# of lawns in a day???

[TGG]

Im going to get my company started up this spring(late april)and I am trying to figure out how many lawns I can do(cut,trim) in the week. Monday to friday about 35-40 hours. Most of my customers have yards that range from 6000 -8000 square feet and there is very minimal travel time involved. I have 2 21" mowers and will be with one other employee.

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

I started out with only 21 inch mowers. From what I can remember, you'll be doing well to cut 15/day.

[Expert Lawns]

TGG how many customers do you have?

[TGG]

I am hoping to have between 60-70 customers.

[TotalCareSolutions]

60-70 Weekly?....2 -21"? Nope.

Is there a reason you seem to be spending as much as you will be on advertising and not on equiptment?

[Metro Lawn]

When I started, we did about 75 a week with 2 19" Lawn Boys... But the yards were smaller.. around 3000-5000 sq ft

[greenback]

by myself i do 12-15 lawns a day, thats with a 36 metro. all my lawns are in two neighboring towns.

[Shuter]

Depends on how much traveling you want to do and how hard you want to work. I have one neighborhood that I have 28 accounts in. This cuts way down on travel time and increases production.

[BB36]

I've been doing this long enough(whether you believe it or not I really don't care) to realize that if 2 guys work their a--s off all day and mow average size yards (1/3- 1/2 acres) and use professional equipment ie., Zs,WBs,gas stick edgers, trimmers , blowers and have between 1/2 and 1 hour windshield time no way do they do 20 plus jobs a day.If 2 guys can do this more than a week they will BURN OUT. If you say you doing this then your smoking the weed. I know theres alot of guys out there who would disagree , bring it on.

[jajwrigh]

I agree that too many with the 21" setup will burn you out fast. I have been there myself, so I know its possible. Good Luck!

[pcnservices]

Originally posted by TGG
I am hoping to have between 60-70 customers.
If you have that number of yards to mow, do the wise thing and get yourself a 52" commercial grade ZTR or a W/B. Dont waste your time with a 21" pushmower.
You're gonna mow 7 days a week and one rainy day and you're screwed.
You've got a life to live too!
PC

[Expert Lawns]

I have a 48" lazer z and average 8-9 a day by myself

[Cutters Lawn Care]

Last year was my first in business. We are about 50-50 residential and commercial. The most we did in a day last year was 11. This is both residential and commercial. The town I live in is pretty spread out so there is quite a bit of windshield time. most residential lawns are 15000 sf on average.

[Mowmoney00]

My advice "Sell the 2 21" mowers and buy a small commercial walk behind. If your looking for productivity then buy the sulky also."

I did up to 15 lawns a day with a 36"metro, by myself. Had no problems at all.

[TGG]

I appreciate the feedback but at this point Im just going to be going with two 21". I will see how it goes this summer then next year buy a bigger machine. Would everyone agree that 50-55 is a safe number considering most of my customers are with a 6 mile radius. Thanks for the help.

[mtdman]

My 2nd year, my partner and I would average about 15 a day with two 21 inchers. Some days we did more, some less. I think the most was like 21. But I was much younger and more energized back then...

:D

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

If you plan to stick with 8 hour days, Mon-Fri, then 50-55 accounts per week will be pushing it (no pun intended). You have to factor in rain outs and other unforeseen roadblocks. Good luck.

[SHOW ME STATE RIDER]

Not to many after you hurt your back from pushing those 21's around all day on 6000-8000 sqf. I strongly recommend buying a commercial wb. 32,36 IF you got gates, 48,52 if you don't EXMARK
me and partner would do anywhere from 15-25 if necessary.

[lawnking685]

Buy a 32" or 36'" you will be able to do more lawns mower will pay for its self.

3 32" toro
4 21"honda
echo weed eaters,edgers
and more

[pcnservices]

Originally posted by TGG
started up this spring(late april).....I have 2 21" mowers and will be with one other employee.

Would everyone agree that 50-55 is a safe number considering most of my customers are with a 6 mile radius.
Dont start with an employee. Your biggest expense is labor. ± $2000 per month. Invest that money in a decent lawn mower and start solo.

50 - 55 lawns is a safe number to start with but not with 2x21" mowers. You are going to try and rush through your lawns to get them all done and with an employee to pay, you're not going to make any money out of it and eventually you're gonna run your own business down.
PC

[BB36]

Originally posted by TGG
I appreciate the feedback but at this point Im just going to be going with two 21". I will see how it goes this summer then next year buy a bigger machine. Would everyone agree that 50-55 is a safe number considering most of my customers are with a 6 mile radius. Thanks for the help.

No.

[EastProLawn]

I agree, that's alot of yards to handle w/2 push mowers.

You don't want to burn out, its bad for business and bad for you.

[metro-hp_48]

After I got my first WB, I knew I would never push a mower again. (have had people ask me if my mower pulled itself, hope so....hard to push 600+ lbs. up a hill. or on flat for that matter)
Good luck with the push mowers. Wish you the best. (Your more of a man than me)

[DennisF]

You might as well allocate one hour for each account if you are going to be using 21 inch mowers. After trimming, edging and clean-up is considered one hour is about right. Then there is travel time between accounts. 50 accounts would be a real load.

