Start-up Equipment

[Spencer]

New to the forum and my first post. I am thinking of starting a part-time lawn care service (Mar 01). Have $4K to invest and will probably borrow an add'l $2K from bank. Thinking of buying the following equipment:

-5' x 12' trailer w/2' solid steel sides with brackets for racks, spare tire w/mount, 2'x2'x5' mesh tool box, storage for 5 gal gas can. 3500lb axle. (made to order). Approx $2,000.00. Saw mesh side trailers for $995.00 but no where near the trailer described above.
-36" 14HP Kaw Exmark Metro Gear Drive: $2450.00
-Echo Pro Attachment Series: PAS-2601 power source: $300.00
-Echo Hedge Clipper attachment: $200.00
-Echo Trimmer attachment: $100.00
-Echo Edger attachment: $90.00
-Echo Tiller/Cultivator: $200.00
-Shindaiwa BP Blower EB500: $379.00
-Insurance policy w/remaining money.

I know the above equipment is not the best, would like a Hydro Turf Tracer and individual Shindaiwa equipment but can not afford it now, maybe next year. Do you think the above equipment is alright to start with? Your help and responses will be greatly appreciated. Prices shown are what is on equipment display in store. Dealer stated he would give a better price when I bought everything together.

[1MajorTom]

Too much money in that trailer, spend it in equipment.

Buy a used trailer, or settle for a 5 X 10 standard trailer
should run you around 6 to 700 hundred bucks new.


Need a 21 inch trim mower. Use your extra money you saved buying the 5 X 10, and get a hydro.


Matt and Jodi

[Eric ELM]

Welcome to Lawnsite. For that small of a mower, you can just haul it in the back of your pickup. You could save $2000 doing that and buy a better mower. The mower is what will make you the money. I have always tryed to get the best mower I could since it the most important part of my business. I would take that $2000 saved and add it to what you were going to buy. This is just my opinion though, you may not have a pickup to haul one in. You didn't say what your using to pull this.

Eric

[Runner]

Spencer, You can probably do better on the price of the Exmark, (I run them) and I KNOW you can do a WHOLE LOT better on the trailer! This trailer may have 2'solid steel sides, but what does that do for the business except add alot of weight to tow? (Gas mileage is a contributing factor in this equation) You can get a ladder frame 16 footer for almost half that cost. Then, you'll have plenty of room to organize it, move around and work, and most of all, plenty of room for growth. And make sure you go bigger than a 5 ft. width. You just might end up with a 60" cut one day. Shop around. The Echo thing - (I run alot of Echo too) is kind of neat, but it's kind of a gimmick, also. As far as the "tiller-cultivator" attachment goes, what would you really need it for? Unless you were going to take care of a whole lot of flower beds or something. And if you're doing this business part time, and paying for a mower too, you want that mower out there WORKING - not sitting on the trailer. The flowers can come later if you desire. A little is o.k., but not enough to justify 200 bucks on something that you'll get that little use out of. Also, keep in mind that these thing DON'T work like the individual pieces of equipment, and yes, not only do they take the time to switch attachments all the time, but they wear out in the joints. Also, have you shopped around for insurance yet? For the policy you're going to need, it may not cost you as much as what you might have been anticipating. When I added up your equipment, I came up with $3719. This was including the tiller gizmo. If you're financing 2K, this leaves you with about 2500 bucks. Now, if you can get a better deal on an "all at once" purchase, (we know you can) you're looking at about $3500.. Plus, a far better deal on the trailer, you best bet would be to buy the real pieces of equipment you need, so it lasts longer, performs better, saves you time, and saves you the grief. This equipment should include a walk behind edger. Now alot of guys will say how well their stick edgers perform - and they DO! BUT, if you are going to own any ONE edger, it should be a walk behind-a GOOD one. The reason being is when you make initial edges, (and you will be) you need this adequate power. By the looks of it, even if you DO buy the proper equipment, and shop around for a decent trailer, you'll STILL have money left to perhaps do yourself a little better on you're mower. How does a 48" sound? Anyway, good luck with it, and I hope you keep us posted on how it goes for you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and don't hesitate to use the search function on here-it's AWEsome! There isn't a whole lot that hasn't been covered on Lawnsite, so it's in there! You can also Email me if you need, my address is in the profile. :)

[Edited by Runner on 01-15-2001 at 11:07 PM]

[lawrence stone]

I have two gear drive Toro walkbehinds for sale.

