What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Lawn Care Business?
Equipment needed for lawn & landscape business
Starting a lawn mowing business is a great way to earn extra income, and you don’t need commercial equipment to get started! In this blog post, we’ll show you why commercial equipment isn’t necessary and how you can get started with just a few basics.
You’ll need a few things to get started: a lawn mower, some basic tools, and a truck or trailer to transport your equipment. You can find all of these things secondhand for relatively cheap, and there’s no need to go out and spend a ton of money on brand-new commercial equipment.
In fact, high-end domestic is often just as good as commercial fear, and it’ll save you a lot of money in the long run.
Key Points
Discover why you don’t have to spend bucks on gear to get your lawn care business off the ground. Learn from someone who’s been there as they share their experience and offer insights on avoiding costly mistakes when it comes to splurging on high-end equipment.
Dive into the world of lawn care tools. Compare electric versus gas-powered options while also understanding why top-of-the-line lawnmowers designed for home use might be the choice for beginners. Gain knowledge on selecting the string trimmer and leaf blower, remembering that any leaf blower will do just fine when you’re starting out.
Uncover tools and safety gear needed for success, along with practical tips on budgeting for equipment purchases and prioritizing necessary items over luxurious ones. Explore money-saving strategies regarding equipment and investing in marketing efforts to boost your business growth.
This comprehensive guide, packed with expert advice based on years of industry experience, will help you launch and manage a lawn care business without draining your bank account with equipment purchases.
A typical start-up story.
First, I will tell a quick story of something that happened to me this week and motivated me to write this post. I was talking to someone who was starting a lawn-mowing business the other day. He had just started using a mower from home, had his first few lawns on the books, and belonged to the lawnmowing101 membership.
He just got a van and figured he would buy a mower to tackle more significant jobs. He rang me because he couldn’t fit the mower he looked at in his van. He wanted it to sit across the van behind the driver’s seat. He told me it wouldn’t fit and wanted to know if I had any ideas.
At first, I thought that he must have got a tiny van. It turned out that although it was not a large wheelbase. It wasn’t a small van. Ruling that out, I turned to conversation towards the mower that the sales guy was showing him.
It turned out that the mower that the dealer was recommending that he start with was a large commercial self-propelled mower that retailed at $2000
No wonder it wouldn’t fit in his van.
Although the mower was a good brand, this is NOT what I would recommend for someone with two lawns who wants to dip their toe in the water. I know people who have run a highly profitable business for decades without buying this kind of machine.
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Don’t buy high-end gear without checking other options.
There are many great mowers out there that you can start with for under $1000.
I suggested that he buy a cheaper mower and focus on getting customers. He could look for something more substantial once he had 80-100 customers on his books.
I know that when you walk into a shop and declare that you will start a lawn Care business, they will point you toward the commercial gear. Sure, the warranty lasts a bit longer, but usually, it’s only three months anyway, so there are no real gains there.
Are you going to go electric or gas-powered?
The first decision you need to make when you start a landscaping business is how you will power your lawn care equipment. Until the early 2020s, gas-powered equipment was a no-brainer. The cost to set up with battery-powered equipment was just too high, and the power was not comparable to gas-powered.
Today, things have changed. The initial investment in electric gear is still high, but the batteries are lasting longer, and the power of the machine is getting a lot better.
I have been using gas-powered equipment for over thirty years; however, when my ten-year-old Shindawa Hedge trimmers gave up recently. I replaced them with a heavy-duty 60Volt battery-powered machine. They have plenty of grunt and do a great job. It was a pleasant surprise.
This post is not about comparing electricity vs. gas, so I will leave it there. When I discuss machines, I will focus on gas-powered as that’s what I work with. The points about what to look for when purchasing equipment applies to both. However, if you are on a budget, then you may find the entry-level price with gas-powered machines more palatable.
Lawnmowers
Don’t just look at commercial mowers. High-end domestic push mowers will get you through your first twelve months. There are fewer moving parts to break down. If it’s not self-propelled, it doesn’t require a gearbox, which could save you downtime when you only have one mower. The different types of lawnmowers
This is the most essential piece of equipment needed for a lawn care business.
Push mowers
These come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the same 16-inch cuts right up to 22 inches. You can get engines in all sizes, too. Do not buy a small mower with a 140cc engine; it will not be up to the task.
