GLS's Equipment

[Dunlaps LawnCare]

is that a 7hp or 9hp snow blower?

[GLS]

Most of our larger accounts are on a per inch basis, residentials are on a per push basis (modified so if snow gets over a certain amount, there is a surcharge).

I really don't know what the insurance cost for just plowing is, the policy includes vehicles and equipment and all.

They are airlift superduty bags.

The trailer I believe was between $6k-7k. I know they can be gotten cheaper, but the wells seemed like a really nice trailer.

The snowblower is actually a 15hp 30" simplicity. We clear a street sidewalk that is right next to 4 lane road (also a hillside so it gets lots of salt) and the sidewalk accumulates the nastiest slush there could be. This blower does the job!

[Dunlaps LawnCare]

how much did that run ya

[Dunlaps LawnCare]

how much did that run ya

and u have anying pictures of it in action?

[GLS]

I believe the snowblower was $1500.

Sorry, I don't have any action pics. But here is one of the machine ...

[Adam's Lawn and Garden]

I was trying to figure out why your looks the same as my snapper, then i remembered they're made by the same company. I tell you what though, that snow blower is designed VERY WELL!!!!

Adam

[GLS]

We traded in our JD 757 for a new Toro Z593-D ztr with 60" deck and kubota diesel.

Also traded in our 36" wright standed for a new 36" wright stander, but with rapid height adjustment (also upgraded us to electric start and larger 17hp engine).

Last picture shows most of our lawn stuff.

[RedMax Man]

I'm going to be getting the 52" Rapid Hite Stander. Very nice machines. Curious as to why you went with a diesel with the way fuel prices are through the roof?

[ALarsh]

How many hours did you have on the JD and why did you decide to switch to toro? The turbo force deck should treat you very well, I have 2 and am pleased.

[02DURAMAX]

Nice new mowers!..And that diesel should last you a long time..

[Lawn Enforcer]

Nice choices on equipment for the year. I can't wait for my new Everride Scorpion FX 34" comes in soon, I just love when my new toys arrive! I've heard diesel mowers are very fuel efficient.

[deere615]

Nice new mowers

[jgp Landscaping]

nice deere zero turn dude, its like in mint condition

[blm86]

i just went through this entire thread, you guys have a lot of nice equipment. best of luck this year.

[GLS]

Even though diesel prices are high right now, they are very efficient. I have heard that they consume half of the fuel a gas machine does. Also for the power and longetivity.

The JD had about 900 hours I think. The bagging system was shot on it and we decided instead of spending over $2k on a new bagging system for it, we would go ahead and upgrade the machine.

We went with toro mostly because the equipment dealer we use now is so much better than our old dealer, so we purchase what they sell. And toro seems to have a good reputation.


Thanks for all of the comments to the others!

[ProTouch Groundscapes]

GLS you have very nice pieces of equipment. Everything looks awesome. Goodluck with the new purchases and the upcoming season:waving:

[HazellLawnCare]

Do you have to take the quickchute off the Toro to run the blower for the bagger? Or can you just flip it up out of the way?

[GLS]

Yes, the qwikchute has to be removed to install the blower. It's very simple though, just tighten four bolts. It is not a big deal for us, because we only intend to use the bagger in the fall.

[ALarsh]

Ryan - Are you and your brother planning on staying in this business for years and years to come or do you have future plans on getting out in a couple years?

[GLS]

We plan to stay in the industry. We have intentions to get more involved in the landscape side of things, but we still plan to keep doing lawn maintenance--it is a great way to build clientele and get install jobs.

[Utility Dave]

I really like that insert!! and how much did that orange wheel barrow cost you???

[air2bmc]

This is a really nice thread to watch, as you can see how you have grown and changed things. keep up the good work:clapping:

[Utility Dave]

he has good pictures to!!

[GLS]

Thanks for the comments.

I don't recall exactly how much the big orange 10cf wheelbarrow was, but I want to say about $150?

Here's a picture that shows what we started out with years ago, and where we are now:

[DLCS]

Ryan,


I passed you on I-88 a few weeks ago, around close to the Erie exit, you were heading west. You were driving your blue Chevy. I've seen pics of your 95 chevy on here so much that i recognized it in public. :) Anyway nice pics, I've never seen your red truck on here before, I wish I had some pics of my first year in business.LOL

[GLS]

Mike, I was probably heading back from Rock Falls. We dropped our enclosed trailer off at a wells cargo dealer out there for some repair work. Thanks for noticing the truck!

[DLCS]

Mike, I was probably heading back from Rock Falls. We dropped our enclosed trailer off at a wells cargo dealer out there for some repair work. Thanks for noticing the truck!


Ah, you must have taken it to Charleston's. How do you like dealing with him? LOL

[deere615]

nice pics, in the middle one, the 95 chevy looks so clean, almost like an ad for chevy:)

[GLS]

Thanks.

Ed is a nice guy, and obviously was born a salesman!

[Mark13]

I don't think i've posted any pics of the newer blizzard snowplow? So here are a few.

pic 1: both trucks.

pic 2: blue truck waiting for snow

pics 3: two pallets of deicer; the rear air bags really keep the back up.

Nice looking set ups there. How did the new 810 treat you for the first winter?

[GLS]

The 810 worked great this winter...only one minor problem was a loose hydro fitting on the pump, but we tightened it up and added fluid and it has worked flawlessly since.

[wayside]

hey you have any pics of the wells cargo trailer from the inside?

[Utility Dave]

I finally have pics of the leaf box and vacuum on the dump trailer.

The box is constructed of 2x6 green treated boards. The leaf loader basically hangs off of one of the gates and swings away with the gate.

were did you get that tarp with hooks on the dump {local trailer place}??

[GLS]

I will try to get some updated pics of inside the enclosed soon. It's in storage right now, but should be coming out very soon (I hope!).


I'm not sure which tarp you are referring to, but there is a tarp roller built onto the dump trailer that was a factory add-on, the hooks on the sides of the trailer were standard. The tarp on the leaf box is just a mesh tarp we purchased from northern tool.

[Utility Dave]

ok thanks i was talking about the one on the leaf box

[02DURAMAX]

Have you started clean ups yet?

[GLS]

We have been doing cleanups for several weeks now. They should have been done a long time ago too, but we have had some very windy days along with rain recently. We don't need the enclosed trailer for the cleanups though.

[GLS]

As per requested, here are some pictures of inside the enclosed trailer...

[wayside]

^ looking good

[02DURAMAX]

looks good..Nice Trailer!!

[deere615]

Nice looking trailer

[RedMax Man]

Any plans on lettering the trailer?

[fiveoboy01]

This is a really nice thread to watch, as you can see how you have grown and changed things. keep up the good work:clapping:

Very true, it's nice to see how someone progresses through the years.

I love that dump/truck loader combo. Wish I had one:)

[GLS]

Thanks for the comments.

We might letter the trailer in a year or two. Don't really want to yet due to parking, trying to keep it plain for now.

[tacoma200]

GLS that trailer is full, how are the John Deeres treating you?

[GLS]

Yeah, a 20' would be nice (other than parking).

The only deere's we are currently running is the gs30 36" walk behind...which is only used on slopes that the ztr and stander can't handle.

[GLS]

New purchase:

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty, SLT, Regular cab, 6.7L Cummins, 4x4, auto (due to snowplowing, I would love to have a handshaker otherwise) basically a work truck. Traded out '04 GTO in on this due to frequent brakedowns.

The current plan is to put a dumping aluminum flatbed on it. We'll also get it setup with a Blizzard snowplow hitch/wiring, and possibly look for a used blizzard plow as a backup. As of right now the old blue truck is being kept as third truck, mostly for a backup for snowplowing.

[oakwdman]

very nice! white on white is always sharp.