1. 44" with toro bagger 11hp B&S runs 100%

2. 48" recycler with a nearly new 12.5hp OHV Tecumseh.

Decks can be switched between traction units if
needed.

$1900 takes both.

[Spencer]

1MajorTom and Eric: thank you for your input.

Eric: I have a 2000 F-250 5.4L standard bed. Do you really think I can get away with not having a trailer? I was initially thinking about this but thought it would not look professional. If I did just used my truck and bought some ramps that would allow me the option to buy the Hydro that I want. I believe the dealer wanted $4399 for the 48" Exmark Turf Tracer with 15HP Kaw and $4799 for the 17HP Kaw.

Anyone else have any thoughts about just using a truck w/o a trailer?

Any comments on the Echo equipment for starting out with?

Thanks for the responses, it's getting me to think about what I should really invest in. There is so much to buy but not enough cash.

[Runner]

As far as just using your truck to haul your equip., it'll work, but remember a big part of this job is picking up the fallen sticks, hauling away the shrub clippings, etc. You will also have other equipment in the back too. This may mean taking your trimmer, and your blower out every time you need to unload your mower. Also, a mower loads aLOT easier onto a trailer than it does into the back of a truck! That's not to mention that a trailer can be used for alot of other things and hauling. It's just a handy thing to have.

[kutnkru]

I agree with Eric. Use the back of your truck and save the cash. I customized a stake rack for the back of my '77 F-100 for about $500 to accomodate lawn equipment.

I thru bolted hooks to carry my line trimmer. I used those triangular hd bookshelf holders with plywood fastened to 'em to hold my bp blower. Both pieces were fastened using bungee's. I attatched a dowel to hold trimmer line to the bulkhead. The grass catcher I kept over the front caster's. Trash bags were on the floor of the cab for easy access. I used customers can to hold the bags open and placed the filled bags at the curb for pick-up that week.

Looking at your prices I figured about $3700. I would upgrade the 36 to a 48 belt drive ($2600). I would purchase a good bp blower ($400+/-). I would purchase a quality line trimmer ($300+/-). I would invest in quality 24" double sided gas shears ($300+/-). I would estimate aprox. $500(+/-) for insurances.

My .02 should save you roughly $1600 +/-. Just some food for thought on your new venture. Hope this helps you some.

Kris

[pcs]

It's alot more difficult to load up your truck than a trailer. And like Runner said you can use the trailer for a lot of other things also. Why don't you get the trailer for $995.00? It will do the same job won't it? A trailer is a trailer as long as it will haul around your equipment.

[Randy Scott]

Spencer, I can't give you any recommendations about the mowers but I think you are going to need a trailer. Talk about a pain in the butt loading everything and hauling crap away all in the same four ft. by eight ft. area. What about at the end of the day when you want to go to the store, or the mall, or wherever. You have all your expensive stuff just asking to get ripped off. Maybe you have another vehicle, but with the trailer, you could dump it off at home and go do what you need without any worries. I know you have a budget, we all do, but it takes money to make money. Just my two cents.

[Spencer]

I would like to thank everyone for their input. Runner you gave me alot of stuff to think about. I believe I'll look at buying the trailer for $995.00. I need to keep the trailer small because my wife is wanting to quit her waitress job and do mowing during the day and she does not want a wide/long trailer. I would like a 16' but she doesn't want anything larger than 5' x 10'/12'. I work a 8 hour day 6:30 to 2:30, then I would be available to work from 3:00 to 8:00 on the week days and all day Saturday. I also have my 14 year old step son who wants to help out. Just something we can do together and make a little money on the side.