[TGG]

I have been getting so many different opinions here so its hard for me to decide wht to do. For the last 2 years I have been doing everything solo. Most days I could get my largest accounts(8000sq feet with a house on the yard) done in about 45-1 hour. This was cutting, trimming and bagging. I figured it would cut the time in half with an employee. So I figure I could get at least 1.5 done an hour with an employee. so about 12 a day. The points everyone is making about a bigger mower are good but my concern is what about getting that thing through gates. I have never even took a look at a 32" mower so is it possible to get through a gate with one?

Thanks Everyone

[greenback]

go to your local exmark dealer and finace a 36 inch, you will be glad you did. push mowers=:cry: :mad:

[pcnservices]

Originally posted by TGG
I figured it would cut the time in half with an employee.

...but my concern is what about getting that thing through gates. I have never even took a look at a 32" mower so is it possible to get through a gate with one?
I figure you're gonna cut your bottomline in half too with an employee.
This mower will solve your gate problem. Most gates are 36" and wider.
PC
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner.YOUR-W92P4BHLZG.000\My Documents\My Pictures\gateway_thumb1_big.jpg (http://www.greatdanemower.com)

[sildoc]

Ok, you have an employee. expense= 1500-2000 a month

New 32 or 36" (Pick your brand walk behind mower= 4600+300 for velkie (again pick your posion) + maintenance say 500 a year(very high) =5400.

IN 2-3 months with the same productivity from yourself and only yourself you will have a brand new mower and save an additional 1600-2000 a month going out in payrole.
Now don't get me wrong and fire your help right away. think about how many others you can add or keep him on call for when you do fall behind or pick up some jobs you need help with.

Make your money work for you. Not just to pay someone elses bills.

[metro-hp_48]

Been out of lawncare for awhile, and catching up on the latest info., and not sure of opinions of this mower (saw it 2 years ago, or so)
but if I was worried about getting through gates, I would get one that "flips up" to get through gates (36") and "flips down" to 52" or 54" RIght now can't remember the brand Might have been a Great Dane? Know it was yellow, and a hydro) (memory getting bad......getting old)

[Johnny]

Mowers are employees!! How much does your mower cost vs. how much your employee cost.

A nice 36" WB will replace your employee. When you have maximized your production, purchase a 52" Z. Then when you have maximized your production (w/ 36" & 52") hire an employee.

I always view mowers as employees. The numbers will tell you what to do. Crunch your numbers.

[TGG]

Everyone is making extremly valid points. I see the purpose behind getting a larger mower. But you also have to take into account the fact that I live in Canada. The price for the mower would probably be around $6500-$7000. Also, the reason I want to have an employee is to see how managing someone will be. If I want to grow large in the future I will need to know how to manage people and the only way I can learn is to experience it. I dont want to wait any longer. Im 21 and have been doing this solo for 3 years and now its time to start to grow slowly. I figure that by the time I'm 30 i should be doing pretty well with tons of experience. Even at 30 I'm still very young. Keep the suggestions coming cause I'm trying totake all info in.

Thanks for all the help.

[pcnservices]

Originally posted by TGG
Also, the reason I want to have an employee is to see how managing someone will be. If I want to grow large in the future I will need to know how to manage people and the only way I can learn is to experience it.
Im 21 and have been doing this solo for 3 years and now its time to start to grow slowly. I figure that by the time I'm 30 i should be doing pretty well with tons of experience.
TGG, that's the nice thing about Lawnsite.com - you are getting expierenced advise here - you dont need to go out there and make mistakes only to realise one year later that "i should've taken the advise I was given by the guys at LS"
But it seems like you have made up your mind. You want an employee, whether you need one or not and you want to mow with 2x 21" push mowers. So now the only advise I have for you is to go do it and see for yourself how it works out for you. Who knows maybe you can proof us all wrong and if so then come back here and tell us how you did it.
Good Luck
PC

[Critical Care]

A couple of things to keep in mind... Being up in Calgary, you will have long summer days. Four ten-hour days are more productive than five eight hour days. With more equipment going out you'll have more maintenance, so allow time for this. And... those are large lawns that you'll be hiking back and forth on. I'd be cautious about loading up on a lot of these accounts right at first. You can always add more later.

[SIRCAESAR]

Hello TGG, as another new guy to this forum and to the industry, trust me these guys on lawnsite are well experienced and have enough wisdom in this field to mow circles around us both, they know their stuff and their trying to save you a lot of time and profits..and most important health to your body. I plan to start my business begginning of the season also, I have already talked to my local exmark dealer, their having a sale on a 36 walkbehind metro. for $2199 on feb 11th, i plan to jump on it. I have a residentional 21" snapper, but I already know better then to start with this, thanks to the guys on lawnsite. I agree with everyone else, you need to upgrade your equipment first, get the 36" then move up to the 52 Ztr, then once you have maxed out your time efficency on that. then hire someone to use your 36 wb, while you use the 52 z, this way he can be doing about 15 properties while your doing like 20 a day with the Z, your then doing 35 yards vs 10 or 15 yourself, like the guys were saying the mower will offset the expense of the employee, having paid for itself, and you profit from the employee as well as your own efforts. Like everyone said you don't want to burn yourself out, you only get 1 body, and we don't get any younger..it is good that your young, but you want work smarter not harder, epsecially when their is equipment out to make your work more efficient. if you can't get a new one, start with a used one, or continue to save up while you use the 21" . since your in canada, see if you can come to one of the northern states closest to your canadian border, of the U.S like montana, washington state, north dakota, Upstate new York or Maine.. check out out the Local exmark-toro, or scag dealer.

