Help a Brother Out - Quick Tips that Make a Difference

[Hedgemaster]

I thought that this would be a good way to share tips and advice that may be useful to others. Not geared to any one topic - just things that may make life easier for someone - whether a noob, or seasoned veteran.

Feel free to add your suggestions on products that work, things that increase productivity, ways to stay safe on the job, and so on. From mowing tips, to paperwork management, to your favorite ink pen - anything that may make life just a little bit better/easier/faster/safer for someone else.

I was inspired to start this thread after having spoken to an older gentleman who was working across from one of my clients. We both stopped for a few minutes to talk shop and even in those few moments, I picked up some valuable tips for which I was quite thankful.

Even as a relative noob, there are all sorts of little things I've discovered that others may find useful as well.

Even if you think it's common knowledge, please share your ideas. There are a ton of people who read this forum who would probably appreciate a little help from a stranger - I know I do.
How about it - can you help a brother out?

[Hedgemaster]

I'll go first...



Have you ever lost your keys while working?
If not, have you thought about how fast a good day can go bad if your keys get lost in a client's jungle of a lawn?


I put my key ring on a locking carabiner.



A lot of people use the 99¢ carabiners for this and many other purposes, but that little spring gate is the only thing between your keys staying put, and ending up getting run over by your mower because something bumped it allowing the ring to come loose.

I slip it through a belt loop, or anywhere else that's convenient and spin the locking collar to keep them where I know they will be secure.
(Note that belt loops can tear too if you're not careful)

I think I paid about $7 for one like the one pictured. (local outdoor outfitter)
I thought I'd only use it for work, but I pretty much keep them on it all the time.

[CHEESE2009]

Keys have always been annoying for me, unfortunately I just hate to hold them.

Summertime
1. Stop truck
2. Windows up
3. Keys in the back/bed of the truck
4. Work

It becomes a hassle, especially if they fly around in the back of the truck getting tools etc, but I'd rather that then holding on to them and having to search an entire lawn for them.

I may just use that thing above, and put it somewhere in the back of the truck clipped onto something.

.

Great thread, these are difficult to keep alive, let's keep this one going!

I'll post something soon. I have to go shovel some rain apparently.

One client complained, yet we hadn't gotten any snow for probably over a week (just a lot of rain), NO IDEA WHY HE CALLED SO LATE?!

[CHEESE2009]

Tip: Stay Refreshed

You know what's refreshing? A cold shower.

You know what's awesome? A cold shower on the go!

When it's really hot out, nothing will cool you down throughout the day like a wet towel.

Soak a towel in some water before leaving home, place it on your head and let one end hang down the backside of your neck. Now put a hat on to keep it from falling off!

The day I decided to start doing this has changed my productivity a whopping 100,000,000%. You will honestly ALWAYS feel 'fresh', it's truly amazing.

[Steve]

after having spoken to an older gentleman who was working across from one of my clients. We both stopped for a few minutes to talk shop and even in those few moments, I picked up some valuable tips for which I was quite thankful.

What was he suggesting to you?

[Hedgemaster]

What was he suggesting to you?

We talked about everything from trailers, to hiring employees.

The first time we spoke, he showed me how to quickly sharpen my blade with a file to keep it cutting cleanly. I thought it was pretty nice of him to take the time to do so.

[Steve]

Was the older guy you were talking with, running his own lawn care company or was he just working on his lawn?

[CHEESE2009]

Tip: Don't get hungover

Out of all the people on the earth, who do you think suffers the most from a hangover?

Us.

Why?

1. Sunshine
2. Loud noises
3. Sweating
4. Dehydration
5. Customer chit chat

So my advice is to either never drink again, or be sure to consume lots of vitamin water prior to sleeping.

Pro-Tip;
You can also eat CHEESE, which will actually absorb the alcohol in your stomach, this will prevent you from becoming even more of a drunk.


pictured above: me

[Hedgemaster]

Was the older guy you were talking with, running his own lawn care company or was he just working on his lawn?

He's got his own business. Semi-retired now, but had a few crews before and has since sold most of his extra stuff. Now he just works for a few select clients.


On-topic:

When someone who has been in your shoes longer than you have talks, listen to what they tell you - they probably know what they are talking about.

[Hedgemaster]

PROBLEM: I hate when my fingers get cold. Cold and wet is even worse.

I always have several pair of gloves in the truck just in case, but I hate putting cold gloves on cold hands - what's the use?

SOLUTION!

I have a portable refrigerator that is primarily designed for vehicular use. I picked it up years ago to keep at my desk to keep my soft drinks handy when I was working my indoor job.
It also has a "WARM" setting, so I dug it out of the basement and plugged it into the outlet in my truck...

TA-DA!!! WARM GLOVES!!!

[bruces]

I bring several pairs of gloves as well ,and put them across my dash with the defroster going while driving so they are dry and toasty when required .

[Hedgemaster]

I bring several pairs of gloves as well ,and put them across my dash with the defroster going while driving so they are dry and toasty when required .

I place the pair I'm going to wear when I get out between my a$$ and the heated seat between jobs.

[CHEESE2009]

I put my pair of gloves in a place I forget, then go to the store and buy new WARM ones every time!

[Steve]

You know, I always wanted to get one of those portable refrigerator units but figured they wouldn't work worth a damn.

Do they really keep food nice and cool?

[CHEESE2009]

I think I'm the only one here who never packs a meal.

I spend a lot of gas just driving around procrastinating, and going the distance for restaurants.

I should really change my ways, LOL.