What Have You Learned at LawnSite.com

[Eric ELM]

What is the most important thing or things you have learned here in the past year or how ever long you have been a member of LawnSite.com? Answer them all, just one, or add your own category. If you are referring to a thread on LawnSite in your answers, please search for it and include the link to it. This could be interesting and another good archive for members.

1. Best Time Saver

2. Mechanical Tip

3. Maintenance Tip

4. About Customers

5. About Mowers

6. About Mowing

7. About Aerating

8. About Fertilizing

9. About Herbicides

10. About Leaf Removal

11. Estimation Information

12. Equipment / Vehicle Costing

13. Sales tips

14. Hourly Cost

15. Job Costing



[Edited by Eric ELM on 10-10-2000 at 12:23 AM]

[guntruck]

I would like to say i have learned very much about all aspects of running a landscaping business. I cant pin point in particular a thing or two or even three because my brother and i have learned so much from everyone on this site. I am positive about one thing though we would be making ALOT more mistakes than we are if it wasnt for this incredible site. So once again, and i speak for both of us here (syzer), thanks for everything!!!

[landscaper3]

I have learned more from just about everthing listed, The ones here before me I take great consideration to what you say on these posts. I do know everyone has different points of views, different ways to run businesses and different equipment, I have learned enough from here to help me run my company with more integrity and better services. I do like the funny posts as much as the serious posts so keep the posts up and remember, most of all everone one needs a good laugh every now and then. Thank you all for your replies and post and hope many more funny ones come our way.

[Toroguy]

Things that have helped Toroguy...

BEST TIME SAVER- This site has saved me time in my learning curve. Without LawnSite I would have had to figure out many issues through trial and error.

MECHANICAL TIP- for me, removing the spark arrestor in my shindaiwa trimmer saved me a trip to the dealer.

ABOUT CUSTOMERS- I learned about nagging customers and less than desireable properties. Knowing Im not alone really helps.

ABOUT MOWERS- I had never heard of exmark, now I own one.

ABOUT MOWING- I had seen a few lawns with stripes. Until I came to this site I didnt know the term or how to lay them properly.

ETC- Discussions regarding pricing allowed me to raise my prices to meet the standard of others with confidence.

[RYAN]

One of the things I have learned the most about is prices and the fact that I need to raise mine. Probably the second most important is about the equipment. You can find all sorts of information on equipment in here, from mowers to trimmers, edgers, blowers and even trucks and trailers. You can get info in here you could not get from a dealer. For example I would never have known about the problem with the Kohler 25 HP engine without this site. When it comes to buying equipment I always search this forum first to get an idea of what is good and what is crap. There is so much knowledge and information in here it's scary.

[Lawnnorder]

Best Tip.......has to be the double blade set up. Eric for President!

[Charles]

Double blades
Large % of kohler 25 hps are defective
Gatorblades for leaves
What the rest of the country charges
How the rest of the country makes money in the off season
Striping, but no one does it here.
Everyone else has problem customers
Everyone else has trouble getting their money
They bushhog(slash lol) in austrailia

[Edited by Charles on 10-09-2000 at 11:51 PM]

[cos]

Too much to list.

[turfman99]

1. Estimation Information

2. Equipment / Vehicle Costing

3. Sales tips

4. Hourly Cost

5. Job Costing

Just a suggestion.

[Eric ELM]

Turfman, it's been added

[scottlawns]

i learned that there are alot of great lawn care guys around,and anything i ever need to know is right here,i check the site like 10 times a night to make sure i dont miss anything,i think this winter we should get somewear in the middle of the country for a big get together,

thankyou for a great site

[landscaper3]

Need more replies

[KirbysLawn]

What have I learned:


A BUNCH!!
They are a lot of very smart guy/gals in the biz!
Lesco's web page sucks!
Some people hate Lesco....for no reason!
I can occasionally help someone out!
I sometimes don't know when to shut up! (Already knew that)
A few people never know when to admit they were wrong!


Thanks to all for all of the help, information, and "stuff" you have offered, all free of charge!

