Million Dollar Question

[Mowin4Dollas]

Well, now that I got you to look at this thread, I'll be honest. Its's more like a few thousand dollar question. I have been looking at zero turns for forever. Should I go with a new Bad Boy or a used scag or exmark. I am not going to buy a walk behind. What size deck should I buy? I love a 60 inch deck but is that too big? I am going to have to take a loan also. Is this too risky?

[willshome]

Lawn care business tips

way to little info How many lawns do you mow? what size are most of your lawns? what size gates do you have to go throw? A 60" would be a waste of time for me, I use a 33' homeowners z-turn because it fits my lawns

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Brockton Lawn Care
Easton Lawn Care
Fall Cleanup Brockton

[Mowin4Dollas]

The smallest I mow is one acre. I hope to have 10 yards next year at the minimum. I have no gates I have to get through.

[LawnBoy0311]

If your at 1 acre as the smallest, and no gates, a 60" would be fine. BUT, in your area, are all the lawns typical of that same size?

As for the loan, theres too many questions that come to my mind to really be able to help you out. Just remember, if you take a loan out....your stuck with payments. Even if you decide lawn care isn't for you. Everyone thinks of short term solutions, but what are the long term problems with doing it? Only you would know that answer.

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

I would get the 60 and just pick one in good condition that you can afford. Theres not much difference in commercial brands.

I'm not a loan man myself but thats not to say you shouldnt. If you do it will leave some money left over to pick up a 36" walk behind down the road when you get a gate. Even if you stop doing lawncare the payment wont kill you.

[Mowin4Dollas]

I am definantly thinking long term. I have been making pro forma cash flows for every situation.

[dpld]

Originally Posted by SECTLANDSCAPING

I would get the 60 and just pick one in good condition that you can afford. Theres not much difference in commercial brands.

I'm not a loan man myself but thats not to say you shouldnt. If you do it will leave some money left over to pick up a 36" walk behind down the road when you get a gate. Even if you stop doing lawncare the payment wont kill you.

i just bought a new john deere z925a with zero down, 0% intrest for 36 months with no payments until april and the mower is built very well compared to my exmark lazer z's and walkers.

in fact it is better and with a deal like that i could not refuse.

[LawnBoy0311]

Originally Posted by dpld

i just bought a new john deere z925a with zero down, 0% intrest for 36 months with no payments until april and the mower is built very well compared to my exmark lazer z's and walkers.

in fact it is better and with a deal like that i could not refuse.

I don't think anyone could turn that down. Almost like a fat lady turning down cheeseburgers...impossible.

I could see if you've been in business a few years, and know your overhead and the ins/outs, then by all means, do it! But as a first year guy, theres no need to go all out from the start. Who's to say you'll like it?

[Mowin4Dollas]

I have already done a couple yards for a long time, but I am "expanding" I guess by going after it as a career

[dpld]

Originally Posted by LawnBoy0311

I don't think anyone could turn that down. Almost like a fat lady turning down cheeseburgers...impossible.

I could see if you've been in business a few years, and know your overhead and the ins/outs, then by all means, do it! But as a first year guy, theres no need to go all out from the start. Who's to say you'll like it?

i understand what you are saying but we are talking about starting a business here and if there is even a remote chance that you might not like it after your first year then that is proof positive you should not have started a landscape business to begin with.

starting a business is not trying out a new girlfriend or ice cream flavor it is a progression from previously working in the industry and working your way up to own one yourself one day.

if that is the new norm these days to wake up and say "what do i want to do with my life?" and conclude you want to be a landscaper then it should be no surprise that so many fail.

the best way to learn what it is all about and try it out without investing a dime is to work for a bigger company.

i did it for several years before i started and when i did start my own business i saved up and bought the right stuff from the get go.

it is hard and i never implied it would be easy and nothing good ever comes easy but you can not go into it blind without any financial plan and putting yourself in the poor house as well as looking at it that there is always the option you might not like it.

i think if you are going to decide to start a business you better be damn sure that you are gonna like it, first.