driving a semi!

[DBL]

03 Dodge ram 2500 quad cab 4x4 cummins
98 Dodge ram 2500 4x4
91 Dodge ram 2500 4x4
91 Ford F-350 12' Stake body dump

all with snow plows

[Lawnut101]

My business is still small. I use a Ford F-150 4x4 and it works great for my needs. An F-250 would be best if your gonna do plowing. I don't know if you could put many blades on a 150?

[packer101]

our mow crew uses a Ford F450

[Horsepower Lawns]

I would keep the lightning for play and get another work truck...but thats cool. Ford lightning is one of my favorite trucks.:weightlifter:
I play with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyQr3UBVubA


I don't know if you could put many blades on a 150?

You can put a blade on about anything.
http://www.horsepowerlawns.com/snowsamurai.jpg

[DodgeDually]

I use a 98 dodge dually diesel. I started w/ a 1500, but tore it up quickly in the off season doing odd jobs hauling mulch, and gravel for customers. Having the ability to haul what you want when you want is very nice. Being able to carry more in one load can save you a lot of money.

[DPAT]

Check Signature

[Americal Vet]

Dodge Ram 4X4
Jeep CJ5 (w/blade)

[corey4671]

where's that kid that had the brand new hummer to haul his ZTR around and was plowing with it in the winter? lot of folks gave him some grief over that.

[KS_Grasscutter]

02 Ford Ranger 4x4-dont use much for the business at all, except for estimates and stuff
84 Chevy 3/4 ton 2wd. Thought a 2wd would be fine for mowing...well 99% of the time it is, but there have been a couple times dumping grass at the landfill that I almost got stuck. That 1% of the time you need 4x4 would make it worth it.

[westwind]

97 Chevy 3500 4x4 8ft. western
97 Ford f-350 4x4
97 Ford f-350 dually 300 gal. spray rig
98 Chevy 3500 4x4 8ft. western
98 Dodge 2500 4x4 8ft. western
00 Chevy 2500hd 4x4 8ft. western
2002 Ford f-350sd diesel 4x4 8ft boss v
2004 Chevy 2500hd 4x4 8ft. western
2004 Chevy 2500hd 4x4 8ft. western
2006 Chevy 2500hd 4x4 8ft. western
2005 Toyota Tundra 4x4
1996 Freightliner fl 70
1997 Freightliner fl 70
Hoping to purchase a Isuzu Npr this winter

[GreenT]

02 Avalanche.

[tinman]

diesel will be better on fuel but more to repair & service. I use a box truck. Works well for me so far. You need to buy what suits your biz.

[Trhfire19]

2003 F-250 4x4 w/ 8' Fisher
1997 F-350 4x4 10' dump w/ 9' Fisher

[stroker51]

1984 F250 4x4 4 speed 351 Windsor, Aluminum Flatbed, 7.5ft Western w/ pro wings, 1989 F Super Duty, 7.3L IDI Diesel, auto, 12' stake bed dump, 1996 F250 4x4 extended cab longbed 5speed POWERSTROKE DIESEL. I mow in the 96, which is also my daily driver. I used to mow out of the 84, and had to for a week or so when i was getting a clutch put in my 96, and you might not think it makes that big of a deal, but having to nurse a truck up to speed, and still only getting 9 mpg, versus just tapping the throttle, and being at 30 or 45 when driving around town, and getting 15.5 mpg, makes a huge difference in how long a route takes you. I bet runnin my 'stroke I save 30 minutes or more a day over the 84. If you can even remotely justify it, especially if you are going to try to grow, I'd get a good used diesel, I know i'll never go back to all gasser trucks. Although for what it's worth, my 89 pre-powerstroke won't even get out of it's own way, the 84 will out pull it.

[mitw44]

I use a 2004 Toyota Tundra 4x4 double cab 4.7L with tow package. I pull a 5x8 open trailer with a 32" Gravely, a 21", and assorted other stuff. If I ever start pulling more trailer/ more mowers, I would like to upgrade to a Dodge Diesel 4x4.

[M&SLawnCare]

1991 ford F150 4X4

[dalmatianlandscaping]

Hey Packer who did the strobe lights in the freight liner. they looked real good in the clearance lights.

