Any thoughts on my start out equipment and trailer recommendations

[irishsoul]

Hello all,
I will be starting my business this April and have decided to purchase a Hustler Mini-Z 52", a Quick 36 Super-duty, a Stihl FS-90 trimmer and a Stihl BR-380 blower. How does this sound? I have a 10k budget and this is the outfit I've decided on unless you guys tell me of any obvious mistakes. Also, any advice on inexpensive trailers will really be helpful. I'm in the metro Atlanta area and can't start 'til April because that's when my finances come into line. Thanks!

[Raven386]

take a nice chunk of that money and put it to advertising. because without customers, all that equipment is pointless.

[irishsoul]

I agree about the advertising and have a separate budget for it. The 10k is strictly equipment monies. -Thx!

[Raven386]

how much is the mini-z?

[Prestige-Lawncare]

Sounds like you've thought this out somewhat ... a 36" WB for the smaller areas and gated yards ... a Z that's not too big, but big enough to tackle most any residential or small commercial property, blower and trimmer.

As for a trailer, I would look for a good used 16' or so, tandem axle. You can get by with a smaller one, but you're probably gonna grow and the extra room now would be nice. You'll probably add a 21" in there somewhere, various small hand tools, gas cans, trash barrel maybe, etc. Try not to go with something too small that you will outgrow this season.

Be positive, aggressive, and treat your customers well. Image means a lot in this business, as that is part of what we are providing our customers. Sure, you'll have some who all they want is the dang grass cut, but you'll have many who will appreciate your efforts to make their lawn look nice. Many people want their lawn to look better then the neighbors, and they look to you to do that for them.

Good Luck ... and keep reading here on Lawnsite ... there are many great people here!

Dave

[Raven386]

Originally Posted by Prestige-Lawncare

Sounds like you've thought this out somewhat ... a 36" WB for the smaller areas and gated yards ... a Z that's not too big, but big enough to tackle most any residential or small commercial property, blower and trimmer.

As for a trailer, I would look for a good used 16' or so, tandem axle. You can get by with a smaller one, but you're probably gonna grow and the extra room now would be nice. You'll probably add a 21" in there somewhere, various small hand tools, gas cans, trash barrel maybe, etc. Try not to go with something too small that you will outgrow this season.

Be positive, aggressive, and treat your customers well. Image means a lot in this business, as that is part of what we are providing our customers. Sure, you'll have some who all they want is the dang grass cut, but you'll have many who will appreciate your efforts to make their lawn look nice. Many people want their lawn to look better then the neighbors, and they look to you to do that for them.

Good Luck ... and keep reading here on Lawnsite ... there are many great people here!

Dave

couldnt have been said better. the trailer thing is a definite! i bought a 6X14 and its already too small for me. if your interested its still for sale! the only other thing i was thinking is to save money, you can get a w/b instead of a Z.

[irishsoul]

The Mini-Z is going for $6,100. It's a 2006 new.

[Raven386]

the only thing i could say is i got a Lesco 52" Hydro for 3600 i think. but if you have the money and are willing to spend it. id say get the Z.

[irishsoul]

Thanks for the help, guys. Anyone else?

[GreenN'Clean]

I would skip the ZTR for now and get yourself a 52" wb as well as the 36 wb. Take the extra money you'll save from not buying a ZTR and put that into advertising. Build your business first and gain clients and then add the ZTR to your list of equipment because as others have said all the machines in the world won't do you any good until you got clients to use them on.