[JohnsonLawn]

TGG, I started my business 4 years ago and I was really unsure about investing alot of money in equipment right of the bat, but realized that you have to spend money to make money. I invested in a 48" w/b instead of using 21"residential equipment and dont regret a thing. The idea of using 2 21"mowers does not sound cost effective to me. Dont forget about all of the cost of having a employee (payroll, comp, etc.). What if you get 50 accounts and the employee you hire gets sick or just does not show up for work. That is going to be alot of work for one guy with a 21" mower to handle. I also think people expect to a lawn care company to show up with commercial equipment and look the part. I guy with a 36-48" w/b can easily handle 10-12 lawns a day a not feel dead at the end of the day. I know it seems like alot of money to invest right now, but trust me when I tell you, you will make alot more money, look alot more professional, have nicer looking properties and will not be as limited as to how much work you can handle with a commercial w/b . Remember there is risk in anything you do, so give your business the best chance you can or you will kick yourself in the a** later that you didn't . Good Luck to you.

[TGG]

Well don't jump to conlcusions yet pcn, I have not completly made up my mind!!! I thought I had everything figured out but know all this talk has got me thinking...I kind of like the idea of a bigger machine. O.K, lets say I did decide to go another solo year and buy a 32" or 36" mower. I need some info. I have never used one so i have a lot of questions. How easy are these to manouver around trees and gardens? In the past I have always bagged my lawns so do these mower leave clipping everywhere or do they completely mulch the grass? Can I load it with a ramp into the back of my truck? Also, how many lawns a day will I be able to do at 4000 -8000 yards.

Everyone fill me in then we will see if I can come up with any more questions.

Thanks so much!!!!!

[pcnservices]

Originally posted by TGG

How easy are these to manouver around trees and gardens?
In the past I have always bagged my lawns so do these mower leave clipping everywhere or do they completely mulch the grass?
Can I load it with a ramp into the back of my truck?
Also, how many lawns a day will I be able to do at 4000 -8000 yards.
TGG, I'm going to answer your questions in the order you asked them.
1) These mowers are very user friendly and easy to handle. You'll have some difficulty in the beginning to manuavre the machine but after the 2nd or 3rd lawn you do, operating it will become like 2nd nature to you. My wife and 16 yr old daughter operate my mower with more ease than I do.
This is another topic but remember to always keep BOTH wheels turning when turning or going around trees etc. Do directional mowing.
2) Yes, they completely mulch the grass. You install a mulch kit (aftermarket kit you get from the manufacturer) and you install double blades (optional if your mower has a strong enough engine with enough torque) and no grass clippings.
3) Yes, you will probably be able to load it on the back of your truck but it is so much easier and safer to operate from a utility trailer with a rampgate. You'll have your truckbed open for tools, loose stuff and if you do some yard work and you have brush or leaves or stuff you need to haul away.
4) This one you can only answer yourself. Depends on how hard you drive yourself, what equipment you have, how much trimming you have to do, etc. etc. Once you've got your schedule lined up you can time yourself. There are guys that do between 12 - 15 average size lawns a day. If you do it solo it needs fine planning ie. I trim one group of lawns good this week and skip them the next mowing and vise versa. By doing so I can get through a lot more work a lot faster.
Hope this helps
PC

[Mark P]

:) I can do 15 a day solo with a 60" Z-Master and a 52" walkbehind, but some days ill just do 10 and get in around 4pm and clean the decks and put a fresh set of blades on, then take a shower and eat a good dinner.....Marks Mowing Service

[metro-hp_48]

That was a most excellent reply, PC! "needs fine planning " that's the one I would be worried about. The rain fall, sickness, (unexpected, unplanable) can really mess a tight schedule up. I would rather not have jobs, than to make someone wait, and not think their special. All people are diff. Some don't care, but there will always people that do not like it. Much less, if there the choosen ones that get their's cut on a Friday.

[mowinmoney]

Our two crews handle 30-40 accounts(sizes 30,000s/f - 8 acres, 3 15 acre plus jobs) a day, but we have tight routes and more mowers than employees. found that spending the $ to have the right mower for each job is priceless.

[BB36]

Originally posted by mowinmoney
Our two crews handle 30-40 accounts(sizes 30,000s/f - 8 acres, 3 15 acre plus jobs) a day, but we have tight routes and more mowers than employees. found that spending the $ to have the right mower for each job is priceless.

How many hours a day do your crews work and how many day do they work a week?

