Pics of my competition

[Rayholio]

Look at this clowns rig.. He's licensed I think, and sprays some of the nicest neighborhoods around. Last year I wrote him a letter offering to buy his customers.. guess he needs the reoccouring beer money.

http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/17ead564da96c12703c670b76a2329576g.jpg

Note the dragging strap.. sagging trailer, and what appears to be a leak under the trailer (customers I take from him often complain about his leaky equipment)

http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/25a8a30168c8104d9a411c042fc7ef616g.jpg Gotta love the 'properly' stored pesticide containers, Wadded up hose (hose reels are worth like 4 cases of beer.. too big of an investment) and the tightly strapped down pallet tank.


http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/850e3270afba63642046d8574662d9246g.jpg
Just take in all in... I would love to see that in front of my house.. So classy.

Talk about giving us a bad name.

[merrimacmill]

That is pretty bad. No real excuse for that. I mean if he was just starting out and could not afford a nice rig that is one thing. But there is no excuse at all for the dragging strap, hardly secured pallet tank, improperly stored containers, and just the really nice mess he has going on there...

[southernsprayguy]

That is pretty bad. No real excuse for that. I mean if he was just starting out and could not afford a nice rig that is one thing. But there is no excuse at all for the dragging strap, hardly secured pallet tank, improperly stored containers, and just the really nice mess he has going on there...

Couldn't agree more. The guy doesn't even have a decal with his company name, license #, or a phone number for that matter. And we wonder why chemical applicators get such a bad wrap. If it were me, I would have to make a quick call to the Bureau of Plant Industry down here and have this fella checked out.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

That is sweet

[Rayholio]

Yeah.. he's been in business for around a decade.. about twice as long as myself..

[Rayholio]

Couldn't agree more. The guy doesn't even have a decal with his company name, license #, or a phone number for that matter. And we wonder why chemical applicators get such a bad wrap. If it were me, I would have to make a quick call to the Bureau of Plant Industry down here and have this fella checked out.

Just finished emailing our enforcement agent the pics ;)

If my operation looked like that, I wouldn't put my name on it either.. LOL

[Ric]

Darn Ray

You have been to Florida and just couldn't pass up taking pictures of my Equipment. Pretty nice set up when you really look at it. I live in the van so my over head is real low if I didn't have to pay to have the trailer welded all the time. Who needs a hose reel?? I can throw the hose in the trailer faster than a hose reel. Pulling out the spaghetti is a different story, but it works for me.

[daveyo]

Man, just hope he doesn't have kids that go in the van after working hours. Because you know he has chems in there. But 10 years like that, damn.

[grassman177]

man, i cant even think straight after seeing that one!!!

[KACYDS]

Where can you buy one of those sprayers? Nice setup..............lol:hammerhead::hammerhead::hammerhead:

[4.3mudder]

At least he has a license plate on or actually in the trailer. LOL

[AmGreen]

I'm curious to know how he's even getting business...
Like someone else said, no signage at all - and I hope he doesn't get any word of mouth business!
Maybe the phone book does still work...who knows.

[rcreech]

I don't even like dirt on my equipment or vehicles...and that is all that is holding his together!

Who in their right mind would even hire someone like this? :dizzy:


"I'm sorry...I know you are the best and run great looking equipment and offer great service....but the guy in the van that pulls the trailer is $.50 cheaper then you are each app!"

:dizzy:

[Ric]

Yo

Got to admit there is a guy in my town who isn't much better. But the interesting thing is he is making big money and lives in a nice house etc. Part of his marketing is that rag tag look that does it cheap. Now the story behind him is he is a nice guy who was a branch manager for a big company on the east coast. He really know his stuff but is taking the low road with less stress and the low hanging fruit. In a way I envy him. He has no ego hang ups about being a good old boy.

[ted putnam]

I've seen some questionable setups before but this one takes the cake! And people like to make fun of folks from Arkansas. Now there's a case of "Hillbilly Lawncare" in the Ozarks of Missouri. I wonder how many times he's been pulled over for suspicion of manufacturing Methamphetamine?:laugh:

[Ric]

Ted

I am going to tell on myself. I have the same 325 Gallon pallet tank on a trailer with a D 30 and Power reel. Now my trailer is a little stronger and better looking BUT.