Runner: Don't know much about walk behind edgers. What is a good brand to get? BTW: I'm originally from Cass City, MI about 30 miles east of you, wish I could find a half way decent job back there.

Lawrence Stone: How old is this equipment and how many hours does each of them have?

Appreciate all the replys. This site is very helpful to the new guys. Thanks for all the help!

[Martin]

Echo is good equipment to start with and stay with
Stihl also has a unit that dose the same things
check in to all of the ones that do you may find some better deals out there and it wont hurt to ask other landscapers who the dealer is that they deal with and gives the best deals and has the best service shop

[65hoss]

If you get the 36" w/b exmark, you can probably still get it for $1999. Exmark was running a promotion all last year at that price on the metro. You can find 12' to 14' utility trailers for around $600. That is more than what you need.
Forget the tiller attachment. You will not have time for those little jobs. Small residential flowerbed jobs don't usually pay as well as the same time spent cutting. If your wife will be out cutting during the day alone, make sure the equipment is easy to start. Better invest in electric start mowers. Ever tried starting a 14 hp kawi when the temp is a little low?

You might really want to talk with L. Stone about those mowers. I'm an exmark user, but toro is good also, and for a little less money you would have a backup. Just make sure you can get the 44" though the gate before you take a job.

I have both a stick edger and a big push type unit. I would suggest the stick. The bigger units have limitations. At least mine does. Its real hard to use at the curb. Stick edger you can use all the time and save some time when at the job site.

[lawrence stone]

Spencer wrote:

>Lawrence Stone: How old is this equipment and how many hours does each of them have?

The equipment is circa late 1980's the machines do not have hour meters.

Machine #1 has the original 11 HP B&S (does not smoke)plus I just installed a new carb with new rope, rachet, and spring on the recoil starter. It is hooked to a 44" side dischare deck with a toro 3bu bagging kit.

Machine #2 has a new (about 150 hours) Tecumseh ohv 12.5hp
with a 48" recycler deck with new gator blades.

Both have T-bar steering and the backs of the machines have had steel added at the sulky attachment point. Both have floating decks with easy height adjustment. Decks can be swapped between units by just removing six bolts.

As a combo on a trailer this will fit most jobs a new contractor will encounter. The 48" recycler has a down discharge and is good for keeping the clippings out of landscape beds.

Go price what a new 44" toro (not at 48") walkbehind with the floating deck costs new at a dealer.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Hey neighbor, I am east of you in VA Beach and doing the same. I agree with many of the prev posts regarding the trailer. Used ones are hard to find out here. Looked at one yesterday in your area area for $600, but lots of rust. A 6X12 NEW with ladder sides is 1,000-1,200. 24" ladder for 1,200. You got Brady and a Truck Service Center off 168 in NC which also offers some good prices depending on what you want. Also a Leonard truck accesory dealer off Mil highway south off the mall that also sells trailers. If you intend to occasionallty use the trailer for mulch or other material get 2 sheets of PT 3/4 plywood and bolt to a ladder frame when you need it.
I am going eith the TT 36" hydro with ECS& Sulky cuz I am a pretty short guy and want more control of the unit vice the other way around.
Thinking along the same lines with the Echo, but will buy a small Honda 4 stroke roto-tiller for smaller garden work. In this area I feel there is good demand in that area.
GOD Speed
Strawbridge Lawn & Landscape

[KirbysLawn]

I agree about the trailer, I started with a 5x12 which was tight but it did the job, after 2 years I upgraded. Save money on the tiller and buy an edger, don't waste time switching heads. Buy a sulky.

What about storage? On site or storage facility? I'm surprised at how many small companies here store their open trailers in storage buildings...$60-80 a month, why not buy an enclosed trailer for that $$$?

Plan on buying an airtank, grease gun, extra blades, any needed tools, locks, tire repair kit, extra trimmer spools, saftey glasses, headphones, 2 gas cans, .....what else folks???