[PerfectEarth]

Awesome thread, great timeline and pictures- you guys have done well for yourselves at a young age and the way you keep your equipment is an example for us all.

One question- have you guys considered a larger truck, as in a dump body/450/550?? You guys haul around a ton of weight on those pickups with a 14,000# trailer!

[Lawn Enforcer]

That is one sharp looking Mopar! If you don't mind me asking, how much did it set ya back? I would like to buy a bigger truck next year and that is pretty much exactly what I want.

[KS_Grasscutter]

Yea, what did you have to give for the truck? Dad is kinda halfway looking for one just like that.

[GLS]

Thanks for the comments.

Future plans are to replace our '95 pickup with a 550/5500 series dump truck. We have some loans to payoff first.

I'd rather not say what we paid. I can tell you that the sticker price was around $43,000.

[KS_Grasscutter]

Thanks for the comments.

Future plans are to replace our '95 pickup with a 550/5500 series dump truck. We have some loans to payoff first.

I'd rather not say what we paid. I can tell you that the sticker price was around $43,000.

Thats what I got one to add up to online on their truck builder thingy on their website. Got a dealer here advertising 40% off, plus I bet they'd LOVE my Ranger for a trade in, I bet I could get one for $10k trade difference.

[Lawn Enforcer]

Again, it looks good. Thanks for telling me a ballpark price, that helps my descision.

[newtostone]

So how are you guys doing? I always love reading this one over.

[GLS]

We're doing alright. I'm glad people enjoy the thread:)

We are finally getting caught up on stuff. We are done aerating for the season (almost), and finally got our snow contracts out. Other than mowing and some landscaping jobs, we are just getting things ready for fall cleanups and snow. Need to get the new truck ready for snow, have to mount the plow hitch and wire it up.

I'll have some new pictures of the dodge soon, we had an aluminum dumping flatbed installed. It is raining here today, so we are going to build some sides for it.

Be looking for some pics within a day or so:waving:

[Junior M]

did you put a dump insert in the dodge? or did you take the bed off it?

I just read through this whole thread! wow.. You guys have some nice stuff.. You could give us some updated pictures.

[GLS]

We removed the bed and sold it.

This is a custom aluminum flatbed from Alum-Line, installed at their location in Cresco, IA. It has fold-down sides for easier loading, heavy duty extruded aluminum flooring, and many other customized options.

We were considering an aluminum dump insert, but after selling the stock bed, it did not cost a whole lot more. And for winter, we can keep ballast (salt) in the rear and load a 2-stage snowblower over the side.

[GLS]

Oh, and before anybody asks why the heck it isn't a dually, it is because we don't want a dually for snow plowing for the accounts we do.

[davis45]

That is one GREAT looking truck.

[Junior M]

Personally I hate a dump body on a single wheel truck, I think I would have kept the single wheel.. But if its what you need.. But hey atleast you picked a good brand truck!

[02DURAMAX]

We removed the bed and sold it.

This is a custom aluminum flatbed from Alum-Line, installed at their location in Cresco, IA. It has fold-down sides for easier loading, heavy duty extruded aluminum flooring, and many other customized options.

We were considering an aluminum dump insert, but after selling the stock bed, it did not cost a whole lot more. And for winter, we can keep ballast (salt) in the rear and load a 2-stage snowblower over the side.

Looks Great!!

Very Nice Dump bed!

Also if you decide to sell your '95 Chevy let me know i may be interested.

[DBL]

usually i dont like dumps on srw's but that is one nice looking truck and im sure it will get the job done

[Kglenn04]

thank you for the indepth pictures, can we get some more pictires like this people, like of mowers and how you keep them in place. How about some tight shoots of jungle jim racks, and blower racks? nice rig sir

[deere615]

I am not a fan of dodges but that is one nice looking truck!

[bakerc8]

nice jd i love the z

[davis45]

Could you PM me on a price of the installed price on that Alum-Line dump body? If I don't find a dump that I like this winter I may just go with something like that, thanks bud.

[S man]

Nice setup. I have all the handhelds you have except mine are all redmax.

[South Florida Lawns]

this is a great thread I love these that progress over the years. You have some great looking trucks and equipment. How many accounts do you service on a regular basis if you don't mind me asking?

[GLS]

We currently maintain about 50 accounts. We do several condos (average size of about 4 units), medical offices, and residentials ranging from small to large properties. It isn't a full schedule because I am still in school and we do landscaping services as well.

[STIHL GUY]

nice setup

[GLS]

We are finally replacing our old blue truck! Picked up this brand new 2008 Ford F250 supercab long bed 4x4 diesel. I'll just call it a graduation gift to myself!

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Ford/IMG_1208.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Ford/IMG_1210.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Ford/IMG_1213.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Ford/IMG_1201.jpg

[nnj18]

wow thats SHARP! so who gets the GMC your brother??

Also if you don't mind or want to pm me; how does it work it with 3 trucks? I know you and your brother are in it together, we're the same over here. So what I'm asking is; are they all registered as commercial? If not then the Ford is paid for by you personally and not the business, correct? Also just out of curiosity how old are you guys?

[oakwdman]

That is one amazing truck! It will look even better with a blizzard hanging off the front!!!

[nnj18]

That is one amazing truck! It will look even better with a blizzard hanging off the front!!!

I think he's putting one on it Colin.....

[oakwdman]

Exactly why I said it Jared! The question is will it be a new plow or will it be the one off of the blue chevy?

[GLS]

All three of the trucks are shared between us. We just drive whatever is convenient.

The trucks are all purchased under our names. But they are commercially licensed and insured.

I am 22, my brother is 24.

Yes, a blizzard will be hanging off the front of it soon. Just need to get the plow mount/wiring ordered.

It will have an 810 on it. The dodge will have the other 810, and the GMC will be the backup. If the blue truck sells with the 860 plow, we may look into purchasing an 8611LP in the future.

[ALarsh]

Ford, Dodge and GMC all different colors??

Looks great otherwise!

[GLS]

Would have gotten another white one, but 2008s (with the good deals right now) are slim pickings.

[nnj18]

OK I gotcha so you just split the payments 50/50 I guess? Truck looks great! What made you go with the Ford over a second dodge?? They're blowing them out here for around $29k for a crew cab diesel slt. Just wondering as mentioned above you have, 4x brands and 4x different colors. lol

[Lawn Freak]

Thats a nice truck! I really like the auxillary switches on the newer trucks

[Lawn Freak]

Just went back and read through the whole thread. Two ?s...who is the guy that I keep seeing sitting in the trucks? And what model Stihl Backpacks are those?

[Petr51488]

I'm also wondering why you went with a ford over a dodge or gm?

[ProTouch Groundscapes]

great looking truck! your right the deals on the 08's were absolutely amzing almost 10K off sticker, and if you couldve gotten x plan thats almost 14K off!

[SimonCX]

Nice truck, if I would do it again I would get another powerstroke. I got a new duramax a couple months back and now regret it alittle, it's nice but I think the ford is finished off better, too many little problems with the chevy that I never have with the fords.

[deere615]

That is almost identical to the truck my uncle just got, except his is crew cab, but other same color and all. He hasn't even drove his yet and had it for over a month, still driving his old 88. But yeah I thought those aux. switch were the coloest thing, wish my truck had tose. Be sure to post pics with the plow, then I can tease my unlce

[deere615]

Oh and my uncles is the 5.4 not the psd. His truck is pretty big for just the 5.4 but it is very nice

[Lawn Enforcer]

Congrats on the new purchase! You guys must be doing well, keep up the good work!:usflag:

[South Florida Lawns]

Is it just you and you brother, or do you have employees? Why is the stander behind the Toro? You have to move that all the time just to get to the Toro? You guys must have some pretty decent credit and payments going on there.

[GLS]

Sorry I havn't responded sooner, we've been out plowing for days.

