time savers and extra's in the truck/trailer

[Wittapp]

Saw this kind of start in another trhead and thought it would be interesting to try to get some more imput on this. Two parter realy

1. What extera things do you keep with you that you have found usefull?

My answere: Orange cones, extera fuel filters for equipment, basic tool kit that includes two channel locks, extera socks and extera boots.

2. What "little things" do you do to save time in the field?

My answere: I pre-cut trimmer line to keep in my pocket so I don't have to run back to the truck to re-spool. I reload and lock down the equipment as I am finished with it. I try to make sure everything is fueled up before ariving at the jobsite. :dizzy:

Love to hear some of the things you do.

Dave in Dayton

[topsites]

I lock each of the pins that hold the trailer gate in place with a padlock, through the loops of the chain that hold the pins.

This not only helps as a theft preventative but since I keep the keys on my key chain it also forces me
to pull the keys out of the ignition, which in turn ensures the gear shift lever is in the Park position.

Might not save me much time from day to day, but once is all it takes :p

I also keep a good supply of those little marking flaggots in the truck, won't be long now I will also be carrying
certain irrigation system sprinkler risers for when I bust one, I just ordered 20 mid-range throw type.

[SproulsMowingService]

I have all of my keys (except mower keys) on one key chain. Like the other said, you are sure to take the keys out of the ignition. Another thing that I do is I have several extra spools pre-wound with trimmer line. All I have to do is exchange the spool, and clean the head while I'm at it. I keep a relatively small amount of replacement parts and tools in the tool box in the back of the truck for on the road repairs. Not to mention a pull strap or chain for those embarrassing moments when I get a mower stuck in a ditch.

[BarrFarms]

I carry a set of vise grips in a leather sheath deal on my belt, a stihl screwdriver wedged in the leather sheath deal, and a stihl 3 in one wrench real close in my sliding tray deal in my truck toolbox. I always refuel trimmers, and or speedfeed's at the end of an account. I measure 4 arm lenghts of string out, then a midpoint of 2 arm lenghts. and mark it with a black paint pin. This take's quite abit of guess work out of restringing a speedfeed.

[nikip]

it is very good

[DLAWNS]

I have a v nose trailer and i built shelves where I keep everything like cones, a jack, fix a flat, a toolbox, etc.. Not too many new answers on time savers.. precutting string, keeping gas full and things like that.

[Runner]

Besides the regular toolbox, I have a poly tool chest (about 28" long x just over a ft. wide). Under the upper shelf trays, I keep odd stuff like a pry bar, sledge hammer, hammer, large screwdrivers, but most of all, I carry an old fruitcake type tin chocked full of various nuts, bolts, screws, clips, and all sorts of stuff. I rarely need something like that, but it is AMAZING what comes out of that when I need something. I also have an old car wax can that I keep full of washers, weird spacers, and other odds and ends that come in handy.
I also of course carry my junglejack (layed down across the front of the trailer), rechargable imact gun (in the underbody box of truck), extra blades, blade bolts and washers, spare tire, spare mower caster wheel&tire, towstrap, rope, and various hand tools. I use a mil crate to hold different oils, fluids (chain bar oil, starter fluid, belt dressing, etc.), long handled loppers, trimmer string spool, Dawn dishsoap (to wash hands with), and some other various things. I also like to keep an extra prewound trimmer spool (I put a wide rubber band around it to hold the string in place). This saves time, as I refill at night or on an off day) in the shop. I know this sounds like alot of stuff, but it really doesn't take up all that much room. It is DEFinitely worth having.
Oh,..and don't forget the most important thing of all...a good fire extinguisher - I mean a REAL one. This can save you ALOT of time in ythe long run. I know just how long it takes to tow, rebuild, and rewire a truck (and a mower) that has been burned.

[Wittapp]

I had not thought about the fire extinguisher. That one is a great idea. I also keep hand cleaner and yes, that hand sanitizer stuff. Nothing worse than eating a bologna sandwich with dead animal goo all over your hands LOL.

Dave in Dayton

[prizeprop]

Plug kit for tires and a cigarette lighter plug in air pump.

[topsites]

This take's quite abit of guess work out of restringing a speedfeed.

ahhh yes :p

I have a regular bump-feed, and the way I re-string it is...
I tie the end of the spooled string to the chain holding the pin at the very back of the trailer.
Then I walk to the front of the truck with the spool as it unwinds.
In my case when I reach the hood, time to cut the string,
right length every time.

The actual distance, the point where to cut the string will vary from one
truck to the next, but it sure beats guessing at the length.

..........
Just realized another one I have:
I run 10w-30 in everything, car, truck, mower, aerator, if it needs oil it's 10w-30.
Sure takes the guess work out of which grade of oil goes where, if the engine has an oil sump then it's 10w-30.

[N.H.BOY]

I carry an empty LARGE water/soda bottle in truck/trailer for those times when you have to pee;) it really comes in handy at times trust me...

[mattfromNY]

We always keep napkins and straws in the glovebox. They always forget to put 'em in the bag at Mickey D's.

[Roger]

...

I have a regular bump-feed, and the way I re-string it is...
I tie the end of the spooled string to the chain holding the pin at the very back of the trailer.
Then I walk to the front of the truck with the spool as it unwinds.
In my case when I reach the hood, time to cut the string,
right length every time.

...

I just count the number of winds on the spool as I'm winding -- always wrap 20 times, both sides (Stihl, split spool). I actually like one side to be just a bit longer. When one side is gone, running with one string is enough to get me back to the tool box for a pre-wound spool.

[CAT powered]

Napkins also come in handy when one is in the middle of nowhere and really has to go. A shovel can help hide the deed pretty handily as well.