[moonarrow]

Spencer you have recieved a lot of good Ideas here and I also think that a trailer is the way to go. You also mentioned and Exmark for$4700, you can get a Wright Stander 48" for that price and you will be riding instead of walking, and after spending all day on your day job that will be easier on you and not as tiring, and it is only 52" long so it doesn't take up that much on your trailer. I too would stick with buying individual pieces of equip. shindiawa weedeater and stick edger-$600 total. Good luck with your new part-time although it won't be long you'll give up that day job and be a full timer. Good Luck

[TLS]

Spencer,

In regards to the Echo Multi-Tool issue. I have the first model that they came out with (2400 series I think) I bought it with the edger attachment. It came stock with the weed wacker attachment. I use this 99.99% for edging and it has performed excellent. I used the weed wacker attachment once 0.01% when my regular Echo weed wacker spark controller went. The hedge trimmer attachment works well (used a friends) but I dont do too much of that. The cultivator is a joke! Dont bother unless you have A LOT of time. Now the new ones (2600 series) are more powerful and are probably a good choice if you want just one unit for now. Later, buy a good weed wacker (dedicated) and you are set with a built in spare!. Why not get an Echo Backpack blower while your at the Echo Dealer? May be able to work better #'s when your are buying a lot of stuff. You mentioned your wife is helping too. Well, forget the ramps into the back of the pickup idea then. Its downright scarey for men with a belt drive, just a little less scary with hydro. Really start looking for a good trailer. A 12' or 14' single axle 3500lb gvwr trailer is ideal. Go full width! You wont regret it. Especially since you will be racing home from work @ 2:30 (in your pick-up right?) and hitching up and go...go...go! Everything will already be loaded up! Watch out in Spring as it still gets dark early 6PM? not 8PM as in the summer. As for mowers...Go with whatever size matches your lawns that you (will or have) got. With a 36" WB you don't usually need a 21", unless gated back yards are your specialty. If your lawns will take it, a 48" WB is your better choice.

Good Luck only 2 months to go!

[Strawbridge Lawn]

There are no Wright Stander Dealers in SE Virginia that I know of. Think Md is the closest.

[Starling Lawn]

There is a Great Dane dealer in Chester on sr10.
Dave

[cst51]

Don't forget some sort of grinder or sharpening device. I agree with everyone above. I started with a 5 X 8 tilt trailer. It cost me 400.00 dollars and did the job for that year. The second year I graduated to a 5 X 16 trailer, and still only paid 500 for that. Don't get me wrong..... trailers are a must, but my suggestion is to invest in equipment that will be your money makers. I have a friend that WAS big in the business a few years ago. 100-150 accounts in a small town. He sold everything except 10 accounts and a 48" bunton. He towed it in the back of his trailer for the last 2 months of the mowing season. At the end of the season, he bought another trailer because it was a complete headach to load and unload his equipment off the truck.

cst51
_____________________

The only way for us to help ourselves is to help others and to listen to each other's stories.

[Spencer]

Gary: Thanks, I've been to all 3 places. In fact I went to NC (168) yesterday. The trailers located in VA left hand side (168) are the ones I seen for $995. Up the road and to the right NC are the more expensive trailers. The one I was looking at are build to order from a local guy in the area. I believe it was a Williams brand, real heavy duty and very pricey for the size: 5' x 12' described in my original post. I wanted this trailer due to it being well built. I was going to have the stake pockets installed, a place welded on the trailer to mount gas can and spare tire. My thinking was to haul equipment and mulch when not mowing. But way to much money with a limited budget.

Have you decided on a trailer?

I noticed from previous post that you are getting ready to retire from the Navy. I retired after completing 20 back in April 1999. Don't regret one minute. Everyone thought I was going to complete 30 because I made SKCM at the 18 year mark. Wrong! Good luck with your business and don't let anyone talk you into staying in. I'm making more money now that I'm out. Maybe we can get together and go equipment shopping and compare notes.

[geogunn]

too much trailer talk!

