Teenagers in the business...

[qualitylandscaping]

You should get insurance.. Even though it may cost you almost $1,000 a year, and you may never need to use it, its better than breaking something or killing someone and not having any at all..

My advice to you is call around and look for a good price (a good policy should run between $500 and $800 a year for liability only)..

[mowerman52]

I am 19 and worked for another guy for the last 5 years. I love the lawn business. I just started my own business and just started college too. I have a 52" ferris and a 36" ferris (both hydros), 3 trimmers; stratocharged Redmax, older Redmax, Tanaka, Redmax hand held blower, and 2 Honda 21" hydro commercial mowers.

I bought the W/Bs and the blower. the trimmers I pulled out of my bosses trash, rebuilt them and they run like champs. I have an extra engine that I use for spare parts. The Honda's he just cycled out of service and he just gave them to me after sitting in his shed for 6 months.

I got really lucky and had a real generous boss too. But alot of it came from my enthusiasm for the business and the machines. when I was about 12 I would go down the street and watch him run the commercial walk behinds over his yard and just be in awe.

[trevormat89]

I'm 14 I got 12 yards 1 buisness. I got a 42 inch craftsman riding mower, and a 48 inch scag walk behind. 1 echo trimmer,and gas blower.Im making some money now.

[qualitylandscaping]

ummm.. your profile says ur 21...:confused:

[trevormat89]

im 14 born in 89

i said that because i didnt know if they let me be a registered member.

[rookiemower]

so trevormat your 14 and you've been in business since you where 4? something dont add up?:confused:

[rookiemower]

oic sorry, i understand

[trevormat89]

what ive been in the buisness 4 years not since i was 4
sorry for the miss understanding

[rookiemower]

sorry the profile said 10 yrs and then you said you where 14, i understand the mix up sorry

[derekseger]

I am sixteen me and my friend have been in the business for about 3 years now. We have mostly residentials but we prefer the commercial propertys and actually have almost more commercial than residential this year. What works really nice is that we are both homeschooled and are a little bit more flexible. We had about 11 accounts the first year we started and are making are way past 20. The first year we used push mowers both Lawn Boys. Next year we pushed again, toward the end we used a simplicity front deck. And then last year we used the equipment listed below. Good luck with your business! Here is the list of our equipment :

Derby Stallion 23hp kohler 54"
Simplicity Regent 16hp 38"
Lawn Boy 6.5 21"
Toro Recycler 6.5 21"
Echo Trimmer PB230
Smaller trimmer also Echo
Echo Blower PB2100

[The Hokie Okie]

I am 17. I've been mowing a few lawns for 3 years. (mostly relatives) I have just bought a 21" toro super recycler and a sthil fs 85 and made a little trailer. I'm lookinh for more lawns since I only have 7 and want to be busy this summer. How should I go about getting more lawns. I've already put an ad in the paper and have told my friends to advertise for me. How did you all start your business up?

[trevormat89]

i just passed out a few fliers and my dad got me a job at his buisness.

[lawnranger44]

This thread is never gonna die! :D


The Hokie Okie, as for advertising, we used tons and tons of flyers. Went door to door in neighborhoods around our house. This year we handed out about 1200.

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

So how many of you apply fertilizer? I know you do steve, I do, but id like to know how many of you actually took the time to take the state fertilizer (not pesticide) saftey course and got an applicator licence?

[The Hokie Okie]

Wow thats quite a few flyers. Thanks for the advice

[EagleLandscape]

I don't have a license, but I do lay it down for customers. I should probably look into getting a license though. Ah well, I'm becoming legit bit by bit. I
m swamped with work though, thats a good thing right?:-D

[TheKingNJ]

Yeah i'm the same exact way as you jwingfield2k.

[EagleLandscape]

Oh and handed out 1200 fliers already? I think I've gotten out about 4000 so far and about another 3000 to go. Maybe I should stop getting them out there... I seem to be making more and more money...:-\ All those trips to the bank:-\

[Trevors Lawn Care]

Lawnranger,

Over what span did you hand those 1200 out. I prolly handed out close to 2000 this year (1200 in the past week alone.) So far i have gotten 10 calls from the 1200.

No i did not take the state fert program, but i sub all my ferts out. When i did do it, i only used granular OTC stuff.

What kind of $$$ is everyone bringing in. We obviously see that there are a lot of teens in the bus., but where the competition begins is looking at how much everyone brings in per year NET . This year I will only bring in a couple G's because i am paying off my new truck, two mowers, enclosed trailer, and blowers/trimmers/edgers.

Trevor

[godjwood]

im 19 been mowing for 3 years... got 2 toro 44" walk behinds, 30 accounts from last year and so far about 8 new tis year... having my friend work with me this year, in school, but luckily i will be done in 2 weeks just as i start to get busy

[dlandscaping]

we tried hardcore fliers this year. I dont know if it was all from the flyers or our name getting out there but we ve doubled in size. We ve signed so large landscape projects and went from 22 to 47 mowing customers. We also are doin sub work for a friend who hates cleanups at our price + $50 and we already have 6. This year looks good.

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by rookiemower
steve if people dont want to believe you don't worry about it, all that matters is that your a respected member on this site, and many people enjoy your threads and responses

Bill Flood

This is very true. Sometimes people dont believe other people (or just say that they dont) because they know its true. Maybe they're afraid of the fact a "kid" has more than an adult does, dont know. Me, Id love to have 4 garages full of mowers and equipment rigs w/ trucks, but the first thing that comes to mind every time I think about if i had a bunch of stuff is "MORE MAINTENANCE!!!! :blush: ) So Im perfectly content with where I am. I have yet to justify having some of the things I have on my equipment list in my post signature! :p (theres more than whats listed too)

[lawnranger44]

Trevors Lawn Care,

We had some of our friends help us pass out the flyers. Handed them out in about two weeks. We targeted developments around us and we probably got about 20-25 calls, maybe even more. :blob3:
I was really surprised at the response rate.

[The Hokie Okie]

I also went door2door and picked up any lawns that hadn't been mowed yet. Got 5 lawns in relatively close proximity. probably should've done it sooner. I also made some business cards really conveinent. Just went to staples and made them on my own computer. 200 for $20. I think its a good investment.

[trentslawncare]

Im 17 and have been mowing since 7th grade. I have had 13-16 residential lawns for all of those summers. I have used a John Deere LT 155 with a mulching deck. It has not broken down once other than belts and blades. I can usually mow all 16 lawns in one day by myself. However, some of the lawns are not very big. I also use a lawn boy 21' pusher and a stihl trimmer. I have been very successful with my business. Besides running my biz i managed to be Valedictorian of my class. With my 12-15 lawns I bring in about 4 grand a year. Prolly doesnt seem like much but im not in a very wealthy town.

[RedWingsDet]

Ive been doing lawn maintence and landscaping for about 3 years now, but now that i have my lisence, ive grown alot. I have 20 customers for lawns, and im using 2 Cub Cadet Mowers, 1 John Deer Edger, 1 John Deer Trimmer, 1 McClohugh Trimmer, Craftsman Blower, and thats about it. Tommarow im going to buy a new Edger, i need a new trimmer, and backpack blower, but i am not about to spend $400 on a freakin blower. I really want to buy the new Gravley 34z mowers, but it doesnt have the "stripe" attachment that i would like, and i need something that will fit throught a 3ft gate. so anyone that knows of a mower that will fit, and has the striping ability, please post. Tommarow i am going to buy an Echo Edger becuase my john deer equ. just took a crap on me today. I cut 10lawns on friday after school, it takes me about 4 hours, and then the rest on saturday. and then i landscape the rest of the week after school. OH ya, i also am using a 98dakota to haul it all around, i really want to get a trailer and new mower (has to fit through a gate and be zeroturn, and not over 4 grand)extremly bad. please help me out.

[RedWingsDet]

Also, for advertising, i used a company that prints out advertisments that go in your mailbox, and they mail em out to everyone in the city, it costs 3.9 cents per house and there is about 15k houses where i had it done... and for my business cards, i knew the guy at the business card shop and he made them for free if i cut his lawn for 4 weeks free, btw, he made me 1000. :)

[qualitylandscaping]

four weeks of free mowing for 1000 business cards?? I get my cards for $20/per 1000 (full color, double sided)... Must be really expensive cards or really cheap mowing prices..

[RedWingsDet]

Originally posted by qualitylandscaping
four weeks of free mowing for 1000 business cards?? I get my cards for $20/per 1000 (full color, double sided)... Must be really expensive cards or really cheap mowing prices..

for his size lawns i would usually charge about 13-14... but one reason that its so expensive cards, is because one, they look EXTREMLY Professional, and two, its basically a printing press place, so they specialize in the business cards. but yeah, they look really good.

anyway... anyone have tips on the mower like i mentioned above? thanks

[soccerlawn]

Hi, all Michiganders

Well I figured I'd add to this thread since its so large,
I'm 15 I do 13 lawns a week and also more lawns when people are gone on vacation.

I can't wait till I get my drivers license so I can expand out of my neighborhood

Z-100
Toro 21"
Sthil 420 bp blower
Sthil weed wiper

[EagleLandscape]

Originally posted by PremierLandscaping
for his size lawns i would usually charge about 13-14... but one reason that its so expensive cards, is because one, they look EXTREMLY Professional, and two, its basically a printing press place, so they specialize in the business cards. but yeah, they look really good.

anyway... anyone have tips on the mower like i mentioned above? thanks

$13.00 a cut???:eek: Have fun with that one bud...

[all ferris]

Originally posted by PremierLandscaping
Also, for advertising, i used a company that prints out advertisments that go in your mailbox, and they mail em out to everyone in the city, it costs 3.9 cents per house and there is about 15k houses where i had it done... and for my business cards, i knew the guy at the business card shop and he made them for free if i cut his lawn for 4 weeks free, btw, he made me 1000. :)


If you come and cut all my accounts for 4 weeks I'll give you 100,000 professional looking business cards.

[new-man]

hey
im younger than all of you

i have this equipment(dont laugh, it works great for me)


dynamark 832 riding mower
craftsman 5.5 hp 21" push mower
bolens gas string trimmer( husquarvarna titanium line)
agri-fab 10 cubic ft poly dump cart
some old trailer

i know it is not the best, but i make good money with it!!

