Another Dingo question, a little different.

[FIRESCOOBY]

Hello.

I am considering purchasing a Dingo or the like. I don't do hardscapes or irrigation, but would like to get into more landscaping.

I'd also like to get into to some sub-contracting such as trenching, backyard jobs for homeowners, etc.

Question: Did any of y'all that do this contact contractors? Just wondering how the best way to get the word out is? I've tried flyers, yellow pages, news paper for maintenance...and very little response. Get the best return on word of mouth of course and a few with flyers.

Any information/ insight is appreciated.

[subhunter]

It's been a long time since I had a Dingo, so I'm not current on what they have to offer now. The unit I had would do just about anything asked of it and there are a multitude of attachments available. They're darned expensive for what they are, and so are the attachments, but can really increase your productivity and cut manpower and time costs. They haven't gained much popularity in this area and the dealer for them seems to change frequently. Since I had mine I think four or five companies have tried to market them with little success. Last I heard there was an individual trying to sell them. It seems they're far more popular in your neck of the woods.

[ksss]

You might try contacting the local cable TV, DISH/Direct TV, gas or propane, phone companies, about doing line installs for them. It would seem like someone with a small piece of equipment like that who could do the install, fix the lawn and repair any sprinkler line cuts would be well worth time.

As far as the advertising, I don't think anyones phone is ringing right now. I would be sure to include in the ad how your specialized in smaller hard to access areas. Also you might try contacting other larger landscapers who don't have a dingo type machine. You might pickup some subcontract work or they might give you the work entirely. I would also contact fencing companies. Those machines work pretty well with a post hole auger.

[FIRESCOOBY]

Thanks for the info guys, keep'em coming.

[wellbuilt]

I think the dingos are kinda cool but you could buy a small full size skid bobcat 753 for less money . I would go for a bobcat MT I have 3 dealers that rent all kinds of cool gadgets for it . Ive used the small ho , a trencher forks , and a auger . Its better then digging by hand but kinda slow . Now i just crunch up the bushes dig out a tree hop up on a wall or what ever and charge it to the job . I have used the small mini skid to dig out under houses. As far as getting work my jobs come from word of mouth mostly . I like to talk to 7 to 10 people a day. say hi Throw them a hand shake Tell them who you are , what you do . slip them a card . It takes about 20 sec . There is a guy on my street that post pictures around town with hes loader and Ex and a phone # He charges 400 a day (way to Cheep ) Good luck John

[Lawnworks]

I don't know how you would advertise for specific dingo work. I just advertise for the finished product... irrigation systems, add-ons, sod installs, landscaping, etc. I have a full sized skid, but I would say the dingo gets used 4 days a week and the skid 1 day a week. I would try to learn how to do irrigation... you opportunity for more work will be much greater.

[FIRESCOOBY]

Any more input/ opinions?

Thanks for the info guys!!