I use it about 3 time a month and today was one of those days. I pull it with my cab over spray truck, so it might not look to bad.


The Guy I was talking about in my above post has a 300 gallon tank in a 1/2 ton truck and uses Garden hose. He also uses a standard garden hose sprayer. He uses a 12V pumps from a RV water system. I don't think he has $ 500 invested in the equipment. He dresses kind of scruffy and normally need a shave. But once you get past the look he is a nice guy and knows his stuff, he just doesn't fool with all the stress of fine yards.

[tobylou8]

The dragging strap is the ground for his trailer lights :laugh:

[JPsDuramax]

I dont care who you are, that there is funny:laugh::laugh: And I thought Georgians were bad!:rolleyes:

[Runner]

That's not even a sprayer! That is a waste recovery tank - like for holding old oil and such. we have one like that out behind the shop that company comes and gets our oil from (and pays us a small amount).
Am I seeing something wrong, or is the trailer license plate INSIDE the trailer where it can't be seen? Does your state law allow that? Also, our carrier enforcement (state police) would have a field day on tat one. No fenders. Over loaded. Leaking hazardous waste. No trailer bakes. No brake-way system. No chains. Unsecured load. No signage on truck (probably no chauffeur license medical certificate, and required safety equipment). The list probably goes on and on. They would take this vehicle out of commission on the spot.

[4.3mudder]

That strap holding the tank looks a little loose. That strap might just hold the whole trailer together. At least he has lights on it :hammerhead:

[JPsDuramax]

Runner what is a chueffer license?

[JDUtah]

Part of his marketing is that rag tag look that does it cheap.

I must admit the biggest call return I have seen is from middle quality fliers... the upper end fliers get less calls... I have even had people tell me this year that it looks like I spent a lot of money on my fliers.. almost too much. Funny part is they have no clue that printing is the same regardless if you have a good or terrible design job...

I am tempted to go back to middle quality looking advertising... but my pride keeps me from thinking seriously about it.. so far...

[Runner]

Runner what is a chueffer license?

A chauffeur's license is an endorsement that we have here in Michigan that is required by law for anyone - ANYone that operates a commercial vehicle during the course of their line of work.

[Rayholio]

Heheh I KNEW you guys would get a kick outta this.. I've been seeing this guy around since day 1.. He used to have an old beat up 3/4 ton pickup, with all of his leaky crap in it.. but I hear it broke down, and is now sitting wheeless in front of his trailer home.. NO KIDDING. LOL I've seen him last year with his farm store pesticide containers filling the back of that trailer, upside down and sideways.. and wondering how they were staying in there....

It drives me crazy.. He takes care of some REALLY high end homes.. his lawns don't look great.. but they also don't look bad.. #1 reason people sign up with me over him.. "He's applying the treatments late"

Makes me wonder how important appearance is? LOL I could never do THAT though.. I have too much pride.

And, Yes.. the license plate is IN the trailer.. sideways.. and the whole thing looks like it could break in half at any time.. LOL I can't wait to hear back from the inspector.. wonder if I could send this to the DOT as well?

I would love to see that strap drift under a wheel at highway speeds.. thus dragging his 'tank' forward, into his van, and maybe under the trailer.. I can imagine the farm store pesticide containers exploding outward in every direction, and the hose dragging behind.. LOL

[greendoctor]

The DOA in Hawaii would be all over that one. Pesticides not locked up. No labels on the containers. He is really done if the van is a storage warehouse for more chemicals. The leaking pallet tank or is that one of the containers? would be the focus of the DOT or the DOA, whoever spots it first. No plate on the trailer means he is cop bait here. The police notice when a trailer does not have a rear license plate properly displayed along with a valid safety inspection sticker.

[JPsDuramax]

A chauffeur's license is an endorsement that we have here in Michigan that is required by law for anyone - ANYone that operates a commercial vehicle during the course of their line of work.