Ray

[accuratelawn]

The most important thing learned here was how to figure the cost of doing business. This help determine the correct amount to charge for services.
Thanks to all that have added their tips,opinions,and business ideas to this forum.
Make sure you all spread the word. If more become aware of this site it will only better our industry.

[Eric ELM]

I am very surprised that only 10 members have learned anything on LawnSite.com so far. 200 members have viewed this thread so far, but only 10 members have posted they have learned something here.
Even though I have been in this business for several years, I have learned so much here it is unreal. When I get a chance, I will try to find all the good threads I feel is great ones that I learned from.

[lawnboy11]

I have learned that many of us like to work alone. I'm going to go solo next year (have had up to 3 employees, all people I've known, and mostly good things w/ minor headaches, but don't want to deal with strangers and stress of dumb-a__ employees next year). We'll see how it goes and I can alwys hire people if I'm desperate.\
I've also learned that exmark gets high marks and Kohler engines are crap, although I've had no problems with my 13HP on JD 36" mower.
I love the stories of annoying people. I call them (CRUSTOMERS) because they are old, crochety, crusty customers. Also called THE CRUST for short. One good thing about having empolyees is being able to make fun of the lame customers together.
I've learned that I never want to fill out a poll for anything that I have to make a list for, its annoying. I do like one or two question posts.
I've learnt(ha) that besides simpe typos, some of you can't spell to save your lyfe.
I also learned to appreciate the people like Eric and Larry Stone and Kirby's contribute a great deal to the site (and others of course) Thank you.

[leeslawncare]

I've learned more in the past few week than i have since i got started.now it's time for me to start appling some of this knowledge so i can turn this part time biz into a full time one! thanks guys..

[awm]

One thing Ive learned Iam constantly
looking for new ideas method and short cuts
Ask me in a year and ill have a list for you.
Ido know I APPRECIATE the forum and all the
work somebody is putting into it. T M

[Twotoros]

I learn something new everyday.
Also that many of us are solo's and legit part-timers.
Many are fighting the good fight.
That strangers are willing to help strangers.
That we all deal with good customers as well as bad (and horrible)
I am looking forward to this winter when I will have time to search the archives , ask more questions and get ready for another year on the battlefield.

[TGCummings]

1. Best Time Saver - Tie between going from the 21" to a 36", and investing in the hedge trimmer attachment on the Stihl FS85.

2. Mechanical Tip - Hmm...

3. Maintenance Tip - Tips on scraping decks and sharpening blades have been the most appreciated and useful.

4. About Customers - Don't underbid to keep customers. Bargain shoppers make for bad clients.

5. About Mowers - Exmark. Like the man said, I had never heard of them before this site, now I own one.

6. About Mowing - I've always striped (though I didn't know it was called that), but I've learned it's purpose/name now. Bigger than that, I've learned to set those blades higher and cut sharper!

7. About Aerating - Only heard of it before this site, but didn't know it's necessity or profitability. Now I lie awake at night dreaming of getting into this end of the business... ;)

8. About Fertilizing - Learned about soil-testing here, and about proper rates and the better kinds of fertilizers to use at various times of the year.

9. About Herbicides - Learned I had to be licensed to apply over-the-counter types, too... ;)

10. About Leaf Removal - Learned that gator blades aren't good at mulching leaves w/ the Exmark. :)

11. Estimation Information - Raise those prices!

12. Equipment / Vehicle Costing - Still learning here...

13. Sales tips - Hmm...

14. Hourly Cost - Never broke it down to this before lawnsite...

15. Job Costing - Never, never thought about this. Really, foolishly, I believed it didn't have a place. Before lawnsite, I paid a full 1/4 of my customers for the rights to cut their lawns, and you've saved me from that at least...

I'll come back if I think of more... :)

-TGC

[dhicks]

Double Blades
Striping
Lesco
Expo 2000 at Louisville - Came home broke and bought a trailer to haul my toys home.
$oil Testing
Pesticide Certification
Hustler Turf Equipment
Pricing
Redmax and all the other small equipment
Hydoseeding (Will purchase equipment next year)
Written Contracts
There are many good people in this forum
:D Self motivation - If they can do it so can I

There is more but my head is swooning.