[mowinmoney]

We work Tuesday-Sat. 8-530 or done. We may work more if a customer needs extra work, but for the most part we are in out and they look great. I have worked hard to build a company that provides the highest quality service in our area. One of the most important facets I have found to maintaining our quality is determining what the customer expects and then developing the processes used to meet this expecation. I've been with some of these accounts for 24 years and we don't waste a minute, when we are working were working,between jobs is another story. We have great workers, with good personality profiles for this industry, and I have tried to develop Standard Operating Procedures for each site. This leaves little for chance, other than damp grass, etc. that may require additional time for cleanup. We stress OFI(opportunities for improvements) which could be something as small as changing a routine or as large as purchasing an additional 72" mower to increase efficiency at lawns that require this type of mower. I believe that our employees are our most valuable asset, but you could ask all of them what makes us tick and they would say having the right and best equipment in the market today. The downstream effect is tremendous. Little downtime, creates a great perception, employees morale is up when they are productive and not cranking on a piece of equipment. Dont get me wrong we have down time, but it is very small and we have processes to address each issue. It's a unique situation we have. I sold out of a company that was one of Indiana's fastest growing companies because I love the challenge of the green industry. Everyday is new challenge and each year fewer people want to mow their lawns, and someone will have to do it.

[BB36]

I'm just trying to figure this out, how many guys are in each of your 2 crews? How many Z's and/or WB's run on each job? Also what size decks on on your machines?

[mowinmoney]

2 men crews(4 total), we have
2-72 side discharge w/baffle
2-52's with collection
2-48 w/b..bagger option
2-21"
3 ECHO 650 bp blower
3 echo 260 stringtrimmers
2 echo stick edgers,

1 vanscaper, 1 encl. trailer-

we could increase our size but we have found this size to be very profitable and easy to manage, and until I can find two more qualified employees we will remain this size, the guys would work more if I let them. Our actual capacity is right at 80% now, so we could grow but that would be cutting it close with weather and such. We don't turn down good work. Being this small makes us very versatile and there isn't that much difference between a 2 crew business and 3 or 4, so until we are ready, if ever, to expand to a large company we will enjoy are niche and have fun.

each crew will maintain 30-40 accounts a day depending on which crew has a larger account that day. 5 days a week. when the grass is growing we increase mowing frequency to residentials. Most are on 5-7 day schedule, may move it to every 3-4 days depending on who is applying fert apps, this is when scheduling routes gets interesting.

[BB36]

Based on what you told me it seems that you have good system ; hope to be there someday.Good luck.

[mowinmoney]

Thanks, good luck to you as well. We love what we do, and that's what makes so fun.

[gr84]

a exmark 48" wb and 52" z we could get 17 done in one day around 20-35 sq foot were the lawn sizes (Mowable)

[TotalCareSolutions]

Those machines are a little large for those size lawns, dont ya think?

[Elite1]

Not trying out do any one. Every person is in business and runs it differently.

This month will be 1 yr, for my business. I mow 53 accounts. In the mean time I did alot of landscaping. I am not new by any means, I have been on crews for 12 yrs.

While working for my friend (6 yrs) my crew of 3 people mowed 35-40 accounts per day. No Joke, no Lie. 1-3 commercial accounts, 30-35 res. accounts per day. All different sizes, small, large, fence, pond,or hill. 5 or 6 bagged, the rest discharge- the avg. route. 4 days a week no burn out. Most of the time, done after 7 hrs, washed the truck and went home early.

The only reason that this is possible is the 52 inch surfer. We had 2 and 36 hydro walk. No sulky,velky, or any other machine can do what these do. Small, and maneuverable, fast ground speed, and on off trailer. The same maneuverability as a walk, and the speed of a zero. Every person should try a surfer or stand up unit, pays for it self in saved labor the first year.
If you don't or simply can't believe me, fly me, the crew, and equipment to your accounts, I will beat you , every time.

Thats my goal for my company. I don't see how you can make any $ if you don't.

[bobbygedd]

cutting 6-8 k lawns with 21's.......you're gonna get your azz kicked! the machines will break down , if you don't first. in my opinion, you will only average 10 of these size lawns a day, working 10 hr days. a couple days of rain, you're cooked. you can't keep up, you lose customers, neighbors see you struggling, you lose their business........been there done that my man. if the properties were 2-4 k, i'd say u have a shot. but 6-8 k.........good luck to ya

[Elite1]

I agree, after switching to a 52" surfer I will never mow a yard with a 21" ever again.

[LawnPerfect]

I cover 10-12 a day while working solo.

[Doster's L & L]

TGG, don't be someone who tries to re-invent the wheel. You are getting years and years of experience dropped in your lap. I recommend you buying yourself a 48"-52" walkbehind and keep your pushmower for getting inside of fences. Heck, you might even get a 32" WB so you won't have to load and unload equipment. You will be proud at the end of the day that you didn't have to push a frikkin mower. The other guys are right about your employees being your biggest expense. If you're worried about a payment, i'd start out with the 32". It's also a good idea to get a 12' trailor. This will give you enough room to get another WB on there later this season when you fall in love with this new 32" WB.

[Roger]

Hmmmm, ... what a range of responses! I don't think anybody raised the issue of mowing these small lawns with something larger than a 21" mower. For me, 6-8K sq ft is a postage stamp, and I wouldn't even consider unloading my 36" mower. My smallest are 10K (only a couple of them), but they are mowed with my 21" hand mower. The small islands, the narrow necks, the terrain, etc make anything else out of the question. I suppose that certain shapes and terrain might lend themselves to a larger mower.

