[iacordero]

Hey everyone. I'm looking to start my own lawn maintenance business, and would like to hear some opinions. I plan to start out doing mostly residential properties. I don't have a lot of capital to start out with, so I'm trying to keep it efficient and inexpensive (as if that was different than anyone else). I've always used 60" ZTRs with the company I'm currently with, which are nice, but way out of my price range. I played around with a Wright Stander, and really liked it, but don't know what would be a good size. 36" seems small if it's going to be my only mower for now, but I'm worried about getting through gates with a 48. I doubt that I will be cutting properties larger than 1-1.5 acres. Eventually I would like to get a 36 WB for fenced areas, but right now there's no moolah for that. All the equipment I plan on using for starters would be whatever mower I decide on, Stihl FS 90R, Stihl BR 380 (maybe BR550 if I'm in a splurging mood), and probably a Stihl stick edger. Maybe just a push mower for fenced in areas for starters?

I haven't really considere WBs as a main mower, because believe it or not, I don't have any experience with them.

I'd really appreciate any input, suggestions, life lessons, etc.

 

[ALC-GregH]

Wait 2-3 years before you try to even think of opening the business and study and research all about "how to run a business". There is SO much more that you don't "probably" know (don't know how smart you are) about running a business that you're bound to fail if you just jump in head first. Treat those 2-3 years like you're going to college only do it from home. Google will be your best friend.

 

[Southern Pride]

I disagree. Landscaping is no rocket science. For the first 2-3 years get a solid little customer base and concentrate on doing quality work. You would already be leaps and bounds over unorganized bigger companys that concentrate on time>quality. Especially in the customers eye.

I'm solo with about 10 residentials and I do excellent work and I know how to price work. My next phase is getting into sending out invoices and billing people. I have no experience with this.

 

[LCCaptain]

The only thing I regret doing my first year was investing over $9000 into a lawn care business before I had lawns. I couldn't claim any of my expenses because I didn't make over what I spent on purchases. My advice would be to invest in a used walk behind with bagger and 21" mower and good string trimmer, Stihl blower/vac combo and good trimmers for shrubs, some rakes,and tarps and you'll be able to tackle most any job till you get a good customer base.

 

[Mow'n'Blow21]

What I would suggest is not over spending on the equipment when you're just starting out. Being young and ambitious, I chose to buy the Deere x500 for my business, when I could have chosen a much cheaper mower and still managed. I'm a one man crew mowing, aerating, dethatching, installing mulch, and doing assorted landscape jobs around our city. I had to buy a tractor to tow around my trailer, as I don't have my truck yet.

 

[Southern Pride]

Yeah this is all given stuff.
Buy what you can afford.
Got 10 residentials and no money? Pushmow em'.

I just invested in a exmark 36, new 5x12, and new toro 21. Cleaned up my old echo blower and weedeater to perfect condition and I have my goals set for the end of the season and next season.

I've been in this business since I was 12. I've just spent too much time making money for the wrong people.