When you’re starting a lawn care and/or landscaping business, the power equipment you’ll use is one of the most important investments. Transportation vehicles, storage facilities, and safety equipment are also necessary, but whether or not you have the tools to properly do the job for each service you offer can make or break your business.
Power equipment like lawn mowers and trimmers are a key component of any good lawn care business. They’re not the only tools you’ll need, but they’re a good place to start. Decide which services you’ll be offering, then choose the right equipment for the job.
Mowing
The number of available options for mowers is staggering. You’ll probably want at least two types of mowers to handle a variety of different lawn mowing tasks. Smaller walk-behind mowers are useful for yards less than 1/2 to 1 acre in size and for cutting in tight spaces. Since you’ll be using them so much, you’ll want to choose self-propelled models for the walk-behinds. For larger yards, you’ll need a good-quality riding mower. These can be sit-down models or the smaller, easy-to-transport stand-on models.
Trimming
String-line trimmers get at grass and weeds in places mowers can’t quite reach. You’ll want to use trimmers for things like cutting around mailboxes and trees. Many models are also available with a brushcutter attachment for tackling sturdy, overgrown weeds.
Hedge Trimming
Hedge trimmers are used for maintaining hedges. If you’re offering landscaping services in addition to lawn care, you’ll want to invest in at least one style of hedge trimmer. A double-sided gasoline powered hedge trimmer is a good choice for most hedges. Extended reach and single-side models are also available.
Edging
You can get away with using string-line trimmers to maintain the edges of flower gardens and paved areas. But they won’t provide the clean, professional edge you get with an edger. Edgers are designed to take care of the grass that grows right next to and over paths, sidewalks, and patios. They can also be used to cut a new, clean edge around flower gardens.
Spreading
If you want to offer lawn fertilization as one of your company’s basic services, you’ll need a reliable spreader. A good quality broadcast spreader disperses granular fertilizer evenly over the lawn so your customers don’t end up with weird patches of fertilized and unfertilized grass.
Spraying
For spot applications of herbicide, you’ll need a sprayer. Professional models range from small hand-held models to larger backpack sprayers for treating large properties without refilling. The largest, gas-powered backpack models are used for big projects, such as treating orchards.
Aerating
Most lawns should be aerated once a year. Aeration reduces soil compaction, which gives grass roots more room to grow and lets water and nutrients get down into the soil. Because aerators are only used once a year, most homeowners don’t spend the money to purchase them. You might have some people hire you to aerate their lawn even if they’re not regular customers.
Just having these tools isn’t enough to make a great impression on your clients. You’ll also need equipment that’s the right quality for what you want to accomplish. With power equipment, homeowner models just aren’t going to stand-up to the rigors of commercial use nearly as long as commercial grade models. Same with hand-powered tools; the cheap brands simply are not designed for constant use.
While the initial expense will be higher, you’ll typically save money in the long-run by investing in quality equipment from trusted brands right from the very start of your business. For more help choosing exactly what to purchase, come visit us at Richardson Saw & Lawnmower. We’ll be happy to show you around, answer your questions, and help get your business off to a great start.