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by new-man
hey
im younger than all of you

i have this equipment(dont laugh, it works great for me)


dynamark 832 riding mower
craftsman 5.5 hp 21" push mower
bolens gas string trimmer( husquarvarna titanium line)
agri-fab 10 cubic ft poly dump cart
some old trailer

i know it is not the best, but i make good money with it!! younger? you're 16, going on 17 on July 10th. I just turned 17 on the 10th of April. So, no, you're not that young. As for your equipment, you should be saving to get commercial grade machines to last you longer. If you already are, you're on the right road to success.

[TheKingNJ]

Originally posted by new-man
hey
im younger than all of you

i have this equipment(dont laugh, it works great for me)


dynamark 832 riding mower
craftsman 5.5 hp 21" push mower
bolens gas string trimmer( husquarvarna titanium line)
agri-fab 10 cubic ft poly dump cart
some old trailer

i know it is not the best, but i make good money with it!!

Hahaha sorry I just think it is funny that you listed the kind of line you run in your weed whacker. I've seen guys list their gas cans and the blades they mowers but not the weed whacker line. sorry don't want to sound like a jerk but i think it's funny. Hey I run the husky titatium line to, the stuff never breaks.

dude it sounds like your on the right track. i'm 19 and i was in the same situation as you when I was 16. Stick too it and work hard and in a short time you will be making a lot of money. good luck.

check out my new info V
__________________
<B>---THE KING LANDSCAPING---</b>
Scag 52 in. WB 17 HP Kawi.
Scag 52 in. WB 20 HP Kohler
2 proslides
16 enclosed trailer
RedMax BCZ2600S<b>( husquarvarna titanium line)</b>
Echo 2400
RedMax EB4800
21" Toro Push
Chevy 2500

[new-man]

im not 16, i just like to be able to join sites , for them not to turn me down because im too young

[qualitylandscaping]

well... how old are you?

[EagleLandscape]

hes 16, profile

[rvsuper]

16, Here is what I started out with this year:

[rvsuper]

Redmax EB7001. Blah blah blah blah the 15 character rule is stupid.

[rvsuper]

Truck and trailer---- I am putting some black sides on the trailer and am getting it lettered up this week with logo, some grass on the bottom, and phone number. I will get pics when completed.

[rvsuper]

Some more stuff I have:
Shindaiwa T-230
Bagger for Metro
Trimmer trap and blower rack (on it's way)
Shindaiwa LE-260(soon)
Old power rake (old old bluebird)

[lawnranger44]

rvsuper,

We have a Metro too! :cool:

They are great beginning mowers and will hold up forever.

[mole]

Quality
I know your from rochester ny if you truly have that many accounts and are going to school how are you keeping up with your accounts with all the rain we have been having?. It has rained here in buffalo just about every day since the 3rd week of april till today, My accounts are under water and the ones I can cut are tracking mud. you have to be behind like the rest of us, If not tell me how you are doing it.

[mowinidiot]

Originally posted by IndyPropertyCare
OK, it has been said before.. and I will say it again. There is a button below that says "spell check ".... students !!!!! listen up. You must learn to spell, if you don't want to learn to spell words correctly, then please use spell check when communicating with customers and other piers around you. This is not directed at everyone, those who know...know who they are.

Sorry, just a thing that bugs me.


You spelled "piers" wrong. When talking about people it is spelled "peer". If you're talking about about a boat dock then it's ok. I think it's pretty funny when people try to correct others and they don't even know what they're talking about.LOL:D

[TROTTMAN]

I'm 20 years old and I do about 15-20 lawns during the summer. None during the school year. AND YES, its very hard keeping clients that way haha.

[qualitylandscaping]

mole,

I have an extra crew out on the dry days to help get caught up but we are still on a 7day schedule when it should be 4 or 5 for the current growth rate.. Right now, we are about 2-3 days behind on the route.

[rockstate]

I'm 16 heres a pic of one of our accounts here in KC. 48 TTHP

[doleac5]

i'm 17, my 14 year old bro and sometimes another 14-year old kid works for me. i started with one 2-hour mess of a lawn for 30 bucks in the neighborhood when i was 12. i since got rid of that disaster and now have about 30 accounts (20-25 weekly). i have 3 21" personal pace toros and i am upgrading to possibly a 36" metro this week. the 21"s just arent cutting it anymore with them breaking down and giving a lousy cut when the grass gets long at all. all three are within 2 years old and are all having problems (all 3 are in the shop for the night as a matter of fact). i only have time and desire to work about 2 days per week so i cut about 12 a day. my avg. lawn is about $30 and i am much more happy than working 40 hours a week like most teens will do at $6 an hour, making a 1/3 of what i'll make in a week in 12 hours. mowing lawns is a great business in highschool and so far it has been a big learning experience. it makes you think big for the future in other businesses. hats off to all you. it takes a lot of work and determination to keep a business going as a teen. its a big responsibily but you learn a lot from it.

[meathead1134]

:D nice job I wish I started when I was 16. I'm 24 now and this is my first year part time and working full time

Ken

[RedWingsDet]

im 16 its my first year that ive exploded and went full out on it.... i started with 6 lawns a week i nthe begginging of the year, and now im up to 40 :) i started out with 2 21"s and now have 2 wb's and 3 21's and sthil and echo products :)

[Canon Landscaping]

im 20 and i have 53 yards i have been mowing and landscaping ever since i was 8 my uncle owns w.h. canon (whcanon.com) they do ford and chevy and the detroit lion's landscaping in michigan and i worked for him during the summer while i was in school
i started my company about 3 years ago just mowing lawns and i now mow about 53 lawns and i do large scale landscaping and land clearing here is my equipment list
komatsu d-41 dozer
new holland Ls 180 skid steer
scag turff tiger 61''
scag tiger cub 48''
ferris 52'' w/b
28' flat bed gooseneck trailer
2 16'' landscape trailers
24' landscape gooseneck
02 duramax 4x4 3/4 ton
john deere 6410 4x4 with loader
john deere 15' bush hog
3 stihl 110 trimmers
2 stihl br 400 blowers
2 stihl 026 chainsaws

[NNJLandman]

Heres one of my accounts, seems to be the only one I remember my camera, maybe thats because its across the street heh.

[GTLC]

--->ANYBODY WHO DROPS OUT OF SCHOOL TO MOW LAWNS IS A COMPLETE FOOL<---

~ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT SCHOOL COME FIRST EVERYBODY!!!~

[ince8728]

i'm 16, i've had my buisness for 3 years now and have more than doubled my accounts each year, i am up to 18 accounts. This year i baught a 96 F150, (beautyful truck) and last August i baught a 36" lesco belt drive for $1000 so yes mrbenfr it can be done. I only cut on saturdays and this is my second year working fulltime for a professional Landscaper in the summer.

[meets1]

I have just read all these post about the "kids". I am 30, been in business since I was in the 3rd grade. Mowed 8 lawns, all within walking distance of home. Now I have expanded - landscape, mowing, irrigation, snow, paint striping, fert/spray ect. I am doing ok in a town of 5000.

Now I started with parents mower. Then I bought a JD 21 WB. I have come a long way. But what I see around my area is the DAD has money. Goes and buys the 16 yr old a new or year old truck with everything on it. The best trailer, the highest priced mower, even if it is not the best mower out there and then bank rolls him.

To me - I watch and then I offer you a job. Your a kid. I was there at one time. To much to do, sports, school stuff, etc. I then take control of his new business, pay him a little to use his new truck, and by next year he offers me to buy his equipment. Thanks but no thanks. This "kid" is doing snow removal and then at 8 he has to go to school, come home at 2 - 3 and wonders why he has some mnay calls on where he has been.

Small towns, I understand. Alos these "kids" doing all that stuff and making that money - I can beleive to a point. I bought a new car in high school, paid for all equipment, and even had 50k invested, and paid for all 4 years of college. I did get aid but I had no debt.

Now I am married to wonderful women. Expecting my first child and now I have a mortage and everything else is paid to date. I can honestly say that I never received one dime from my parents. I am not bringing them down b/c of it but I never did.

So all these "kids" that are out there. Maybe your all legit - maybe your all stating a little more than you should - your high school and it is like fishen. I was there when I caught the big one, but no one else seen it - same theroy as talking to peeple on here from a different area. Bragging goes a long way when I can't see first hand what you have out there. A pic is great - but it could be a buddy or so with this truck, that trailer or that mower. I guess to each his own and your the one who has to live with the fact that you may be strecthing the trueth a bit far.

Enjoy the 4th weekend, for tomorrow we start all over. Yes - were working, unless it rains all day!!

[not_as_noun]

I'm 17, my brother is 15, and we've been cutting lawns for just over a year now. My dad did buy all our equipment for us, but we have just now paid him back the $6100. Now we're saving for a better blower, we should have plenty for when the EB8000 comes out.

We have an eXmark 48" Turf Tracer HP
16' trailer
FS 55 Stihl trimmer/edger
A wimpy little Echo blower

That's we can claim to have, though we do use my dad's MTD 21" 5.5 hp push mower, and an old Toro trimmer occasionally.

[sbvfd592]

wow this is a clasic post

[BMFD92]

IM 16. I just bought a brand new truck. I have 25 clients and one Condo Complex. Can't wait until next season when I get my license and I expect to double my amount of clients. Already have 10 people switching to me for next season.

[TSM]

well, i havnt been a teen for 30 years. just wanted to say that i take my hat off to you guys.
when i was a teen i spent most of my time figuring a way to stay away from work...although that was a different era...protesting the establishment and all.

go get um guys!

[Steppenwolf]

Originally posted by TSM
well, i havnt been a teen for 30 years. just wanted to say that i take my hat off to you guys.
when i was a teen i spent most of my time figuring a way to stay away from work...although that was a different era...protesting the establishment and all.

go get um guys! I haven't been a teen for thirty one years:-).Younger guys,watch what the lowballers do,see what all they miss,don't trim,missed boundries,didn't blow the street,great cut up job on the litter and sticks, coated their two thousand dollar mulch job with grass and then blow all the mulch out. Keep your eyes open, work smart not work a lot,always be thinking ahead,finish the area that you are in and not say I will get it on a return trip if you are blowing or trimming.you are adding extra time to the job and that is your enemy. The idea is to do more while working less...it can be done. There is never time to do it right the first time but always time to do it the second time.Think ahead!!!Be open for any ideas people might suggest. Look professional also, no smoking, no spitting,no hanging around the trailor,shirts on,no Kiss etc. t shirts. Look like you know what you are doing and you will be fine.People are watching YOU.
Might be too long of post for the younger ones:D attention span is not what it used to be:cool2:

[lawnrangeralaska]

I am 16 years old and i have 35 weekly accounts!!! I make 60 dollars an hour plus!!! I have my own truck 93 f 250 , with a 12foot trailer!!! I have 3 stihl trimmers, 3 self propelled mowers, and one new 44" 18hp hustler ztr with vacuum bagger! I have over 15,000 dollars just in my equipment!!!! I have 5 employees, 2 are full time. I have been mowing commercially since i was 10. Every week im adding one or two new customers.