[Charles]

In response to more replies. You may not get many replies to your post of the post has been asked and answered many times before. If no one on the board at that time really knows the answer. Or if the first person answers the question correctly

[1stclasslawns]

Lets see, That some of what I thought was right.
SOOOO MUCH more I cant list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That there are some folks out there that want others to succeed in bussiness. (I think I skiped that day in high school.) Jim

[powerreel]

I've learned that plantings work a whole lot better than turf! I hear everyone applying this, mowing this with that big thing, monster trucks,50 foot long hedge trimmers,street sweepers that leave ruts on lawns as they suck mulch from beds.I say lawns are cool but plantings are less maintenance and provide a better feel to a site.In the future when genetic grass hits, plantings will be where it's at,people will not be allowed to water grass to excess- over fertilize to the point of groundwater testing + for 2-4-D, not to mention hydrocarbons and CO from mowers, not to mention all the spilled gas from mowers filled between houses. Lawnsite has shown me what the future will have in store and I am ready for it! In the meantime I'll drive my Ferris with Jungle Wheels and wait to bid on ripping out the same lawns that I mow weekly,the future looks good! PEACE ALL

[jrblawncare]

Have been here since later January,what have I learned,most has been said above..it has been a great help in many areas and I hope I have helped others as well,Thanks and keep up the great work..Oh yeah,I want to be like stone!!!

[pace lawn care]

Learned lot's of good stuff like all mentioned above, But would like to add this.
Just because you do a search, doesn't mean that you will find the answer you are looking for, like everyone assumes you will.

[turfman99]

I have learned that the users who frequent this site are eager for information, eager to prosper in the business,and pretty damn dedicated to making their business's better by learning.I started in this business 25 years ago.

At age 25, I could work a fulltime job, mow/ maintain 10 properties, drink beer all night long and get up and do it again.

At 30, I realized you could make decent money in the business and I could still work 12 hours a day, and try and help raise a couple of babies.

At 35, trying to work, follow kids and have a life made me hire more people and grow the business. I would recomend doing this at 30.

At 38, the body said no more and I went inside management full time.

Now at 43, I finally have learned enough to feel comfortable about it, and have been able to work less hours, but accomplish more and have a great family life.

I have to give the props to the part timers and you one man operations busting your asses to make a go of it. Treat it like it is the business it is, and you can make good money, ( not gonna get rich)and your labor will pay off.

[cantoo]

What I have learned,, hmmm easier thing is what I haven't learned here, What kills wild strawberries and doesn't kill the grass?
Walker mowers are the best for the type of properties I do, but it is okay to own a Ransomes, and a Toro. You can never have too many lawn toys. More is always better weather it's money your making or horsepower under your butt. There are other people besides me who talk about grass cutting all day. Don't be afraid to be the highest bidder on a job, there will always be more jobs, you can always go down but very seldom up. Other guys get hit on by customers,, oops that was me that was doing the hitting. I did the right thing by getting my licence to spray last Spring, and the insurance. And most of all that I will make it full time this Spring and if I don't you are all to blame.. haha

[Firebrand]

Too much to try to list, but LOTS of little inconsequential things that add up to being a better lawn care professional. The biggest thing was the problems with the 25 horse Kohler. I was about to buy the Hustler ShortCut with the Kohler until someone pointed out the Kohler thread, after I learned about the problems I asked my dealer about them and he tried to gloss over the subject. So I weighed all the pros and cons and decided to wait on the shortcut. I totally dig the Hustler line so I decided to go with the 48" walk behind (which is FANTASTIC!!) with the 17 hp Kawi. Thanks for everything... I Love you Guys... Sniff, Sniff... Okay time to calm down.

[Greenkeepers]

here's my input:

1. Best Time Saver: No matter how many say it's not true, a ZTR definately saves time and energy. We bought a new Lazer this year because of this forum and boy what a difference. Twice the production in 1/2 - 3/4 of the time.

2. Mechanical Tip: Probably taking out the exhaust screen on the Stihl FS 85. And many others...

3. Maintenance Tip: Maintenance, you mean these things don't fix themselves:D

4. About Customers: How to better deal with them and think from their point of view, this has helped us get many new accounts.. Be Civil!!

