Big Trucks dont always equal big bucks

[dmk395]

Just because you drive a truck doesnt mean that u make big bucks, or are even successfull. I would much rather have a couple beater trucks, then have one $30,000 one, because as the richest man in town once told me, U put your money in your pocket, these other guys work for truck payments.

[Randy Scott]

Very true statement, but to each his own.

[MIDSOUTH]

if you like to drive beatup trucks-thats your perogative-don't knock people who do. the way i see it if i want to make a big payment thats my business and nobody elses. i drive my truck for work and personal use and i like it-----2001 f-250 superduty 4x4 deisel crewcab loaded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i could pocket a heck of alot more money if i drove a clunker!!!!!!!!!!

[kutnkru]

I'm not saying that the advice of your friend is incorrect. However, if you are just looking for STRICTLY mowing accounts, then yes, it does not matter what you drive as long as you show up with some kind of mower running.

If you are looking for "high-end" residential clients then you HAVE to consider the appearance of your outfit. Our clients are looking for full service (one-stop-shop). This is the reason why we have re-painted our vehicles at least twice and drive trucks newer than 10 yrs old, and are currently looking into newer ones.

But not to sound snobish, I have a friend in the business who drives a rusted out chevy 2500 p-up with rain and sun gleaming thru the floor boards, and his customers are quite happy.

Basically its all about where you want to be on the ladder, and I'm a FIRM believer in dressing for success.

Kris

[RYAN]

I would rather have 2 or 3 trucks for the $30,000 than 1. or one truck and $15,000 of equipment. I myself have never seen the need for a brand new truck with all the bells and whistles. You can buy a very reliable, clean and professional looking truck for $15,000 easily and put the money you save back into the biz. I think some people need a big expensive truck just to feel important.

RYAN

[dmk395]

Good point ryan! We have this guy in our town, he went under. 3 diesel dump trucks, and he cuts as much grass as i do with 1, 1988 chevy. LOL

[paul]

As long as it runs every day and you keep them clean then use what ever you like, but if you have more than one truck on the road and crews that have to be some place so they make money for you then new is the way to go. Can't see paying for a crew while they work on a truck or have it breaking down along the road.

[Evan528]

I have a "$30,000" ford f-250 ext cab xlt. I bought such a expensive truck because i not only use it for work but it is also my personal vehicle. If i were only driving for work id get a $15,000 truck, but i work hard.... i decided to spoil my self for once.

[mmorgan]

Well I am sort of split on this one. One important thing though is to look professional. If you look like sandford and son, people will wonder if your service is the same. Cost of operation is a consideration as well. Sometimes high repair bills and poor fuel economy will offset payments. I currently have 2 trucks. A fully restored frame off, 1979 Chevrolet 3/4 ton 4x4. (sweet) I actually hate working with it, but it does the job well. There are occasional repairs, minor as they are, once in a while you may experience down time. Also fuel mileage is 5 mpg at best
Truck # 2 is a 2000 Chevy 1500 4x4. Yes I have a payment, but I am depreciating the truck on my taxes, I have no repair bills, and I am currently getting 16 mpg. My kidneys thank me everytime I drive it instead of the '79 as well!

P.S. You MUST look Cool on your Stool!!!!

I was just reading other threads on this same issue. Public perception is a lose/lose situation as far as trucks and equipment goes. Before I finished my '79 and bought the '00, I drove a 1999 Chevrolet crew cab dually 4x4. Victory red, alcoa wheels, diamond tread everywhere, black windows, etc. (I really miss this truck!!). People in town said that I was making too much money. When I finished the '79, I sold the "Mother Ship". Anything is for sale if the money is right! Then people said I was going broke and could not afford such toys. A few months later I bought my '00. "Now he's back in the chips" they said.

The bottom line is, you will never be right in the public eye. For some, a truck is just transportation and for others it is an item of great pride that you probly spend too much on, but that is what you choose to do with your money. I have always been a truck fan, so I choose to spoil myself in this area. We all need a little reward once in a while. Sorry for the great length, but it just had to be said.

[Edited by mmorgan on 01-21-2001 at 10:16 PM]

[KirbysLawn]

Uhhhh....OK

[jkinchla]

The only problem with an old truck is repairs. I say if you buy the thing new and you take care of it, then keep it as long as you can. But once it starts to cost money in repairs and DOWN TIME, then it is time to buy new again.