Lawn Ranger
James Spikes, Owner
lawnrangeralaska@yahoo.com

[BMFD92]

im a teenage fireman that cuts lawns. Nothing like leaving lawns for a structure fire.

[travis strecker]

I mow 15 yards a week and do odd jobs every saturday and i am 14
stihl 110rx
sthil fc110 edger
bt 45 planting aurger
redmax trimmer
bg85
br 420
spyker spreader
2 exmark 21
stihl chainsaw

[chevyman1]

you guys are very impressive for students

[travis strecker]

i am 14 and mow 14 yards a week and lots of side jobs and small time landcaping
110rx
fc110
redmax trimmer
2 exmark 21
br420
bt45
bg85
spyker spreader
2003 chevy 2500
old stihl chain saw

[nmhorns]

i just bought a 2004 Lesco 48 belt drive for 2199.99 new

[MMLawn]

Originally posted by lawnrangeralaska
I am 16 years old and i have 35 weekly accounts!!! I make 60 dollars an hour plus!!! I have over 15,000 dollars just in my equipment!!!! I have 5 employees, 2 are full time..

Lawn Ranger
James Spikes, Owner
lawnrangeralaska@yahoo.com

Then you aren't making any money either with those numbers and 5 employees.....esp if you are paying Payroll Tax and Workers Comp Ins as you are required by Federal and State Law and are suppose to be doing and Insurance as you should be doing.

[nmhorns]

he is 16 he doesnt pay back to uncle same

[MMLawn]

Originally posted by nmhorns
he is 16 he doesnt pay back to uncle same


My big hairy butt. If he has employees he HAS to pay taxes and he himself said he had 5 of them (not buddies, not friends, not partners, EMPLOYEES as that is what he said, even though I suspect that was just 16YO brag and probably not fact, but he did say it). Plus all income over $5200 is taxable regardless of age! At 19 you have a lot left to learn if you really believed that he didn't have to pay taxes on a business. End of story.

[odorisio]

this has got to be the gayyest thread i have ever seen...

can we say "toot your own horn"

and 90% of all "teenagers" in business are not fully legit, wether it be taxes, GL ins. work comp, truck insurance, chem app license, business license, ect. i would know, ive done it and see guys do it all the time.... i realized the error of my way (im 18) and i have started on cleaning it all up.

but now i have recieved a job offer to relocate to florida, and should this work out i will probally end up calling it a day with landscaping, which tears me as i love the work, outdoors, and equipment.

[Racer99]

When each of you apply Fertilizer for your customers, do you water their yards for them to? Someone has to do it?

[lawncare3]

Originally posted by nmhorns
i just bought a 2004 Lesco 48 belt drive for 2199.99 new


Graet deal.... Here that'd go for about $3199.99

[qualitylandscaping]

I am 16 years old and i have 35 weekly accounts!!! I make 60 dollars an hour plus!!! I have over 15,000 dollars just in my equipment!!!! I have 5 employees, 2 are full time..

Lawn Ranger
James Spikes, Owner
lawnrangeralaska@yahoo.com




There isn't a chance in the world you would need 5 employees to do 35 accounts.. I have three guys on full time and we do 160+ per week and one is over 50 acres... I just don't see how you could be making any pennies, more likely in the hole a couple hundred thousand if anything..

[Davis Lawn]

Hey I'm 18 been in the biz for 3 years have around 20 yards weekly and currently run:
21" Cub Cadet S-621
48" Cub Rider (about 9 yrs old)
Echo Straight shaft trimmer
Echo blower
and hopefully soon gettin a 60" cub Tank

[deere power 101]

i'm 16, 17 in a month i have 15 weekly accounts and odds
i have worked my way from nothing all brand new equipment.
this biz pays for its self time and time again. m653 54"zrtw/100hrs, 717 w/behind 48"fresh from the john deere dealer a month ago,2 js63 21" self propelled, 6'x 12' trailer must i go on this biz is great!

[qualitylandscaping]

Originally posted by deere power 101
i'm 16, 17 in a month i have 15 weekly accounts and odds
i have worked my way from nothing all brand new equipment.
this biz pays for its self time and time again. m653 54"zrtw/100hrs, 717 w/behind 48"fresh from the john deere dealer a month ago,2 js63 21" self propelled, 6'x 12' trailer must i go on this biz is great!

717 is a ZTR not a walkbehind??!!

[Mlc gmc03]

quality, who cares leave him alone he made you king of the website people make mistakes and i know your not perfect

[qualitylandscaping]

I'm asking more for the do you own a 717 and a walk behind..

Not trying to bash on him, it could be both since one of the other posts says he is using a sulky..

JW not bashing:)

[Racer99]

Davis Lawn, where at in Oklahoma?

[zpoore]

me and my girlfriends boyfriend mow together hes 16 and im 15. We have 17 accounts, 8 of them being commercial. It's tough but we really love being in the business. How many teenagers do you know who like to go to work. We have a cub cadet 50 inch zero turn which we just got, 2 echo trimmers a homelite trimmer and a snapper trimmer. A cheap weedeater blower and a 99' dodge which we pull all our junk with. And we manage to get it all on a 5x8 trailer.

[Mr. Magpie]

My buddy is 19 and he has 133 accounts, none commercial. He has been doing lawns since 14 but has just gotten serious in the past 2 years. He has 2 workers and makes on average $105 per hour before costs start to finish. Every other week he has a day in which he drives less than a mile and does 17 lawns. His business is truly unbelievable.

AT this point, your best bet might be to drop out of HS and get your GED, while doing lawns. When you are ready in a year or two, go to college. You'll have a pocket full or money and you'll be ready to go through college without being poor.

[Mowerboy04]

i'm 15 and i mow about 15 lawns a week

[qualitylandscaping]

Originally posted by zpoore
me and my girlfriends boyfriend

That is confusing me.. lol;)

Looks like you and your girlfriend
but your girlfriend has another boyfriend

:p

[ALarsh]

I am reading through all 34 pages of this and this post on page 13 really pissed me off.

Here it is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/ALarsh/stupid.jpg

battags tries to bash qualitylandscaping for posting all of his equipment and says he doesn't get why people post all of their equipment they have when he has all of his equipment posted in his sig.:angry:

Stop being so jelous.


- I will probably have more to say later on some posts.

[fordsrule]

I'm 14 and mow 3 lawns regulary and 1 lawn when it needs it.

[fastcutter]

man.. Why is it that people on here like to talk trash?

[ALarsh]

I'm 15. I cut 7 lawns in my neighborhood. My equipment is a short list:

John Deere L130 (48", 23 Kohler)
Homelite trimmer

Thats it..... All I really need.

I made $3,550 so far this year. I didn't really want to cut more lawns until this year. Last year I only cut 2 or maybe 3 lawns. I don't need any more lawns until I get a more productive commerical ZTR because these take up a good portion of my time.

I have $3,700 I can spend on a commerical mower so far. I'm thinking of waiting until the start of the next season to get a mower so I will have a little more saved up. I'm hoping to get a good deal off of ebay during winter when nobody wants a commerical unit.

[Dig-it Landscaping]

I'm 17 and have been running my business for almost 3 years now. I do mostly landscape installations: paver patios, walkways, plantings, retaining walls, ponds and other water features. i also mow and maintain 4-8 yards a week. I also offer snow removal and firewood delivery. I own a 1995 Dodge cummins 2500 4x4, new PJ dump trailer, new 5x8 landscape trailer, 14' flatbed trailer, 16' flatbed trailer, 48" Gravely walk-behind, 2001 Arctic Cat 300 4x4 w/plow. All of my equipment is paid for by me.

[fishinman22487]

I'm 17 and a senior in high school and mow about 20 lawns by myself. I did have a helper during the summer, but he went to work at Wal-mart, couldn't handle the Florida heat, lol.

I just recently upgraded to a 36" Exmark Viking hydro from a 32" Exmark Metro belt drive, my dad did the financing for me and I make the payments.

Is there anyone else on this forum from the Northeast Florida area??

Noah

P.S.-- I will post some pics. of my work later this week!!!

[theweedman]

nice setup, that looks alot like my s-10. i'm working on getting a trailer and a better mower. i started out for the first time this season. a 21" honda, a toro trimmer with an edger attachment, and a echo pb403t blower. i'm 28 years old, so yeah, i'm so old i practically fart dust. how does the financing workout on the exmark? i'm thinking of financing one next year, how do the interests rates look? and payments? just curious.

Originally posted by fishinman22487
I'm 17 and a senior in high school and mow about 20 lawns by myself. I did have a helper during the summer, but he went to work at Wal-mart, couldn't handle the Florida heat, lol.

I just recently upgraded to a 36" Exmark Viking hydro from a 32" Exmark Metro belt drive, my dad did the financing for me and I make the payments.

Is there anyone else on this forum from the Northeast Florida area??

Noah

P.S.-- I will post some pics. of my work later this week!!!

[fishinman22487]

Weedman--
My dad goes through Sheffield financial, they have great intrest rates, I think like 7 or 8%. So the payments are kinda low.

