Hello Everyone

mike0507 · #1 09-30-2012, 01:27 AM

My name is Michael, and I have been on here for a few months now just reading some of the posts and trying to gather and learn as much as I can from all of you. I am planning to start my lawn care business next year (April) and just had a few questions for some of you.

Right now I am looking into equipment. I want an enclosed trailer but am not sure what size will be suitable. I plan on having a push mower, 32" walk behind, and at least a 46" ZTR mower. Will a 6x12 trailer fit all of this? The blowers, trimmers, etc will be hung on the interior walls of the trailer.

Also, What type of trucks are you using? I have been reading a lot about diesel trucks and have seen a lot of negative reviews on the 7.0 liter ford F250. For towing purposes I really don't want to use a F150 or equivalent size truck. Any help on these issues will be greatly appreciated!!

Cashin H&P · #2 09-30-2012, 09:37 AM

Lawn care business tips

First off welcome! Second I have a 5x10 open trailer. I have a 48 walk behind and 2 push mowers. I like having the capability to use the trailer for other things if needed. With an enclosed trailer you can't do things like put brush in it or haul mulch. As for the truck, I have never herd of a 7.0 do you mean 6.0? I have an 04 Chevy 1500 I tow and plow with it. It is fine for landscaping and residential/light commercial plowing.

mike0507 · #3 09-30-2012, 10:51 AM

Yea, I know what you mean about using an open trailer. I have actually been debating about buying an open or enclosed trailer. There are a few things I like about having an enclosed trailer. I can keep everything locked up at night without unloading it, and its a moving billboard... but just like you said, you are limited with an enclosed trailer.

And yes, that was a typo, I meant the 6.0 liter Ford... Do you think it is necessary for anything bigger than a 1500?

Thanks for your help

Cashin H&P · #4 09-30-2012, 11:11 AM

No not if your doing just regular lawn care if you get into hardscapes and get bobcats and tthings then an f250 would be better. But then you would need an equipment traile and ththat is a whole new ball game

mike0507 · #5 10-01-2012, 04:46 AM

Okay cool, well that will definitely eliminates a lot of the trucks I have been looking at, and will save a bit too! Thanks guys!

willshome · #6 10-01-2012, 07:30 AM

The 6.0L is a good engine but its not a 7.3L (7.3 is a cheap work horse)
I would look at mpg. My old bronco (f150) got towing around town 8, my diesel dump gets 12.
Spending money on gas is painful and cost more in the long run

Steve · #7 10-01-2012, 10:35 AM

Hi Mike,

Welcome to our forum! What got you interested in starting your own business?

mike0507 · #8 10-03-2012, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willshome

The 6.0L is a good engine but its not a 7.3L (7.3 is a cheap work horse)
I would look at mpg. My old bronco (f150) got towing around town 8, my diesel dump gets 12.
Spending money on gas is painful and cost more in the long run

Yea that's really the one biggest dilemma I was having. Diesel too, USUALLY last longer, however depending on the truck they can be more expensive.

mike0507 · #9 10-03-2012, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

Hi Mike,

Welcome to our forum! What got you interested in starting your own business?

Thanks, Steve!

I have actually always wanted to own my own business. I wanted to get into lawn care because it is something I love doing. I did it before I joined the ARMY, but I never owned the business, just worked for someone at the time.And it was a really small company. I'll be getting out pretty soon, and want to get back into it. Just trying to get everything in order and ready for when I get back and am ready to start!

Steve · #10 10-03-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

I never owned the business, just worked for someone at the time.And it was a really small company.

Do you feel you learned any lessons from that experience? If so, what stands out?

Hello Everyone

Starting a lawn care business.