I see a few small lawns in my neighborhoods mowed with a stand-on or ZTR -- absolutely horrible! Clippings are spread in the wrong places, turf mashed down with the larger wheels in small islands, turf torn up from all the turning ... These are the kind that give LCOs a bad reputation. These LCOs are here this year, gone the next, or maybe the second year.

LCOs with these practices are security for me -- I know I will always have work.

[Bond's Lawn Keepers]

If you guys can handle those lawn with those 21" mowers tehn good for you. But not me, i love to bass fish and if i use 21" mowers i would be wore out. Me and another worker can do 15 to 20 every day except on Fridays thats when we do nothing but churches. We do 6 big churches on Fridays and then we take off on Saturadays. I try not to work on sat. Only if i get ran out.
I have been doing this for 15 years. If you work all the time without any playtime (wife, family, fishing, fishing) lol, you will get burn out real quit. But if you can do it go for it.

[lawndude2004]

There is no way in he!! that I would push mow over twenty yards a day, edge,trim & blow of clippings in a twelve hour work day & last a summer--not even if you are mowing condo size lawns and have little or no drive time. invest the money on a COMMERCIAL MOWER (60"Z or 36-48 walkbehind on a velke) and find some larger lawns--your body and partner will definitely thank you and so will your wallet

[jeffer]

with yourself and one guy, a 36'' mower, a weedwacker, edger and blower, you should be able to do antwhere from 25-35 lawns a day. 8-5

[trying 2b organic]

I wish i had big flat lawns and could get a big machine and save my body but all the lawns in our town are small and hilly . I actually dont know if anyone buys big ones, someone must to do the odd commercial it guess. We can still make money but the work is harder and crappier. (70 000 people between an ocean and a mountain range on Vancouver Island)

[brucec32]

If you get 55 customers with those size lawns you'd be crazy to do them with 21" mowers. The payback period on the increased productivity of a compact rider or 48" wb would be mere months if not weeks. Your body might thank you, too.

[HOMER]

My 21" spends 99% of it's time on the trailer. It's really there for looks.

10-12 a day for us is good......sometimes we don't hit that. If we can get 6-7 before lunch then we're on our way to a good day. The hotter it gets the slower I get. There is one route that generally allows us to get 13-14......they're grouped tight and decent yards.

I have got 22 before but 11 of them were in a trailer park. Good sized lots but no travel time. 50" and 72" mowers.

I hear folks say they get 18-20 yards a day and my only thoughts are what in the world do they look like when ya leave?

[jwingfield2k]

i did 12 yards with a honda residential 21" a day this summer. I can now do about 15 by myself wwith my toro 21 suzuki.

[Lux Lawn]

Listen to what everybody is saying and get yourself a good w/b or surfer.I mostly use the 52in surfer and to go from that to a w/b is a big difference.I do still have some backyards that have to be done with a lawnboy but after a while you can pic and choose your lawns a little bit more.I know some solo guys that will not even carry a 21in they just pass the lawn on to someone else.

[skmodmsl]

This will be my first year in the lawn business. I plan to start out small and will work solo. Currently I have a good used 48" W/B and a 22 " mower. I plan to get a 36" W/B for a back-up and to get through gates if need be. I have worked outdoors quite awhile and know not to count on the weather. This first year will definately be a learning experience. Time management will be of prime concern as I doubt all my accounts will be in the same neighborhoods.

I wouldn't even consider mowing with only 21" mowers. I did enough of that when I was 12. Why not try to find a good used 36" or 48" W/B if the expense of a new machine is too great ? I've even considered looking into a good riding lawn tractor. A reasonable new one can be purchased. That would sure save on time over 2 21" push mowers. One person can run the rider while the other runs the 21. Then switch off on the next property. Just a thought.

[coonman]

TGG, you are getting alot of opinions about getting a 48 or 52 inch mower. If your accounts are like ours you might be able to use a mower that size on one or two of your lawns. Someone else said that if you use a 21inch mower you need to allocate one hour to mow trim and blow. We have over 100 residential accounts, we use the 21inch Toro w/b NOT PUSH on probably 95 of them. On average it takes us about 15-20 min per lawn, usually around 5min for the front and 10min for the back. We have found that the 21 w/b is more efficient on these small lawns. We tried the 36inch stander last season and after a while we just left it on the trailer on most lawns because it was more trouble than it was worth on these size lawns, plus it would only get trough about half our gates. If you are using a couple of quality commercial 21inch w/b, 50-55 lawns should be easy for you and a helper.

[Greenstone]

coonman - what's your average size lawn and how many many hours does it take to do those 100 accounts, crew size?

[coonman]

Not all of our accounts are weekly,some are on a 10 day schedule. We are a 2 man crew. Our average size lawn is probably around 5-8k sq ft. We start around 0730am and get done anywhere from 0430-0600pm M-F. We work a few hours on Sat morning to take care of some small commericals. We average around 18 lawns a day m-f.

