Commercial Mower Questions

[lxarth]

Hello All! I've been at this for about a year, and this year business has been doing great. I've been viewing the boards for a few months, and thought it was time to post some questions. I've been able to mange on just a residential mower, but I know that can't last. I'm looking to upgrade to a commercial now and I was talking to my local repair guy and he mentioned a few brands that he would recommend; Honda, Kawasaki, or the Wisonsin/Subaru/Robbin. I haven't really looked around yet, as I thought some pros who use commercial mowers could give some excellent advice. He also told me he has a Honda HRC 216 that was left with him. He said he might be willing to sell it to me for $300, as he just can't get a hold of the guy who dropped it off. Also, I couldn't seem to figure out how to move it into 2nd gear. Is that a good deal? Should I look into something else? For a little more info, I don't really need a large walk behind right now. My basic 21" and 22" have been working. Any thoughts?

Lawn care business tips

Just curious, how many accounts do you have? Do you work alone? I'm starting up and I will be using my residential mower as well.

[lxarth]

Without looking into my Quickbooks, I'd say I have around 30. I pulled some from my last year accounts, and brought a lot on in just April alone. This isn't counting those who just want a one time mow.

I had a Yardman Honda as my personal mower, and a Poulan Weedwacker Featherlite too. I used to just load up into the back of my SUV and head to do some jobs.

I have upgraded to a 4'x8' trailer (the kind you would see at Bi-Mart or Harbor Freight). A Toro Briggs & Stratton residential mower. I recently had a customer (who rolled over from last year) say he is moving out of state and selling everything. So for 2 mows he gave me an electric weed-trimmer (I'm holding it for backup), and electric edger, some rakes, shovels, spades, etc.

So far it has been going well, but I would just like a better mower, one that I won't have to worry about so much.

I also talked to a landscaping company here in my area. I wanted to make a connection for jobs that are just too big for me. He has a "small" landscaping trailer he will sell me because it's just been sitting for years. Small to him is 6'x13'!

If you want some more information about what I'm doing, I would be happy to share what I can.