6.5 X 16, tandem, NEW, is available in my town for $750.

GEO

[iowastorm]

Spencer: welcome to the forum. Although everyone's advice is great, one thing everyone is forgetting to mention is operating capital. No matter if you're mowing part or full time, you need operating capital: for gas, repairs, payroll, taxes, advertising, etc. This will help you to not dip into your own pockets for unforseen expenses. Having the right equipment is important, but none of us have everything we wanted right from the start. Therefore, get what you need and put the rest of the money in the bank; you won't regret it; and it'll help you sleep better at night too.

[SMB]

Loading up the back of a truck is AWFUL!!! We used to haul our 42" cut lawn tractor in the back of our truck (short bed), but when you add 2 trimmers, a push-mower, and all the necessary gas cans-you end up with the sanford and son look. :) Also, loading is terrible unless you have a set of fancy ramps ($$$$$$$). What if your truck breaks down? You could haul a trailer with anything with a good enough hitch. I would not get a belt drive, if its going to be your only mower. We now have a 6x10 trailer (about $700-$800)that we haul a 48" Bob-Cat ZTR and hope to get a trimmertrap this year. I'm replacing our Homelite weedeater with a Shindaiwa T270, which I can get for about $410
Just my .02 You may be able to haul a small WB in the back of a truck.

[Edited by SMB on 01-16-2001 at 06:07 PM]

[Spencer]

Geo: you stated: "6.5 X 16, tandem, NEW, is available in my town for $750." Trailers are a lot cheaper in TN then VA. What company sells them for this price? Please provide address and telephone number. I've always wanted to visit TN and tour Dollywood, this would give me a very good reason to visit. I could visit and pick up the trailer on my way back.

[65hoss]

I just sold my 14 footer and was talking to different places today. 16' tandam axle trailer was between $599 and $899. I found 2 that were $699 that I really liked. Add $150 for the back gate and I'm back in business. I'm in west TN, but one of the trailer comes out of middle TN area.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Spencer, No I have not yet decided on a trailer, but for my truck a 6X12 Sgln/Axle is enough. I intend to use tie straps in the back of the truck for other items for now to keep costs down. Want to get more expensive equipment so I have to make it up in other areas.
No I will not be staying Navy. I will miss the sea, but have a family and it is time for something different.
Good luck to you as well. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns I will assist in any way I can.
Gary

[Majestic]

Spencer,Ive benn doing this ten years and learn new stuff every day as I'm sure you will.Heres a few of my own pointers to you.Echo is great have a wall full of trimmers and blowers very few problems.As far as the trailer...definitely buy one you will want to use your truck for grass,tree limbs etc,Im presently modifying all my trailers to carry every peice of equip.leaving my trucks for clippings only.Can you weld? maybe you could find a cheap one and modify it to your needs.Also look at your market area,Cant you use a 48 inch machine so much faster! We only use 36 inch machines on gated properties.What you are paying for a 36 youcan get a package through Landscapers supply that includes a 48 machine a blower and a trimmer.Presently using several of their 48s doing fine so far( 3yrs.see http://www.landscapersupply.com ask about packages Hope you do well.

[Skookum]

Spencer,

My .02 cents worth are: Skip the Stick Edger attachment, they work, but you will save time by learning to just use your string trimmer to maintain edges as you trim. If you have an account that has not been edged in a long time or never at all and you try to use a stick edger you'll be swearing alot. You ought to try and get single unit wheeled edger, it can handle first of year, never done before, to just maintaining. Besides, if you, your wife and son are all working, you cannot all use the trimmer and edger attachment at the same time. But, with a edger unit. one can mow, trim, edge all at the same time, or be up the street at another account working.

Depending on your accounts, I would imagine most shrub trimmimng would be small to medium size shrubs. The hedge trimmer attachment, is it the articulated one? If so it would be a back saver on trees, large shrubs and ground cover, but even they would be a real pain next to houses, I know I have one that is not articulated. You would be better off with a small 16" - 21" hand held hedge trimmer. The commercial ones are great if you have crews or accounts that you just have them running everyday all year. But, for the money, you can get a 18" - 20" WeedEater brand for $99.00 at most supercenters like Lowes, Home Depot, etc.. Commercial or not, hit a chain link fence and those blades will break, they wear and lose their sharpness. You can buy a new one for what a commercial blade replacement costs. Also, a actual hedge trimmer can be used while someone is using the trimmer.