[HondaFreak]

I mow 7 lawns a week right now and may gain another two. They're all residential so I don't need a walk-behind (that's what the 48",60", etc. deck mowers are called right?). I have:
-Honda 25cc trimmer
-Regular broom
-Craftsman mower but it has a Honda engine, so I like it :p
I plan on getting a self-propelled lawnmower next time because it isn't too much fun pushing in spongy crab grass :help:
qualitylandscaping, keep doing what you're doing. You seem to be doing a damn good job.
I'm 15 right now so I can't drive, I'm hoping to get a F150 (early 90s) in the future so I can expand. I earn roughly $300-350 a month in mowing, it isn't a lot, but at 15 it is pretty good.
I just have a couple questions for anyone that wants to answer:
1. What's a ZTR? A type of mower?
2. If you have a customer, and you originally low-balled them because you were 12 years old and you didn't know jack about setting a good price, but they gave some referrals, do you still raise the price on them?
Thanks,
Drew

[ALarsh]

I mow 7 lawns a week right now and may gain another two. They're all residential so I don't need a walk-behind (that's what the 48",60", etc. deck mowers are called right?). I have:
-Honda 25cc trimmer
-Regular broom
-Craftsman mower but it has a Honda engine, so I like it :p
I plan on getting a self-propelled lawnmower next time because it isn't too much fun pushing in spongy crab grass :help:
qualitylandscaping, keep doing what you're doing. You seem to be doing a damn good job.
I'm 15 right now so I can't drive, I'm hoping to get a F150 (early 90s) in the future so I can expand. I earn roughly $300-350 a month in mowing, it isn't a lot, but at 15 it is pretty good.
I just have a couple questions for anyone that wants to answer:
1. What's a ZTR? A type of mower?
2. If you have a customer, and you originally low-balled them because you were 12 years old and you didn't know jack about setting a good price, but they gave some referrals, do you still raise the price on them?
Thanks,
Drew
ZTR stand for Zero Turning Radius. They look like this: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03522.jpg

Yes, raise the price. Don't jack it up fast though. Just raise it $5 each year depending on how low it is.

[NelsonLandworks]

I started my busniess a year ago when i was 18 with my sister who was 22. We have all the equpitment thats in my sig, as well as misc. stuff too-chain saw, spreaders, lots of handtools ect ect.

We are full time because I graduated this past year. It's working out well because we're not having to live off of the income (yet), so we're not pressured to make X amount of money each month.

I think it's awesome to see such a young group of people getting into the busniess because, when we're older we're going to (hopefully) be pretty damn good!

But 15 and 17 years old? thats awesome, i'm glad to hear it!

[HondaFreak]

ZTR stand for Zero Turning Radius. They look like this: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03522.jpg

Yes, raise the price. Don't jack it up fast though. Just raise it $5 each year depending on how low it is.
Ok, thanks for the advice. :)

[Robert Doubrava]

I'm 16 and I've been cutting yards since I was probably 13. Started out with a 20" Murray, a 1972 30" Jacobsen rear engine rider with a 7HP recoil start engine, and an electric weedeater. LOL I still have the rider but don't use it a lot . I have a whole lot more stuff now, check my signature out.

[Runner]

I'm 14, just bought my 3rd brand new truck - a 2005 Cadillac, so I can look good pulling my brand new 20 - no, 24ft. enclosed trailer with my 3 Lazers, 4 walkbehinds, John Deere 40hp tractor with a front bucket and all the attachments, 6 trimmers, 4 blowers, 2 edgers, 3 chainsaws, 1 pushblower, and a partridge in a pear tree. Oh yeah, I just took out a $300,000 mortgage on my new house, too. I had a little bit of a hard time convincing the bank of it, but since I was 14 and all, they said "ok". Oh yeah,...I'm a part time astronaut, too.

[NelsonLandworks]

I'm 14, just bought my 3rd brand new truck - a 2005 Cadillac, so I can look good pulling my brand new 20 - no, 24ft. enclosed trailer with my 3 Lazers, 4 walkbehinds, John Deere 40hp tractor with a front bucket and all the attachments, 6 trimmers, 4 blowers, 2 edgers, 3 chainsaws, 1 pushblower, and a partridge in a pear tree. Oh yeah, I just took out a $300,000 mortgage on my new house, too. I had a little bit of a hard time convincing the bank of it, but since I was 14 and all, they said "ok". Oh yeah,...I'm a part time astronaut, too.


thats pretty much how things are working out for me too. but i didn't buy a cadillac, i baught a hummer with 26" chrome wheeles

[qualitylandscaping]

I'm 14, just bought my 3rd brand new truck - a 2005 Cadillac, so I can look good pulling my brand new 20 - no, 24ft. enclosed trailer with my 3 Lazers, 4 walkbehinds, John Deere 40hp tractor with a front bucket and all the attachments, 6 trimmers, 4 blowers, 2 edgers, 3 chainsaws, 1 pushblower, and a partridge in a pear tree. Oh yeah, I just took out a $300,000 mortgage on my new house, too. I had a little bit of a hard time convincing the bank of it, but since I was 14 and all, they said "ok". Oh yeah,...I'm a part time astronaut, too.

WOW!! Make sure you don't scratch up that Escalade Joe.. That would be very very bad :cool2:

I do have to say, I think my 24' is too small already.... I wanted to get all of my mowers into it, but only the three z's fit.. Cant get the WB's in there after I put the workbench and cabinets in :cry:

[Elawncare]

I'm 15 and have 10 residential lawns and hope to have a total of about 20 next year.

Equipment:
5x8 trailer
32" encore belt drive
2 22" toro recyclers
21" lawnboy
homelite trimmer
homelite backpack blower

[Norm Al]

teenagers?

http://media.skoopy.com/vids/vid_00259.wmv



.

[Soupy]

Ah forget it, I was going to comment on the legal issues of someone under 18, saying they own a business. But I would be wasting my breath.

[ALarsh]

Ah forget it, I was going to comment on the legal issues of someone under 18, saying they own a business. But I would be wasting my breath.
Well, you wasted you breath twice then. First you posted:

"I am 17 and I had 90 comercial accounts, 4 trucks, 3 trailers, 7 mowers, and all the small equipment you could imagine.

The comercial accounts found out how old I was and decided that they didn't have to pay me because they were not legally binded by the contract.

But, I have good news, I didn't have to pay for any of my equipment for the same reason. So anyone want a good deal on 4 trucks, 3 trailers, 7 mowers, and all the small equipment you could imagine.

How can any of you guys that are under 18, say you are in business"

Then you changed it to your current comment of:

"Ah forget it, I was going to comment on the legal issues of someone under 18, saying they own a business. But I would be wasting my breath."

Do you think that everybody was legal when they got their first account? If you started from scratch like most of us have (no money, shitty mowers, etc) then you were not legal when you got your first account.

Just because you are older and legal gives you absolutely no reason to bash us. We are working our ass off to grow a company, just like you most likely are. We deserve an equal amount of respect. Everybody has to start somewhere. 13 years ago, you were most likely in our same situation unless you took out a $50k loan.

Why don’t you say something encouraging? Like, “Great job on the work guys. Try to get legal as soon as possible; you will be happy you did.”

Lay off.

[jeffh1988]

I don't know why the older more experienced people onhere shoot down teenagers all the time, we are getting out and trying to do something not hanging around on the streets, or sitting at home all day doing something. I am 16 and have 20 accounts all stihl 2 cycle equipment+a john deere weedeater, a John Deere Rider and a Crapsman rider, 3 21's and make great money every month for my age. I am respected around my town for being able to keep up in school and run a buisness. As for LCO's in the area most of them are real nice and help me out when i need it. I have checked into legalizing a buissness and found it was perfectly legal at my age to run this size buissness because i am not making over X amount a year and i don't have any full time employees. The commercial accounts all respect me and so do the residential...then you get on here and anyone over 30 holds a grudge against you for trying to make a little spending money for yourself. I personally don't think that what few amount of yards teenagers have affect a true LCO anyway so why do yall care if it dosen't affect your buissness...

thats my $.02

[Soupy]

First, I applaud teenagers for working. I edited my post because I thought it was a little over board. Remember it was late.

But here is were the problem lies. If you are not legal, then you are not in business. Plain and simple. I was 21 years old when I started, and yes, I was legal. I did get my first job at the age of 15, but I had a permit and worked for the man. I kept that job until I was 21.

I think the reason it bothers me (and maybe some others) is because I (we)work hard to separate myself (ourselves) from the guy down the street that cuts grass for spending money. I started in this business 13 years ago when (at least in my area) there was not a million Jo blows with craftsman riders out cutting grass and bringing this industry down.

I guess the real truth of when I seen this as a problem, is when my Aunt visited me and told me that her 12yr old son was in the lawn care business just like you (me). I took that as a big slap in the face. Maybe it is true, maybe we are a bunch of dummies, and all you need is a lawn mower to be in business, I would like to think it takes some business skills. But maybe i'm wrong. I think it was "Runner" that said, "I am a business man first, and a lawn care operator second".

See most of you guys under 18 think it's OK to cut grass for cash, because that is all the respect you give to this industry. You don't hold the industry on a level that some of us more professional guys would like it to be. At one time we had that respect, but not any more.

Also, wait 15 years and when one of your customers tell you that she is going to let little joey from the neighborhood cut her grass for $5. Lets see how you feel about the situation.

[Soupy]

See, I just looked at Alarsh's profile. It says he is 15 and has been in business for 5 years. Give me a break, This is what makes me mad.

I am going to change my attitude, I will give anyone over 16 years old respect if they deserve it. I mean, come on, you should at least be driving before you put your self in a category with me and other professionals.

By the way, I do respect Bushhogboy/Frankenscag. I'm sure there are others.

[jeffh1988]

Thank You and i see what you are saying because i only had two yards before this year and i only had limited equipment. I am not like some people i have seen on here i have a decent john deere tractor and a crapsman i don't have an exmark although hopefully by spring i am going to buy one and i don't have 10 trucks or anything else that is crazy like some of the post i have seen. I will give yall credit though yall are older and have been doing this longer so i don't rank myself with you (yet!!!) but I do quality work and am always watching experienced people do yards when i am passing by to try to pick up on things. I am open for learning and i know the experienced guys know more than me but i don't think teenagers should be considered scrubs or lowballers just because of age. I do better work than some of the people who are 40 and do it on the side.

Thanks for the respect!

that's my $.02

[Soupy]

jeffh1988, You must be OK. You have the same B-day as my mother. Keep up the good work.

[ALarsh]

According to dictionary.com, the definition of business is:

"The occupation, work, or trade in which a person is engaged..."

"A specific occupation or pursuit..."

"Commercial, industrial, or professional dealings..."

Nowhere did I read legal or you have to have mass volume of work. According to the above definition I have been in "business" for 5 years. You don't believe me?