5. About Mowers: Different brands and various attachments for them. Knew it before here but exmark is still the one.

6. About Mowing: How to hold my ZTR and Wb's on hills better and how to better define my stripes.

7. About Aerating: Those aerators beat you up.,The ones with the split tines are easier to run. Overseeding w/ aeration makes some good money and has very good results.

8. About Fertilizing: Become a certified pesticide applicator.

9. About Herbicides. Various good websites and application techniques.

10. About Leaf Removal: We all do it and don't like it.

11. Estimation Information: How to give more efficient and profitable estimates. Remember the unexpected when estimating.

12. Equipment / Vehicle Costing: Cost per hour of equipment on the job site.

13. Sales tips: Give my price and hold on it. This isn't a flea market where things can be negotiated. Be confident in my ability and the customer can tell that I'm a professional.

14. Hourly Cost: It seems like we all shoot for an hourly cost and that cost varies throughout the country.

IN CONCLUSION: To my company, Lawnsite has been and invaluable resource where we can find quick and accurate information from people who are actually in and know the industry.


Thanks to everyone for making this a great forum.

Mike
Greenkeepers

[DBALLARD]

I started reading this Forum before starting my business. It sure kept me from making some big mistakes. I learned soo many things, from what equipment to buy - to what price to charge - to how to market my business. There is no way I could have done it by myself. Thanks to all involved in making this such a great site for info and sugestions. I learn more every day. The more I know the more the competition should watch out.

[scottb]

Originally posted by DBALLARD
I started reading this Forum before starting my business. It sure kept me from making some big mistakes. I learned soo many things, from what equipment to buy - to what price to charge - to how to market my business. There is no way I could have done it by myself. Thanks to all involved in making this such a great site for info and sugestions. I learn more every day. The more I know the more the competition should watch out.


Yeah what he said goes for me too.LoL Seriously thougg you guys have been very helpful. This is a great site.

[Bobby]

Well, I found out them danged yankees make more money than me. I used to think that south fla had to be the best place to cut grass cause there is no off season. Till I found out what some of you guys make. And honestly, after getting to know at least through this forum, guys like MowEd and Kirby, I have a newfound respect for operators who have a lawn business and somthing else going on at the same time.

[jasonp]

That they are some good people in this world that will help others.

[David Hartzog]

Idon't know if i would of gone back into lawn care with out you.

[Scag48]

I have learned alot from this site. Even though some of the things I learned how to: sell your services professionally, take care of equipment responsibly, make the right eqipment descisions, and so on. I could go forever. The thing that I like the most about this site is that when I had a lousy day at school (a lousy day of mowing etc. for you guys) I can come here and learn about things that I never would have thought of. I mean, almost everyone here has helped me with deciding on my purchase of my blower, I'm glad you guys where here or I could have made a big mistake. Stuff like this will help me and everyone else here have a professional edge over their competition. And that's why we're doing what we're doing right? To be the best at what you do and be proud of it. Isn't that why almost everyone here started a business? I know it was for me. I like thinking to myself when I get done with a job, "I love what I do". And I know that Eric and Kirby and whoever else that gets those stripes real nice should like what they do too. You guys are my "mentors" or "role models". I wanna have a huge business just like you guys. And someday my dream will become a reality.:)

[MOW ED]

Most importantly is that as a group WE have a voice as is evident in turfquip's post about Damamge control for Kohler. I am amazed and pleased that the large manufacturers are listening.
Today this site literally reaches all corners of the world and can effect many changes. 3 years ago I was one lonesome voice crying about a problem by writing letters. Today a couple of posts here and ACTION.

I can't say it enough - THANKS Chuck for hosting, and not to be forgotten Thanks Eric for moderating. I learn something every day here and there is too much to list.

[lawrence stone]

Greenkeeper wrote:

>10. About Leaf Removal: We all do it and don't like it


I have not removed a leaf from any site since 1991.

[Edited by lawrence stone on 10-12-2000 at 12:24 PM]

[southside]

I have found this forum to be like a crystal ball.
What is happening in the US now in this industry will happen here in Australia in 18 months- 2yrs. Allows me to get a jump on the opposition.

