Pic's: My Equipment + some work

[jonvan]

Just started out really small this summer, but I'm hoping to grow for next year. I'm looking to replace the 42'' rider with a 36'' or bigger walk behind. It's a pain to stripe with! :laugh:

Let me know what you think! Thanks,
Jon

- 1998 GMC Sonoma (4cyl/ 5 speed, 2wd) 28mpg :)
- 2008 Craftsman Rider (24hp, 42'')
- Stihl BR600 Backpack blower (new!)
- Crappy weed eater

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2959092215_256b515ecb.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2959931720_144937711c.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2959930590_9c216b98ae.jpg?v=0

[02DURAMAX]

What do you mow your own house?

[Green Team Landscaping]

Wow, thats REALLY impressive striping for a tractor, and thats pretty much all you need to be profitable, but wow that tractor's striping is impressive. Do you have a trailer for that stuff, or do you load it into the back to the pickup?

[jonvan]

My house, a neighbors and two down the street.

[mattfromNY]

Gotta start somewhere. Looks good.
It'll be cool to see your lineup in a few years, probably a whole bunch of commercial equipment and 100 accounts or so. Keep it up and work toward your goal, whatever it is.
Matt.

[jonvan]

No trailer yet, I've just been driving the mower down the street... just turned 16. I'm debating on whether to get a used 36'' walk-behind and using the truck bed for everything or buying a trailer and keeping the rider until I can afford a larger walk behind.

The stripes do turn out pretty nice with the tractor, I'm considering building a striper for it anyways.

[Scag413]

That blower is almost worth more than that tractor is! LOL. I'm not bashing you at all though. You have to start somewhere. You already have one piece of commercial equipment. Just keep working your way up man. Your work looks very nice too.

[Lawn Enforcer]

Just keep investing all your money back into the business and you will go far. Looks good, good luck!

[Green Team Landscaping]

If I were you I would keep the tractor if that is at all possible since it bags. A walkbehind wont bag as much especially when it counts...for fall clean up.

[jonvan]

Thanks guys! Green Team- I'll probably be able to keep the tractor around for the leaves and TALL grass, good point. On Saturday I did a pretty good clean out of a lawn that was mostly ivy, with an old, 32cc Craftsman hand held blower- took forever! Bought the BR600 sunday, it's incredible!

[Green Team Landscaping]

Great choice. I have had mine for maybe 3 weeks, and I think that my dad likes it more than me, thats how cool it is. And yes that's a good thing.

[Green Team Landscaping]

Oh and one more thing. You should make 1 entire thread of your work with nice lawns you mowed, before and after jobs, and thigs you're proud of. RedMax Man did it, and you should see the improvement. Not only people, but I but you'll think it's even cooler to see how far you've come.

[deere615]

Nice startup. That tractor should really come in handy for leaves, I bet with you equipment you could make a good buck doing leaves this season. Most tractors will stripe somewhat, its just like you said alot of people rather just go in circles

[Jeff W]

Most people here started out with what they had. I started with dads push craftsman 20 inch when I was 15. I have 2 lawn boys now, 90% of my lawn have small gates! So investing in a WB made no sense. Just got a freebie 48 inch WB that needed work. Now I can expand to larger properties.

[DFLS]

That blower is almost worth more than that tractor is! LOL. I'm not bashing you at all though. You have to start somewhere. You already have one piece of commercial equipment. Just keep working your way up man. Your work looks very nice too.

That blower will save you lots of time. I started out with a handheld for a few years and when I bought a backpack I thought "why didn't I do this 3 years ago?"

[stevenf]

That blower will save you lots of time. I started out with a handheld for a few years and when I bought a backpack I thought "why didn't I do this 3 years ago?"

Isnt that the truth! My BP was down so I had to use a handheld as backup. Out of 9 lawns that day, I swear it took an extra 45 minutes total.

[South Florida Lawns]

I like how the tractor matches the truck. thats pretty cool!

