Question for all

[lawnkid]

For you guys who are firefighters, how many accounts can you guys handle on your days off. Right now, I can only cut on the weeknds so this is limiting mr too some of my customers and my dad alreay thinks I have enough. Currently I am about $2000 short of where I want to be for next season but i know this fall will put me where I want to be and maybe even ahead. I am also considering what kind of equipment I should get for next season when I expand. I was wondering if i should get an enclosed 6x12 trailer with racks which would only leave me enough money to purchase another w/b and not a rider. Or the other option would be to purchase an open 6x12 trailer with racks and buy a rider. Probably a 60" or a 61". Which package would you take. I'm also gonna purchase 2 Stihl FS-85's and probably another backpack. Help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Scag48]

Toys are more fun than trailers. Buy the Z! One question, why are you buying 2 more trimmers? Just curious.

[Evan528]

They are "toys" for the first week then they just become work to operate all day. Buy what you need... not what is more fun to play with.

[lawnkid]

Scag 48,
yes I will be buying 2 trimmers and proably a Stihl BR-420 Magnum.

Evan 528,
I agree with your comment. i need something that is great on hills but is quick touhg oo.

[Scag48]

That's true, but do you really need an enclosed trailer? Is theft a problem? That seems to be the big deciding factor and how much garage space you have available.

[little green guy]

how about a stander, there good on hills and quick on open areas and save trialer space. I would also buy a bigger trailer than a 6x12 though, you will eventually need more space.

[Brickman]

Scheduling wasn't a problem for me. I am a volunteer FF. I can see where it would be harder if you have days on and days off.

[Turf Dancer]

If you run a 24/48 schedule or a modified Detroit or the other schedule where you have a 1 on 1 off 1on 1off 1 on and 4 off it would be near impossible to schedule a business such as this.

[cos]

Why would being a voluteer firefighter hurt your schedule? Supporting yourself and your family come before charity. Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking it, but your priorities should come first!!!

[Turf Dancer]

If you run a 24/48 schedule or a modified Detroit or the other schedule where you have a 1 on 1 off 1on 1off 1 on and 4 off it would be near impossible to schedule a business such as this.

[JimLewis]

Question for all Hey, that includes me!!!
For you guys who are firefighters Wait a minute...WTF??? Arghhh!!! The old bait and switch routine again! :angry:

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by jimlewis
Hey, that includes me!!!
Wait a minute...WTF??? Arghhh!!! The old bait and switch routine again! :angry:

Shouldn't that have read "Question for all firefighters"?

Don't ya hate that bait n switch?

Fit it in when you can, work when you can.

[Firefighter Dave]

Lawnkid,

I am a firefighter and running my own lawn care right now. I work a schedual that is 1 on, 1 off, 1 on, 1 off, 1 on then 4 off. Plan that out on a calandar and you'll see the days you have available. This was my first year doing lawn care and has gone very smooth. I have 15 cutomers and divided them up into two days. I let all my customers know what my fulltime job is and that my schedual changes pretty much every week. I let my customers know that they are a Monday / Tuesday customer or a Thursday / Friday customer and none of them have had a problem with that. Since September 11th, the firefighter/paramedic thing has given me an angle with getting and keeping customers. Next year I plan on having about 32 customers. That would make my days be Monday trough Thursday(8 a day), and leaving friday as a rain day. Out of our 27 week season I am going to miss about 36 days because I will be on duty. I have a co-worker that works a differant shift and he's going to cut those days for me. (Giving him 90% profits for those days) It's not not unreasonable to have a lawn care for a side business being a firefighter, it's actually a great side business. Good Luck!

Dave

:blob2: :blob2:

[MOW ED]

Originally posted by Turf Dancer
If you run a 24/48 schedule or a modified Detroit or the other schedule where you have a 1 on 1 off 1on 1off 1 on and 4 off it would be near impossible to schedule a business such as this.

Not to disagree with you Turf Dancer but I work the California Schedule (1 on, 1off, 1 on, 1 off 1 on, 4 off) and have had a very successful business over the last 7 years. It is prioritizing your time and getting the right mix of customers. Weather is a slight consideration in the spring but there is seldom a day in the summer that is a total washout.

Its not how many jobs you can handle its how long it takes you to do the jobs you have. If you overbook yourself, you will find out in the spring when its growing like crazy. My springtime average on my accounts is about 16 hours a week. Summertime drops it to about 12. Thats 2 days a week for me, my times don't include maintenance time either as I fit that in on off weekend days.
I do both careers seriously and keep control in my business. My wife and I are the only 2 that service our properties and all the income goes to us. Initially, I do not tell my new customers that I am a firefighter. If they inquire then I will tell them. I feel that my job as a firefighter is quite different than being a business owner. I am proud to be a firefighter but I do not use it to expand my business.

So back to your original question, if you have no problems with theft or storage of equipment then I would go with a 16 foot open trailer and put the rest toward the Z that will fit most of your properties. If you have a crew and you need 2 string trimmers then you have to buy them but I do not know how your business is set up. You have to put the numbers down for yourself and figure out a business plan and where you want to be next season as well as 5 years form now. Thats another chapter.
Good Luck

[fireshawn1175]

Lawnkid,

I am a full time firefighter 24 on 48 off, I don't know how you other guys figure out that whole california/detriot schedule. Anyway, I have about 15 accounts, I work them on my half days, we work noon to noon. My full days off are mine to do as I please or play catchup if I get behind. The whole rider issue is one you will have to figure out. I am currently running w/ two Honda 21" commercial mowers, but in the spring I am gonna buy an Exmark hp 36" and hope to pick up a few more yards to help pay for the new baby!!! I have a 6X12 open trailer w/ a expanded metal box across the front. I haven't had any problems w/ theft and I just leave it parked on the driveway behind my truck (bet the neighbors just love that one). Hope I was of some help.

[dlandscaping]

Lawnkid,
You can be a firefighter at 14? If you dont already have one i woud invest that money in a truck. If not take a look at your budget and then at what you would use most. Do you need a new trailer, do you need enclosed? I thought you decided you were buying a second scag. Personally i would run that mower into the ground. Scags a3many years. The engines will probably die out in 3 seasons or at least TGCL goes through an engine a year on theirs. They use those mowers every day all day same mower as yours. The cut is excellent. I wouldn't go on a huge spending spree just yet unless you have clients on contracts etc. If you have the money grab a ztr. You can always have a bum season like we had here with a drought. We are 11" below the avg since july 2001.