I lived in Dallas, Texas until I was 10 years old. We moved to southeastern Wisconsin because of one of my dad's job transfer. When we moved my father bought a tractor and I was cutting my lawn. My neighbor came up to me and said the guy that currently cuts it is going off to collage. He asked me if I wanted to cut it and I said sure. So, I had 1 account (2 if you included my lawn). According to dictonary.com, I was engaged in work so I was in "business". They never said I have to be legal or have a mass volume of work.

btw, I'm not cutting for spending cash. I am upgrading all of my equipment to take on more work. I started with my blower, going from a Weed Eater to a Redmax 7001. I hope to get a deal on an exmark 52" lazer in the next couple of months.

[ALarsh]

One thing I did not add in my previous post. I want to make it clear that I am not promoting illegal activity nor am I saying it is right.

[Soupy]

Alarsh, I do dishes at home (that is work), does that mean I'm in the dish washing business too? Just messing with ya :p

I still don't believe you should go around claiming to have been in business for 5 years. People are just going to laugh at you behind your back, or just not take you serious. Looks like you are on your way to having a nice lawn care business and I wish you luck. I guess you guys on here are not as bad as the mis-informed kids that don't know about lawnsite. I'll quit stepping on your toes, but at least wait until you are old enough to pay taxes, and have insurance before claiming you have an actual business. That all I ask.

[ALarsh]

I had a good discussion with you soupy.

Have a good one,
ALarsh

[Soupy]

Alarsh, I do want explain to you what I was saying about it not being legal. In you definition of business, "The occupation, work, or trade in which a person is engaged..." "A specific occupation or pursuit..." "Commercial, industrial, or professional dealings..."

It is a federal law that children under a certain age can not be hired to perform labor (child labor law). I think at age 15 (maybe 14) you can get a work permit, but you can not operate equipment or machinery. You do not need a permit at age 16, but you still can not operate machinery. I know, I used to manage a Restaurant and we could not let our 16 and 17 yr old bus boys operate the dish washer.

There are exceptions, such as working for your parents. Also, The big thing is when it comes to "owning a business". You can not legally sign any contract, meaning you can not be held reliable. No bank, insurance co., etc are not going to deal with you on a business level.

That is what I meant. I just wanted to clear that up for you.

Again, I can care less if you guys are cutting a few lawns in the neighborhood (we all made a few buck as kid in one way or another). Just don't claim that you have a lawn care business.

Alarsh, discussion are good for the sole.

[Mortymower]

I'm 14 and mow 23 yards a week. I have a johndeere, 1989 hydro 185 lawn tractor, a Homade wooden trailer, which I pull behind the deere, it holds a honda comercial 21, a stihl trmmer and a crappy homelite b/p blower, gas, etc. I drive the riding mower to my yards, put it this way, I can't wait till I can drive a REAL vehicle. ;)

[MOJO111]

I'm 14 and mow 23 yards a week. I have a johndeere, 1989 hydro 185 lawn tractor, a Homemade wooden trailer, which I pull behind the Deere, it holds a Honda commercial 21, a stihl trimmer and a crappy homelite b/p blower, gas, etc. I drive the riding mower to my yards, put it this way, I can't wait till I can drive a REAL vehicle. ;)


Isn't it illegal to drive an unregistered lawn tractor pulling a trailer on the road or the sidewalk :nono: :confused:

[Wreak]

I never saw the line at the DMV for you to register a lawn tractor.

[MOJO111]

I never saw the line at the DMV for you to register a lawn tractor.


Thats what I mean ya can't drive one on the road legally.

AT 14 what the hell :angry: is he doin runin around the place with that gear behind a bloody lawn tractor. Its not safe, theres allways the what if factor??
what if he has an accident???what if someone runs him over on the road??? what if they back out of there drive and run into him??? hes not suppose to be there. :realmad:

[ALarsh]

Isn't it illegal to drive an unregistered lawn tractor pulling a trailer on the road or the sidewalk :nono: :confused:
I have been doing it for years with the police going by me and they never stopped or questioned me.

As for your last post, that is why you have to be careful. I always give any car the right away, even if they wave at my to go ahead.

[Robert Doubrava]

Register a lawn tractor???????? HA HA. I do that all the time, never got in trouble for it and it's not illegal either.

[MOJO111]

Register a lawn tractor???????? HA HA. I do that all the time, never got in trouble for it and it's not illegal either.



Over here they would bust ya no problem :angry:

[easycareacres]

Ha Mojo they must have easy laws over there matey, crickey both my mowers have number plates, if i dont register them, no insurance accident etc get sued. You should also have amber flashing light.
One off those big chevey's run ya over jethrull.

[panther lawn care]

38 pages is alot to read... but me and my cousin grew up together and always were into motors and garbage like that, now 17 yrs old... we got a 44 in proline 3 years ago for $500 and started with 4 jobs and this summer the same guy sold us a 52in stander with 600 hrs for $3500 which we paid off this week... with 11 accounts one commercial propane company which has tanks all over on different lots, and a few people call and need it done here and there... we do pretty well... and from here on out i think we might actually make some money as long as the equipment holds up.

[MOJO111]

Ha Mojo they must have easy laws over there matey, crickey both my mowers have number plates, if i dont register them, no insurance accident etc get sued. You should also have amber flashing light.
One off those big chevey's run ya over jethrull.


Common sense eh!! Russ

[procut]

I'm 18 and have 23 lawns. It can get pretty diffucult to keep up with school and all, but its worth it. I use the following:
1992 Ford F-250
2003 6' X 12' Landscape Trailer W/ trimmer & Blower Racks
Toro Z Master 52" 23hp
Toro Timecutter 38" ZTR
Toro 21" SP, w/ Bagger
Echo GT 2000 Trimmer
Stihl FS 55 Trimmer
Stihl BR 340 BP Blower
Stihl 025 Chainsaw
Troy Bilt Vaccuum/Shreader
Toro 5hp Debris Sweeper

[TeamGreen]

I'm 17 turning 18 in another couple weeks and i've been at this since i was 14. I now have 18 residential and 4 commercial accounts that i do every week. Being back in school and playing soccer, it's pretty hard to keep up with my accounts. I find myself mowing by the light of my headlights. My little brother helps me out now and then but most of the time i'm a one man crew. I mow with a 48" John Deere walk behind (hopefully upgrading to a Lazer Z this fall) a 21" lawn boy and i have two stihl trimmers a stihl back pack blower, and a couple of stihl chainsaws. Come fall i also do odd jobs mostly being firewood. I think that all us young kids are ahead of our friends out there. We've seen the real world and we know how to make money. I think all us teenagers should post pictures of our rigs and equipment.

[justin m]

How is it going. I just turned 20, I have been cutting grass since I was about 12. I cut with my older brother until I could drive then I started my own. I have about 50 accounts and I am going to try to pick up a little more, I dont want to be working 24/7. I am in college, I managed to cut the spring and all summer. I got 2 guys to cut for me in the morning while I am at school then I meet up with them and finish the day out. It is pretty rough balancing school and work but I have been doing fine. I have a 44 in z master, 42 in walker, push mower, 3 weed eaters, 3 blowers, trimmers, leaf vac, and a few other things. It is good money I am just doing it till I get out of college then I will sell it.

[Smalltimer1]

I've been mowing since I was 14, starting for neighbors and people close by. I only have one or 2 steady yards right now (weekends only), since I'm in college 30 miles away. The majority of my business is small engine repair. If you need a used engine for a piece of equipment, I can find it. I specialize in repowering older equipment as well. I also can find specific parts for engines as well.

My equipment I use for the mowing business is in my sig.

[man of stihl]

i am 15 and this is my 3rd year. my dads drives me and my stuff around since i cant drive yet. grrr. lol. anyway i play varsity soccer for school and race motocross. i cut around 25 accounts a week and its ruff. i still manage to have time for friends but that may mean mowin all day till dark just to hang out with them for a few hours. i love this business so it is well worth it. good luck to all other teens out there and if u got any questions im here.


lance

[fishinman22487]

Hey Lance send me a pic of your dad's Dakota. Sounds like a sweet ride!!!!!!!!

My friend has a Dodge Dakota with a 6 inch lift with 35" BF Goodrich tires!!!!!

[MMLawn]

Hey Lance send me a pic of your dad's Dakota. Sounds like a sweet ride!!!!!!!!My friend has a Dodge Dakota with a 6 inch lift with 35" BF Goodrich tires!!!!!


Woo HOO!!! This thread has now Officially with such a no Lawn Care related post turned into a Kiddie Chat Room. LOL ;)

[sethsodsquad]

NNJ,

I'm in a co-op program that allows me to leave school after a 1/2 day. The other students in the program go to work at another business as an intern, but I convinced the school board to let me leave and work at my own business. I go to school from 6:30am until 10:30am, 4 days a week.. I'm still taking 6 classes which will keep up with the graduation requirements. I also get 1 credit for every 100 hours I work.. So for me, I get 1 credit every week and a half to two weeks.

Its hard to find time to do all of this work and I do work Saturdays and Sundays, but I wouldn't trade it for anything:)

This is how your post should look to be "gramatically correct".

Lol, gramatically? you must be failing AP english.

Seth

[RedWingsDet]

did someone say DAKOTA?

hehe. this is the everyday truck, i have an f150 for working in. did somebody say mcdonalds?

[horizonmowing]

Im 17 too. Been doing different forms of yard care for two or three years now. Of course now im getting a little more serious. Being able to drive helps a little:). I bought an 89 gmc 2500 last may and just got an exmark 48", a 5x10 trailer, echo trimmer my innsurence quote, business cards ect. Ive been spending alot money on equipment so all I need now is to wait for spring and hope for clients! Hope to be set up for leaves next year and co-op at school will def. help (get to leave school at 12 everyday next year!!!) Thanks guys.

[DLCS]

Awww no, back by popular demand. Let the fun begin. Everybody get your flame suits on.:realmad:

[Mlc gmc03]

ya i had hoped this one was dead along time ago

[mkwl]

I'm 15 years old, and have around 14 weekly accounts, that are 1-1/2+ acres each. I've been mowing since I was 10. Here's most of my equipment. V
V


V
V




V
V

[befnme]

I'm 15 years old, and have around 14 weekly accounts, that are 1-1/2+ acres each. I've been mowing since I was 10. Here's most of my equipment. V
V


V
V




V
V
__________________
Bob-Cat 48" w/15HP Kawi WB mower w/Grass Gobbler and Velke Pro 1
Toro Proline 36" w/13HP Kawi WB mower w/Grass Gobbler
Little Wonder 10HP blower
Snapper 33" 11HP rider mower
Snapper 21" 4HP mower
Mighty Mac 8HP blower
Stihl 44cc BP blower
Stihl 45cc chainsaw
Red Max 26cc trimmer
Homelite 25cc trimmer
Jacobsen 21" 3.5HP mower
Troy-Bilt 33" 4HP sickle mower
Toro 21" 5HP snowblower
Shindaiwa 75 lb. spreader
5'x 10' Trailer
*NEW Red Max EB7001*



how the hel......well never mind!!!!!!