If you really wanted to you could still opt for the trimmer though so you could buy those attachments later if you wanted them in the future. I would not though since you could get a straight commercial trimmer for the $300 alone.

I think your mower choice depends so much at what size properties you are looking at in your area. With that said I would imagine that a 36" WB would do you just fine to start and would serve as a gate and backup unit in the future if you bought your bigger hydro unit later. I would recommend looking at a Toro T-bar steering unit gear drive though, if it was just a few hundred more than the Exmark, your hands will thank you everyday. The T-bar would likley be alot easier on and to operate for your wife and son as well!

$2,000 for a small trailer that size is kind of high. I too live where you can buy manufacture direct trailers for so much less than much of the nation. The entire midwest is trailer heaven. You can get enclosed trailers of that size for close to that price. Many 7x14 tandems with gate and brake on one axle for $1,100 - $1,300. I myself had mine custom made using all tube steel 8x18 tandem, HD split rear gate, 48" side gate, one axle brake, break-a-way brake kit, and even custom paint color, all for $2,800.00. It might be worth a drive West to pick up a trailer. If you would like I could mail you a local shopper mag that has plenty of companies in it, they come out every Friday.

[Jusmowin]

I would go with a 6x 12 trailer, 44inch TORO wb and a 2cycle TORO commercial push mower . The Echo equipment is OK but the Stihl will last ALOT better.

[65hoss]

I have a correction on my last post here about the trailer. I'm getting a new trailer, 16' with mess back gate (extra supports) and painted red for $699. Very sturdy also. Buying straight from the factory and will be able to deliver in 3 days.

[Scape Sculptor]

Man...were is everyone buying their trailers so cheap... You guys are getting 16' tamdems cheaper than what I can buy a 5 x 8 for.


Go 48" mower, could rent a trailer{5 x 8}, cause you'll need a bigger one next year when you get another WB.
Just my 2 cents.
Good Luck

[lawnboy82]

spencer... i am 18 years old just starting out as well. the way that i have found works best for me with buying equipment is that i do a lot of work for a large lawn mower shop and we just barter for services and what not. so it couldnt hurt to see if they need anything done over there... i mean i get tons of stuff from them. another friend of mine his father does their printing so they get a good break... talk to the owners of the shop and get to know them well. as far as equipment goes, you will most likely need a push blower yes? dont worry about a roto tiller or an edger, tilling can be done by hand, and edging can be done with a trimmer (if you are good) get a big mower, 48's are good. i was doing mostly small lawns when i started. but this year i got a 150 acre estate, would have killed myself using a 36. as far as gates go you can usually man handle the machine through there. get good machines and they will last you a while, get bad machines and they will be going on you pretty soon. where are you guys getting this stuff for so cheap at also... i bought a parker tandem axle 16' x 6 1/2' electric breaks and ramp for 2,300 and dont forget you can get the accounts, buy and make payments. but make sure you have the accounts!

[Eric ELM]

Welcome to lawnsite. I was wondering how long does it take to mow that 150 acre estate with a 48" mower. I'm sure you have other mowers too, but if not, that must take up a lot of a weeks worth of work for you. Is it a rider you have?

[Vibe Ray]

POWERFUL Backpack Blower(there are plenty of great ones)$400

Stick Edger (rent the wheeled edger when you need it until you get more money and charge the customer for the rental)$???

Echo SRM-2100 Trimmer (Great trimmer. Light, powerful, reliable and cheap)$199

Trim Mower (I recommend the Scotts 6.5 HP OHV 21" selfpropelled w/ two front swivel caster wheels at Home Depot)$469

And of course a big mower(there is no best type of mower, but Exmark is the best brand name for big mowers)$????