Thanks for the info...I am so happy I live in Georgia:)

[Ric]

That's not even a sprayer! That is a waste recovery tank - like for holding old oil and such. we have one like that out behind the shop that company comes and gets our oil from (and pays us a small amount).
Am I seeing something wrong, or is the trailer license plate INSIDE the trailer where it can't be seen? Does your state law allow that? Also, our carrier enforcement (state police) would have a field day on tat one. No fenders. Over loaded. Leaking hazardous waste. No trailer bakes. No brake-way system. No chains. Unsecured load. No signage on truck (probably no chauffeur license medical certificate, and required safety equipment). The list probably goes on and on. They would take this vehicle out of commission on the spot.

Runner

That is a Pallet Tank that is used by many Chemical supplier to transport Bulk Material. Go to any Pesticide-Fertilizer plants and you will see them stacked up. They cost more to back ship than to buy new. Therefore they find many uses in a second life, like waste recovery.

I ones I have are from a Preformed Concrete Plant and had Vegetable oil in them for the concrete forms. MSDS listed the material as eatable. The Dish soap I used to clean them out is more toxic than the Vegetable oil that was in them. They are of course DOT approved. However the one pictured here is ready for the garbage. I pick them up for free from the concrete plant and have used them for watering new planted trees where water wasn't available.

[Runner]

Wow. That is cool....I wish I knew somewhere around here that I could get those. They WOULD have different uses.

[jwingfield2k]

do his yards look good?

rig looks bad, but he may know what he's doing. if he has a full list of customers, and that thing is paid for... he could be making more than you are.

i purchased an irrigation repair company in dallas that had a truck like that. the guy i bought the business from retired with millions in the bank.

[Ric]

Wow. That is cool....I wish I knew somewhere around here that I could get those. They WOULD have different uses.

Runner

It might be an advantage or disadvantage, just depends on the use. But they drain 100% by gravity. Yes they are seen quite often in my area on many different types of commercial trucks that need water. I am not the only pesticide company to use them. But I admit they look tacky even when on a nice truck or trailer. But then for free compared to a 325 gallon tank cost, I am not too proud to use it as a back up unit. It saves me having to clean up an other tank to spray straight insecticide without fertilizer in it.

[MnLefty]

Wow. That is cool....I wish I knew somewhere around here that I could get those. They WOULD have different uses.

Joe-

Just buy a bulk pack of herbicide or liquid fert from one of your suppliers!:laugh:

Seriously though, you could check with your suppliers or better yet an ag supplier and they could probably find one for you, either on their own or from somebody who uses them.

[jbturf]

he wouldnt make it 50' down the road around here without gettin pulled over,
heck my neighbor just got pulled over for doin 31mph in a 30mph zone

they'd have a field day with that guy

[Ric]

Joe-

Just buy a bulk pack of herbicide or liquid fert from one of your suppliers!:laugh:

Seriously though, you could check with your suppliers or better yet an ag supplier and they could probably find one for you, either on their own or from somebody who uses them.

MnLefty

I would be careful of where or what might of been in them. In my case I saw the first one sitting on the side of the road in front of the concrete plant and went it to ask. The guy pulled out a MSDS and gave it to me. The second I saw "Eatable" on the MSDS I knew I was good to go. I gave the guy my phone number and ask if he had any more would he call me. After giving a few away I told him I couldn't use any more. Purple Stuff seems to work great at clean up the old vegetable oil and I just rolled the tank to let each side soak for a day. Since I only carry fresh water and have an injector on that unit I wouldn't be afraid to drink from it.

[MnLefty]

MnLefty

I would be careful of where or what might of been in them. In my case I saw the first one sitting on the side of the road in front of the concrete plant and went it to ask. The guy pulled out a MSDS and gave it to me. The second I saw "Eatable" on the MSDS I knew I was good to go. I gave the guy my phone number and ask if he had any more would he call me. After giving a few away I told him I couldn't use any more. Purple Stuff seems to work great at clean up the old vegetable oil and I just rolled the tank to let each side soak for a day. Since I only carry fresh water and have an injector on that unit I wouldn't be afraid to drink from it.