[proenterprises]

sounds like the bottom line is this-if you hustle all week and put in a good 40-45 hours with no glithces, snafoos or flaws, you may be able to pull it off. The fact of the matter is, your going to be sucking wind at the end of everyday, screwed if you ever get rained out, and god forbid one of your lawnboy's break-YOUR BURIED ALIVE.

I would suggest that you dont max your capacity out-esp with your equip. I would say you invest in a 48" mower...hell buy a cheap bradley if money is tight. I just think that 70 lawns/week with 2 push mowers is asking for a meltdown.

[MikesLawnServiceLLC]

Last year I merged my company (then, Mike's Lawn Service, LLC) with my friends company in New Jersey, E&G Landscaping. I had 35 accounts all between 1/2 and 2 acres each in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and my partner's company had about 47 accounts between 3/4 and 5 acres each in Burlington County area of New Jersey. Upon merging we lost a couple of customers due to a few moving out of the area. My partner and I combined equipment. We had a 52 inch cut Scag Tiger Cub, a 61 inch cut Grasshopper 721D, and a 48 inch bobcat walk behind mower. The 21 inch lawn boy was only brought out twice a week for four lawns with pool yards. The rest of the time it sat on the trailer, getting in the way, or back at the shop in Mount Laurel. Most of the time my partner would mow with another employee. Upon merging we decided to keep the mowing and landscaping concentrated between each of us, so he took care of the lawn maintenance, and I did the landscape contracting. He mowed BOTH states (PA and NJ) , in about three and a half to four and a half days. The quality of work he did was excellent. All lawns were cut, trimmed, stick edged and cleaned up every time we cut. I would mow with them when the other guy couldn't make it, and the most we did in one day was 25 lawns all between 1 and 3 acres on the NJ side, that was starting at 7AM and working until 4:30 ish. We alternated cut patterns on all lawns every other cut. As for 5-8k accounts......we had nothing that small. At the end of the year we split the company back what we had each had before, because of some differences in career goals. I know, its a long story for sayin how many lawns per day....but the moral of this is we did it efficiently without sacrificing quality, using professional equipment, on 1/2 to 5 acre lawns, in 3.5 to 4.5 days, cutting about 87 lawns in these days. 25 lawns in a day where we needed to catch up from rain was not uncommon. It can be done, and can be done right. -Mike

[coonman]

TGG, please reply back and tell us what type of 21's you have. Everyone keeps referring to push mowers. I guess everyone thinks that if you use a 21 you are pushing for all your worth. I would not mow one yard like that much less 18 a day. I put the proline in 3rd gear and it practically pulls me around the yard. Regarding the rainouts, what is the difference with losing a day of say 15 lawns at an average of 5k sq ft using a 21 w/b. And somebody else losing a day of 15 lawns at an average of 1/2-1acre using a large w/b or z. Either way you are behind a day and you will have to bust it to get caught up.

[TGG]

For the past year I used a 21" self propeled mower. Once I got that I found at the end of the day mowing about 6-8 on my own I was not really that tired out. But everything aside that really does not matter anymore. I am so glad that I have started this thread. It has made me realize what will be the best way to make money this summer...and it certainly is not with 2 21's. By hearing everyone out and thinking on my own I have pretty much decided on spending the cash and getting either a 32" or 36" Metro. I will be able to finance it and get all the equipment that will be the most profitable for me this summer. Along with the Metro I will be getting a power raker. I have also decided to continue solo and get 35 or so accounts. This way I will be able to pay off my equipment still make some cash and still put some back into my company. Everyone's experience in the industry is what has helped me to come to this decision. I thank everyone and I am so glad to see an industry where there are people that WANT to help others.

[bastalker]

The thing about a push mower breakin...Its real easy to run to the nearest store throw down 2 or 3 hundred an keep on goin...Have a lazer break down an yer in trouble!!!:help:

[Richard Martin]

Originally posted by HOMER
My 21" spends 99% of it's time on the trailer. It's really there for looks.

10-12 a day for us is good......sometimes we don't hit that. If we can get 6-7 before lunch then we're on our way to a good day. The hotter it gets the slower I get. There is one route that generally allows us to get 13-14......they're grouped tight and decent yards.

I have got 22 before but 11 of them were in a trailer park. Good sized lots but no travel time. 50" and 72" mowers.

I hear folks say they get 18-20 yards a day and my only thoughts are what in the world do they look like when ya leave?

I agree 100%.

[cklands]

Shouldn't it be how $$$ in a day. The # of lawns is irrelevante. If you wanted $800 a day wouldn't you rather do 16 $50 lawns over 40 $20 lawns?? I would and that's what I look at with my crews. As long as they bring in "X" amount per day that's all that matters. Less lawns means less wear on the truck and trailer, and also less wasted man hours driving. Just my .02 though

[jwingfield2k]

i know a guy that does 40 a day. 5k-7k. hes got 2-3 helpers. 8am - 6pm. and he does an amazing job

[Elite1]

$ is the better way to compare, better yet is $ in your pocket.

My goal is 1,200 per day with 3 guys. I don't know how that compares with any body.

[Rene]

One thing to remember if you get a bigger mower. What kind of service there is if you have a break down, what can they do to get you out there mowing again. We have some dealers that will load up another mower in your rig while yours is getting fixed.

Good luck this season.