[jonvan]

Thanks! I think I'm going to get magnets for the truck and mower hood. Gotta come up with a good name though... and buy a trailer.

[Green Team Landscaping]

Great idea with a mower magnet!

[Lawn Freak]

Get the trailer first, you'll kill yourself loading a W/B into the truck. But you'll need to get something that gets more like 14 mpg. I'm not guessing that GMC will haul much. Don't get me wrong though I think you are off to a very good start.

[jonvan]

Do you the the truck could tow a small trailer (5x10) with the tractor in it? Thanks,
Jon

[Green Team Landscaping]

If you mean do you think it could, yeah. I'm no truck expert, but my Dad's Jeep Grand Cherokee manages to pull around my z turn, so I dont see why your pickup, which is more of a work truck than a Jeep couldn't. It has a V6 right? Thats all you'll need for the tractor. I probably wouldn't put much more on it than that though because I dont really know the details of that truck, but my point is, if it has a V6, you'll be fine.

[Green Team Landscaping]

Get the trailer first, you'll kill yourself loading a W/B into the truck. But you'll need to get something that gets more like 14 mpg. I'm not guessing that GMC will haul much. Don't get me wrong though I think you are off to a very good start.
Hah! Tell me about it! I saw some guy do it with his (36"?) and it just looked like the biggest PITA ever. They also weren't very professional looking if I might add.

[Micheal2008]

Me and bro are going to be using a 4cly ford ranger starting off. But it will pull like 1500+ pounds so i dont think it will be to bad as long as we upgrade it befor going with two walk behinds or a rider mower..

[STIHL GUY]

thise are real nice stripes for a tractor. keep up the good work

[Lawn Freak]

Do you the the truck could tow a small trailer (5x10) with the tractor in it? Thanks,
Jon

Yes, it will but not very well. It may pull it but what about stopping it?

[Lawn Freak]

Hah! Tell me about it! I saw some guy do it with his (36"?) and it just looked like the biggest PITA ever. They also weren't very professional looking if I might add.

Ditto to that. I am all about looking professional anytime I am out and about or working at a property.

[Kglenn04]

not bad at all I was there six months ago haulin a push mower out of the trunk of my Monte Carlo, now I have a work van and Truck, commerical walk behind mower and blower edger trimer weed trimmer, keep working hard at it and make good contacts on this site you will get to where you want to be

[Green Team Landscaping]

Ditto to that. I am all about looking professional anytime I am out and about or working at a property.
Hahahah the good part about it though was he was wearing a shirt. Not something I think anyone would have wanted to see.

[jonvan]

Thanks guys. The truck is getting new tires today, and it already has good brakes. I'm going to go for pulling with it for next season, and hopefully will upgrade to a 1500 in the fall.

[AndyTblc]

Thanks guys. The truck is getting new tires today, and it already has good brakes. I'm going to go for pulling with it for next season, and hopefully will upgrade to a 1500 in the fall.

Do you think you'll get into snow plowing? You're in ohio, and I know they get hit pretty hard with snow. If you're going to think about plowing then I"d think about getting a 2500 instead of a 1500. .......Just a thought.

[jonvan]

I don't think i'm going to do plowing... school makes the timing difficult.

[KGR landscapeing]

Once upon a time i was working with my friend his truck decided to mess up on prom night key wouldnt turn so that weekend we used his moms trail blazer to pull a 60in turf tiger 48inch scag a 20in push 2 blowers and 2 trimmers and an edger. killd the gas mileage but we made it work. took a month to get the grass out of it. The biggest thing ohio will teach you is , Always be prepared. One day its 90 the next its 60. Then boom its snowing. A trailer is your best bet, will last for many years you can use it for a ton of things. This is what my 48 stripes like and jon i sent you a pm back
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc210/kgrland/1014080912-1.jpg

[jonvan]

Thanks Kevin! Those stripes look great, I'm going to head down to SK sometime this weekend to check out the selection.
- Jon

[KGR landscapeing]

Thanks Kevin! Those stripes look great, I'm going to head down to SK sometime this weekend to check out the selection.
- Jon

you can even shoot them an email to see what they have on the floor. but like i said if u wanna see either of them the 32 or 48 your welcome to come play with them. and nows the time to buy one though they discount this years model.

