Gearing up

[gatewayuser]

If you're doing lawns that small just buy a 32 inch that way you can get into gated properties too, most gates are around 36 inches. Also stay away from JD, been there done that, last one I bought cost 10k and has been nothing but problems. When JD's have something break its expensive, about 2-3 times as much. I recently switched to Gravely and been happy so far. If you buy used the old Scags and Bobcats are good mowers that last forever. Usually a used 32or36 inch you can find for around $800 and will last you until you can afford an upgrade. All about finding your sweet spot for mower size, mines 54inch but I do large properties, government, commercial and residential. Hope this helps!

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Licensed, insured and in business since 2004

[turf&tree]

Lawn care business tips

There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying used. I have bought 40% of my equipment that way when I started. Saved Huge money too. Example I got a Ryan LA28 aerator for $ 900.00 New it sells for about $ 6000.00 As far as mowers go I love all of my Exmarks. Just a solid design and quality all of the way. I do all of my own repairs, maintenance, and fabrication also so I can save a lot that way. Also buy all of my parts wholesale, not from a local dealer.

[joeblack]

JD is not sub par equipment any way, and in no way am I claiming a Deere won't get the job done.
However JD reputation extends beyond its worth
I used to sell lawn mowers at Lowe's and the consensus among all vendors, including JD's own (shhh their name's are secret) is that your'e paying extra just to get the green paint.
I know this isn't news to most of you, I just thought I'd share an anecdote of what vendors are admitting.

btw I am the proud owner of a beast bearing the holy green paint!

[Steve]

I used to sell lawn mowers at Lowe's and the consensus among all vendors, including JD's own (shhh their name's are secret) is that your'e paying extra just to get the green paint.

What was your view then of who made the best consumer mowers you sold at the store?

[joeblack]

For a while jd was getting a whoop *** in the light mower market by the likes of american yard which makes husqvarna and craftsmen poulen, until jd started makin the 100 series to sell to big box stores. Well RUMOR says these jd are coming from same factories as the other light mower brands and not from a deere factory.
Over the seasons i heard multiple unhappy customers with troy bilts so i tried not recommending those.
Husqvarna was my top seller bc i could sell a husq with the same exact specs as a jd and the customer would save 100-400 bucks.
Also i constantly heard good things about cub cadet but we didnt sell them.

[wandfsmall]

Originally Posted by joeblack

For a while jd was getting a whoop *** in the light mower market by the likes of american yard which makes husqvarna and craftsmen poulen, until jd started makin the 100 series to sell to big box stores. Well RUMOR says these jd are coming from same factories as the other light mower brands and not from a deere factory.
Over the seasons i heard multiple unhappy customers with troy bilts so i tried not recommending those.
Husqvarna was my top seller bc i could sell a husq with the same exact specs as a jd and the customer would save 100-400 bucks.
Also i constantly heard good things about cub cadet but we didnt sell them.

I have been in this business for over 20 years and know where most of the factories are. John Deere does at this time make the mowers that they sell at the box store. Guess what John Deere can make junk just like the other brands. The Cub Cadet lower end Cub Cadet ztr mowers come down the same line as the Troy Built ones.

[joeblack]

Ah i didnt know troy bilt and cub cadet were same, good to know. I guess at the end of the day, what matters most is how well you maintain your equipement(as far as light consumer models go) .... That and a good warranty