[Scag413]

I am 16. I started when I was 12 mowing with my neighbors with a 28" snapper comet. Now I have 11 accounts. I just bought a 19 hp 48" Scag Tiger Cub. I also use a sthil trimmer and a snapper 21" push mower. Those 2 are my dads so that is kind of cheating but I love him to death! I have a 1990 Ford F-150 5-speed and a 5x9 Trailer, also my Dads. I do feel bad that I dont have everything of my own yet, but I promise I will. I also play baseball in the spring and have barely any free time during the spring. But I wont lie I love to mow and be working outside! Good Luck to all of you other teenagers!

[Petr51488]

Goddd how old is this thread????

[DLCS]

how the hel......well never mind!!!!!!

Yeah, your better off, not worth it.

[Mlc gmc03]

i am 10 years old i cut 590 yars a week with my electric 18in lawnmower and nobody works for me, my trailer is 2by2 and i pull it with a huffy

i know i am young too but WHO CARES cant we just blow this thread up its has totally lost its original intent and turned into a place for people to brag on how they dont pay taxes and use mom and dads lawnmower

[DLCS]

i am 10 years old i cut 590 yars a week with my electric 18in lawnmower and nobody works for me, my trailer is 2by2 and i pull it with a huffy

i know i am young too but WHO CARES cant we just blow this thread up its has totally lost its original intent and turned into a place for people to brag on how they dont pay taxes and use mom and dads lawnmower



Don't forget you also do pesticide apps using Scotts products with no license. lmao

[scagchevy4life]

If you want to know.. Which by the sound you dont.. I moved into a gated community here in CT. When i moved in.. i seemed ot be only person that had mower over 18 inches wide.. so i decided to use some common sense.. I immidiatly decided to buy myself a 2004 Scag 48" WB w/ floating deck(comes in real handy when you have alot of differing customers) and a Stihl FS-110R weedwacker.. nice for brush cutting saw head.. I also went out and bought the best blower i could find.. I heard of company called shindowa heard they had best leaf blowers so went out and picked up a EB630.. set me back all together more then i could handle.. But best part was i really didnt need a car since i lived in the neighborhood so i could just walk machine house ot house.. I now have almost 35 customers a week.. and most are every other week combined to around 45 all together.. I love doing it. After one summer of just paying off ****.. i payed off my machine and bought myself a truck.. I am happy i tried that out.. Good stuff... Good luck to all those out there looking to start something.. Persistance is only thing needed.. Sometime times are slow.. but never deny or leave people waiting and once your known as a decent person.. your golden...


_____________________________
1998 chevy k1500 4x4 brand new crate 350
1996 nissan maxima... customer gave this to me for free <
2004 scag floating deck
2004 stihl fs-110R
2004 shindowia EB630

[Soupy]

If you want to know.. Which by the sound you dont.. I moved into a gated community here in CT. When i moved in.. i seemed ot be only person that had mower over 18 inches wide.. so i decided to use some common sense.. I immidiatly decided to buy myself a 2004 Scag 48" WB w/ floating deck(comes in real handy when you have alot of differing customers) and a Stihl FS-110R weedwacker.. nice for brush cutting saw head.. I also went out and bought the best blower i could find.. I heard of company called shindowa heard they had best leaf blowers so went out and picked up a EB630.. set me back all together more then i could handle.. But best part was i really didnt need a car since i lived in the neighborhood so i could just walk machine house ot house.. I now have almost 35 customers a week.. and most are every other week combined to around 45 all together.. I love doing it. After one summer of just paying off ****.. i payed off my machine and bought myself a truck.. I am happy i tried that out.. Good stuff... Good luck to all those out there looking to start something.. Persistance is only thing needed.. Sometime times are slow.. but never deny or leave people waiting and once your known as a decent person.. your golden.

Did/do you have insurance?

[YGWBill]

can a kid get insurance ?

[Mlc gmc03]

DLCS na i use the walmart brand, it keeps overhead down lol

[zturncutter]

This thread is older than some of the posters:sleeping:

[befnme]

can a kid get insurance ?

not until 18 because it is a contract .

[Soupy]

not until 18 because it is a contract .

Can a 17 year old get his own Auto coverage?

[befnme]

Can a 17 year old get his own Auto coverage?
no you have to be on mama and daddy's coverage until 18 .like i said these things are pretty much financing . and to finance you have to be of legal age .well hang on , let me say this when i was 17 i had to be on my parents coverage until i was 18.

[Lawns By Randy]

I am 19 and dont have near that many yards but have been at it for 5 years, just curious why are you selling?

[Gatewayuser]

not until 18 because it is a contract .

Not true in the state of Ohio I have had my business insurance since I was 15 and commercial auto policy you can get also but I did'nt until 18. My insurance comp said they thought its was great that I was so responsible to get insurance.

[John Gamba]

Not true in the state of Ohio I have had my business insurance since I was 15 and commercial auto policy you can get also but I did'nt until 18. My insurance comp said they thought its was great that I was so responsible to get insurance.



It was great that you handed them money for nothing

[Gatewayuser]

Oh really I hate to tell but in Ohio its different. I only had a $300,000 now over a million but they let me no problem. I can't remember who it was through but it was some commercial only comp.

[Signature Landscaping1]

Im 16, i do around 20 lawns a week, its very tough during the school year, but i get it done. I do very high end homes, ranging form 8hundred thousand to 3million, i just bought a brand new lesco w/b, 2500 great price, 48'' 15hp kawi belt drive. I love my job so far.

[mkwl]

Don't forget you also do pesticide apps using Scotts products with no license. lmao

Not sure if this was directed towards me or not.:mad:

[DLCS]

Not sure if this was directed towards me or not.:mad:


Well, does the shoe fit?

[Ol'time Lawncare]

I went over the how thread , and i didn't see were anyone has said that Contracts with minors are not binding! If the lawn boy is a minor, has an accident, he will not be liable, so how can he say he is in business! NOT!

[daveintoledo]

general auto insurance is the state law, so of course its available to any licensed driver, ..... liability insurance is sold across state lines so that really has nothing to do with it..... although i called 5 places and said i was 17 and they wouldnt even talk to me..... 1 said you had to show your where in business for 3 years before they would insure you (go figure that)

commercial license plates ... you have to show your state vendors license which you cant get , because in the state of Ohio you cant sign a contract, plain and simple....now they may not enforce it, that i dont know....

i do know your dont have your own business address, telephone, (not a cell),
and you can not get a loan from the bank..... hell no business is getting a loan with out 2 or 3 schedule C's, which means you would have to file your taxes as an adult, and i dont think you can do that because your parents are claining you as a dependent...

are you working, (yes) are you in business (no)

[mhaysmow]

hey im 19 and will be 20 in may but im at college right now getting my degree in agribusiness/grounds and turf management. I have 25 weekly clients and 1 commercial and usually do 3 to 5 extra odd jobs every 2 weeks. Anyway last season i decided to start to grow hard and go more commerical right now i have to large jobs i have bid on for the 06 season i think mowing is by far the best job you can have during school hope it works out when i finish college to

02 Silverado
6.5x12' trailer
04 52" stander
48" encore wb
toro push
trimmers chainsaw all the others goods
billy goat vac

[Gatewayuser]

general auto insurance is the state law, so of course its available to any licensed driver, ..... liability insurance is sold across state lines so that really has nothing to do with it..... although i called 5 places and said i was 17 and they wouldnt even talk to me..... 1 said you had to show your where in business for 3 years before they would insure you (go figure that)

commercial license plates ... you have to show your state vendors license which you cant get , because in the state of Ohio you cant sign a contract, plain and simple....now they may not enforce it, that i dont know....

i do know your dont have your own business address, telephone, (not a cell),
and you can not get a loan from the bank..... hell no business is getting a loan with out 2 or 3 schedule C's, which means you would have to file your taxes as an adult, and i dont think you can do that because your parents are claining you as a dependent...

are you working, (yes) are you in business (no)


At 16 I had my state vendors and service lic and I could have gotten my comm plates too but did'nt until renewal in Aug.
Also I do have and have had a biz only phone listed in the phone book( not a cell) and I could have gotten a P.O. Box in my name.
Now what I could NOT do, I could not get a bus checking, loan and I could not be bound by a contract.
I claimed taxes as an adult so my parents DID lose the tax beni.

But now that I'm 18 and will be going on 19 it does'nt matter anymore.
Also remember this is in the State of Ohio not all states are the same so make sure to check your laws! By the way you can't run a chain saw in Ohio if you are under 18.

[Gatewayuser]

Why don't we all go ahead and kill this tread its been going on for so long, every body thinks they are right and I think I am right so it will be never ending.:waving:

[nherweck]

I'm 17 and i mow between 12-15 homes a week. Its tough mowing during school but its good money so i deal with it.

I use a 21"YardGuy Mower.... Which is broken by the way

i'm currently looking to buy a used commercial mower.... Looking to spend under 2000. Can it be done?

Mitch

If you don't need a commercial brand, you can go with Bradley. They're inexpensive but work quite well! I own a 32" Bradley for small fenced-in backyards and I LOVE it.