[lgyardservices]

hey how much was the br600? i am looking at getting the same blower in the next day or two.

[jonvan]

I paid $500 from my dealer. Update- got a new 4x8 trailer, pics coming tomorrow!

[jonvan]

Weather has been pretty bad- finally got a chance to get some pictures of my new (to me) trailer. It's pretty nice but the ramp is WAY too steep for the rider. Any suggestions? Before the spring I want to pick up a 36'' walk behind.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3019596269_d094260430.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3020428558_2351c020c0.jpg?v=0
Everything's a bit dirty from the rain and leaves... hopefully we'll get a few sunny days to clean up. Also got new tires on the truck and put the cap back on.

[Lakewlc]

you could add another section to the ramp

[TXNSLighting]

..........

[KGR landscapeing]

put a few blocks under at the bottom of the ramp it will birng the ramp up. Or get a riser for your hitch.

[jonvan]

I was thinking about the ramp extension... guess I'll drill some holes and bolt up something...

[jonvan]

Thinking about a name/ logo... here's my favorite so far. Thoughts?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3177942905_28d3c03734.jpg?v=0

[Lawn Freak]

Looks pretty plain jane to me. I wouldn't use it for my business, course I aint even got one at all yet lol. Its on the list. Just My 02

[Lawn_Boy]

Looks pretty plain jane to me.

I have to agree. For starters, you're not occupying all of your free space within the circle with your text. Secondly, the image looks out of place. Also, your text doesn't really appeal to me...it could stand out a little more.

But it's not a bad start, keep at it!

[jiggz]

haha nice setup.. i wish i had that much when i was young..

ahyhoo that logo sucks a$$ no offense.. but im not gonna sugar coat it

why are you looking at a 36?? if your looking to go that small i would recommend a 32.. then you know youll be able to get into EVERY GATE!!!!.. plus the time saved on most yards between a 36 and 32 isnt much.. if nobody gates around ya way just go with a 48 then you'll save some time

ps. i love how the tractor matches your truck

[JosephLawnCare]

That logo is too boring! have you found a walk behind yet?

[jonvan]

Alright, I'm going to continue messing around with it... need to add a tree/ sun or something and blow up the font. Thanks for the constructive criticism guys! Also, no, I haven't found a walk behind yet... got one? I might consider like a 44'' but I think I want a 36''. My budget is somewhat limiting...

[KGR landscapeing]

Alright, I'm going to continue messing around with it... need to add a tree/ sun or something and blow up the font. Thanks for the constructive criticism guys! Also, no, I haven't found a walk behind yet... got one? I might consider like a 44'' but I think I want a 36''. My budget is somewhat limiting...

Come spring i intend to sell both walk behinds a 32 and a 48 i am rather sick of mowing customers wanting something for nothing. And i also had some health issues this year. Looking for a diffrent venue so i can have something to keep equipment busy during the summer i wanna be a large scale plowing op

[RonAyersMotorsports]

Yeah love the blower man. Good luck. You didn't make a bad choice on the mower either. For the money it's a great buy and it will serve you well. Electrolux makes a decent machine, I'd rather have that than an MTD product by far. Now we just need to upgrade that trimmer to an FS80 or 90. Did you dealer tell you about when to have the valves adjusted on the blower?

[bighaydenslawn]

Hey that was better than I had this year (my first year). I had:

- Yard Machines 38" Manual Transmission
- Weedeater Curved Shaft Trimmer
- Rake & Shovel & Hand Pruners
- Started with Broom but then used a borrowed Craftsman Blower

Pretty sad, I know!