We went with a ford for many reasons. It was the best deal we could find around here. We got $12,000 off sticker. We couldn't find any dodge trucks we really liked, and the discounts we found were only like $5k. Also, GM was out because we wanted a solid front axle. And like I said before, we are not brand biased. Plus, this way if one of them turns out to have problems, we are only stuck with one!

The guy sitting in the trucks is probably my brother, I usually snap the pictures.

The stihl backpacks are br600s.

Ford over GM and Dodge mostly because of the discounts. And we kindof wanted to try all three brands.

Hopefully the Ford will be trouble free.

The auxillary switches are a great idea I think. All I have to do is splice into the wire under the dash! The integrated trailer brake controller is nice too. I wouldn't buy the truck just for these options, but they are a bonus.

It is just my brother and me. The stander is behind the toro because the stander is most frequently used. And it is easier to unload than the Z.

[Lawn Enforcer]

So your currently have 4 plow trucks? (after you get the plow on the Ford) I'm jealous, I don't even have 1 plow truck :cry::laugh:

[nnj18]

Are you going to use the Ford for work or just as a personal truck? Any plans to add a crew next year now that you have 3 trucks?

[Looking Good Lawn Service]

Nice truck, congratulations, I love the International power plant! Best of luck with it!

[GLS]

Technically we have 4 right now, but hopefully it will be just 3 soon!

The ford will be a work truck just like the others. No plans for a crew yet, we're not ready for the headaches of having employees :dizzy: The purpose of having 3 is for a backup. With our old blue truck having the transmission go out, we were extremely glad to have a backup!!

[bighaydenslawn]

Very impressive GLS, i love the big Deere ZTR and it looks like you have a good line of commercial Stihl handhelds. I love the 95 GMC, would love a truck like that to pull my stuff with.

[GLS]

Here's some more pictures for the beginning of the season.

I'll start with the conversion of our GMC into another dump truck. The factory bed was damaged so we decided to switch to a flatbed, then decided to put a hoist under it. A second dump has been very useful for us.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1549.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1594.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1599.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1602.jpg

[GLS]

The Ford loaded up for the first round of applications. Purchased the Andersons sr2000 spreader over winter as well.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Ford/IMG_1611.jpg


The Ford again with the enclosed and the Dodge behind it.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Ford/IMG_1561.jpg

[GLS]

First full load of mulch in the Dodge:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Dodge/IMG_1615.jpg


The GMC used to struggle to hold 2 wheelbarrows in it's shortbed, now it holds two plus our big 10cf barrel along with tools with ease.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1621.jpg


Finally got some company tshirts as well.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1623.jpg

[mkwl]

How many cubic yards do you have in your trailer (mulch ) at once? How does the GMC handle the weight? I've had up to 7CY in my dump trailer and I don't think I'd want to put much more than that in it (or stopping starts to be a problem, even with brakes on the trailer).

[DRBLawnBuster]

I jsut read through the whole thread and everything looks awsome!! How old were you when you started with that garden tractor and pick- up

[Cuttinitclose]

How did you like the Deere BP when you had it? What's it comparable to?

[MJS]

Great thread - I guess I had somehow missed it all these years. . .

Looking forward to more pictures, for sure!

[2brothersyardcare]

looks real good

[Cuttinitclose]

Just read the entire thread, Wow very nice setup. I would love to be as big as that in 5-8 years.

[JosephLawnCare]

who makes/installed the beds? Do they have a website? Why does the gmc have two hitches, or am I seeing sh!t? Where'd the blue chevy go?

[Cuttinitclose]

who makes/installed the beds? Do they have a website? Why does the gmc have two hitches, or am I seeing sh!t? Where'd the blue chevy go?

Read, that's what we do.

[JosephLawnCare]

Read, that's what we do.

I did, but I didn't see awnsers to those questions. And the question was not for you. Your why this forum sucks sometimes.

[nnj18]

who makes/installed the beds? Do they have a website? Why does the gmc have two hitches, or am I seeing sh!t? Where'd the blue chevy go?

blue chevy he sold....

[Junior M]

blue chevy he sold....
And I wish I coulda bought it, it was an awesome freakin truck!

[deere615]

that gmc looks sick I wouldn't want to use it for work! That is a beautiful dump trailer also

[Lawn Enforcer]

Nice conversion! Everything looks great as usual

[NothingRunsLikeADeere]

love the green...I am an all green man...i like your setup

[GLS]

Thanks for all of the comments.

I'll try to answer all the questions...

We load the dump trailer with 15 cubic yards of mulch. All of the trucks seem to handle the weight fine.

We started mowing lawns before we could drive. I think the picture with the lawn tractor and the old maroon truck was probably when my brother turned 16 and I was 15.

Honestly, I would never use those deere backpack blowers again. They are very uncomfortable (heavy, vibrate, loud, etc.) and lack power. At least compared to the Stihl bp600s we use now. I would never go back!!

The beds were custom made by Alum-Line in Cresco, IA. Their website is www.alumline.com. They will custom make anything you want.

The hitch on the GMC does infact have 2 recievers. It is made by SuperHitch. We purchased it because we need to be able to tow 14k pounds. We've used Putnam hitches in the past, but they went out of business. The superhitch as a 15k rating (dead weight, no weight dist.). The reason for the double tubes is for extensions if you have a pop-in camper. We bought it for the tow rating. It is a very well made hitch, I would definately buy another.

We sold the blue chevy over the winter. Repairs were getting more frequent and we didn't have time to deal with it. As far as I know, it's plowing snow over in Indiana.


Thanks again for all of the comments!

[rusty_keg_3]

Wow, u need a longer trailer! Everything looks great, good luck!

[GLS]

Going through pictures on the camera...figured i'd add a few more to this thread.


One from this spring with the pears in bloom. Toro 60" on this one.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/lawns/IMG_1672.jpg


Same property later in the season.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/lawns/IMG_1769.jpg


Quack, quack

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/lawns/IMG_1704.jpg


Early spring using the 36" stander.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/lawns/IMG_1655.jpg


The toro in action.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/lawns/IMG_1721.jpg

[GLS]

The ford.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/equipment/IMG_1713.jpg


Rental tractor for moving sod scraps on large property.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/equipment/IMG_1685.jpg


Sod job, 3 pallets in the trailer and one in the truck.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/equipment/IMG_1725.jpg


And two more in the Dodge

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/equipment/IMG_1724.jpg

[SNAPPER MAN]

Man that all looks great! You got a good looking operation going. How is that 6.4L PSD treating you? I just got one and so far it is great. What kinda mpg you getting? All your trucks look great!

[nnj18]

how many accounts are you up to now? any plans for a maintenance crew in the near future? also how do you get away with not bagging?! with all the rain we've been having even mowing @ 3.75" it would look terrible on smaller properties if they werent bagged....

the trucks are looking good.....i still get a kick out of you owning all three brands considering the last two purchases were made on new trucks.....

also along the line of the 3 different brand trucks, 3 different colors. Wouldn't you want to letter up the trailer and the dodge since they're both white and from what it appears seems to be the daily worker......I'm guessing you drive the Ford and your brother the Chevy for personal trucks on the side?? Just wondering why nothings lettered and nothing matches.....no offense....everything looks good either way.

[mowerdude777]

Looks amazing

[orlawncaresvc]

I did not know that John Deere made blowers. how does it perform? oh and i really like all of you trucks and equipment

[GLS]

Thanks for the comments.

The 6.4L PSD has been problem free so far. MPG is not great (around 12-15 if I remember correctly), but we didn't buy it for fuel economy. Probably would do a lot better if the DPF and EGR disappeared. We really like the truck though. How do you like yours? Any problems? What MPG are you seeing?


Accounts are at about 50 right now. That includes a large business that takes the two of us most of a day. Also includes several smaller medical offices and condos that are much larger than our typical residentials.

