Upgrading Equipment

[chris brauch]

Hey guys,
I have been studying and researching a lot to learn the right way, legal, and professional way to run a lawn care business. I am NOT a low baller guy but i am new and still small so i had a few questions. Right now, my equipment includes:
98 Ford E250 Cargo Van
6.5X12 ft Utility Trailer With Gate
Craftsman Riding Mower
Husqvarna Riding Mower
Toro Push Mower W/Bagger
Shindaiwa Trimmer Multi Tool with Edger Attachment
Maruyama Trimmer
Weed Eater Blower

I am expanding somewhat fastly and need to upgrade on my equipment. If you have any ideas on what i should buy, please help me out. Here are the conditions i am cutting in. St. Louis Metro area, 90% subdivision yards and 10% yards with acreage. Most clients do not have backyard fence, and i have one person working with me. I was thinking about getting rid of the lawn tractors, keeping the toro push mower, and keeping the shindaiwa and maruyama trimmers. I know i want one or two zero turns but i don't know if i need a sit down, walk behind, or one of each. I am thinking ideally one 50-52" cut and one 32-36" cut. Ferris, Exmark, John Deere, Scag? I heard that Ferris leaves the best stripes and that is somewhat important to me. One last thing, i have found some REALLY good deals on Toro zero turns on craigslist and even new. these aren't commercial machines are they? if not, for 2000 or less used, wouldn't that be a good deal if i'm just starting out?

[32vld]

How many lanws/hours are you mowing lawns per week?

[BJWLAWNCARE]

Buy more of the attachments for the Shiny. Start with the trimmer head. You have the M242?

[chris brauch]

Originally Posted by BJWLAWNCARE

Buy more of the attachments for the Shiny. Start with the trimmer head. You have the M242?

Do you suggest having many attachments for the shindaiwa versus just buying whole piece equipment alone like just buying a shrub trimmer attachment instead of buying the whole shrub trimmer unit? and i already have the trimmer head on their with a speed feed head

[BJWLAWNCARE]

yes buy whatever attachments you need for that unit.

[USAProLawnCare]

If you have the money, I'd recommend getting more tools for that powerhead, and possibly even getting another powerhead with identical tools for your partner. It'll still be less than buying multiples of each individual tool.

And also, buy a new blower. I started with a weed eater brand blower too.

[chris brauch]

Originally Posted by USAProLawnCare

If you have the money, I'd recommend getting more tools for that powerhead, and possibly even getting another powerhead with identical tools for your partner. It'll still be less than buying multiples of each individual tool.

And also, buy a new blower. I started with a weed eater brand blower too.

Ya the attachments for the multi tool are only 1/3 of the price of the whole units alone, i just always thought it would be too much time consumed to switch out pieces, and i thought it would be too much run time on one motor if i am using the multi tool for everything i do. i guess i could try it though, it'll save a ton of money

[BJWLAWNCARE]

Trust me I have two shindy's now with a kawasaki as a backup that maintain over 150 accounts. I had a shindy 2510 last 5 seasons and I used it as a trimmer and hedge clipper. If you want a backpack blower a shindy 802 is the best no doubt.

[chris brauch]

Originally Posted by BJWLAWNCARE

Trust me I have two shindy's now with a kawasaki as a backup that maintain over 150 accounts. I had a shindy 2510 last 5 seasons and I used it as a trimmer and hedge clipper. If you want a backpack blower a shindy 802 is the best no doubt.

Mine's blue and it's a four stoke. is that a good one? i bought it used. it starts and runs good everytime on first pull, only downside i guess is having to adjust the valves

[BJWLAWNCARE]

Yes that is a M2510 I believe. It is IMO the best one. I never adjusted the valvles I know it calls for it. The 242 has a little less power. I can buy those powerheads for about 170 so I just replace them.