[mngrassguy]

All great ideas but I can add:

First-aid kit

Eye wash bottle

Flares, triangles

I also keep a stash of letterhead and envelopes.

[mattfromNY]

... Business cards.
I never seem to have one when the neighbor comes over asking about having some work done. I guess the napkins come in handy once again.

[Wittapp]

something I have not heard anyone talk about is a log book or invoices. I carry a log book that has a seperate page for each customer. That way I can just take the log book to the computer when it is time to do the monthlies.

Dave in Dayton

[topsites]

Carry one each spare spark plug in the truck:
One for the mower, one for the 2-cyclers.

Yup, yup.

something I have not heard anyone talk about is a log book or invoices. I carry a log book that has a seperate page for each customer. That way I can just take the log book to the computer when it is time to do the monthlies.

Dave in Dayton

Oh I got that, I do keep a log book in the truck...

The part I never understood is this:
Why, after I've already done the paperwork in my truck, would I bother entering it into my computer?
It's all right there, and I ain't doing it over. :p

[bakerc8]

i have extra bump feeds in the cart

[PHS]

Since the same things were being mentioned I'll throw in something different.

Being solo I may do some things differently than a crew would. This isn't a little item but I always have a wheelbarrow in the truck. It allows me to take a trash can, rake/snow shovel, handheld blower, weed sprayer (hand can), and backpack sprayer (if needed) all into the back yard in one shot. I also have some townhouse properties where I can't park close and have to haul stuff quite a ways.

For cleaning up larger debris I use a 4x6 tarp and leave a carabiner in one corner grommet. When it's full I can pull the corners together and hook the carabiner through the grommets instead of trying to tie knots with the tarp and use the wheelbarrow to haul it out.

For general debris I use the heavy duty, contrator grade plastic clean-up bags. They fit in a trash can nicely and don't tear when I pull them out and stack them in the truck. The green waste guys leave the empty bags next to the mailbox at my house and I can keep reusing the bags over and over.

Having a background in tree work, I keep a little rigging bag behind the truck seat with a fiddle block set and a couple slings, some short 15-20' pieces of rope and a long rope. I don't use that stuff everyday but when I need it they're handy to have. When the hurricanes came through I used them all day long for picking up fence sections, straightening leaning trees. etc.

And last but not least, a 4# short handle sledge hammer.

[BigGreen1]

something I have not heard anyone talk about is a log book or invoices.

I always print 15 invoices per customer at a time. That way whenever I do a customers yard they are available. They are kept in a large three ring notebook with divider tabs. I also carry a large box of stamped addressed self stick envelopes.

Tim

[brucec32]

A simple hand cranked boat winch mounted near the front of the trailer so I can drag a ztr back on the trailer if it becomes inoperable and isn't on flat enough ground to push 900 lbs up the ramp myself. It also can help pull a stuck mower out if you can park close enough. A motorized portable winch is more flexible but costs more.

Spare belts, blades, loaded trimmer spools, trimmer line, full tool set, 2 cycle oil, 30w oil, synthetic oil, etc.

Spare trailer tire mounted on tongue. Lug wrench that fits trailer lugs. Jack that will lift your trailer enough to change a tire.

Security cables and padlocks for all trimmers, blowers, and mowers and trailer hitch so they don't get grabbed when you're behind the house working.

Inflator, tire plug kit, 12v power supply/battery charger, (need an electric impact wrench)

Washable seat covers, sweat towels, first aid kit, antihistimines for stings

Briefcase with brochures, quote forms, pens, business cards, memo notes, etc

Door hangers for leaving notes to customers

A trailer tongue mounted toolbox is nice if one fits.

Spare bottle of sports drink you don't normally touch for those times you "run out" so you don't have to stop to get something to drink.

Spare truck key hidden under frame of truck for when you lose yours. It will eventually happen. Put it in a magnetic box, if it has electronics in it wrap the box to waterproof it, put it on top of the spare, and crank that back up into place under the truck so that you have to reach up blind to get the box out of the spare. Thieves are unlikely to find that.

Open finger bicycling padded gloves if you have hand problems due to vibration.

evaporative cooling system so you can bring your dog to work in warm weather <g>

[Runner]

Another thing that occured to the other day when I opened my tool box and saw it, I got to thinking that no one had yet mentioned here, is a good roll of DUCT TAPE. A roll of electrical tape is a basic need, also.

[Lawn Freak]

Jumper Cables is a good thing to have for when a mower is dead. Also it never hurts to make a check list that you go by before you leave the shop to work for the day. I keep an invoice book in the truck to make out the invoice on site and enter in the computer later. Keep all receipts so when you go to enter expenses into the computer you're not wondering what you bought at the hardware store for $16.00. Oh and alot of tools in the tool box on the truck. And remember to lock up EVERYTHING, especially at night so when you go out the next day it is all still where you left it. Hope this helped.

[hackitdown]

I carry lots of thing, but this is what I have actually used:

Tow strap, spark plugs, vice-grips/adjustables, belts, preloaded trimmer heads, duct tape, short handled 5 lb hammer, Stihl screnches, measuring wheel.

[J&R Landscaping]

My tow chain has saved me twice this year. Jumper cables, first aide kit and fire extinguisher. I also keep my snowplow light behind my seat just in case. (Mag mount so plop it on the roof and plug it into the cig lighter.) I have used it a couple times when doing tree work during a stor earlier in September.

[The Captain]

I have an old fuel tank from my gas grill fitted with the valves and a guage and a hose with an air chuck to serve as an air tank. Use it to air up flats or as compressed air to clean dirt and dust out/off. Carry a few of the screw type radiator clamps in various sizes. I carry a roll of papaer towels in my door pocket.

[tinman]

derma something.. It takes teh pain out of a sting somewhat. also benedryl