[daveintoledo]

i thought that they didnt enforce the state vendors but it is written as such,,,, and you are not the norm but you shure have done well , and probably are making more money then me too. hahhahh way to go...:)

[Gatewayuser]

i thought that they didnt enforce the state vendors but it is written as such,,,, and you are not the norm but you shure have done well , and probably are making more money then me too. hahhahh way to go...:)

Yea, I don't know what the law really is in Ohio but I had no trouble at all. I've really made the state work, they had to keep calling around about if I was able to get a pest lic at 16. But the law for the pest appl lic is that you have to be of driving age and thats all it says, now that I think about it thats kind of scary but I went ahead and got 5 cats. I'm growing very quickly I guess thats a good thing, anyway I talked to a new customer today that wants a $4-5,000 landscape job done so I'm happy. I might also be getting a $35,000 lawn contract, hopefully, I was 1 of 2 comp that got to bid. Thanks and good luck Dave!:waving:

[grassiscash]

I am 18 years old. I started mowing when i was 15 years old. I had 11 accounts, and now i have 31 commercial properties and 15 residential properties. I have a half ton pickup, a 14 ft. tandem axle landscape trailer, a 48' ferris rider that i bought new. I also bought my walk behind new when i was 16. It is a 36" Yazoo/Kees. I run Stihl weed whips and a Stihl backpack blower. I get behind sometimes, but mostly i stay on top of things. School is hard to work around, but I deal with it because i am making a ton of money.

[mike lane lawn care]

i'm 16 and i just bought a new 44" simplicity broadmoor, an echo trimmer and blower, and a cub cadet 21" mower. this will be second year in the biz and i am only atarting out with 2 clients(who both have over 4.5 acres of lawn), but i will be advertising and hopefully can a total of 15 accounts. The thing with being a teen is that i don't depend on mowing to live. so i can offer a cheaper rate than most others while still making good profit.

[yrdandgardenhandyman]

i'm 16 and i just bought a new 44" simplicity broadmoor, an echo trimmer and blower, and a cub cadet 21" mower. this will be second year in the biz and i am only atarting out with 2 clients(who both have over 4.5 acres of lawn), but i will be advertising and hopefully can a total of 15 accounts. The thing with being a teen is that i don't depend on mowing to live. so i can offer a cheaper rate than most others while still making good profit.



That's one of the worst ways to run your biz. You hurt yourself, you hurt other LCOs and most of all you hurt the whole industry. Always get the most your market will bear and rely on reputation to get you clients. Never rely on low prices. If you do that, all you will be mowing are low priced lawns. And making very little real profit. Besides real LCOs with families to feed and clothe and shelter depend on a fair and equitable price to feed that family.
Sheesh

[Soupy]

YGHM, That's a typical kids mentality. He has yet to learn what life is really about or has stored for him in the future. He only cares about having money for that saturday night date.

Which is why they can't legally sign a contract. They simply aren't mature enough!!

[emil35]

That's one of the worst ways to run your biz. You hurt yourself, you hurt other LCOs and most of all you hurt the whole industry. Always get the most your market will bear and rely on reputation to get you clients. Never rely on low prices. If you do that, all you will be mowing are low priced lawns. And making very little real profit. Besides real LCOs with families to feed and clothe and shelter depend on a fair and equitable price to feed that family.
Sheesh

I agree! It's your type that brings everyone else down in this business. Im 17 myself, but you don't see me getting all the business in my area for how cheap I am, it's becasue of the high quality work I do. I'm always booked and stayed booked. Maybe you'll fix your ways for the good of all of us.

[Gatewayuser]

i'm 16 and i just bought a new 44" simplicity broadmoor, an echo trimmer and blower, and a cub cadet 21" mower. this will be second year in the biz and i am only atarting out with 2 clients(who both have over 4.5 acres of lawn), but i will be advertising and hopefully can a total of 15 accounts. The thing with being a teen is that i don't depend on mowing to live. so i can offer a cheaper rate than most others while still making good profit.

When I was your age what I realized was if I charged high I would have to work less for the same money. Look at it this way say you charge $20 for a yard that I price at $40 and I get it and lets say I mow 10 of these yards a day and you do too. I will make $400 per day and you will make only $200 therefore you will have to work an extra day to make the same amount of money that I did. But now another thing is I will have used half the fuel and wear and tear on my equipment so I will make even more money than you. Everyone on here cannot stress enough work smarter not harder. And please don't ruin it for the rest of us! I'm not trying to be mean and I wish you luck just don't cut yourself short.:waving:

[mike lane lawn care]

with all the negative feedback on my comment, and talking with a guy i know who does landscaping on the side, i think i will re-evalutate my buisness ethics.

[bigjeeping]

i'm 16 and i just bought a new 44" simplicity broadmoor, an echo trimmer and blower, and a cub cadet 21" mower. this will be second year in the biz and i am only atarting out with 2 clients(who both have over 4.5 acres of lawn), but i will be advertising and hopefully can a total of 15 accounts. The thing with being a teen is that i don't depend on mowing to live. so i can offer a cheaper rate than most others while still making good profit.


Hey kid, I'm 20. Started when I was 17..

From what I've been through I would definitely recommend "rethinking your business ethics"

Make some money bro! Dont sit back and let all the big boys get it! Price high, you might not get as much business but the business you do get.. treat 'em good and you'll be fat and happy!

[daveintoledo]

i think he is doing pretty well for himself and knows what he is talking about, being he started like you and has grown and gotten legal and wouldnt steer you wrong...:)

[adam's landscaping]

Im 18, I have between 10-15 regular customers. Ive been mowing since I was 14. I just use a commercial grade craftsman lawn tractor. Husqvarna weedeater, edger, hedge trimmer, and backpack blower. This season I am going to upgrade to a Husqvarna 60in commercial z-mower and a 7x14 tandem axle enclosed trailer. I recently started college in the fall and am having no problem dealing with both my school work and managing my business. Along with my school work and business, I also do quite a bit of tree pruning and removal.
so its not very hard, my most difficult hurdle is to get business owners older than myself, which is most of them, to take me seriously. I could show up with $12,000 worth of equipment on my trailer and a crew of 3 and they would still doubt me!!!! oh well, stuff happens.
just stick in there, it all pays off plus you'll have alot more free time when you graduate.

[bigjeeping]

Im 18, I have between 10-15 regular customers. Ive been mowing since I was 14. I just use a commercial grade craftsman lawn tractor. Husqvarna weedeater, edger, hedge trimmer, and backpack blower. This season I am going to upgrade to a Husqvarna 60in commercial z-mower and a 7x14 tandem axle enclosed trailer. I recently started college in the fall and am having no problem dealing with both my school work and managing my business. Along with my school work and business, I also do quite a bit of tree pruning and removal.
so its not very hard, my most difficult hurdle is to get business owners older than myself, which is most of them, to take me seriously. I could show up with $12,000 worth of equipment on my trailer and a crew of 3 and they would still doubt me!!!! oh well, stuff happens.
just stick in there, it all pays off plus you'll have alot more free time when you graduate.

I'm 21, and when I pull up to the big dogs with a $12,000+ on my trailer... i still humble myself :)

[daveintoledo]

I'm 21, and when I pull up to the big dogs with a $12,000+ on my trailer... i still humble myself :)

not to bust your chops or anything, but just this last fall you where 19, i aked about buying you a beer and if you where old enough in michigan and you said you just where old enoug.... now your 21??????????
:)

[ajordan193]

i'll make this short and sweet...get insurance, don't lowball bids, and make as much money as you can......

enough said

[easycareacres]

Heee 21, payee 12k for gear but learn how to use the tools and fix them
{in between nappy changes.}

[qualitylawnmanagement]

Why do people care how young you are, you have to start somewhere. I know some of you guys have been doing this for years since you were even a little kid. Thats no different than today? I know people are driving down the prices theses days to. I know I lost two to a couple of younger kids but I really didn't like the jobs anyways. As long as they don't start going after my apartment complexes and commercail property and high homes I'm fine with.

[daveintoledo]

Why do people care how young you are, you have to start somewhere. I know some of you guys have been doing this for years since you were even a little kid. Thats no different than today? I know people are driving down the prices theses days to. I know I lost two to a couple of younger kids but I really didn't like the jobs anyways. As long as they don't start going after my apartment complexes and commercail property and high homes I'm fine with.


thats just it, you cant do any commercial work at 15 or 16 years old, you can not sign a contract... so either your exagerating, or they are taking advantage of you, knowing your not old enough , and lowering the prices to where they want them....you need to stay legal, and that is illegal.... technically in the state of ohio, you cant run any power equipment on a jobsite until yur 18..... so the younger people need to concentrate on the residential stuff. if you stay legal, and only do what you are supposed to, the older guys whould be more helpfull

good luck

[Daves Propert Maintenance]

I am seventeen, and I carry fifteen accounts weekly. Only one commercial, as I am not yet registered and insured. Once the end of April rolls around though, I will be totally legal. I can't seem to pick up any commercial accounts because of the fact that i am not registered. I just concentrate on picking up more and more residential accounts, because that seems to be where i can accelerate. It also helps that I am good with people, so I can negotiate them into a fair deal for both of us.

[daveintoledo]

I am seventeen, and I carry fifteen accounts weekly. Only one commercial, as I am not yet registered and insured. Once the end of April rolls around though, I will be totally legal. I can't seem to pick up any commercial accounts because of the fact that i am not registered. I just concentrate on picking up more and more residential accounts, because that seems to be where i can accelerate. It also helps that I am good with people, so I can negotiate them into a fair deal for both of us.

stay away from what you shouldnt be doing for now... if you wait a while, your reputation will build and your skills and the commercial stuff will come eventually..... if your reading some of the post int he commercial foum, you will see its not all its cracked up to be anyway... many people make more on residential then commercial....
:)

[Daves Propert Maintenance]

The only reason that i want to get into commercial is to build my reputation and get into some of the industrial parks, which are just large, open areas that can be mowed quickly. Most businesses around here are not large, and the lots are very small anyways. I feel better off sticking to residential until I am through with college, that way people will be understanding if I cannot perform a service on a moments notice. I do not plan on entering the commercial sectors until later on when I have more time to devote towards mowing.

[qualitylawnmanagement]

thats just it, you cant do any commercial work at 15 or 16 years old, you can not sign a contract... so either your exagerating, or they are taking advantage of you, knowing your not old enough , and lowering the prices to where they want them....you need to stay legal, and that is illegal.... technically in the state of ohio, you cant run any power equipment on a job site until yur 18..... so the younger people need to concentrate on the residential stuff. if you stay legal, and only do what you are supposed to, the older guys whould be more helpfull

good luck

Thanks, I fully understand your guys point of view but every body starts out almost the same as the older companys did right?. I pay taxes and everything I work on. I don't do contracts yet cause of what you said above, I can't sign one, thats why i do verbal. My dad and I run this business together so he can sign the contracts until I turn 18 and starting them myself. Pretty much run the business but my dad does all the thing like insurance, contracts, and other things now for to run a business. It's kinda he really doesn't do any work he just there in case I get into a bind.