Karl

[Eric ELM]

Even after being a member for over a year, I still learn things here almost every day. I'm surprised that more of the over 500 members who have read this haven't learned something too, but I guess that could be Lurkers that don't post at all too. After reading about the air presured grease gun, I'm going to go get one today and see how they work. I will also be sharpening blades on the RBG grinder I learned about and balancing them on the balancer I read about too. I will be changing the oil in my JD and getting it ready for winter and putting in the new diesel oil I hadn't heard of Shell Rotella T, but now use in all my 4 cycle equipment and diesels. This is just a few things I've learned, but will add more later. Time to use my new knowledge and get some work done. :)

[Edited by Eric ELM on 10-14-2000 at 03:53 PM]

[Pauls Mowing]

I've learned that in a couple of months that I've been a member here, there are a lot of professional people here that are more than willing the share their trails and tribulations for the benefit of others, that they will not make the same mistakes they did.Thanks to all of you for that mind set. Not until I subscribed to Pro 6 months ago did I know what an Exmark was. Now I do. While I do not classify myself in the league of others here, I enjoy my niche that I am carving out for myself. Most of my work is in the right-of way mowing and brusk work, a 15' bat wing mower will stripe!! I'm looking more and more in the commercial side, and have a few proposals going out after the new year begins. I enjoy the information that is shared here, and have tossed in my 2 cents when I have knowledge of the post. Thanks, all of you!!
Paul

[Kevin]

I've learned alot from this great site and chatted with a great group of PRO's. Alot of times your immediate "competition" is unwilling to divulge /share ideas and concerns with you. Knowledge is power and there is alot of it here! The most unusual thing I discovered here was the Tide bottle Trick. Kudos to all! I owe I owe, so off to mow I go.

[Eric ELM]

I thought some of the new guys might learn something from what we have learned here. Also, some of the newer members might want to add what they have learned, so go ahead and add what you have learned here. :)

[Bob's Lawn Care]

Where do I start?????

Sharpening blades with a RBG grinder, and balancing. Double blades I want to try. Striping. Maintenance tips on Exmark Lazer Z's. Prices for equiptment and mowing. Trailers, trucks, trimmers, blowers, ................ the list goes on. My only regret was not finding this site sooner. I have learner more in the last month than in the last 4 years I've been in business. When I start up this spring I plan to put as much of the new knowledge to work for me, so much that my customers will think they got a new Lawn Care Pro working for them.

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob

[Island Lawn]

contracts
insurance
Pest app license
Comm eqipment
cost of doing business
estimating
pricing
CPA
Marketing
LCO Professionalism

I've been a member only for a couple of months.
I've gone from not knowing I was a scrub to a Pro w/ A LOT to learn yet!

Learning is motivating

[Green Finger]

BIGG UPS to Lawnsite.com

I learned a lot about the business. Most important thing I learned is no one person knows everything. but together we all know and can learn together.

Also I learned about Dixie Chopper Mowers. They don't sell those mowers in my area.

So when I would see them in the magazines I would think they were made by some guy in his basement drinking a case of brew.

I was wrong.

Eric way to promote and stand up for your mower. Most important You back it up.

Keep up the good threads, and may God continue to bless us all.

PEACE!

[G & S LANDSCAPING SERVICE]

WOW!!!!! So much information and help, I know that to grow in this business, I have to keep a open mind, Listen to others, keep learning, education is the key to success, and this is a great classroom. That there is never a dumb question to ask, And there is always some one willing to listen and help. And give what i have found to be invaluable advise. The best way to learn is from others mistakes. I would like to say thank you all so much for your help, And thank you for LAWNSITE.COM scott from G & S PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING SERVICE.

[moonarrow]

There is so much that I have learned from this site that I don't know where to even start. I know one thing if I had seen this site before I started my business I would have saved myself a lot of headackes, and have. The double blade is on the top of my list, a lot of maintenance points, cost, and the difference in equipment, some of which I had never heard of. I have always believed you are never to old to learn, and have had that proven to me every time that I log-on at lawnsite. One more thing is that thru this site I have made many new great friends, ( yall know who you are) from all over the country , with a variation of ideas that have helped me to improve my business operations and quality and most importantly profits. Thanks to Chuck, Eric and to all those that make posts here.