But, I am in the process of getting some better equipment. Not the best commercial grade stuff you can get, but a HUGE upgrade for me. I think that if you have decent equipment from good brands and take care of it, it will be just like having the best possible commercial stuff. The new equipment is listed in my sig. A Stihl FS 55R or Stihl FS 80R would be my opinion for your next trimmer, and get a hedge trimmer. Doesn't matter if it is a cheapo or what. Hedge trimming can be some good money regardless.

[jonvan]

Kevin- Maybe you could send me a PM with how much $$ you will be asking for the mowers? Also, out of curiosity, were you mowing primarily in Solon... or? Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Ron (I'm guessing your the owner)- Thanks! I'm planning on upgrading the trimmer a month or two into the mowing season... need to get a W/B first. My dealer didn't mention when to have the valves adjusted, although I've only ran 3 tanks of gas through the blower. I suffered most of the leaf season with another blower.

Big Hayden- Thanks man, I wish I had started 3 years ago. In a few years I'm sure your line up will be huge. I have an electric hedge trimmer (hahaha) that I used a few times last season, but when I upgrade the trimmer I'm planning to get a hedge trimmer attachment. I cut down quite a bit of ornamental grass this fall with the hedge trimmer, had to ask the client if I could use an outlet!

[jonvan]

This one is less plain... opinions?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/3180285747_77dc382224.jpg?v=0

[lifetree]

... I'm looking to replace the 42'' rider with a 36'' or bigger walk behind. ...

I recommend a Quick 36" Dually !!

[FinerCutslawnCare]

Just to think I was EXACTLY where you are right now 3 years ago. Just goes to show that if you put your mind to things and want it you can do it! I will be looking for you in a couple of years on this site hoping to see the big commercial equipment! Nice setup for now and good luck.

p.s. before I forget I would get a trailer first before you get a walk behind...just my opinion tho!

[RonAyersMotorsports]

[Quote]Ron (I'm guessing your the owner)- Thanks! I'm planning on upgrading the trimmer a month or two into the mowing season... need to get a W/B first. My dealer didn't mention when to have the valves adjusted, although I've only ran 3 tanks of gas through the blower. I suffered most of the leaf season with another blower.[Quote]

Ok well they should have I hate when dealers don't do that. They need to be done around 150 hours or whenever the unit seems to lose power. A good tell tell sign the pull cord will become harder to pull, due to lack of valve overlap. (compression release) This can be done quick at little cost. After the first time well over 200 hours before adjusting again. If your a do it yourself kind of guy and somewhat mechanically inclined. Next time you visit your dealer tell him you would like to order a workshop manual part number 0455 452 0123 and you will be able to do this yourself. With the help of tool part number 4180 893 6400. The manual is less than $10 and the tool less than a $1.

As for being the ower. Thanks but I'm Derek, head of my department, I'm the salesperson, parts guy, and shop foreman for all our Power Equipment. I have been working on and selling Power Equipment for quite some time now and even managed a smaller business for four years prior to coming to Ron Ayers. Ron was an original partner but is no longer involved with the business. Surprising enough we're independenlty owned. Do you have a Hustler dealer in your area? Trimstar units are awsome walkbehinds, often commented "its like driving a jet ski" so easy and fun, not to mention the quality of cut!

Good luck thanks for the reply.

[jonvan]

Thanks Ron... I'll pick up a manual the next time I'm at the dealer. Not sure if I have a Hustler dealer in the area... I'll check their website.
- Jon

[jonvan]

Here's one I made tonight... I like it the most but feel it needs something. Ideas?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3186129319_72d565277f.jpg?v=0

[KGR landscapeing]

Here's one I made tonight... I like it the most but feel it needs something. Ideas?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3186129319_72d565277f.jpg?v=0

the numbers dont pack a punch

[jonvan]

Thanks KGR- How's this?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3190038476_32b627dc2c.jpg?v=0

[jonvan]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/3191881325_6ecb0b70d0.jpg?v=0

I'm going to order 3 magnets for the truck... 2 doors and tailgate. And possibly some small magnets for customers (to go on the fridge, etc)?