And a truck or a van (I would DEFINITELY skip the trailer idea for now if possible)$????

[LWNMWRMN]

I agree with Vibe Ray about everything except the scotts mower. Stay away from the mas-merchants if you want any kind of service. You can get an Ariens variable speed(up to 4.5 mph) with bag (2.5 bushel), mulch and discharge for about $525

[Jim White]

Wake me up when this is over! you guys sure are so long winded. its simple.
BUY TRAILER 6' X 10 Cheap. at most($600)
BUY BIG MOWER (48" WB Belt with 14Hp. less than 2K)
BUY trimer (and make sure it's cheap)($200)
Buy Stick Edger ($200)
Buy cheap hedge trimer($100)

HIRE wife and kid for free

DONE.

If your still interested in cutting next year and the year after then upgrade to the equipment that works with the properties you've established yourself with. Also you said it yourself your doing this PART TIME. don't lay out all your cash on something you haven't done before. I can bet you almost everyone in this forum started out with the bare minium before the dove in head first.

[HOMER]

I ain't even gonna touch this one! :D

Yes I am!

I can buy you a 8 x 16 trailer down here for $800.00. I wouldn't spend $2000.00 on an open trailer. Trailer Worls builds them right down the road, had 2 so far and I guess they are pretty tough--------I've hit every curb in town at least 3 times and never broke anything.

[Edited by HOMER on 01-18-2001 at 07:07 AM]

[awm]

ALUMINUM ramps save back muscles.If you are
strong saveum anyway,your gonna need them.
Put it all in your truck for a year or so.
Save and upgrade soon as you can.Only one
accident off the ramps and friends thought
my wife scratched my back up.I was THE MAN.
Seriously you have to ramp on and off right
everytime.

[Eric ELM]

I wouldn't think you would need a $2000 trailer to haul a 36" mower. Find a used motor cycle trailer and put a plywood floor on it if you need a trailer. I have seen those small trailers at farms stores, like at Farm & Fleet that are cheap and would haul that. I made my first trailer to haul my 38" mower when I started out part time.

If you know for sure you are going to do this full time some day and plan on getting some big equipment, that $2000 trailer may be a good investment, but that 36" mower will look lost on there in the mean time. Sometimes I only haul one 60" Chopper on my 14" trailer and it looks empty.

If it were me, I would still put most of my money in the mower for now. That is what makes you the money. They make a carrier that goes in a trailer hitch reciever that would haul that little mower around. It will hold a small garden tractor.

All we can do is suggest, it's your decission.
Eric

[moonarrow]

Gary you can Email Daniel J. Brackman <DanielB@wrightmfg.com> he is the sales manager for Wright Stander and tell you where the nearest dealer is for you

[Shelton's Lawn]

James River Equipment in Chester Va is Wright dealer thats close to Va Beach Norkfolk area. About 1.5 hr ride. Consider buying a zero alot faster and can use it on most residential yards. Why walk when you can ride.

[Michael Fronczak]

When I started out I had a trailer I bought at Sam's Club 4x8 was $ 200.00. Still have it, cant justify getting rid of it costs like $ 10 year to register, it sits mostly now though, we used it last fall for the leaf vac.
The best purchase I made was a used 48" walkbehind, was belt drive, 2 or 3 years old, he's the catch, look in the paper find one that was residentially used only(homeowner),. Thats what this was cost new around $ 2500, I paid $ 1400, I figure at most it took the guy 1 1/2 jours to cut his lawn= 1-2 weeks old if used commercially+ owner is always less abusive than employees. I used that machine for for 3 years, did very minimal reapairs, added sulky & bagger. I sold it this spring to a friend for $ 1000.00, needed a tuneup & fuel filter, he did that (ex ford mechanic) cost him next to nothing to do, he cuts like 5 residential lawns, and makes money first year.
Thats my advise.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Thanks for that Wright Dealer info. I am not sure what size yards Spencer intends to market, but I have been through that area, and it is nearly identical to where I am. 8-15K lots with lots of fenced back yards and gates of all types. The 36" is ideal for those imo. I have been really contemplating the LZHP44 or 48 and picking up a 32" Metro for those narrow gated properties. Also, I want to offer de-thatching and core plug aeration, that machine will accomadate the tow behind versions that typically cost 300-500 each.
Depends on how much money I can make from Mr & Mrs Stock Market next 45 days.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

OHHH Forgot. Yu all with those 700-800 dollar 6X12 trailers. Do you have a factory address or phone number/location. May be worth a road trip if within 8-10 hours.