[tranum]

don't know how i missed this thread back in october.
like many have stated, i wish i had found this sight when i was starting out. ooohh the pain it would have saved!! although i have learned many things about each subject Eric listed, the greatest 2 pieces of knowledge i have taken from Lawnsite is where to pee & that greasing my balls is optional!!!!!!
Lawnsite has been very very good to me.

[jay]

I learned too much to even begin writing down, this site has been great. It's interesting to see how people from all over conduct thier busineses in so many different ways. Thiers been some great post on raising prices, sharpening blades, contracts, and so much more. I'm still trying to soak in all the knowledge I learned. It's great having a site here were we can all group together.

[Just Cut]

Thanks to all who have posted. I have learned from this site information that has greatly increased my chances of success in starting a lawn care business. There is a wealth of information covering endless topics. When I first visited this site I had know idea in regards as to pricing, equipment, job costing, etc. This site and the people who have posted have me saved me from alot of trial and error

Thanks
Ron

[petra]

This is my first post and I am relatively new to this site. I have to tell you that this is the best site that I have come across in years. I have only been in business for 4 years now part-time and I am certain that I have learned more, gleaning wisdom from you people, than I have in my four years of making mistakes. I learned one thing fast about starting my own business. That is that I did not know much about starting my own business !!!
To answer your question about what I learned. I have only been visiting for about a week now but have since logged on every chance I get. Give me a while and I will be more specific
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for passing on your wisdom so freely !!!

[Eric ELM]

Welcome Petra, we are glad you became a member. I hope you learn as much as we have here. There are thousands of posts to read to learn more about this industry.

Eric

[Randy Scott]

It would be virtually impossible to list all the things I've learned from this site in the last 4 months.I am starting a new business and can't believe how much this site has helped me so far. I know it still takes a little work to apply all this knowledge in the real world, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have this wealth of information on my side.I commend each and every one of you that share your information with this website, and those ecspecially that made this site happen, and continue to make it happen. Give yourself a pat on the back, you've earned it! Thank you very much. Randy Scott

[awm]

I have learned that there are as many different
ways of doing lawnservice as there are LCSOs
Also vastly different knowledge levels in
pro ranks with as many right methods that work
for them.

[Man Joe]

Basically, from this site I learned how to operate my lawn service business in the most profitable way. Learned about advertising, pricing, collections and much more.Also learned that there are a lot of good people on this site.

[Jusmowin]

Everytime I come to this site I learn something new THANKS

[Davis TLC]

I like many others have learned more than I can list. Double blades, Dixie Chopper mowers rule!, raise prices, insurance, bidding practices, and more.

Thanks, Chuck for this great site where we can get together and help each other out. I wish this site had been here 5 years ago when I started in this business.

[Redmowers]

Double Blades rule !!! Lots learned on this site ,little things that I would not have of thought of on my own ,at least not for a while. I like the chute director ,and will have one installed before spring.Hydro's forever!!

[kutnkru]

In the short time that I have been here I have rummaged thru thousands of posts to learn as much about how the rest of you operate so I could somehow gage my current standings.

I would have to say that the BEST thing I have learned from all of you is this.

>If I observe and learn like a FOX my company will grow in a positive direction.
>If I apply this knowledge and work like a BEAR I can be on the same matchbook cover of success as Homer and Bob.
>If I turn out to be a PIG, I will end up working for companies such as True Green Chem-Lawn as punishment for my greed.

I would like to thank everyone for their input and for allowing me to learn from your trials and tribulations.

Thanks to everyone,
Kris

[lee b]

I can't begin to list everything I've learned from this forum. Double blades, striping, and the list goes on and on. Until I started looking here I took it for granted JD made the best mowers, now I'm thinking of getting a Lazer. Great ideas on estimating bids and not cutting your own throat. I appreciate all of your opinions, even the ones I disagree with. Thanks to you all.