[jonvan]

Almost ready to go for this year... I've had a few spring clean ups and have one big (for me, 12 yards) mulch job coming up. I am planning on picking up a can of JD Green and painting a few things on the mower. Already painted/ stained the trailer and installed Trimmer Traps and Fast Straps. I have 5 weekly mowing accounts and hopefully will grow through the year to 9-10. BTW- I forgot the other truck magnet at home- woops! Hopefully in the next year I can upgrade to a Stihl trimmer (a Kombi system?) and maybe a bigger truck/ trailer. For now, this gets the job done! :weightlifter:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3407130615_8c453e9ff0.jpg?v=0http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3304546055_2ef6127f46.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3407131477_5d84825767.jpg?v=0http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3407939654_21a5e6d63e.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3407132091_a16bbe1209.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3407131131_34f4b03174.jpg?v=0http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3407132091_a16bbe1209.jpg?v=0
- Jon

[DRBLawnBuster]

Very nice stuff but defintly get a stihl trimmer, i had a craftsman trimmer and it lasted me about 3 weeks mowing around 25 lawns. Also are you going to get that big 12 yards of mulch delivered.

[slamjamrockinman]

Looks really good, sounds and looks like your making progress!! Good luck this year!!!

[KGR landscapeing]

get a bump head for that trimmer. And where did u find that deere at?

[jonvan]

Thanks guys! Lawn buster- I'm planning on getting a Stihl trimmer at some point this year- but I will probably use the Craftsman till it breaks then upgrade. I love the BR600, and probably will go with an FS90R? Not sold on one yet. I'm having a dump deliver the mulch at the account... my truck is NOT built for 12yds hahah! :dizzy: Thanks Slammin'- good luck to you aswell!

[2brothersyardcare]

looks great you get a stihl trimmer and it will b perfect

[jonvan]

I got the Deere used off of Craigslist for $700, and got it serviced at Chagrin Pet. Stupid question- but I've never seen/ heard of a bump head. What is it??? Holds more line or something? Thanks 2Bros!
- Jon

[RonAyersMotorsports]

Everything looks great. Glad to see the STIHL blower the FS90 trimmer is a powerful unit for the size and money. If you decide to purchase one, it won't let you down. Good luck this year!

[jonvan]

Can't wait for the Stihl trimmer! I also went to a Hustler demo day and talked with the Ohio Distributor. Really liked the FasTrak 48... hopefully I can grow to a point where I need one!
- Jon

[jonvan]

I updated the mower with a new coat of JD green on the deck, belt covers and a few other pieces today. I also replaced the grips, changed the oil and made a few other small adjustments. Hopefully I'll have pic's of stripes in the next 1-2 weeks- it's still very wet/ rainy. I might put "JVW Lawn Care" in the place I left bare on the belt cover... sometime.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3413335946_b1a5bb89f8.jpg?v=0

- Jon

[MJS]

Enjoy it while you can, because once your business grows, you probably won't have much time to worry about decals and new paint. :)

When you have the $ to afford it, I would get a new trailer pronto - those little tires are not really made for hauling equipment on a regular basis.

Looks good though, and good luck this year.

[jonvan]

Hahah, yeah hopefully when the business grows I'll have newer mowers with better paint to start with. But, for $700, I think it looks pretty good. Someone asked if it was new today! :laugh: And good point on the trailer... it sucks! I just kinda rushed that purchase... should of went bigger! Well, you live + learn. Next will hopefully be a 6x12, once I get a bigger truck and a ZTR. We'll see!
- Jon

[Supper Grassy]

Nice Equipment.