[daveintoledo]

i hope you appreciate him and remember the things he has done to help you....:)

[qualitylawnmanagement]

i hope you appreciate him and remember the things he has done to help you....:)


I appreciate him very much, I wouldn't be where I am with out. He put effort hours into our business a little more than he should of. thank you dadclapping . He helps me out now to get my business where it should be.

[Brendan Smith]

Hi guys! Today is the start of my two week vacation! woo hoo!!
Anyway, I stumbled upon this thread and wanted to talk about how I got started..

I'm currently 16, started at age 12. I guess I started the same way as everyone else. One push mower, taking a couple residential lawns on my street. I had 43 mowing accounts last year and had my dad drive me around. This year, because I got my license, I was really able to expand and do a large advertising campaign...

But anyway, here is my equipment list...

My updated total number of lawns as of July 13th, 2003 stands at 128...

I started a third crew and am also sub-contracting a local company if we get behind.

Major Equipment is as follows:

(1) 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac w/ Boss Plow 4x4
(1) 2003 Ford Ranger Edge 4x4
(1) 1997 Ford F-250 w/ Fischer Plow 4x4
(1) 1995 Ford Ranger Splash (my personal vehicle)
(1) 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4
(1) 6.5'x14' Landscape Trailer w/ racks
(1) 6'x12' Landscape Trailer w/ racks
(1) 5'x8' Landscape Trailer w/ hydro dump lift
(1) Kubota B2410HSD 4x4 Tractor (currently on 36 month financing plan)
(1) 2002 54" Lesco Z-Two Rider 23hp
(1) 2003 52" Lesco Hydro WB
(1) 2003 48" Lesco Belt WB
(1) 2002 48" Lesco Hydro WB
(1) 2001 48" Lesco Belt WB
(1) 1998 48" Lesco Belt WB
(1) 1998 48" Kees Belt WB
(1) 2003 36" Lesco Belt WB
(1) 2001 36" Lesco Belt WB
(1) 1999 36" Lesco Belt WB
(5) 1999-2003 Toro 3-in-1 Recycler mowers 6.5hp
(7) Echo SRM-2100 String Trimmers
(5) Echo PB-403 Backpack Blowers
(2) Echo PB-200 Handheld Blowers
(4) Echo HC-1500 Hedge Trimmers
(1) Echo HCR-1500 Hedge Trimmer (rotating handle)
(2) Echo CS-300 Chain Saw
(1) Husqvarna 351XL Chain Saw
(1) Lesco 4hp 26" Aerator
(1) JRCO Front Mount Tine Rake Dethatcher
(1) Lesco 5hp Renovator
(1) Honda FG100 Tiller
(5) 6 cuft wheelbarrows
(2) 3 cuft wheelbarrows
(3) Lesco Walk-Behind Spreaders
2100sqft. shop w/ bays and office space...
Hey, what a coincidence - my dad is bill gates too!!!!!!!!!

[PMLAWN]

I'm 21, and when I pull up to the big dogs with a $12,000+ on my trailer... i still humble myself :)
12K on a trailer- If I could only go back:)

[PMLAWN]

The only reason that i want to get into commercial is to build my reputation and get into some of the industrial parks, which are just large, open areas that can be mowed quickly. .
Most of the industrial parks by us are buildings with large parking lots and just small grass areas. Much more trimming of hedges and mulch placement than anything else.

[Chicksdme2]

I'm a senior in high school and I mow 12 lawns a week with sidejobs all the time. It sucks in the spring when the grass is haulin ass and school is in. I bust my ass on the weekdays and saturdays and do my best to give myself sunday to rest and make sure all equipment is up to par. I just turned 18, this spring will be my 3rd year with my rig. Props to ya man

-95 chevy 1500
-12 ft. u.s. cargo trailer
-52 in Woods diesel
-2 FS74 Stihl trimers
-BR400 Stihl Blower
-Craftsman 22" Push
-tons more tools
.....Getter done one lawn at a time

[ACTON'S Lawn Care]

its great to hear you're starting out young and still keeping up with school

[Palmer'sLS]

I am 16, and am doing fairly well in my opinion. I have a 48" husqvarna w/b, husqvarna 145 b/p, and am fixin to get a stihl trimmer. I just got my liscense, and it seems like the world has opened up to my business now! i have to start turning stuff down due to school. Its great to see that there are guys my age that enjoy good ol fashioned work!

[NIXRAY]

I'm 17 and i mow between 12-15 homes a week. Its tough mowing during school but its good money so i deal with it.

I use a 21"YardGuy Mower.... Which is broken by the way

i'm currently looking to buy a used commercial mower.... Looking to spend under 2000. Can it be done?

Mitch

YES, MITCH. IT CAN BE DONE. JUST START CALLIN GLOCAL PRO LANDSCAPERS IN YOUR AREA. MANY GET RID OF THERE OLD EQUIP. ( BE PREPARED TO CLEAN IT UP A LIL')

[NIXRAY]

I'M 17 WORK "MID"-TIME (AVG.30 HRS. WEEKLY) AS AA CO-FOREMAN FOR A
LARGE LANDSCAPING COMPANY. OWN A "MOWHAWK LAWN CARE CO."
(MY 13 YR. OLD BRO. DOES MOST OF THE SMALL WEEKLY WORK)
I RUN 4 HONDA "HR215sx" 2 CUB CADET 129'S AND I'M WORKING' ON GETTTIN'
A 5. YR OLD TORO (72" CUT) FROM THE LANDSCAPING COMPANY I WORK FOR ($300 I'VE GOT TO REPLACE ONE HYDRO MOTOR AND DO A ENGINE REBUILD)
AS FAR AS MOWHAWK GOES I MANAGE 30 WEEKLY ACCOUNTS AND 12 WEEKEND ACCOUNTS. MY BRO AND I WORK YEAR ROUND AND DURING THE SUMMER I'VE 3 OTHER (WELL TRUSTED) FRIENDS THAT WORK FOR ME.
HOW DO I DO IT ALL I'M HOME SCHOOLED (NO CHEATING) I'VE ONLY GOT ANOTHER 2 MONTHS BEFORE I'M (LEGALLY) DONE W/ SCHOOL.

[nephilim0167]

Ever heard of the school of hard knocks? That is where we will learn how to do almost everything. My instructor at college always says "I am only skimming the surface of what there is to know in this business".

That is very true. I learn from mistakes everyday and i do mean everyday. And I will always learn new things until I am to old to sit on that mower or dig holes.

As for the social life issue: Everyone told me about working for the rest of your life to, but while in high school, work often times kept me out of trouble. I did not mind it.

I couldn't agree with you more. My parents both live to work. One's a Family Practioner and the other runs an Aluminum Alloy company. Between the two of them they work more than 120 hours weekly. Needless to say I never had much supervision in my teen years and if it wasn't for busting my ass at work I probably would have ended up doing what most of the people my age I knew in school still ARE doing. Living with their parents, doing drugs, getting wasted, you know... all that fun stuff. I say, if you've got the drive and ambition to get out and keep yourself busy have a good time! Just don't forget to toss some fun in there every now and then too. If I had on a hat I'd tip it to every kid responding in this topic. :drinkup:

[Jacob's Yardworks LLC]

i am 18 years old and started when i was very young now my company has gotten to the point where it is the family business my dad has since quit his job and basically runs the company we do roughly 130 res customers a week and about 30 large commercial accounts, we have 5 full time crew memebers and are currently in the process of buying some property which has a barn on it for our stuff bu also has about 3 acres more on a very busy road in which we plan to put storage units

equipment:
2003 gmc 3500 dump 8'2 boss v-plow
2001 chevy 1500
1995 gmc 1500
1991 chevy 3500 hd dump 8.5" central hydo western
7*18 open trialer
7*16 open trialer
8*20 enclosed
61' turf tiger
52' turf tiger
48' lazer z hp
48' scag wb
36" scag wb
36" scag wb
32" scag wb
21" toro comm
tons of echo ans sthil
edgers trimmers and blowers

Yeah my dad just did the same thing and its working great.

[Ol'time Lawncare]

Think i said it before some were in here.If you think your in business then god bless you!

[Post Mowing]

im 20 and my brother is 17. i have about 9 town yards 4 farm yards 5 govt.(post office- firestation- 2 interstate rest areas) 1 Township park one cematary. i have 1 hustler super mini z 52/27 with bac-vac, 2 john deere 317, i 60 inch pull behind mower, 2 sthil 55 trimers, blowers ...ect. 94 GMC 1500 desiel with 16 ta trailer. one 87 ford plow truck and a 317 with a cab and snowblower for thwe winter. what do you think::dizzy:

[MMLawn]

I am 12 and I have been in business 10 years. I have the following equipment.

11-72" eXmark ZTR's 45 HP
9-60" Toro ZTR's 33HP
6-Scag 60" ZTR's 74HP Diesels
9-Gravely 36' Hydro WB's
14-Stihl Trimmers
12-Echo Edgers
14-RedMax 8000 Blowers
4-John Deere Skid Steers 105 HP Diesel
5-New Holland 35HP 4WD Tractors w/Front-end loaders
2-2006 F450 Dump Trucks

.......wait I'll be back and tell you more in a little bit but my mommy is calling me right now.

[yrdandgardenhandyman]

I am 12 and I have been in business 10 years. I have the following equipment.

11-72" eXmark ZTR's 45 HP
9-60" Toro ZTR's 33HP
6-Scag 60" ZTR's 74HP Diesels
9-Gravely 36' Hydro WB's
14-Stihl Trimmers
12-Echo Edgers
14-RedMax 8000 Blowers
4-John Deere Skid Steers 105 HP Diesel
5-New Holland 35HP 4WD Tractors w/Front-end loaders
2-2006 F450 Dump Trucks

.......wait I'll be back and tell you more in a little bit but my mommy is calling me right now.


I'm 50, been in business for 39 years, got a 19" Wal Mart
push mower, a set of long handled manual trimming shears and a 1970 lime green Gremlin with a homemade trailer made from the back half of a 1966 IH Binder. I mow any size lawn for $15.00 (Income taxes is for suckers) and have my very own van down by the river to live in. Life is good. By the way, the meth lab seems to be making me a little more money than my professional lawncare business.