Some popular brands among lawn care professionals include Honda, Toro, Husqvarna, and Snapper. Models such as the Honda HRX series, Toro Recycler series, Husqvarna HU700F, and Snapper XD 82V are often favored for their reliability, durability, and performance.
Pros and cons of push mowers
You will find that push mowers are a must-have if you are doing small lawns in a highly built-up area. If there are a lot of gates and small areas behind small units, push mowers will make your job much easier.
Having a self-propelled mower can be both a blessing and a curse. A self-propelled doesn’t go much faster than a push mower, but you can increase the engine size and cutting deck without noticing the extra weight. However, you’re just starting, and it’s your only mower. If the drive goes, you are stuck with a machine you cannot use until it’s fixed. Factors to consider when choosing a lawnmower
Do not purchase your mower from a big box shop. Supplying mowers for commercial use is not what they do, and if something goes wrong, it may be in for repairs for a month or more. This will not work at all for you.
Find a local dealer and ask them if they prioritize lawn care business for repairs. If they do, then buy your equipment from them. If you run an account with them, pay it the day it is due every time and you will get even better service when your gear breaks down.
Picking a string trimmer
If you don’t do heavy trimming work, I recommend a straight shaft high-end domestic for a string trimmer or something similar to a Shindaiwa T302TS or a T262TXS if you intend to do heavy work. Do not buy a bent shaft machine; you will find it frustrating trying to get under trees, etc. They are fine on your lawn, but you will soon get sick of using one commercially.
These are some of the more commonly used brands.
Stihl: Models like the Stihl FS 91 R and FS 131 R are popular among professionals for their durability, performance, and ergonomic design.
Husqvarna: Models like the Husqvarna 525LST and 525LX are favored by lawn care businesses for their reliability, power, and ease of use.
Echo: Models like the Echo SRM-2620T and SRM-2620 are frequently used by lawn care businesses for their high power output and ergonomic design.
Honda: Professionals commonly choose models like the Honda HHT35SLTAT and HHT25SLTAT for their powerful engines and comfortable operation.
DeWalt: For battery-powered machines. Models like the DeWalt DCST922P1 and DCST922B offer the convenience of cordless operation without sacrificing power and performance.
Leaf Blowers
Any leaf blower will be fine to start your new business with. These machines are pretty much bulletproof. I have hardly ever had a leaf blower break down. I have around half a dozen of these in my garage; the oldest is from 2010 and it still runs. The only reason I stopped using it was because the newer machines are half the weight.
A blow-vac is a good machine if you are going to be doing some leaf removal. Ensure that the machine you buy has a shredder in the bag entrance; otherwise, you will be emptying it every five minutes.
I find backpacks too cumbersome for smaller domestic lawns, which I target if you do more extensive jobs, driveways, or maintain parking lots.
Other equipment needed for lawn care business.
You will, of course, need safety equipment like ear protection, work boots, etc. This article covers that in more detail. What Safety Equipment Do I Need for a Lawn Care Business?
You may want to get some basic lawn care tools, such as a rake, broom, pruners, etc.
Cost Considerations and Budgeting
Now, it’s time to add everything and ensure it falls within your budget. Look at the must-have things and the nice-to-have items. You need to focus on the tools that make you money first.
Buy the must-have first, and don’t go convincing yourself that any nice-to-have gear is essential. It’s not, and it could quickly turn into a millstone around your neck.
Ways to save money on equipment purchases
If you don’t have a large budget, it would be wise to buy entry-level equipment that will get the job done. You can always upgrade later on when you have funds.
That extra money you would have spent is better off going into marketing to bring you in customers. This will get money coming in. You can find out how we do that in the lawnmowing101 membership.
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Conclusion: What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Lawn Care Business?
To sum up, when it comes to starting a lawn care business, you don’t have to dive into commercial equipment. By understanding the essentials and making choices, you can begin your venture with a smaller investment.
Plenty of affordable options are available, from selecting the lawnmower and string trimmer to looking for leaf blowers and essential safety gear.
By prioritizing necessities over luxuries and utilizing budget strategies, you can establish a lawncare business while staying within your financial means.
Remember, what matters most is not the price tag on your equipment but the quality of service you provide and the value you bring to your customers.
So whether you decide to invest in high-end gear or explore the expanding range of electric alternatives, focus on delivering exceptional results, and your lawn care business will flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety equipment do you need for a lawn care business?
How do you start a lawn care business?
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