[KGR landscapeing]

Hahah, yeah hopefully when the business grows I'll have newer mowers with better paint to start with. But, for $700, I think it looks pretty good. Someone asked if it was new today! :laugh: And good point on the trailer... it sucks! I just kinda rushed that purchase... should of went bigger! Well, you live + learn. Next will hopefully be a 6x12, once I get a bigger truck and a ZTR. We'll see!
- Jon

Jon if you get a ztr dont get shorther then 14ft because with the walk and the ztr you wont have any room. for like a bagger or push mower. Also about the bump head for the trimmer i have that same trimmer but i put just a basic pump head from like lowes or home cheapo on it. That way i have 30 ft of line thou your arm will fall off long befor that. And i also have the tiller for it and it has plently of balls for it but its so heavy. Thats why i have one of the 4 stroke honda little tillers.

[jonvan]

Thanks Grassy! Kevin- Thanks for the advice... good point on the trailer! I don't foresee myself getting a bigger trailer for at least a year, but I'll keep that in mind down the road. For now, all of my accounts are within 1 mile of each other and hopefully I will pick up some with 2 per stop. I'll look at the bump heads the next time I'm in Sears... For now, my Dad got a TON of the individual strings last spring.
- Jon

[hvphotog]

I like the paint job on the mower matches the truck.. nice :-) have to think about doing that to mine

[red12]

Yep im just like you off and on the past few years I have cut people lawns. I got a freebie also a 21" self propelled mower. Then this winter and spring got me a new handheld blower and new trimmer trying to buy a 98 john deere walk behind from my work for under 500. It nice extra cast on the side. Nice setup.

[jonvan]

HVP- Hahah yeah it was a cool coincidence... I didn't even think about it till I got home with the truck!

Red- Thanks! The 36'' JD is a great mower, and feels/ runs very well IMO. How do you like your Colorado? I really like them... just couldn't afford one (I'm 16). Good luck getting the JD!

[Cutter1]

I can't hold it in any longer!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STAY IN SCHOOL AND DO NOT GET SUCKED INTO THIS BUSINESS. Just my advice too pass onto you youngsters. Get an education and use your head, not your back.:hammerhead:

[hvphotog]

I can't hold it in any longer!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STAY IN SCHOOL AND DO NOT GET SUCKED INTO THIS BUSINESS. Just my advice too pass onto you youngsters. Get an education and use your head, not your back.:hammerhead:

All depends on how you look at it... willing to make 450K a year doing landscaping or more? my brother works for a Company ConServ Construction in Suffern NY and the two owners started out doing landscaping. Now they are worth millions, Donny the one owner just built this house that is like a mini castle.. They have about 80 employees plus another 14 in the office and they do about 80 million a year in jobs.

I know another guy that sold his busiss which was started as landscaping and grew to included doing golf course install and underground water sprinklers.. sold his company for $18 million...

So why would you not want to get into this, if you are not cut out for it i would not reccomend it, then sure go work fro wal-mart, IBM or something where you have no clue if youf job is safe. On the other hand take your future into your own hands and make it want you want it to be.

:usflag:

[MJS]

I can't hold it in any longer!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STAY IN SCHOOL AND DO NOT GET SUCKED INTO THIS BUSINESS. Just my advice too pass onto you youngsters. Get an education and use your head, not your back.:hammerhead:

Hey hey - I did both and I know of others also. . .It's not impossible :laugh:

[gunsworth]

I can't hold it in any longer!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STAY IN SCHOOL AND DO NOT GET SUCKED INTO THIS BUSINESS. Just my advice too pass onto you youngsters. Get an education and use your head, not your back.:hammerhead:

I got a college degree and now own a lawn company thanks to the economy. I also have quite a few colleagues whove asked if I need help since they lost their jobs...

Ive been outta school for 4 years and my biggest debt is still my student loans;)

[Cutter1]

you know one guy out of how many that has made it huge??? Come on. I'm saying the odds are against anyone starting out. I have made it, but its a struggle. I'm not going to get into a stupid pissing match on this site like they all seem to turn into. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders, just words of wisdom. LEAVING IT AT THAT, I'M DONE. ENJOY.