And I wrestled with this issue this spring, but bought a little '94 Toyota 2wd pickup for $5000 to do estimates and errands in. It has the older styling and is very basic, but it is clean and economical. This was the best move possible, and it saves a lot of wear and tear on that expensive 350. But I am conscious of how it looks to drive a small, older pickup to look at jobs. However, so far so good, and I smile at the gas pump when I think about the $$ I saved over the 350.

[Bama]

I started my lawn business with a 2wd Toyota truck. It was great on fuel economy, but couldn't tow all the equipment that I eventually needed. I then bought me a white '96 Z71.
I believe the white truck and white covered trailer with green lettering for my advertising definately upgraded my businesses image. Anything you can do to help build the image of your business will help to build your business.
Looking as professional as possible never hurt any business!!!
Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents.
God Bless,
Bama

[HOMER]

Banging on the starter with the hood up didn't look cool one day a couple years ago while I was trying to break into a nice neighborhood. Neither was calling friends or having a "chase" vehicle to follow me around to make sure my older model truck would crank. I get to use my 2000 model truck for business, pleasure, and a tax write off. Like someone said, it's a personal thing. I have worked too hard over the years and had to drive junk, I don't have to anymore so I choose not to. Nobody makes my payments but me and yes I have had compliments on my truck and equipment............and none of it was given to me either. Pay the IRS or enjoy SOME of what you make!

[thelawnguy]

I would much prefer to make a 300 a month truck payment than a 300 a month repair bill payment.

[Greenkeepers]

Lawnguy and Homer I agree. We work too hard to go out and drive a 1975 Whatever. Every month I don't mind making my payment on my truck (99 Ram 2500) because the truck has been great and already paid for itself because it has been running every day that it needed to be. Plus the new trucks have much better options for towning/plowing than the trucks of old.

Just my .02

[awm]

I would like to have a big new 4wd shiney
and in with all the extras to ride around an
drum up buisiness,or visit customers.
But id feel sick if i had to do all the hard dirty
stuff with it.For that give me a strong loadbearing
workhorse truck .It be better if it didnt
look to bad but not necessary.

[osc]

My opinion is that as long as your truck is clean and in good working order then it won't be out of place in any neighborhood. Rich folks aren't as stupid as one might think. A work truck is a work truck.

Now if you are knocking down 200 grand in profit every year, I think you can afford whatever truck you want. If you clear 30 grand in profit a year and you buy a 40 grand truck you have the right to be irresponsible if you want but personally I think it's a pretty silly way to handle your money.

And finally I have this equation for you:

Brand new truck + work = old beat up work truck.

Then again, nothing makes me laugh harder than someone using a one ton, 4 wheel drive, dually, deisel engine, four door truck to go get groceries with and the bed never sees a load in it's life and the tow package never pulls a thing. We have plenty of people in my home town that keep truck sales up just because they look cool driving one.

[double e]

I have a 92 and a 95 chevy 3500. love them both would not trade them both for a new one. Its nice having 2 trucks so when one is getting maintenenced on.

Appearence does matter to an extent. Just like uniforms.

[bucktail]

small trucks=small loads I could not even pull my dump trailer empty with a 1/2 ton big boys need big toys!

[MIDSOUTH]

man, i was thinking about this post today while grinding up leaves down here in monroe,la, and i just wanted to say- that while mowing - i was admiring my superduty and thought to myself - i can't believe somebody would make a post like this because there are probably a lot of people on here with nice new 40,000.00 trucks, yes i have a high truck note-$650.73 per month - i chose this because i wanted this truck, it is my own personal business if i want to drive a nice truck or not-what do you care if i do or not- it does not mean i am making killer bucks but it is simply what i wanted. people may say i don't need my jetski's but i like them, i spend my money the way i please, that is what everyone should do. i shouldn't of got aggravated at this post but it seemed like you were knocking people because they drove a nice new vehicle. if you were not meaning it this way please accept my apologys for getting aggravated, but if you did mean it that way then GET A LIFE!!!!

just my opinion!!!

p.s.-i guess the reason i got aggravated is i've never been able to have a nice x-pensive truck till i started mowing and then people want to knock on you, i don't think so. Well i can definately afford it and i am certainly gonna drive it. By the way it only gets 12mpg on diesel-but i still love it!!!!

[mdb landscaping]

i personally am a nut about my equipment. its always washed and cleaned. i dont have one scratch in my truck. i like running a nice looking operation, but a truck payment is worth it. this is the business your in, so you might as well make the best of it. as long as you can feed yourself, you might as well go big or go home. you can though run older trucks that look new. a guy around here probably has 7 ford trucks from the 80's and all the equipment looks brand new.