As far as crew goes, not anytime soon. We are happy where we are at right now, we're just trying to weed out the less desirable accounts with better ones.

We hate bagging! Even in the juiciest of grass this spring, even the really tight areas, able to mulch and disperse the clippings. We never leave a mess, customers are told they won't have to deal with unsightly clippings.

We really just wanted to have all three to see what they had to offer. And honestly they all have something that makes them better than the other.

As for color, all white probably would be ideal, but we arn't too picky and the red ford we got a good deal on, we wern't willing to spend several thousand more just for the color.

We don't have anything lettered because we arn't looking to add many new accounts. Besides, it leads to a lot of phone calls and no work. Word of mouth tends to have better results for us. We probably will have things lettered up down the road, just not right now.


We have not purchased any new deere equipment for years. The only piece of deere we have left is a 36" walk behind. The blowers you are speaking of, in short I will just say we hated them. They have been replaced with Stihl.

[RedSquareLandscaping]

Beatiful Equipment

[SNAPPER MAN]

The 6.4PSD has been great so far, the thing has a amazing amount of power and torque with the twin turbos, if you can get a rope or chain around it this think can pull it. So far it has been trouble free, I also got the 100,000 mile warranty for it because I don't trust the new diesels. My dad also has the new 6.4 and so far his has been good also. He chipped his and is getting 12-13mph, I didn't chip mine and I'm averaging 15-16mpg. But his is 4x4 and mine is a 2x4 so that might also affect the mpg's a little bit. Your ford looks great man!

[RedSquareLandscaping]

love evrything

[jblawns123]

Nice stuff there bud, I found a great deal on vehicle lettering shipped to your door. I just got my truck lettering 2 color logos, full bed and front fenders $180 to my door. Took an hour to put on.

You need lettering!!! Very nice stuff!!!

[DRBLawnBuster]

I jsut read through the whole thread and everything looks awsome!

[POPO4995]

Everything looks great, hows the fall season starting for you?

[teamgreendude]

wow ryan,
It looks like your doing great. One question, how do you like your nextel phones ? I'm considering getting one, and how's the toro diesel mower ? I'm also thinking about that one to, have you guys ever considered the toro grandstand for another mower ?

[GLS]

Fall is starting off ok, but we've been dealing with a LOT of wet rainy days. I'm hoping for some dry weather soon!


Nextel phones have been great. We had them several years ago and switched due to poor service, but we missed having the direct connect. We ended up with nextel again and service is excellent now. Phones are very rugged, I can't complain.

The toro diesel ZTR is great. I would not hesitate to buy another one. The grandstand looks like a nice machine, but we would probably add another ZTR if it came to it due to the lack of a decent collection system on a grandstand.



I should have an equipment update here soon, we are in the process of purchasing a kubota tractor.

[rcslawncare]

Your work looks awesome! And some equipment i'd love to have in the garage!!

[teamgreendude]

very cool,
Yea I'll second you on wet rainy days. For the past 2 WEEKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we've had nothing but rain, had to mow in it on sunday.

[GLS]

Equipment update...

Purchased a Plugr PL850HD this year, this thing is GREAT! It is effortless to operate compared to the lesco split-drive drum aerator we used to have. And the pattern is so dense there is no need to double-aerate. Very pleased with this machine.

Also shown in pics is the custom carrier we fabbed up that also holds our spreader.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/equipment/IMG_1970.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/equipment/IMG_1983.jpg

[GLS]

And our new Kubota L3240 tractor.

Bought it with skid-steer type quick attatch loader coupler, HD bucket, forks, box blade, rear blade, snow blade, and 3rd function remote.

Also puchased a 21' (18' + 3' beavertail) deckover trailer to haul the tractor and materials (pallets of block, deicer, etc.).

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2063.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2088.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2075.jpg

[GLS]

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2105.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2098.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2099.jpg

[GLS]

Another of the new trailer with a load of deicer.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Dodge/IMG_2062.jpg

[teamgreendude]

Alright ryan !!!!!!, how much did the aerator run you if you don't mind me asking. I'm considering one for next year, what lots do you plan on using the kubota for ?

[GLS]

The plugr was in the range of $4k...expensive but worth it if you do much aerating.

Intended purpose of the tractor is general landscaping. Loader for moving/loading materials, forks to move pallets (not full pallets, but maybe pallets of sod etc.), already used the box blade to grade a driveway, snow blade for clearing some sidewalks at a commercial property and to stack snow, the list goes on. The machine should basically make things a bit easier for us.

[Cooter]

What kind of flat bed is on that Chevy? Looks sweet.

[nnj18]

Why'd you go with a tractor over a skid?
Posted via Mobile Device

[GLS]

Flat bed was custom built by Alum-Line.


Went with a tractor instead of a skid loader due to our intended uses. We want to be able to drive on lawns with minimal damage. Tractor was also less of an expense. We rent skid loaders for bigger jobs, just felt that we would be better of with a tractor before a skid.

[flairland]

Very nice tractor, I'm looking at getting something similar, probably a little smaller though. I see you put bigger tires on the dodge. How are you liking it?

[Fordpsd]

Sweet equipment and nice trucks.

What light bar is that on the ford?

[GLS]

We considered a smaller tractor, but wanted the higher lift height for loading trucks and the higher lifting capacity.

We replaced the dodge tires with nitto dura grappler 285/75/17E. They have been working great and carry a good weight rating as well.

The Ford has a whelen mini-justice LED bar. The GMC and Dodge both have full size justice bars, the towman's edition with work lights and STT lights. Very happy with all of the lightbars.

[Z-master man]

Any updates? Plowing pics etc.

[GLS]

I've snapped a few pics this winter.

Here are some of the tractor.

First one is plowing some snow, the other three we were relocating a large snowpile.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2194.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2264.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2276.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2280.jpg

[GLS]

A couple of the GMC

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_2257.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_2272.jpg

[GLS]

And the Dodge

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Dodge/IMG_2189.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Dodge/IMG_2195.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Dodge/IMG_2227.jpg

[Z-master man]

Nice pics! Looks alittle cold plowing with the tractor but ohwell.

[slamjamrockinman]

Love seeing all those blizzards! How are those working flatbeds working out? My bed is so crappy I'm very tempted to do what you guys did. You think they are worth the money?? Btw, looks like your putting the tractor to work good, kinda cold though, lol.

[deere615]

Plow pictures look awesome! Are those meyer night saber2 lights on the blizzard plows?

[GLS]

The open tractor can get a little cold, just couldn't justify a cab...plus height would have been a problem. We just try to bundle up as best we can. Fortunately we only have to operate the machine a max of about 2 hours at a time.


Love the blizzards. Also love the flatbeds. They have been very versatile. Very nice not having to worry about scrathing the side of a factory bed. Equipment/materials can be loaded/unloaded from side. We can keep salt in the back of the beds and fold down/remove sides to access equipment (snowblower, etc.). They have come in very handy for our tractor implements as well. I would say they are well worth the investment. Also consider a steel flatbed if price is a major concern.

We converted all of the crappy blizzard headlamps to the meyer night sabre IIs. A little pricy, but it was a big improvement!

[flairland]

Nice pics GLS, I love the dodge. Still happy with it? Kubota looks good too, but ya, good thing you dont need to operate it for much more than two hours at a time!

[slamjamrockinman]

The open tractor can get a little cold, just couldn't justify a cab...plus height would have been a problem. We just try to bundle up as best we can. Fortunately we only have to operate the machine a max of about 2 hours at a time.


Love the blizzards. Also love the flatbeds. They have been very versatile. Very nice not having to worry about scrathing the side of a factory bed. Equipment/materials can be loaded/unloaded from side. We can keep salt in the back of the beds and fold down/remove sides to access equipment (snowblower, etc.). They have come in very handy for our tractor implements as well. I would say they are well worth the investment. Also consider a steel flatbed if price is a major concern.