[PlatinumLandCon]

I've got a Silverado 1500 4x4 with a 6.2 diesel.

[topsites]

I don't drive the latest and greatest, just always at least a 3/4 ton.
My first was a 1974 F-250 basic work truck (teh scrub truck, lasted just the season, cost 1000).
The next a 1986 D250 basic work truck (way better, bought in Jan 2003 this one lasted 4 full years, cost 1400 my best deal so far)
My current one a 1995 D-2500, bought it Dec 2006, cost 4000 but it is an slt.

They all have one thing in common: At least a 3/4 ton, it is adequate.
As for price, I'd rather drive a 10-20 year old 3/4 ton than a new 1/2.

Ford f 350 there wont be anything u cant pull

Yup, there's days in between I feel I could use a full ton, too.

[Wells]

Commercial crew uses a 04 Nissan Titan and pulls a 16' enclosed
Residential crew uses a 02 Nissan Frontier and pulls a 12' open

[PlatinumLandCon]

Commercial crew uses a 04 Nissan Titan and pulls a 16' enclosed
Residential crew uses a 02 Nissan Frontier and pulls a 12' open

How do you like the titan? I took a look at it when my aunt bought her Infiniti G35, it looks solid. I'm not sure I'm ready for a new truck though:cry:

[Wells]

How do you like the titan? I took a look at it when my aunt bought her Infiniti G35, it looks solid. I'm not sure I'm ready for a new truck though:cry:
I really like it, it's been a great truck and I plan on purchasing more of them in the future.

[hackitdown]

I use a Chevy 2500 4x4. Terrible on gas. But I plow driveways, most of which are long, long, long, and this truck seems to do the job. Tows fine, too.

The best truck I have had for towing my 16' open mowing trailer is a 2001 Tundra. It was the easiest for me to manuever. And got 18mpg.

[topsites]

The best truck I have had for towing my 16' open mowing trailer is a 2001 Tundra. It was the easiest for me to manuever. And got 18mpg.

Just out of curiosity, did it get tired or was it just slow?
Slow isn't that big of a deal to me...

But under designed vehicles that's what happens, they either crap out prematurely or the owner gets rid of it before it does.

They all do, almost like they get sick, or tired...
I mean, what happened to it, that's no age for a vehicle, my newest is 6 years older...
The tranny, the engine?

That's my whole concern here, why I always use at least a 3/4 ton.
I can appreciate the mpg, thou.

[landscaper22]

I have a 1983 Chevy 1/2 ton, and a 2003 Ford F-250 Diesel
If you have a small trailer, like a 5x12, a 1/2 ton will be fine. 3/4 ton trucks or larger with diesel engines are better for pulling no doubt. But if you are pulling a small load, a a super duty pickup may be overkill. I would stay away from the smaller rangers or s-10 trucks. They can pull some light loads but you will eat up some breaks, have trouble stopping, and will put a strain on the truck, especially when pulling often. Even if you have to go with an older 1/2 ton because of money issues, you will be better of than going with a small ranger. Trust me on this one.

[hackitdown]

Just out of curiosity, did it get tired or was it just slow?
Slow isn't that big of a deal to me...

But under designed vehicles that's what happens, they either crap out prematurely or the owner gets rid of it before it does.

They all do, almost like they get sick, or tired...
I mean, what happened to it, that's no age for a vehicle, my newest is 6 years older...
The tranny, the engine?

That's my whole concern here, why I always use at least a 3/4 ton.
I can appreciate the mpg, thou.

The Tundra was far from slow, it was pretty quick. It had only 250 hp, but it was a lot lighter than bigger trucks. It was faster off the line than my friend's '05(?) Ram 1500 Hemi Daytona Quad Cab. Power was not an issue. Bought it new, sold it with 101K miles on it. Only repair was an O2 sensor and brakes/tires. It was solid.

I sold it because I wanted to plow driveways. And the plow dealers wouldn't put a big plow on it.

[landscaper22]

I would stay away from the smaller rangers or s-10 trucks. They can pull some light loads but you will eat up some breaks, have trouble stopping, and will put a strain on the truck, especially when pulling often.

