Just started and need some help!

[Mikemprep]

Hi everyone, im new to these forums. This year is my first year as a business and I have about 50 lawns as of right now. I have 2 push mowers and i would like to upgrade to a bigger one. I do not have alot of money at all right so i was thinking the billy goat 33" finish mower just to start out because this is pretty much all i can afford right now. Does anyone have one of these or know anything about them?

Thanks,
Mike

[Raven386]

Look at the Better Quick 36" , http://www.betteroutdoorproducts.com... they are pretty popular on the forum. do a search there has been plenty of posts about them. Welcome to LawnSite.

[Raven386]

50 lawns just starting out? Is this BIGW?! isnt he from the same town in PA? lol...

[DR LAWN AND LANDSCAPE]

50 lawns and just starting, sounds like your off to a good start. Equipment will make or brake you. You may not think you can afford a good quality mower but bite the bullet because it will pay off in no time, esp when you buy a cheaper unit and the first breakdown cost you a couple days work.

The quick is the most well built and durable for the money on the market.

[Mikemprep]

So is the quickie 32 good because the 36 one is still out of my price range. Im just trying to make some money first because later on i can get a 36" exmark for about $2,500, but push mowers right now arent cutting it.

[Mikemprep]

All i need is a bigger mower to use for about a year so thats why i was thinking the billy goat

[CutApproved]

Your wasting your time. With 50 accounts you should be able to easily afford a new or slightly used mower from a dealership.. FINANCE it and pay it off in 3 months.

The only way you couldn'd afford this is that your charging waaay to little for the lawns.

With those 50 lawns, how much per week are you pulling in?

[Mikemprep]

About 1000 but their is 2 of us so like 500 maybe a little less

[Mikemprep]

But i did not have to much money to begin with since i am 16

[CutApproved]

Your living at home right? If you really want to help yourself out, go buy a 36" or 48" walkbehind.. I can probally get you a Scag 36" belt drive for less than $2000 with low hrs - 2004, w/bagger

The ONLY thing you should worry about is keeping your customers and making a little in the beginning. Save $250 or $300 a week and you'd be set.
The only money you should be spending is on gas. SAVE SAVE SAVE.
In the long run the right equipment will allow you to finish those 50 lawns in half the time.

Again just my opinion.

[CutApproved]

Wait a minute,, How big are these properties... 1/8 acre, 1/4 ??? If I did my math right your only getting $20 per lawn... RIGHT?

[Mikemprep]

Yes 20 a lawn but they arent big at all

[Mikemprep]

I think my friend is quiting the business now so i need something that can help me get done with these real fast like their was 2 people doing it

[Mikemprep]

Well, ive been thinking and ive decided that if im going to be buying one of these mowers, why not buy something that is good. Tomorrow i am going to pick up a brand new 2007 exmark metro 36".

Tell me what you guys think.

[Raven386]

have you demoed any other machines? I hope your not just going out and buying an Exmark because its an Exmark...

[Mikemprep]

My friend has an exmark 36 that i tried out and i loved it.

[Raven386]

how are you mowing 50 properties with a 36? why have you not looked at a 48 or 52 hydro. are the props gated?

[totallawncare25]

try not to go belt driven go hydro at all costs you will regret it... Exmark great choice though

[Mikemprep]

Yes most of the props are gated so i have to go with the 36.

As for the hydro, those are getting near the $5,000 range and i dont really want to go there.

[escient]

I started out just like you with push mowers. Then after a very short time - like 8 weeks - I went with an Exmark 36" belt once I saw that there was definitely money to be made in this biz.. Did 40 a week... It sucked by the end of that first summer, but it got me through the year and the following year business blew up - new equipment, new trucks - everything...

what I'm getting at is this - get what YOU think you need. If you're truly gonna work at it - you can mow with a 21" for now. If you do good, you'll grow in no time..

So go with the 36" belt Exmark.. Perfect first commercial mower, and you'll never know the difference of what you're missing in the hydro. All you'll be thinking is how much sweeter it is to not have to push a friggin 21".