[1MajorTom]

I believe this topic has been covered before, and it really boils down to personal preference.

New trucks are definitely nice, but new WORK trucks are another matter. I just can't see getting and using a BRAND NEW truck messed up by dings and scratches. No matter how careful one is, it is bound to happen.

On the other hand, that doesn't mean I think it's cool to drive around in an old rusted out beater.
Image AND dependable are important, but I think they can be achieved by owning a middle of the line WORK truck.

Save the new truck for cruising and fun. Of course that's my opinion.


Jodi

[pcs]

I like to lease my trucks. That way I get a new truck every three years and I don't have to worry about using this brand new truck and getting dings in it. For $500.00 I buy a package that covers any damage on the truck.

[dmk395]

Its too bad some people are insecure, I was only trying to make a simple statement, being that some people jump way over there heads in debt, and thus see themselves working to just pay for equipment, others do not. Thus big trucks dont always equal big bucks.
Nevertheless, to each his own.

[KirbysLawn]

I feel very secure sitting in my big truck. :D I did not really give much of a reply on my first post because I didn't really see the point of the post. The first post sounds like someone who was thinking outloud and typed it.

The other end of the spectrum....It's too bad people are so tight that they drive around old, beat up trucks that break down and look horrable. Some people keep putting their money in their pocket...all their lives....afraid to enjoy themselves or spend a buck, then end up staying in a nursing home or retirment center giving it all away to someone who they don't even know.

I'll enjoy life now, I love my big $35,000+ truck, I love taking it on long trips, fire up the DVD and the kids are content with a movie, let'em play games on the computer or whatever, makes a 12 hour trip great! I love the diesel sound, I'm starting to like the smell (wife likes a little dabbed behind the ear)! http://www.unionturf.com/devil.gif

[MIDSOUTH]

Right on the money Kirby!!!!!
I think I've kinda got used to the deisel smell too. I like it!!

[Edited by MIDSOUTH on 01-23-2001 at 11:44 PM]

[KirbysLawn]

I'm waiting to see your truck.

[dmk395]

Hey kirby, that truck of yours is too nice to get grass stains in!

[MIDSOUTH]

Kirby, I will get some pics of it and post them.

[Paradise Yard Service]

My 86 B-2000 is still going! 190,000 miles (mostly business)bought new for the business. At the time my 69 Datsun P-Up was leaking too much oil on my customers cement driveways. I'm too attached to upgrade. Kind of want to see how long she will go. Runnin Amsoil since new and never lifted the valve cover so its kind of a test truck. I suppose I'll go for a new one but it will be hard to part with ol Betsy. One old beater Toyota truck over here had painted on the side TRD Toyota Rust Development! Got to love yourself first, so go for the new truck I'm just not ready yet.
Aloha,
P.Y.S.

[thelawnguy]

Originally posted by mdb landscaping
i personally am a nut about my equipment. its always washed and cleaned. i dont have one scratch in my truck.

Lol, where you are from (Glastonbury, home of the soccer mom and McMansion) unless your truck and equip looks new and shiny no potential customer would give you the time of day. Conversely, go to New Britain and you will not get an account unless your truck is well worn and weatherbeaten. Depending on your market, image could mean everything.

[lawrence stone]

There is more money to be made in a Levitown type older surburban housing vs. new $500k+ shacks up on knob hill.

The reason being is the older dual income empty nesters w/o a mortgage
and a town car they paid cash for have more expendable income than the "newer generation".

Plus you can do more smaller properties vs. large in the same amount of time.

Remember there is safety in numbers.

[kountryscape]

Hey while reading the post i thought of a guy a couple of towns over that runs nothing put 1950's trucks. I bet he has 15 or so they tow a single axle trailer with ztrs and all the equipment. he even has a couple larger trucks like stake body dumps that are that old. Point being people see them, its his marketing thing. He must have one heck of a mechanic . Its about like the florist delivery car i saw the other day it was a vw bug, a new one with big 1960 style flowers on it.