Sorry about I meant to say brakes, not breaks...I'm not really that ignorant...My mind does slip from time to time...

[jmfoxllc]

Hi, i am new to the lawn care business, but i own a tree service and private real estate investment group in louisiana. I have a gmc 2500hd sle 4x4 crew cab with 6.0 gas burner. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY. The truck pulls great and is a nice vehicle, but all in all is a money pit bc of the fuel consuption. Believe me or not but i pull a small 16' tandem around town everyday and i only get 9-11 mpg. Then my fiance and i just went to Gattlinburg,tn for a lil trip and on the highway it got an amazing 11.5-12 mpg. lol, It literally sucks on fuel. i spend about $75.00 every day running around baton rouge.

[hackitdown]

Hi, i am new to the lawn care business, but i own a tree service and private real estate investment group in louisiana. I have a gmc 2500hd sle 4x4 crew cab with 6.0 gas burner. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY. The truck pulls great and is a nice vehicle, but all in all is a money pit bc of the fuel consuption. Believe me or not but i pull a small 16' tandem around town everyday and i only get 9-11 mpg. Then my fiance and i just went to Gattlinburg,tn for a lil trip and on the highway it got an amazing 11.5-12 mpg. lol, It literally sucks on fuel. i spend about $75.00 every day running around baton rouge.

I have a Chevy 2500HD 4x4 extended cab with the 6.0 and find the same thing to be true. Terrible on gas.

[jajwrigh]

I currently have an '88 Chevy 3500...also terrible on fuel consumption...

[jmfoxllc]

yea, gas sucks!!! I wish i could find a toyota diesel crew cab like they have in panama and brazil. That would be the ultimate lawn truck.

[hackitdown]

yea, gas sucks!!! I wish i could find a toyota diesel crew cab like they have in panama and brazil. That would be the ultimate lawn truck.

Agreed. The ideal engine for me would be a little 6 cyl diesel maybe around 200HP, 250ft/lbs. Plenty of power for towing a landscape trailer and plowing.

The only US made diesels out there are huge ones suitable for big dumps and towing enormous loads, and they cost an arm and a leg. I'm sure some guys need them, but not me.

[TXNSLighting]

I had a 2008 ford f350 supeduty dually, but the transmmission started slipping and I blought a 2008 LTZ 3500 HD dually, what a awsome truck.:weightlifter:

my gosh how bad of a hit did you take?

[sancho_man_orlando]

but i own a tree service and private real estate investment group in louisiana.


Are you still buying htese days?

There are some good deals out there... but locally prices are falling and can't even get rentals filled.

Holding the bag on a few properties.

Thankfully my lawn & landscape company is putting food on the table...

[Exact Rototilling]

I drive 2 Toyota mini trucks.

1985 Toyota 4x4 solid front axle eXtra Cab that is probably one of the nicest you will find of it's year in the USA except for the upholstery.

My back up tow vehicle is a cherry 91 V6 4runner. Both are paid for. :)

[WHIPPLE5.7]

yea, gas sucks!!! I wish i could find a toyota diesel crew cab like they have in panama and brazil. That would be the ultimate lawn truck.

This is the truck we all need. Sips on fuel and last to 300,000 miles. Why does all of the third world countries get these but U.S. has probably less than 100 of them? Our Government regulated this in the 80's and screwed us over. This country should get atleast 1,000,000 trucks like this every year. Also why so many V8 diesels? I would put a rather large 4 cyl. diesel in a 1/2ton. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge are coming out with 1/2ton diesel trucks soon and they are all V8s. How stupid. More money, more maintaince, more fuel burned, and more polution.

[J&R Landscaping]

I run Ford trucks.
1994 F250 4x4 5.8L/C6
2006 F250 4x4 6.0 PSD

[jmfoxllc]

I know, america is nothing to brag about. Heck, in brazil my grandfather bought a condo and resturant and the life in that country is ten times better than ours here. That is a fact!!!! No opinions there, lol. And for sancho man, our market has dropped in louisiana but not anything to do with bad rates or need. Our market along with yours in florida has suffered a drop due to the over exaduration and dumb publicity by the press b/c of the market being bad in michigan and in "Some parts of Cali. So now everyone is oh so scared to buy b/c the "So called market being down". Its all a crock. The rates are still at record lowes here and florida and in prime for fundinginvestment and residential properties. I study it everyday.

