Most efficient number of employees on a lawn crew?

[Southern Heritage]

I run 3 man crews. We have tried 2 but wasn't efficient enough. But I've noticed all your guys need to be on the same pace. You can't put a fast guy with a medium or really fast with fast. Seems that symmetry is everything with maintenance crews.

[sterlinglawns]

Originally Posted by Blades Lawn Maintenance

When I worked for another LCO it was just me and him and it worked out perfect. I'd jump on the mower and he would trim and edge. After I was done I get the blower. We had it timed out perfectly where as soon as he would get done I would. Our average was about 27 yards in one day. These yards were prob 1/2 acre properties

Yep that is our set up as well. 2 man crew one cutting one trimming and edging. Whoever finishes first grabs the blower then off to the next stop. Most properties are around 1/2 acre.

[ozarklawns]

I do think that having one man weed whip and one stick edge would be nice. I know right now with two people we can do about 20 per day at most. I don't know about more than that. I guess if you have very little drive time you could handle a lot of work in one suburb. I know we spend about an hour drive time in a day but I don't really dedicate time for a break. Drive time is our break. If we could do 25-30 average yards in a day that would be nice. It just seems like more money more problems. Often it does not seem like its worth it but I created this monster. Time to tame the beast!

[Duekster]

On paper 3 guys lower your overall cost per unit but I am not sure 3 are 1/3 more productive than 2.

[acculawnsystems]

With 16 years experience as a LCO, we always tried to stay lean with one or two extra guys in the wings if someone did not show, which happens more often than you think.