Ideas vw bug for the wife with grass growing up all around the bottom of the car . with your lawncare name on the back . a new car for the wife and a bill board.

jarrett morgan
countryscape

[dan35]

“Let your equipment work for you don’t work for your equipment !”
Let’s take a look at this. Take a $ 33,000 truck vs. nice used $ 10,000 one. $ 30,000 at 6.5% -10% down for 5 years = $ 38,0219.11.( $ 586.98 per month ). Nice used truck $10,000 -10% down at 9.5% for 18 months ( $ 538.44 per month) total = $ 11,565.64. Now let’s take that $ 586.98 and put it in a good mutual fund at 14% for the remaining 42 months and we have $29,318 and a used truck worth about $ 6000 if you keep it up. Don’t touch this for 20 years and it’s $ 517,786.64 a nice nest egg for just driving a clean used truck for 5 years. I have a 1989 F-150 that has been a very sound trouble free truck for the last ten years. I also have been investing in a mutual fund for the last five years and have done very good with it. I am not saying this is for everyone but when I see a guy driving a new $ 30,000 truck my first thought is Wow that’s sharp but then I think to myself hey I could probably do something he cant. Pay cash for his truck! KEEP ON TRUCKING.

[RYAN]

Could not agree with you more Dan35. There are too many other things you can do with all that money.

[dmk395]

Couldnt have said it better Dan35

[jaclawn]

I have said this before, the truck does not make you any money. How many more lawns can you cut in a day with a brand new $30K truck vs. a $5K used truck?

MY daily lawn truck is a fully restored 1974. IT looks better than most of the '94 trucks out on the road. Owning an old truck isn't for everyone though. I enjoy the tinkering and repairs on the truck.

My truck has been fully restored, both body wise, and mechanically. In the last five years, It has been "down" for a total of maybe 1.5 days, and that is not total, maybe an afternoon here, or a morning there.

Another part of owning an older truck is being able to do all or at least most of the repairs yourself. Aside from internal engine or transmission work, I am capible of just about anything on that truck.

I often find it amusing to see other rigs going down the road. I will often see a brand new fancy truck, pulling a death trap of a trailer, with a couple of 10 year old walk behinds, and some other beat up equipment.

Personally, I would rather have a less expensive truck, and newer, faster, more productive equipment. You can cut more grass in a day with a more productive mower, you can't cut more grass in a day with a shiny truck.

ANother thing to look at is that different people view vehicles as different things, To some, it is just transportation, and to others, it can be their pride and joy. Personally, I am not out to impress anybody.

My truck turns a lot of heads. MOst people don't even seem to notice a new red dump truck going down the road, people that know vehicles, will take a second look at a fully restored 1974.

Yes, there are repairs that cost me money, but I know that my reiaprs will never equal that of a new truck payment. Yes, I may have to shell out $1500 for an engine, but that is going to last many years.

I would much rather take the money that I saved, and use it on more enjoyable things in life. I would rather have an older truck, and a speed boat. I would rather have an older truck, and be able to take a few longer vacations. I would rather have an older truck, and be able to update my home...

[thelawnguy]

"I have said this before, the truck does not make you any money. How many more lawns can you cut in a day with a brand new $30K truck vs. a $5K used truck?"

How many more lawns can you cut in a day with a brand new truck vs. an old truck sitting by the curb with a broken, rusted frame, or its transmission leaving a red tail behind you?

I think I know the answer...

[jaclawn]

Bill-

I did not mention in my post that before purchasing an older truck, one must do a very, very thorough inspection of it. Also, a very, very good maintenance and inspection program must be in place. Again, owning an older truck is not for everyone.

BTW- I seem to remember you asking how large of a trailer an Intrepid could pull. Seems that your newer truck is just as reliable as my older truck.

[MIDSOUTH]

hey lawnguy-i agree 100%

these people i guess think that when they are old and on their deathbed they will take it with them.
remember this-you can't take it with you- enjoy life instead of being such a tight wad you should be able to make a pretty healthy nestegg and still enjoy life-if not get more yards and fire your help!!!!!

[thelawnguy]

"BTW- I seem to remember you asking how large of a trailer an Intrepid could pull. Seems that your newer truck is just as reliable as my older truck. "

Every machine needs to be out of service for maintenance some time. I just dont want to be without other options. I did put a 1 1/4 reciever on the car, it will pull my under 2k trailer in a pinch.

Id rather spend my time making money than spinning a wrench-been there at one point in life, sorry not again. At least not any more often than I can help.

[MWM]

Down time kills. Run the numbers on what it costs to have a truck down while a clutch is rebuilt or is towed to the shop for "minor repairs" and a crew can't run for a day or two.. Our livelihood is based on our equipment being usable. A new 3/4 ton 2500hd 4x4 can be bought for 26,000 including tax title. Figuring on a five year life expectancy, including fuel and maintenance that comes to less than $4.50 per hour to operate. Makes sense to me to keep new metal flowing into the operation and phasing out the ones that cost me money.

[Randy Scott]

This thread is getting old and boring, we've seen and heard every comment possible, I don't tell others what to do with their money, don't tell me how to spend mine!