[Tim03]

Agreed. The ideal engine for me would be a little 6 cyl diesel maybe around 200HP, 250ft/lbs. Plenty of power for towing a landscape trailer and plowing.

The only US made diesels out there are huge ones suitable for big dumps and towing enormous loads, and they cost an arm and a leg. I'm sure some guys need them, but not me.


I would LOVE to have Dodge Dakota Diesel. That 5 cylinder they put in the Sprinter vans that get around 20-22 MPG average would be great.

[LawnsUnlimitedatl]

I have a 2005 Nissan Frontier. I'm not pulling to much with it and it has all the power I need.

[Serrano_Landscaping]

2002 Dodge 2500 V10. They call it the beast around here. More tq than most diesel's around here.
620ft-lbs but thats for towing.

[Rhett]

Went from a 94 Chevy diesel to a 2007 1500 this year. Back up truck is a 98 1500 4x4. Tell the truth that is the wife's truck and am not even allowed to drive it.

[elite lawns]

08, dodge ram run great

[topsites]

Yeah I just heard that load of crap about the market concerning housing.
They're talking it's at an all time low, etc, etc...
Wow off I run to check the value of my house.

Why, it increased considerably.
So, I'd have to guess that explains it, folks just can't afford it.
But that it's bad news, that's a whole different ball park.

[MUDFLAP]

07-chev,3500 duramax dump,plow,4x4
99-dodge 1500,4x4
75-dodge,tradesman,4x4

The 75 dodge is fully restored, and all jacked up (not very practical)
only pull with it on purdee days, when im not real backed up, cause my customers love it, and want to spend 1/2 hr yakin about it. but its an attention getter all lettered up, just like my other trucks.

[MUDFLAP]

Yeah I just heard that load of crap about the market concerning housing.
They're talking it's at an all time low, etc, etc...
Wow off I run to check the value of my house.

Why, it increased considerably.
So, I'd have to guess that explains it, folks just can't afford it.
But that it's bad news, that's a whole different ball park.

Yea, everyone i know working in construction trades is all blown up (framers,plumbers,etc)working 50-60 hrs a week,but everyday there is something on the news about housing being in the tank,i think our left wing media thinks if they keep talking about it, it will really happen. Same way with the global warming crap, media knows it will give the wacko enviro-commies a platform they wouldnt otherwise have, when in reality, this planet has had 7 ice ages come and go (so yes our climate does vary)before humans were even invented. But the best part is, i can recall the panic over global cooling in the mid 80s, we were all going to freeze to death.

[vadeere]

07 2500hd dmax cc lt 4x4
01 3500 cummins dually reg cab 4x4 12ft dump
00 2500 cummins reg cab 4x4

[MUDFLAP]

Went from a 94 Chevy diesel to a 2007 1500 this year. Back up truck is a 98 1500 4x4. Tell the truth that is the wife's truck and am not even allowed to drive it.

LOL, ha.ha. Same here, wife has the 07-Dodge 1500 4x,extendo,leather bling,bling. Ithink shes afraid i will try to haul something in it(imagine that,hauling something in a truck, THATS CRAZY !!!)

[Rhett]

Yep Mudflap, Funny how they get sooo attached to things. Wife washes it twice a week and waxes it once a month. Couple of monthes ago she thought she had some paint fading on the hood and top. I couldn't see it. Ray the owner of the body shop couldn't see it. He just looked at me and laughed. "When do you want the appointment for" Knows my wife well. Heck talked about trading it in and you thought I had asked her if I could start dating.

[NBI Lawn]

Depends, If you are going to be pulling a 12' trailer and one mower you would be fine with a half ton. More than that and I would go with a 3/4ton because of the cooling and bigger brakes etc... When I started I used a Tahoe with a 14' trailer w/brakes. It worked for a year but doing it everyday is hard on them. Do what fits the budget but dont skimp either, could just cost you more money down the road.

Current mower pullers:
06' Ram CTD
06' Chev Duramax
07' Chev Duramax