We converted all of the crappy blizzard headlamps to the meyer night sabre IIs. A little pricy, but it was a big improvement!

Ya I can already think of how handy flatbed would be. Would you mind maybe sending me a PM with a ball park of what those cost. I went on the manufacturer's website and I couldn't seem to find a price. If you could pm me that would be really helpful. Thanks!

[GLS]

Dodge has been good, love the cummins and the auto tranny we have been happy with too. Only complaint is the emissions related stuff (dpf/egr) on these newer diesels.


Peter, PM sent.

[slamjamrockinman]

Dodge has been good, love the cummins and the auto tranny we have been happy with too. Only complaint is the emissions related stuff (dpf/egr) on these newer diesels.


Peter, PM sent.

Just replied to it, Thanks for the help!

[eaglescout1993]

I Love your set up im 16 and am buying my first jd 21in push mower this weekend. this fall im buying sthil 600 BP blower and a leaf loader and 10' trailer. " live in valley massive leaf build up would be unmanageable with out"

[cpt87gn]

What kind of camara did you use the pictures look great

[G.M.Landscaping]

What kind of camara did you use the pictures look great

It does take nice pics. I'm curious also.

[KrayzKajun]

i like tht dodge!(did i really say tht)

[GLS]

Thanks...

The pictures were actually just taken with cheaper point-and-shoot cameras. The earlier pictures were (2007 and earlier) with a Sony DSCP93A, the newer ones (2008-current) are with a canon SD870IS.

[oakwdman]

Any big purchases/plans for this year or are you guys happy where your at right now?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Z-master man]

Thanks...

The pictures were actually just taken with cheaper point-and-shoot cameras. The earlier pictures were (2007 and earlier) with a Sony DSCP93A, the newer ones (2008-current) are with a canon SD870IS.

Any new plowing pic's? Howmany commercial plowing accounts do you have? How many resi?

[GLS]

No big purchases planned anytime soon, maybe a larger sprayer this season.


Here are a couple pics I took during our last snowstorm.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Dodge/IMG_2329.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2332.jpg


We have about 6 medium sized parking lots, a few condos, and around 20 driveways that we manage. We actually scaled it down this season to make things much more manageable. It is basically setup to where the 2 of us can clear our commercials before cars arrive, then we clear residentials, and return to the commercials if it's still snowing.

[eaglescout1993]

just curious why did you go with Kubota and not John Deere. also what model tractor is that and did you get any special add-ons or is it the base machine? and how many HP does it have?

[scagtiger]

just curious why did you go with Kubota and not John Deere. also what model tractor is that and did you get any special add-ons or is it the base machine? and how many HP does it have?

id say he went with a kubota over a john deere cause the kubota is a few thousand cheaper

[GLS]

The tractor is a L3240 (the smallest grand L40 kubota makes, we were looking at B series to begin with but wanter more loader capabilities). It is 32hp.

We also were considering a JD 3320, which is comparable to our L3240. For one thing, we havn't been very happy with local JD dealers here. We also felt we were getting more for our money with the kubota. And I will say that both are fine machines, I personally feel that kubota makes a better compact utility tractor (my opinion here, I know i'll get flamed for saying that!). The pricing was actually comparable.

We got it pretty much as a base machine, but we have made added some things since then. We had 2 remote valves installed to operate a hydraulic top link and side link cylinder (topntilt) that are on the way. We added work lights to the ROPS because the factory headlamps are blocked when the loader is on, and some flashing warning lights as well. We also now have a set of turf tires to swap in place of the industrial tires for turf work.

Implements so far are snowplow on FEL, box blade, rear blade, ballast box. We are looking for a used aerator, new ones in 72" go for about $2,500, which we can't justify.

Overall we are extremely satisfied with this machine. It is filled with great features and I think it is a very tough machine.

[GLS]

Here are some more pics


Installed a top and tilt kit on the tractor, definately a must have!

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2343.jpg


Trimming some shrubs a week ago

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Landscaping/IMG_2399.jpg


A raised patio we were working on this week

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Landscaping/IMG_2432.jpg

[GLS]

More of the patio project

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Landscaping/IMG_2437.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Landscaping/IMG_2443.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Landscaping/IMG_2455.jpg

Above photos were taken yesterday in t-shirt weather, and this is what today looks like. Fortunately, we finished the wall up yesterday, now we have to wait for the a/c unit to be unhooked and the soil to dry out so we can install the pavers.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Landscaping/IMG_2456.jpg

[lukemelo216]

now that you have the loader would you consider purchasing a V box and running bulk through it or do you just want to keep using bags and the tailgate spreader?

[srl28]

Is the Mini ex a rental? I Didnt know Kubota made an extend-a-hoe for their machines. How is it?

[GLS]

We would like to run bulk, but we currently have no storage space for it. So for now, we are sticking to bagged.

The mini-ex is a rental. I'm not sure on the extendable boom...I noticed it also but could not figure out how to operate it, maybe it was unhooked. There is a hydraulic hose going to the top of the arm. Also not sure if it is aftermarket? There is no mention of extendable arms on kubota's website.

[Z-master man]

How many mowing accounts do you do weekly?

[GLS]

We have one commercial account that takes the better part of a day, a handful of smaller condos and medical offices, and somewhere around 40 residential lawns.

[shawn1565]

Ryan love your set up was wondering when your gona put more pics up



1998 Dodge Ram 1500 w/ Boss V-plow
2007 Chevy 2500
6x12 dump trailer
5x8 dump trailer
6x12 landscape trailer
52'' toro z-turn
32'' toro walk behind
42'' john deere rider
Stihl/ kawasaki/ Echo power equipment
3 push mowers
preshur washer
tiller
lots of hand tools

Link to my stuff...http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=339350

[GLS]

Thanks

Here are some pictures from the 2010 season...

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/equipment/IMG_2541.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2512.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2900.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2946.jpg

[teamgreendude]

Ryan what chemical are you running ? I'm kinda tired of lesco(it germinates weeds and it's hard to kill them off). Also how much did the anderson spreader cost my lesco keeps breaking the pin in the wheel assembly so i wanna try something new. Also what type of grass seed are you using, also how do you like the blizzards ? I'm thinking either a western uni-mount or blizzard 8611.

[GLS]

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Kubota%20L3240/IMG_2790.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Landscaping/IMG_2795.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/Landscaping/IMG_2903.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2008%20Dodge/IMG_3041.jpg

[GLS]

Not sure which chemical you are referring to, but I will go through our most commonly used stuff.

First of all, we left lesco (JDL) last year and are now getting our stuff through growmark/fs. For pre-emergence we are still using dimension but at the .15% rate (we were getting way too much crabgrass at the lower rate that lesco carries) with good resultd last year. We are running mallet (merit) for grub. For broadleaf weed control we are running a product called 4-speed-xt (liquid) and we were using Quincept for broadleaf/crabgrass post-emergence.

The andersons sr-2000 is VERY pricy, but I think worth the bucks. We just bought a second one last week. They will run you about $600. Problem with our lesco was that the fertilizer pattern was off with no way to correct it...it wanted to apply more material on the right side. With the anderson, you adjust the cone to correct for this. Very nice spreader, but also very pricey. I'd recommend it through.

Grass seed depends on the circumstance. We generally run a bluegrass/rye blend, with a high percentage of bluegrass. We are testing turf-type tall fescue for new seedbeds. All the seed comes from our fert supplier.

Blizzards are awesome. Can't beat the expandable-wing snowplows, they are extremely efficient. We have been extremely pleased.

[teamgreendude]

Not sure which chemical you are referring to, but I will go through our most commonly used stuff.