[jonvan]

Thanks for your concern. I'm not looking to get sucked out of school with this business. Honestly, one of the main reasons I'm doing this is to pay for school. I'm planning on attending a four year college and majoring in Landscape Architecture while getting in a bunch of business courses. With that, I can work with a large firm while possibly developing my own business on the side. I appreciate your thoughts!
- Jon

[Big Red Ferris]

wow man ur doing well ur gonna wanna find ur self a nice fs90

[93Chevy]

Looks good bud, good luck this season. Hope to see some pics of your work soon.

[jonvan]

Thanks guys! I should be able to pick up an FS90 in the next 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately, it's snowing right now! :dizzy: The forecast shows some hope though, and I'll probably get a bit of work done next week if it drys out a bit. I'll make sure to get pic's! Can't wait to lay some stripes!

[jonvan]

Today I built a basket/ shelf for my gas cans and other miscellaneous hand tools. I used scrap wood and left over paint, so it was FREE! Should be mowing by Saturday, but we'll see... the yards are all pretty soggy. :cry:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3448151415_41b5cdd87c.jpg?v=0

[hvphotog]

Today I built a basket/ shelf for my gas cans and other miscellaneous hand tools. I used scrap wood and left over paint, so it was FREE! Should be mowing by Saturday, but we'll see... the yards are all pretty soggy. :cry:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3448151415_41b5cdd87c.jpg?v=0

I have to try something like that, going to try my hand at welding one...

[jonvan]

Yep it should work pretty well. It makes the cans easier to fasten and I won't have to bend down as much... hahah! Good luck with welding yours up... I'll have to get something bigger/ better on my next trailer. This works for now though.
- Jon

[jonvan]

Well I've been pretty busy so far. Up to 8 weekly accounts with various other jobs around town... advertising and word of mouth are paying off! I've forgotten about taking pics but will definitely post some this weekend. For now, here's one of my last cut today... swung back with the camera because it's in my neighborhood. This is the second cut of the year so it's not perfect yet...
- Jon

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3487694718_29539b454d.jpg?v=0

[riverwalklandscaping]

making your way up, nice.

[jonvan]

New (to me) mower! 2004 Exmark Lazer CT 44'' with 170 hours! I'll be getting a new trailer in the next 3? weeks or so.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3763370585_dc8d2cd3ed.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3763372949_81ecf9ed3a.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6490_114630260985_534810985_2734325_3507184_n.jpg

[mowerdude777]

sweet mower

[rusty_keg_3]

Dam man, i just read thru your thread, you have grown a lot...
You started with a Craftsman rider, A BR600 (great machine, im jealous, we have the 550), and Craftsman trimmer...

Then You got a trailer, and then a JD WB (nice job, looks new).

And just Lazer Z, (Nice machine... We have 60 and love it, but we put over 3000 hrs on it...) (congrats too!) and soon your getting a bigger trailer (i would go 14 ft, or with a 12, you will have to be creative with storage...)



If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay for all of your stuff? Truck, Trailer, Ect...

Well, it looks like your off to a great start, good luck man, i think you will be big some day.

Also, how many accounts do you have now?

[rusty_keg_3]

Oh, yea, where are you in Ohio? We are N.W (Toledo Area)...

[jonvan]

mowerdude777- Thanks!

rusty_keg_3- Thanks, I'm going to keep reinvesting my profits into the business! The truck was $2,200, the trailer was $400 (I painted/ stained it), the blower was like $550 the JD w/b was $700 and the Lazer Z was $3,500. I'm probably going to go with a 6x12 trailer with a side ramp for the 36'' w/b. I have 11 weekly maintenance accounts ranging from .5 acre to 1.75 acres (median about .75 acre). I'm comfortable with that number and when school starts up again (i'll be a Junior) I can concentrate on that. I'm actually going to be spending 2hrs of the school day in a Landscape/ Turf Management program offered in the area. I'm in N/E Ohio (40 miles east of Cleveland)... I actually drove through Toledo last weekend picking up the Z.
BTW- Nice truck!!! I love the new body style GM trucks!