Oh come on Ric, triple rinse... it'll be fine. I agree completely previous use and intended re-use should be considered. My guess was that Runner or others would be using them as fresh water nurse tanks or additional storage tanks around the shop. In that case I'd have no problems with one that was originally used for liquid fert... not so much glyphosate or imazapyr.

[a plus bob]

2 words DEATH TRAP!!!

[Ric]

Ray

Sorry about stealing your thread. But I had real guilt feelings seeing that tank on a trailer. Now hopefully my set up doesn't look any where near as tacky. But I will admit I feel like a Redneck pulling it.

[Rayholio]

LOL S'ok ric... Actually I admire the tank a bit too.. It's built to withstand a collision.. the cube design wastes very little space (our standard curvey tanks waste a LOT of space..) And it looks to be stackable.. All of which would be a welcome change in my box truck.

The problem with his rig isn't really his equipment.. Sure.. it's ugly crap mostly.. but the trailer, lack of secure storage, and general disrepair are what makes this comical... and it just helps that it's all being pulled by an "if this van is rock'n.. don't come a knockin' " vehicle. Heheh It just kills me seeing this guy in 'my' neighborhoods..

Proof that there IS work for ANYONE willing to do it. LOL

[Ric]

Ray

Here in Florida any CPO who isn't brain dead from sniffing too much Diazinon or a Drug Freak should never have to drive a rig like that. I just can't understand why the Police or DOT aren't on the ball and take an accident waiting to happen off the road.

[tobylou8]

LOL S'ok ric... Actually I admire the tank a bit too.. It's built to withstand a collision.. the cube design wastes very little space (our standard curvey tanks waste a LOT of space..) And it looks to be stackable.. All of which would be a welcome change in my box truck.

The problem with his rig isn't really his equipment.. Sure.. it's ugly crap mostly.. but the trailer, lack of secure storage, and general disrepair are what makes this comical... and it just helps that it's all being pulled by an "if this van is rock'n.. don't come a knockin' "

ROFLMAO :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:


vehicle. Heheh It just kills me seeing this guy in 'my' neighborhoods..

Proof that there IS work for ANYONE willing to do it. LOL

ROFLMAO :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh

[elite lawns]

Those pic are PRICELESS

[LushGreenLawn]

I wish I could get those tanks for free. There are several at every farm auction aroun here and they always bring around $100 or so.

[rcreech]

I wish I could get those tanks for free. There are several at every farm auction aroun here and they always bring around $100 or so.

Lush,

I can get you all the free ones you want...you just have to drive to OH to get them! :laugh:

That is the way we handle our bulk chemicals and they are not to be reused!

They are a dime a dozen here as many guys have 8-10 in their barns trying to get rid of them.

[Grandview]

I'm curious to know how he's even getting business...
Like someone else said, no signage at all - and I hope he doesn't get any word of mouth business!
Maybe the phone book does still work...who knows.

He gets business word of mouth. He probably does good work. It surprises me all the time how inept a person can be and still do OK in this business. On the flip side I see operations that have nice looking equipment that are not doing well financially. Agreed there is no excuse for leaking equipment. At least he is working and not waiting for a bailout.

[LIBERTYLANDSCAPING]

I must admit the biggest call return I have seen is from middle quality fliers... the upper end fliers get less calls... I have even had people tell me this year that it looks like I spent a lot of money on my fliers.. almost too much. Funny part is they have no clue that printing is the same regardless if you have a good or terrible design job...

I am tempted to go back to middle quality looking advertising... but my pride keeps me from thinking seriously about it.. so far...

I've posted about that very same thing before! I got more response off of my flyers when they were "middle quality" than my full color gloss professionally done post cards & flyers. I started hearing comments like: I thought youguys were a franchise, or they are surprised to have the personal touch with such a large company;) Maybe next ones I have done should have some things spelled wrong & graphics blurry:laugh:

Just can't win:hammerhead:

[Ric]

Yo

On a side note. Perceived value is sometimes a strange thing. Hand painted signs are suppose to draw a bigger response than professional signs. The older population that lived in the 30's to even the 60's come from a time when technology wasn't as great and accept homemade rigs etc. Today we expect everything to be shiny and bright. We now live in a throw away world.