First of all, we left lesco (JDL) last year and are now getting our stuff through growmark/fs. For pre-emergence we are still using dimension but at the .15% rate (we were getting way too much crabgrass at the lower rate that lesco carries) with good resultd last year. We are running mallet (merit) for grub. For broadleaf weed control we are running a product called 4-speed-xt (liquid) and we were using Quincept for broadleaf/crabgrass post-emergence.

The andersons sr-2000 is VERY pricy, but I think worth the bucks. We just bought a second one last week. They will run you about $600. Problem with our lesco was that the fertilizer pattern was off with no way to correct it...it wanted to apply more material on the right side. With the anderson, you adjust the cone to correct for this. Very nice spreader, but also very pricey. I'd recommend it through.

Grass seed depends on the circumstance. We generally run a bluegrass/rye blend, with a high percentage of bluegrass. We are testing turf-type tall fescue for new seedbeds. All the seed comes from our fert supplier.

Blizzards are awesome. Can't beat the expandable-wing snowplows, they are extremely efficient. We have been extremely pleased.

I'm just sick of the weed calls i get from their stuff, what i mean is whats the brand you use, and if it's even in the zip code 66208, also whats the brand of seed your using to?

[bobcat48]

Very nice work and equipment looks great,keep up the great work.

[GLS]

Here's a link to what we are using: http://www.greenyard.net/index.html

Our supplier brings in various other products as well.

[rstan2010]

Hows the 08 Ford? Any problems so far from the engine? Do you have a dpf delete with a tuner?

[GLS]

Ford has been good, no major issues. It's only been in for a few minor issues. We have not done a dpf delete on any of our trucks (yet), hate to lose the warranty.

[rstan2010]

Ford has been good, no major issues. It's only been in for a few minor issues. We have not done a dpf delete on any of our trucks (yet), hate to lose the warranty.

How many miles on it?

[GLS]

Ford has just under 30k right now.

[Jpeg lawn maintenance]

Spent Awhile looking over your thread, you have some nice equipment and nice trucks. Good luck to you this year.

[GLS]

Thanks.

I didn't realize this thread was over 7 years old now!

[South Florida Lawns]

Thanks.

I didn't realize this thread was over 7 years old now!

Yep I remember this thread from way back in the day too, funny after all the changes in equipment looks like you still have that old 36 jd wb.

[shawn1565]

so do u have any new pics of the equipment an do u still have the black gmc 4 door

[93Chevy]

Hey Ryan, didn't look through every page, but it looks like you have a good operation going with a lot of growth over the last few years. Keep up the good work and I'll be looking for more pics this year :waving:

[GLS]

No new pics right now. Yes, still have the GMC...has around 175k miles right now.

Added a second fert spreader to the list (another anderson sr2000) and am waiting for delivery of a slit seeder. Got tired of renting it all the time, we finally bit the bullet a bought a bluebird s22 (which I think is actually going to be an orange husqvarna, according to my dealer husq bought bluebird). I might get a pic of that in the next week or two.

We would like to add another mower to the fleet this year, but we don't have trailer space for it. We may consider a longer enclosed this year (20' or so) so we can add another machine. I like the specs on the new wright stander x machines, would like to see how the new deck cuts. I think the toro turbo force decks cut better than a wright, we'll see how the new ones do. Wright makes an awesome machine though. Otherwise, we might get into a 52" toro ztr, I don't much care for the toro standers.


Thanks for all the feedback

[deere615]

No new pics right now. Yes, still have the GMC...has around 175k miles right now.

Added a second fert spreader to the list (another anderson sr2000) and am waiting for delivery of a slit seeder. Got tired of renting it all the time, we finally bit the bullet a bought a bluebird s22 (which I think is actually going to be an orange husqvarna, according to my dealer husq bought bluebird). I might get a pic of that in the next week or two.

We would like to add another mower to the fleet this year, but we don't have trailer space for it. We may consider a longer enclosed this year (20' or so) so we can add another machine. I like the specs on the new wright stander x machines, would like to see how the new deck cuts. I think the toro turbo force decks cut better than a wright, we'll see how the new ones do. Wright makes an awesome machine though. Otherwise, we might get into a 52" toro ztr, I don't much care for the toro standers.


Thanks for all the feedback
I want one of those stander x's too they have everything I wanted in a stander, I have the trailer space just not the work maybe next year

[oakwdman]

No new pics right now. Yes, still have the GMC...has around 175k miles right now.

Added a second fert spreader to the list (another anderson sr2000) and am waiting for delivery of a slit seeder. Got tired of renting it all the time, we finally bit the bullet a bought a bluebird s22 (which I think is actually going to be an orange husqvarna, according to my dealer husq bought bluebird). I might get a pic of that in the next week or two.

We would like to add another mower to the fleet this year, but we don't have trailer space for it. We may consider a longer enclosed this year (20' or so) so we can add another machine. I like the specs on the new wright stander x machines, would like to see how the new deck cuts. I think the toro turbo force decks cut better than a wright, we'll see how the new ones do. Wright makes an awesome machine though. Otherwise, we might get into a 52" toro ztr, I don't much care for the toro standers.


Thanks for all the feedback
If you guys plan to sell your 16' let me know I'd love to take it off your hands.
Posted via Mobile Device

[GLS]

MID-SEASON UPDATE


Just thought i'd post an update.

Added another ztr to the fleet. Decided we could not be without a big machine for any amount of time due to cetain accounts we maintain. Had a breakdown on a friday with mowing of large accounts scheduled for sat, sun, and holiday mon; fortunately our awesome dealer let us borrow a ferris until the machine was fixed. Decided to take the plunge and purchase another identicle machine (toro z580-d 60" diesel).

We can't currently haul them both at once, so it is mostly a backup mower for now until we can afford a larger trailer.


And for the pics...


Old and new
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2381/img0172mz.jpg


Toro makes a striping roller for it now
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/3448/img0178e.jpg


Results
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/9918/img0179xfz.jpg

Made a second spreader carrier and a dual setup so we can haul both of our fert spreaders
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/173/img0023se.jpg

[GLS]

Here our some of our tractor-related photos


3-point to SSQA adapter, allows us to run skid-loader implements on the back, such as the pallet forks
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/2163/img0026k.jpg

Unloading some 5-6' techney arborvitaes
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/2880/img0140v.jpg

Backfilling a trench for drain tiles
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1332/img0092ie.jpg

A little soil pulverizer, mostly leveling the area

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/4636/img0082bo.jpg

[GLS]

^edit, pic showing unloading the trees, the one on the forks is actually a hemlock, and then 7 arbs


One of our mulch jobs earlier this year
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2505/img0077pu.jpg


Snow plowing from this last season
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2121/img3031k.jpg

[GLS]

These are at our house that we bought last fall, been spending too much money on it...taxes killed us for lack of business write-offs due to personal expenses!!


Re-doing the front landscape, installed new front walkway
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/8244/img2873t.jpg

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/3770/img2888.jpg


That's all for now

[Z-master man]

Great pic's GLS!! Seems like you guys are really doing well.

[Chevy z71]

Nice new toros but why didnt you stay with deere.

[bobcat48]

Looks great,very nice.

[Z-master man]

MID-SEASON UPDATE


Just thought i'd post an update.

Added another ztr to the fleet. Decided we could not be without a big machine for any amount of time due to cetain accounts we maintain. Had a breakdown on a friday with mowing of large accounts scheduled for sat, sun, and holiday mon; fortunately our awesome dealer let us borrow a ferris until the machine was fixed. Decided to take the plunge and purchase another identicle machine (toro z580-d 60" diesel).

We can't currently haul them both at once, so it is mostly a backup mower for now until we can afford a larger trailer.


And for the pics...