[rusty_keg_3]

Yea, that seems to be workin out for you... It all looks good, i actualy want to go to a different school tho (they offer landscape and turfgarass management their) And that place is BRAND NEW, its awesome, heres the link http://www.pentacareercenter.org/,
and the program link... http://www.pentacareercenter.org/PDF/HS%20Programs/Landscape%2005.pdf

Ill be a Junior too. This place looks awesome, but im not sure about it yet...
You are in the lab 1/2 of the day in the "lab" i guess its like the feild..., ans 1/2 in regular classes...

[rusty_keg_3]

Did you get the ZTR at a dealer?

[jonvan]

That program looks very similar to the one that I'll be participating in... only difference is that my science (A.P. Enviro. Science), english (Honors English 11), math (Prob + Stat) and gov/econ. will be at my high school, and I leave after lunch to go to the other program.

Got the ZTR from a home owner (orig. owner) who used it on 1 acre for 4 years.

Good luck!

[rusty_keg_3]

Ahh, i see... That was a great buy, how did you find it? Craigslist?

[KGR landscapeing]

mowerdude777- Thanks!

rusty_keg_3- Thanks, I'm going to keep reinvesting my profits into the business! The truck was $2,200, the trailer was $400 (I painted/ stained it), the blower was like $550 the JD w/b was $700 and the Lazer Z was $3,500. I'm probably going to go with a 6x12 trailer with a side ramp for the 36'' w/b. I have 11 weekly maintenance accounts ranging from .5 acre to 1.75 acres (median about .75 acre). I'm comfortable with that number and when school starts up again (i'll be a Junior) I can concentrate on that. I'm actually going to be spending 2hrs of the school day in a Landscape/ Turf Management program offered in the area. I'm in N/E Ohio (40 miles east of Cleveland)... I actually drove through Toledo last weekend picking up the Z.
BTW- Nice truck!!! I love the new body style GM trucks!

Jon your not going to gates mills hort Are u? I was in Construction trades so i was at mayfield anyway that place is where all the druggies go

[jonvan]

KGR- Yep. Just gotta ignore the druggies.

New trailer and I cleaned the truck! (I know, I need a bigger truck... it works for now)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3856400281_696c727fb1.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3856403169_f32e978c4e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3857194958_44e71ea722.jpg

[DRBLawnBuster]

Looks very nice beutiful equipment, what part of ohio you from, how old are you?

[DRBLawnBuster]

One other thing you should really have more weight in the front of the trailer, you dont want to get on the road and have it start to fish tail.

[KGR landscapeing]

One other thing you should really have more weight in the front of the trailer, you dont want to get on the road and have it start to fish tail.

id say the weight is just about right

[DRBLawnBuster]

yes it might be its hard to tel how much tongue weight he has unless you are really there, i just no if i dont have one of my walk behinds close to the front i have not alot of tongue weight

[rusty_keg_3]

Yea, i rode the bus for the first time, and a kid was smoking (its not a drug)... And kids were smokin pot in the parkin lot...

[jonvan]

The trailer tows fine with it like that. Eventually i'll put a 21'' mower and maybe a cage up front. We'll see... for now i'm happy because the truck doesn't sag. Thanks for the comments!

[jonvan]

DRB- I'm 17 and from Chagrin Falls.
Posted via Mobile Device

[jonvan]

Been a little while since I posted last.. but everything is good. Starting to get ready for spring... can't wait to start mowing. Bought a new (to me) truck this winter... 2007 Toyota Tundra RCSB with the 5.7V8. I know it's not a work truck.. but that's not why I bought it... :) It has a couple mods.. just installed the hitch and tinted the windows today. :weightlifter:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4412405334_792eae01aa.jpg

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