[LCL Landscapes]

Hey guys, I don't know where you people are from but myself, partner and 1 employee bang out 30 - 37 lawns per day. Sq footage ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 on mostly 2 42" walkers.

[Lawnmedics]

Our company with a two man crew averages 50+ a day. We have two 60inch mowers and the accounts are mostly in developements with little drive time in between. Our best day was 64.

[coonman]

LCL, you have an advantage being able to get a mower that size on small properties like that. Lawns that size here in Tulsa almost all have 3 foot gates or smaller. You can can make a killing in your area.

[master mower]

I used to only use 21" mowers starting out. The maximum I could mow is 20 lawns in one day. BUT, if you attempt this I gurrantee you that you'll be burned out at the end of the day. When I reached 40 clients I bought a 36" mower. If you really intend on having 75 clients then plan on buying at least a 36" mower. It will save you time and money! (Most gates tend to be at least 36" wide, so its a good starting point when you move up to midsized mowers)

[BLAKMB]

So what are you charging for yards that size?

[lawnman_scott]

Originally posted by HOMER
My 21" spends 99% of it's time on the trailer. It's really there for looks.

10-12 a day for us is good......sometimes we don't hit that. If we can get 6-7 before lunch then we're on our way to a good day. The hotter it gets the slower I get. There is one route that generally allows us to get 13-14......they're grouped tight and decent yards.

I have got 22 before but 11 of them were in a trailer park. Good sized lots but no travel time. 50" and 72" mowers.

I hear folks say they get 18-20 yards a day and my only thoughts are what in the world do they look like when ya leave?

Small. Most of our yards are small and close. We can do 25-35 in the summer depending on the day. I dont own a 21

[kelly Lawn]

My two employees do 60 lawns a week with 2 21'' mowers. I have some back ups fo their is no down time. The only get about 35 hours a week. My average account is around 30 dollars and most of them are close together with a differant neighborhood for each day. I figure it takes two 21'' mowers and people that are fast with them an average of a half hour a lawn. I bid at 60 $ an hour. At 1/2 hour a lawn 60 lawns is only 30 hours. When I am watching them closely that is just about the hours that each of them turn in for the week. When i am out of town it magically turns into 35 hours for that week. Oh well, they always show up and they don't get any complaints from customers.

Good luck and I know exactly how you feel

[Haley Lawn Care]

I managed to do 17 in one day only one time. I started at 6:30 am and got home that night around 8:30. I can do 10 to 12 yards in a day and get home around 6:00 at night. And the start time is around 7:30. So yes you can do a lot of yards in one day if you only want to mow and sleep and do nothing else.

David :)

[floridalawncare]

pcnservices has the right idea. spend your money on better equipment instead of help. remember, you'll be paying overtime with the eqipment you've got too.

[LAWNBUSTERS]

We can do up to 25 lawns (1/3 to 1/2 acre lots and a few acre lots thrown in) per day with a 2 man/1 women crew. We've got a Great Dane Commercial Mower, a walk-behind, and a great weed-wacking man,( our foreman, when we're not with the crew,who can beat time better than anyone in our area). Makes a difference on the time with quality help, the weed-wacker man especially, and the right equipment.

[greenback]

me and my partner do 35-40 lawns in 2 days. i use the 48 and he uses the 36, then we trim and blow off. we are done in an average of 20 minutes. basically we get about 3 lawns an hour, we work from 8-5.

[club54]

14 in a day is the most i have done with my club cudet54 inch
did good to do that

[trying 2b organic]

How hilly and small do your lawns have to be to stay at 21's. Im actually not sure if anyone here runs bigger mowers. The lawns are 3-6k with lots of hills and shrubs/trees generally. Should i still upgrade to a 36? The whole town is kind of on a cliff, some of the new developments carve out a flat area so people can have 3 k of flat lawn.

[TotalCareSolutions]

SOoooooo,

Hows it going?:cry:

[TGG]

Well as of right now I have 22 accounts ranging in price from $20 to $45 per cut. I ended up just buying a 21" snapper and absolutly love it. The cut is amazing and that thing hauls ass. This is the right amount work for me right now. I will probably be around 30 by the end of the summer which is where I wanted to be. This year I have bought the Snapper($1300) a bluebird power raker($1900) Sthil trimmer($400) and sthil blower($300) (Canadian Prices) and have paid it all off. Things are going great but I have been very sick and its hard to get better when you are the only one to do the work. Next year I will pick up a 32 or 36 WB and some more clients. Im comfortable with working 20-25 hours a week. I still get to enjoy life while not overdoing my lawns. I also still work 16 hours at my other job as a Valet at the MArriott. Its fun to drive all the BMW's and Vettes that roll through on the weekends. Thanks for the help and I will keep the updates as they come.

Peasy

[walker-talker]

Originally posted by TGG
a bluebird power raker($1900) Did you get the push model or the pull-behind? I have the push model, but I am trying to find reviews on the pull-behind model. I get a lot of request for dethatching and would be much more profitable if I could pull one behind my Walker.

Thanks
Matt

[TGG]

I got the push behind. The thing is a workhorse. I did a 40 unit condo complex in 10 hours. I have never been so tired in my life!!!

