is it possible

[JKLC]

has anyone her started a company with just a good commercial 21" walk behind and built on that? Of course trimmer, edger, blower included.. but without going to a 36".

Do you feel that this is a reasonable venture... take to cosideration very part time to include evenings and weekends.. still have full time job.

[dvmcmrhp52]

has anyone her started a company with just a good commercial 21" walk behind and built on that? Of course trimmer, edger, blower included.. but without going to a 36".

Do you feel that this is a reasonable venture... take to cosideration very part time to include evenings and weekends.. still have full time job.


Yes you can do it with a bit of common sense...............
Don't go trying to do 1 acre lots with a 21 and think your in business.
Some young folks on here believe the rest of us are idiots because we tell them they're kidding themselves trying to do an acre with a 21" mower.


Good luck.

[SoloMow]

has anyone her started a company with just a good commercial 21" walk behind and built on that? Of course trimmer, edger, blower included.. but without going to a 36".

Do you feel that this is a reasonable venture... take to cosideration very part time to include evenings and weekends.. still have full time job.

Obviously, many are here who started with less than "a good commercial 21". Is this a great country, or what? :D

[MMLawn]

has anyone her started a company with just a good commercial 21" walk behind and built on that? Of course trimmer, edger, blower included.. but without going to a 36".

Do you feel that this is a reasonable venture... take to cosideration very part time to include evenings and weekends.. still have full time job.

Yes you can but with just you and a 21" don't expect to make any money with it as all you will make that way after expenses and time spent pushing that 21" is about the same you would make at McDonald's.

[twins_lawn_care]

depending on the size lots you are doing, and how dedicated you are to your business and its success, you can make it big.

the 21" will do until you can get enough work and customers to warrant buying a bigger mower.

some businesses are all run by 21" mowers, as they are the best choice for the size lawn you are doing. if your lawns are a bit larger, sure a 36" will increase efficiency, but that doesn't mean you can't get it done with a 21"

simple fact is, ANYTHING is possible. the only way to fail is to quit.

[bbhlawn]

I know of a guy just south of me that only uses 21" mowers. You just need to be selective on the yards you get or want and make sure that you don't get overloaded. Don't get me wrong it is great to have big fancy equipment, but if you have the desire and ability you can start with anything. Whatever happens make a plan first and work your plan.

[JKLC]

thank you for the imput... if i were to buy cheep on any equipment.. what do you feel would be the best to short cut on...
use a non commercial mower and upgrade next season?
use a used trimmer/edger?
used blower?

we can afford a good commercial mower but that leaves very little for trimmer/edger and blower... will have to go used if we blow our wallet on a high quality mower... what do you all suggest?

[twins_lawn_care]

here's what I would do...

considering what you have to work with, and your short term goals...

buy a brand new homeowner model toro mower, say $300-$400
this should last you a year no problem, and if not, they should still warranty it.

get a hand held blower, maybe $100 or so range.

get a commercial grade trimmer.

I am saying this as it is exactly how I started, with the exception I went cheap on a trimmer the first year, then got one the second year. the time I saved by not reloading line, and easier trimming, and less back fatigue was well worth it, plus, it will last years! so about $250-$300 there.

so you're in the $650-$800 range with those items. you'll need some others, but buy as you need them, and as you grow.

by all means, if you can afford sommercial grade off the bat, it is a much wiser thing to do (as I have learned) but you have to start somewhere.

Good luck with it, and remember to reinvest in your business if you are serious about it. it's very hard to do once you get those paychecks coming in, but where the business grows to is all up to how you handle it.

[Eho]

It is possible for sure, in fact, I say you should start like that. I m part time( about 15-20) lawns per week and all I use is a 21 inch( commercial grade toro). I choose small enough lawns to where I make decent money off of this setup, but next year I will probably get a 32 inch mower.
EHO

[dvmcmrhp52]

thank you for the imput... if i were to buy cheep on any equipment.. what do you feel would be the best to short cut on...
use a non commercial mower and upgrade next season?
use a used trimmer/edger?
used blower?

we can afford a good commercial mower but that leaves very little for trimmer/edger and blower... will have to go used if we blow our wallet on a high quality mower... what do you all suggest?




I suggest you save a few more dollars and educate yourself in the mean time.

[The LawnSmith]

I am a solo part timer (Weekends/evenings). I started 3 years ago and made a deal with a customer who had a Murray 38" Rider to cut his yard for the rest of the season for the mower. I bought a cheap Weedeater brand trimmer, a Murray 3 wheeled edger, and a cheap Ryobi blower, and hauled everything in the back of my pickup. I thought I was set out to make a killing. All of the equipment died out before the fall of that first year. It was embarrasing to show up to a property and something wouldn't start or crapped out in the middle of the job. I was making some decent money, but didn't quite see the big picture of what it takes to sustain my business venture. My lesson learned was that homeowner equipment won't cut it.
I am still very far away from owning the stuff I want, but I'm buying better equipment as I can. I read all the posts here from the folks who have been there and done that, and except for an occasional smart#$% comment or two, they know what they are talking about. Everyones situation is a bit different, especially for the solo guys. I have a couple John Deere Riders that I have maintained religously and thay run like they did when I bought them. You have got to upgrade as much as you can, keep your blades sharp, oil changed regularly, and put aside money for the unexpected. I would love to do this type of work full time, and maybe one day I will. Just realize that it takes time not only to have the equipment you want, but as you upgrade your equipment, you are also upgrading your knowledge base of what it takes to be a professional in this trade. I learn all the time about this business through my own mistakes, and from the real pros who do this everyday.

Good Luck

[SoloMow]

here's what I would do...

considering what you have to work with, and your short term goals...

buy a brand new homeowner model toro mower, say $300-$400
this should last you a year no problem, and if not, they should still warranty it.

get a hand held blower, maybe $100 or so range.

get a commercial grade trimmer.

I am saying this as it is exactly how I started, with the exception I went cheap on a trimmer the first year, then got one the second year. the time I saved by not reloading line, and easier trimming, and less back fatigue was well worth it, plus, it will last years! so about $250-$300 there.

so you're in the $650-$800 range with those items. you'll need some others, but buy as you need them, and as you grow.

by all means, if you can afford sommercial grade off the bat, it is a much wiser thing to do (as I have learned) but you have to start somewhere.

Good luck with it, and remember to reinvest in your business if you are serious about it. it's very hard to do once you get those paychecks coming in, but where the business grows to is all up to how you handle it.


Yes! Sometimes good advice is simple.