[jeffex]

-bouble blades for 2001
-mulch leaves don't remove them
-low prices to break into business raise to stay
-low ballers fall by the wayside
-some lawn people realy know computers
-commercial equipment pays for itself
-some lawn guys are arrogant and think they know
it all
-there are others who have the same sickness as me
I LOVE TO STRIPE A LAWN AND DETAIL THE EDGES
-I bought the best trimmer Shindiawa
-spend money to make money
-backpack blowers get one now if you don't have
one
-prices vary but don't be AFRAID to charge more
-did I mention CHARGING MORE
-lube your BALLS

[Mowin4cash]

I've learned more of the "business" end of the business since I've been on this site. Since I found Lawnsite.com, I've learned that you don't have to have 12 crews, $2,000,000 worth of equipment, 500 customers, etc. to make a good living. (Not that I ever did, I just thought I "wanted or needed" to do that) "Work smarter, not harder" is what I mean. I used to think that if I wasn't working sunrise to sunset, I wasn't giving my all. Now I work more efficiently, and "have a life again". The double blade setup was a big help. But I guess the #1 thing I learned was that you can get back the fuel taxes you have to pay at the pump for fuel that you use for mowers and other non-highway equipment. I bet a ton of folks don't know about that one. And lastly, I obtained my pesticide certification and incorporated since joining this site. Now if someone could just help me decide whether to get a 3/4 pickup or a 1 ton stake body, I'll be satisfied and never start another truck post again! EricELM I promise!

Mike

[Edited by Mowin4cash on 01-20-2001 at 11:10 PM]

[Fareway Lawncare]

I've learned that most Green Industry workers w/internet access are morons and that makes me worry less about competition. Must also thank Lawnsite.com for discovering Magna-matic & Accelerators. On a less positive note was Mo Deck & Meg-Mo.

[NCLawnMedic]

I have learned a little in each category. But most of all seeing that LS has a melting pot of LCO (scrubs, pro's ect) I am abe to read what others are doing and tweak my business accordingly.

[darryl gesner]

Great thread. Thanks for bumping it up Fareway...I missed it the first time around.

[Fantasy Lawns]

WOW .... this is "Old School".... I never met Eric .... but had "chatted" with him ....

Then ..... n even Now .... this site has given me the opportunity to LEARN

[lpwhandyman]

It was even the simple tips for me. Like driving up the trailer ramp to change mower blades. Simple, but I hadn't thought of it. Using a cordless impact to remove the blades. And EZChute....What the heck was an EZChute or an OCDC anyways? Well I can tell you what it is now, because after reading about it on here, I've got one sitting here waiting to be installed now. I can't wait to actually not have to go around the landscape, house, driveway,etc. in whichever direction I choose with the ezchute and not worry about blowing clippings everywhere. Simple idea, but never knew. Exmark mowers, never heard of them either....but now have one. The price was very high and considered homeowner brands. But thankfully all the reading on here discouraged me from doing so. The original thought of spending that much money has gone out the window, now that after only one season, the mower is paid for and now the profits begin. Yeah right, I'll always be buying new equipment. But because of this site, homework will be done first. Thanks to all. Group Hug. :)

[Charles]

Fareway, you can't be calling members morons or any other derogetory names. Consider yourself warned

[seven-up]

so what if he does charles? that is his opinion.... wouldn't be trying to take away his freedom of speech would we?

[Cut]

BEST TIME SAVER- This site has saved me time in my learning curve. Without LawnSite I would have had to figure out many issues through trial and error.

That one is probably the most beneficial.

[Charles]

so what if he does charles? that is his opinion.... wouldn't be trying to take away his freedom of speech would we?

Here is your answer for rules and regulations of Lawnsite.com:


http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=99008

[rodfather]

Fareway, you can't be calling members morons or any other derogetory names. Consider yourself warned

Hell Charles, he's been doing that for as many years as he's had different screen names.

[trk53]

There is a lot of really good information available if you use the search engine. It would be nice if some members would not use this as a [chat room ] and that they would respond to questions from other members with answers to their questions. Some members clutter this forum with useless remarks.If you don't like the question being asked, then don't waste your time answering with bullsh%t.