Old and new
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2381/img0172mz.jpg


Toro makes a striping roller for it now
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/3448/img0178e.jpg


Results
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/9918/img0179xfz.jpg

Made a second spreader carrier and a dual setup so we can haul both of our fert spreaders
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/173/img0023se.jpg

In the stripe pic did you double cut? Or is that how they look after one cut with the new roller?

[GLS]

Thanks for the comments.

As far as Deere goes, we found a better dealer. Also, deere does not make a diesel ztr in the same class as our toro; the deere diesel is a giant machine.

The pic of the stripes is actually a triple cut: first the direction you see, second opposing that, and third the first direction again. Reason for 3 cuts is to eliminate the clippings. The roller seems to greatly enhance in between tire tracks.

[Chevy z71]

[QUOTE=GLS;4065910]Thanks for the comments.

As far as Deere goes, we found a better dealer. Also, deere does not make a diesel ztr in the same class as our toro; the deere diesel is a giant machine.

The pic of the stripes is actually a triple cut: first the direction you see, second opposing that, and third the first direction again. Reason for 3 cuts is to eliminate the clippings. The roller seems to greatly enhance in between tire tracks.[/QUOTE

[Chevy z71]

Yay i don't like deeres diesels there just to big and bulky.

[Z-master man]

Thanks for the comments.

As far as Deere goes, we found a better dealer. Also, deere does not make a diesel ztr in the same class as our toro; the deere diesel is a giant machine.

The pic of the stripes is actually a triple cut: first the direction you see, second opposing that, and third the first direction again. Reason for 3 cuts is to eliminate the clippings. The roller seems to greatly enhance in between tire tracks.

Ohh ok thanks Ryan, you guys really are an inspireation for a kid like me (15). I think I remember you having a bagger for the toro? Do you just not like to bag clippings? Would you say the shoot blocker is worth it?

[newtostone]

Do you know how much diesel per hour you're using on that toro? if not could you watch your next tank and let me know? I've been wanting to go diesel for a while now. Is that that kubota?

[GLS]

Thanks again for the comments.

I have been doing this since I was a young kid, I joined this site when I was 15 and started this thread when I was a senior in high school. I always liked seeing posts and pictures from other people, i'm glad I can show off our business a little.


We do have a 3-bin bagger for our toro that we use A LOT in the fall for leaf cleanup. We do not bag grass clippings with anything but 21" because it gets to be a lot of volume of grass clippings and we don't have a convenient dump location for grass. We may purchase a DFS bagger for the new machine at some point for leaves.

I have never calculated fuel consumption on our diesel but i'll have to do that. When we had a ferris out on loan, it was a HOG!! It was a 60" with a 30hp briggs and it went through fuel quick, made me appreciate our diesel more.

[GLS]

Yes the toro z's have the kubota diesel, a D-902 25HP. They are pretty easy on fuel, and have plentiful power.

In my opinion, the 30hp briggs we ran for a week felt like a dog compared to our diesels which are 25hp.

The diesel is a very significant cost up front, not sure how long it would take to break even in fuel consumption alone. I'll have to calculate the consumption sometime. But the power and engine longetivity is worth it to me.

[DLCS]

I have never calculated fuel consumption on our diesel but i'll have to do that. When we had a ferris out on loan, it was a HOG!! It was a 60" with a 30hp briggs and it went through fuel quick, made me appreciate our diesel more.



Good choice with the diesels, I'm waiting for Deere to make a smaller diesel ztr, i think I'll be waitng a long time. LOL Our 997 is a beast but we have more than made up for the extra cost of the diesel with fuel savings. its a 08 with 1700 hrs. Nice equipment, looks like you two are doing well. How much maintenance do you guys do now, compared to projects? We should meet up sometime, I'm in the QCA often.

[GLS]

You must use your's a lot more than us, I believe ours is an 08 also with just over 1,000 hrs.

We're still mostly maintenance with landscape projects here and there. I'd say 90% maintenance or better if you include mulching.

[GLS]

In regards to the fuel consumption of our toro ztrs, I calculated 13 gallons of diesel used for 15 hours of mowing.

Here is a picture of one of our properties

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2001/img0190jn.jpg

[Z-master man]

Nice stripes Ryan, keep the pic's coming...

[SmokeyBacon]

That looks fantastic, where did you take that picture from?

[bobcat48]

Very nice stripes!

[GLS]

Thanks, that last picture was taken on the roof of a parking garage (a small one).

[SmokeyBacon]

So, tell us, out of the 3 trucks, what do you like the best for each application you do?

[GLS]

Well, the GMC has proven itself over the years. It has about 175,000 miles on it now and has had very few problems. Injectors were replaced once about 100k ago (they are probably due again soon). It is a good all around work truck, especially now with the dumping flatbed. Has been a good plow truck now for many years.


The dodge has had the most problems, nothing too serious but it has been back to the dealer many times. A lot of DPF/EGR related issues. The check engine light seems to come on all the time. In my opinion, it is the least well built of the three trucks we own. I do like the engine/trans, but the truck itself isn't the greatest. It is probably our best plow vehicle due to it's smaller size. It generally tows the mowing trailer.

The ford has been a pretty good truck. It seems well built and solid. I don't love the powerstroke or the transmission that much, especially with the emissions related stuff (but I guess they all have that these days). We got a good deal on this truck and I don't regret the purchase at all (yet!). We plowed with it quite a bit early on, but it is a backup plow truck now. It has plenty of power for plowing or towing.

If I were to buy a new truck today, it would probably be a GM or Ford. Just my opinion here

[TriCityLawnCareLLC]

GLS, i sent you a pm.

[TriCityLawnCareLLC]

thanks for answering the PM. I sent on one more :) Have you had any problems other than the injectors on the GMC? Plowing with that many miles hasn't been an issue?

[GLS]

Injectors were the only major issue.

The high miles arn't too much of a concern for us because our 3rd truck is always a backup.

[GLS]

Here is the newest addition to our equipment list, a brand new Ditch Witch SK650 miniskid.

Just picked it up yesterday. We have been awaiting a demo since April.

Based on reviews here on lawnsite and elsewhere, we narrowed it down to either a DW or a Vermeer. The Vermeer was quickly ruled out as the dealer wanted $26,500 for the s800tx without a bucket (we didn't want the s600, but it was still several thousand more than the DW). Ditch Witch has the SK650 on special right now for $19,500 with a bucket. Couldn't hardly pass it up!

We have a light materials bucket, forks, and a multitask tool on order.

I gotta say, this is a neat little machine. Lots of power packed into a small machine.

Got to use it on a job today too, to pull out 6 ground junipers and a small colorado spruce (the tree needed just a little bit of help with chopping)

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/8572/img0304ni.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/851/img0323ln.jpg

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/3590/img0324y.jpg

http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/2124/img0325m.jpg

[Z-master man]

Nice new toy! Looks like fun

[deere615]

Nice little machine congrats!

[KE-llc]

what made you buy that? I thought you had a kubota??
Posted via Mobile Device

[deerewashed]

if i were in your shoes , having a tractor/loader/all the other attachments i would of spent the the 25k on a nice used mini x. to broaden the horizon of the work you do to land clearing and excavating. but thats just me.

[GLS]

Thanks for the comments.

We bought this for the ability to very easily have on a jobsite for smaller projects and because it fits in our garage (there are many other reasons too!)

We still have the kubota, but it is stored 20 minutes away from my house and it takes more effort to trailer it from site to site. It will be used more for larger-scale projects.

This new little machine fits into my small 2 car garage and takes up only a small portion of it. We can pull it out and do all kinds of little chores with it. More importantly, we can tow it in our dump trailer to smaller jobs such as planting a small tree, etc.

Probably more than anything, this machine will just be handy to have around.

This machine is to complement the work we already do, we are not really looking to broaden our horizons; we stay busy enough with what we do. This is another tool to make our job easier.

