The small stuff.

For 2026 I went through the review sites (Bob Vila, This Old House, OutdoorGearLab and others) plus thousands of buyer reviews, and picked the one that came out on top in each category. Where my 34 years on the job say something different, I've said so. Prices are US dollars as at September 2026. The rest of my gear is on the recommended gear page.

Earmuffs

A mower runs over 90 decibels. Anything over 80 damages your hearing over time, and you don't get it back. Wear earmuffs every time the engine's running. Don't stack earplugs under them, and take them off when you're driving.

If you run a backpack blower for hours, step up to the Peltor X5A (NRR 31). That's the rating I use. If you want music or calls, the 3M WorkTunes Connect has Bluetooth built in.

Safety glasses

Never trim without glasses. I know someone who lost an eye. Get ones with UV protection, and go tinted for sunny days so you're not squinting into glare. Clear ones are better on wet or foggy days. This 3-pack gives you both, and 3M's glasses top Bob Vila's safety glasses list.

Trimmer line

Cheap cord snaps and wears fast, and you spend half the day re-feeding it. Run .095 for everyday work and .105 if your trimmer can take it and you do a lot of long grass. Buy the big spool, it's much cheaper per foot. Bob Vila found this one gave the cleanest cut of every line they tested.

Oregon Magnum Gatorline is the other one most people rate. I've run the .095 for years.

Work boots

You've got a blade spinning at 3,000rpm near your toes, so get a safety toe. Get ankle support too, because lawns hide holes. My own preference is slip-ons, because laces clog with grass, and as little stitching on the front as possible, because wet grass rots it. If you want laces, this KEEN is the one most landscaping boot guides put at the top. Waterproof, with a composite toe that's lighter than steel.

Gloves

Not a must for mowing, but you'll want them for hedges, cleanups and anything with thorns. Keep a spare pair in the van for wet days. These are This Old House's pick, with over 30,000 reviews.

First aid kit

Every van needs one. Cuts, stings and flying stones happen. Get a proper vehicle kit in a hard case that won't fall apart rattling around the cab.

Fuel can and two-stroke oil

You'll fill up a dozen times a day, so get a can that doesn't spill down the side of the mower. This one stops pouring when you let go of the button. Lock your cans away at night. I once lost every can I owned to theft.

For your trimmer and blower mix, contractors on LawnSite rate Stihl HP Ultra highest. It's fully synthetic and runs clean.

Sun protection

You're outside all day, every day. Sunblock goes in the van with the first aid kit. A wide brim with a neck flap covers what a cap misses. This is OutdoorGearLab's best sun hat.

Sock protectors

Common with lawn care operators in Australia and New Zealand. They have an elastic band at the top and slip over your socks before your boots go on.

• They keep small stones, grass and debris out of your boots.
• You can get waterproof ones that keep your feet and socks dry on wet days.

If you wear jeans you won't need them. If you wear shorts every day like I do, they're great.

More on the safety side, including the rules that have saved toes and eyes, in my post on lawn care safety equipment.