[Real Green]

Lush,

I can get you all the free ones you want...you just have to drive to OH to get them! :laugh:

That is the way we handle our bulk chemicals and they are not to be reused!

They are a dime a dozen here as many guys have 8-10 in their barns trying to get rid of them.


It looks likes like Lush and I have a pretty good reason to drive out west sooner rather than later. This may become a real possibility!

[Rayholio]

This guy doesn't do real good work.. probably on par with TG.. lawns arn't as green at TGs though.. He buys pretty much all of his chem at the farm store... SOME from farmers co-op from what I hear.. He does treatments behind schedule.. and I've been told that he often skips entire rounds with no explanation. I've also been told by a mower guy that used to contract with him that he likes to mix 'everything' in the tank.. Pre-M, Fert, Weed Killer+ fungicide if needed and sprays it all at once.. And of course he's very cheap..

My brother is a fence builder.. ran into him on a job and chatted for a while.. He lives in a trailer home, and is "a scum bag"

But he must show up half the time, and get results half the time.. so he's still in business. He also has a listing (not an ad) in the yellow pages..

He's obviously not getting rich.. but maybe it keeps him in beer.. which seems to be the trend with many lawn guys out here... they just wanna 'get by'..

[Ric]

I wish I could get those tanks for free. There are several at every farm auction aroun here and they always bring around $100 or so.

Lush

Even at a $ 100.00 for a 325 Gallon tank you aren't spending a fortune if you can use that tank. Farmers are generally 2nd or more generation on family land. There families have lived through some very hard times and they watch a buck very close even in good times. The fact they sell what Industry gives away, shouldn't surprise anyone.

I am not up on container laws, But our Pesticide come in Jugs that state "NOT FOR REUSE" I am told by the concrete plant where I get them for free, They cost more to back ship empty than to buy new. Because of the heavy frame around these tanks, They have very thin walls compared to standard PCO tanks. While I trust the tanks I have, I have no expectations of them lasting a life time. The tank pictured as already seen it's usable life expectancy.

[jnrogers]

I have to admit that this made me laugh. I see a lot of that kind of stuff down here in TN.

[wyattstailoredlawns]

WOW I'm just starting out and i thought my setup was bad. Your stuff makes me look like gold....
Wyatt Springfield MO

Wyattstailoredlawns.com

[tobylou8]

I've posted about that very same thing before! I got more response off of my flyers when they were "middle quality" than my full color gloss professionally done post cards & flyers. I started hearing comments like: I thought youguys were a franchise, or they are surprised to have the personal touch with such a large company;) Maybe next ones I have done should have some things spelled wrong & graphics blurry:laugh:

Just can't win:hammerhead:

NICE AVATAR :laugh:

[rcreech]

It looks likes like Lush and I have a pretty good reason to drive out west sooner rather than later. This may become a real possibility!

Come on man!

I must warn you that once you get to "God's Country a.k.a. OHIO), you won't want to leave! :laugh:

You are more then welcome anytime!

[LushGreenLawn]

It looks likes like Lush and I have a pretty good reason to drive out west sooner rather than later. This may become a real possibility!

Mabye I should have kept quiet! Just Kidding, whats the size of your biggest flatbed? I have a 28' gooseneck, should be able to fit quite a bit on there!

[humble1]

I personally dont know why the person is in that possition to not afford an appropriate vehicle, I dont know maybe he doesnt have insurance and is paying medical bills for his sick child. I try not to judge people like that, everyone starts somewhere, some people get help or breaks others struggle. I do however have no tolerance for leaky containers or things not being tied down when its a safety or enviromental issue. Personally I would contact him and say straighten up or get out of the buisness. If I see you again with improper storage I will report you.

[1styear]

you guys better watch out, he might be in that van on his I-book twittering or even surfing through the lawnsite forum right now. Dun Da Duhn!!!