A miniex would be a nice machine to have, but we don't have nearly enough work to be able to justify one. We rent as needed. Besides, 25k won't buy that great of a miniex, probably looking at 5-7k hours. We may purchase a backhoe for a tractor or miniskid sometime in the future. Not nearly as capable as a miniex, but would beat renting all the time. We'll see.

[deerewashed]

25000 could get you a 3.5 ton mini with around 1000 hours.....

[KE-llc]

with a cab that has heat and ac and will out work/last that little guy...but hey whatever floats your boat...you guys also aren't into dump trucks soooo haha
Posted via Mobile Device

[newtostone]

Every business works differently, And when times are hard (as they are now) putting on your blinders to new ideas and mastering one skill is what can keep you in the game. If they have very little mini ex work today having one tomorrow wont change that. This investment will aid and expedite an existing service, as I believe they are mostly maintenance. That sk can move mulch much faster and longer than a mini ex ever could though a clients lawn with no turf damage. And as they mentioned mini skids are wonderful for tossing in the trailer with a mower and just doing some extra servicing while on a clients property, no need for another truck to haul over another trailer.

[GLS]

Cab with heat/ac is nice, but it isn't the purpose of this machine. The idea with this thing is to get on/off as quickly as possible. Makes the small chores very efficient. Our business in general does not involve long term equipment usage to justify a cab.

This machine isn't just to run a bucket either, we will run a trencher, auger, cultivator, etc. It is a multipurpose machine.

I can argue all day to defend this machine, but the bottom line is we didn't just decide to purchase this overnight. We have been researching and trying to decide if it could help us for a long time. We finally decided to take the plunge.

KE, not sure what you mean on dump trucks. We don't have traditional dump bodies on dually trucks, but two of our three trucks are are flatbeds with hoists underneath. The dump trailer does the heavier dumping, and more than that a delivery makes more sense.

newtostone - that's exactly what we were going for. We specialize in smaller jobs, we are trying to make current work more efficient. I believe in sticking to what you're good at. If some day down the road we get into more large-scale landscaping work, a miniex might be something to consider. But i'm not going to drop that kind of cash on a machine with no work for it. We have plenty of work right now to keep us busy.


Thanks again for the comments. I might post some more pics of the machine when the rest of the attachments come in. We'll probably be renting a trencher for it soon too.

Can't wait to try the soil cultivator (rotodairon), we'll probably rent one just to see how it works.

[Pro-Lawn&Grounds]

Here's some more pictures for the beginning of the season.

I'll start with the conversion of our GMC into another dump truck. The factory bed was damaged so we decided to switch to a flatbed, then decided to put a hoist under it. A second dump has been very useful for us.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1549.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1594.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1599.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/rmg106/2002%20GMC/IMG_1602.jpg

Hey what's up with that hitch if you don't mind me asking? Ive never seen anything like it why does it stretch out that far and whats the purpose of the dual receivers?

[M RASCOE&SONS]

everything looks great,i would like to have the crew cab duramax in my fleet..nice

[GLS]

The hitch on the duramax is called a superhitch (http://www.torklift.com/t.php?w_page=superhitch

They are sort of meant for in-bed campers. They make attachments that allow you to tie down the camper with the use of an extension. The dual tubes are for extensions (some campers overhang the back of the truck, the dual tubes provide a better way to use an extension).

Obviously, that isn't why we have one. We bought it because it is a very heavy duty hitch rated for high capacity. It's very stout and bolts to the frame well. We got a good deal on it too. We would have bought these hitches for our other trucks as well, but they were already upgraded to putnam hitches.

The extension on our hitch is something we made to serve as a bumper. There is quite a bit of room between our flatbed and the ground; we thought a bumper of some sort was needed. Not sure what the exact law is, but I know semi trailers always have bumpers kind of like this.

Here is a picture of what the hitch looks like without the bumper; we just stuck a tube inside of the hitch.

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5462/img1536j.jpg


And I came across this while looking for the other pic. Here is what the old truck used to look like before we converted it...

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4062/dsc02626mm.jpg

[GLS]

Our high volume bucket came in for our miniskid, still waiting on the forks though (backordered :hammerhead:).

Standard 44" vs high volume
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/1373/img0364hm.jpg

A load of cobbles in the big bucket
http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/3984/img0391oz.jpg

[GLS]

Here a few shots of a smaller job we just completed. This is the customers backyard. It is a drainage area. Customer reports that heavy rains bring gushing water through the area. Our solution was a dry creek bed, with a small retaining wall.

Before
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3572/img0130ouw.jpg

Retaining wall in place (I guess I didn't take any during pictures of it, too darn hot!)
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/21/img0371zg.jpg

And the cobbles in place
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/1549/img0405z.jpg

It actually went through a small test yesterday, we had a heavy downpour with water running through the area, neither the sod nor mulch washed away:clapping:

[GLS]

Here's a few of my pots for the season.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/4687/img0337lgb.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1706/img0347vl.jpg

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/9616/img0353w.jpg

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/7194/img0356yh.jpg

[DLCS]

GLS,


I'm ordering a new 2011 Chevy this month. After seeing your trucks with flatbeds, i am really leaning to buying a chassis and going with a Alumiline bed. Just curious who installled it for you? Someone local or did you go to Cresco, IA to the factory. Are those beds custom or a stock design? Also, what did the bed and hoist run you, if you don't mind telling?

[GLS]

We ordered the beds custom, but they have stock models as well.

We drove to the factory in Cresco, IA to have them install. Although I will say I wasn't completely satisfied with the installation work. There were a lot of minor issues I didn't like. For example, some of the custom fabricating work was not painted, it was bare steel. We ended up painting a lot of stuff.

The beds were in the neighborhood of $8k including custom options (LEDs, headache racks, tie downs, sides, etc.) AND installation. Overall, we're quite happy with them.

[roelex14]

Come on GLS! you're in the QC! you know you should be repin all John Deere everything! haha

[DLCS]

Did that 8k include the hoist? How can your hoists lift?

[GLS]

Hey, i've still got 1 JD machine in the fleet :dancing:


The 8k includes everything, including the hoist.

We've never had an issue with having too much weight for the hoist. THe truck would be well overweight before that was an issue.

The hoists they put on ours are Rugby LR3510, which I believe is a 3-4 ton hoist depending upon the mounting position.

[roelex14]

You think you will be looking to hire anyone in the spring?

[GLS]

No intentions of hiring on any help in the immediate future. Thanks for asking


I should have some more pics to upload, just need to get them off of the camera.

[SmokeyBacon]

Wake up GLS! How has everything been going?

[LawnMan19]

Any new pics ?

[GLS]

Ok, i'm finally getting around to uploading some new pics!

Installing some flagstone steppers up a steep slope. I was suprised that the height of each step was very consistent.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4568/img0410nf.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

Getting ready to unload
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9155/img0416lx.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

The bota
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1254/img0418qi.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

The witch
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7391/img0422h.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

[GLS]

Getting ready to digout for the steps

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/3326/img0429mx.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

Miniex rental for the digout
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/9004/img0437ep.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

Moving into position
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2543/img0454ne.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

Moving up
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/9258/img0458u.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

[GLS]

Lot of crushed stone under these steps!
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1266/img0483ni.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

Getting close
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6818/img0484et.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17


The next phase of this project is retaining walls...

[GLS]

But first we needed to bury some drain tiles. So we rented a trencher for our ditch witch.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/4336/img0487sw.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5334/img0493w.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4945/img0498qq.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-09-19

[GLS]

Renting the miniex again to digout for the retaining wall
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/6951/img0522fz.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

Digging out for the geogrid
http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/8610/img0525ad.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

Just playing with the thumb
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/5691/img0534wl.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17

Base course laid
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3732/img0538gw.jpg
By ryangall (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ryangall) at 2011-12-17