[grassrootsinab]

Hey TGG,

What part of Calgary are you cutting in? I too started out with a 21" self propelled Toro and now run Deere's. I made the jump last year to a 38" WB and it is FANTASTIC...I only wish I had spent the money on a new hydro. The 38" is too big for most of my smaller residential, but there are a lot of corner lots that I can get into (at least the front yard). I have one part time employee and that has reduced my work time. I'm only part time too. We cut 25 yards a week and it takes about 8 hours. I've cut 2 hours off my time by using the bigger mower.

If I were you, I'd go into Arn's Equipment (off Blackfoot and 45 Ave SE I think) or EJ mower center (go to the south shop, not the one on Center Street). Good Luck!! It's always nice to see another local here.

[jsfrk]

what's the key to getting 50 accounts a week?

[sildoc]

Originally posted by jsfrk
what's the key to getting 50 accounts a week?
Advertise, advertise and solicite more work. If you want it you will get it.

[PMLAWN]

Trying to be organic---If you want to jump up to a 36" be sure it is a hydro. i do a lot of tight, hilly lots and the belt drive is killing me. It does not go in reverse and I have to back up a lot. Also harder to turn without draging the wheel and ripping the grass.
I'm getting a 36" hydro just for that reason.

[fga]

Originally posted by TotalCareSolutions
60-70 Weekly?....2 -21"? Nope.

Is there a reason you seem to be spending as much as you will be on advertising and not on equiptment? I'm cutting 80 weekly with (2) 21's. And 1 account is tremendous, takes several hours. Yeah I'm getting bigger equipment, to be moe efficient, but it can be done. Depends on the size of the accounts/drive time.

[TGG]

grassroots I do mostly the SW, Signal Hill, PAtterson. Do you do fertilizing??? I think you did the treatment one one of my accounts. I get all my equipment at Alberta Forest and garden just off Barlow. They are great. If your looking for Exmark they are the only dealer close besids Airdrie. Look for me Ive got a red 21" Snapper and Im always wearing a white shirt, tan pants and a Tan hat.

Peasy

[bigoak333]

yea way to much! also when u have bad weather and cannot work? catching up is a real treat

[gr8cutter]

We are doing several small residents. We bought a 34Z and now the person doing the back finishes at the same time the front finishes. Good investment since it fits through standard gates.

[TotalCareSolutions]

Originally posted by fga
I'm cutting 80 weekly with (2) 21's. And 1 account is tremendous, takes several hours. Yeah I'm getting bigger equipment, to be moe efficient, but it can be done. Depends on the size of the accounts/drive time.

I understand drive time. I also understand that small yards can be mowed, and sometimes have to be mowed with a 21" and some grass types and hilly scenarios call for a 21". We carry a couple. Thaks for all that, but I got it...

what I don't understand, is why on god's green earth someone would put themselves through 80 a week with that equipment. Even if you sit in the truck, why not bigger stuff???

[fga]

Originally posted by TotalCareSolutions
I understand drive time. I also understand that small yards can be mowed, and sometimes have to be mowed with a 21" and some grass types and hilly scenarios call for a 21". We carry a couple. Thaks for all that, but I got it...

what I don't understand, is why on god's green earth someone would put themselves through 80 a week with that equipment. Even if you sit in the truck, why not bigger stuff??? Almost every yard calls for the 21's. Larger machines would be cumbersome, not to mention won't fit in most yards. It has to do with the area you live. City accounts are much different then others. You use bigger machines, but not as your primary cutters. My brother in law cuts over 400 accounts weekly. He uses the 36" Encore about 30 of those. He has about 4 workers going at once, but 21's are the main machine of use. You would look like an idiot cutting a 500 sqft. yard with a 48" mower ;)

also, i don't sit in the truck, it's me and one guy working. I am in the process of fixing a 32" Kees, and buying a 48" off a Lawn Site member. But out of my 80 accounts the 32" and 48" would be used soley for just a few accounts. Maybe 15 - 20 at most.

[Eazysgirl]

In August it will be the end of our first year and we have 87 accounts .we work tuesday thru friday 8am to 1-2. We do an average of 22 accounts a day. We live in the SunShine State so we know how HOT and Humid it is. So we try and get home early. Its great I love it . I do everything but ride the mower .Their are just as many woman out here as men.


Graverly 36 WB
Exmark 48 Lazer
Billy Goat
other push mowers
all other Echo
7' 17' Trailer
5'10 Trailer

[Expert Lawns]

just did 17 lawns last friday. had a hot date and didn't want to work saturday. (hopefully i was making her breakfast!)

[hubby-wife]

I have never even took a look at a 32" mower so is it possible to get through a gate with one?

Thanks Everyone [/B][/QUOTE]

Take a look at a Encore Z34, it fits thru a 36" chain link fence gate and your "riding" the whole yard. If not an Encore, then any RIDING ZTR that fits thru a small gate. You'll be glad you were riding vs walking as the guys have said.

Our normal yards run 10-12k for oilder homes, 7-10k for newer interior yards with corners running 12k. Takes 2 of us an hr for the corners and 45 min for the interiors. With sidwalk added, add 5-10 min extra. And more money too!!!