[Michael Fronczak]

Try your local Central Tractor, a 16' 7000lb trailer was around $ 1600, last time I was there, I know they had smaller ones.

[Eric ELM]

Here is a place that has about every trailer MFG. in the USA I think. It is at http://www.findatrailer.com and here are the dealers listed in Va. http://www.findatrailer.com/results.asp?c=7&d=Maintenance%2FAccessories+for+Trailers&s=Virginia

I'm not sure if this will help any, but I'm sure my dealer is to far away. Around here, the trailers are made in Indiana and Mo. mostly. I have a 14' tandem axle with electric brakes and a heavyduty gate and it cost about $900 4 years ago. If you can find one with a walmanized (treated) floor, it is well worth the extra money.

[Edited by Eric ELM on 01-18-2001 at 02:34 PM]

[lawnboy82]

yeah the 150 acre estate that i do is like 3 acres of cutting, maybe a little more. takes me with 1 48" walk behind 5 - 8 hrs to do by myself... the place is like a dream, i keep my trailer and various other equipment there, dump yard refuse, no money. they pay the bill every month for the lawn. landscaping i dont get anything for, but the most i will do as far as that goes is like prune the shrubs or spread some dry manure. there is 20 acres of lakes there full of bass to go fishing for. but people are slobs... always picking up garbage from the front lawns.

[eslawns]

Spencer, we are in the same area. Just wondering where you might be shopping for your gear.

Do you really think I can get away with not having a trailer? I was initially thinking about this but thought it would not look professional.

I agree that it looks unprofessional, but it's more of a hassle to load the truck that way. There's also a better chance that you could damage the equipment or the vehicle.

If I did just used my truck and bought some ramps that would allow me the option to buy the Hydro that I want. I believe the dealer wanted $4399 for the 48" Exmark Turf Tracer with 15HP Kaw and $4799 for the 17HP Kaw.

Is this a WB?:eek: That seems like a pile of cash for a WB, hydro or not. You can get a ZTR for around $5K

Anyone else have any thoughts about just using a truck w/o a trailer?

Yes, buy a used trailer. Buy used whenever you can, just don't buy worn out equipment. You may decide you don't want to spend all summer mowing other people's lawns.

Any comments on the Echo equipment for starting out with?

Echo is good stuff, but everyone has a preference. There are lots of brands out there. IMO, the most important things are matchig the tool to the work, and dealer support.

Try to save money where you can, but stay away from cheap brand lines (Homelite, Poulan, Ryobi) and buy Commercial grade stuff. There are lots of dealers in our area, and almost 1.5 million potential clients. Good luck.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Thanks Eric got an e-mail into them now
eslawns: Aldrich at VA Beach Blvd/Great Neck wants about 5900 for an Exmark Lazer Z HP 44", and Alami is 5799?
I would really like to know where to get a new one for 5K. The wright Standers are 5K as I understand it. Thanks
Strawbridge Lawn and Landscape.
.

[Spencer]

Gary: I don't know if your interested in TORO vice Exmark but I seen two great deals on TORO riders at Land&Coates in Virginia Beach a couple weeks ago. I wish I had the money but can't afford it.

They had a TORO Z Master Z350 Series Outfront 48" Z Recycler/Dense Pak Bagger 20HP Kohler on sale for $6,999 vice their regular price of $10,756.

They also had a TORO Z Master (didn't write down Series) 17HP Kaw, 44" on sale for $5,684 vice their regular price of $7,268.

If your looking for a rider, you may want to check them out.