4x4 vs combi van?

Hi guys this is my first post here so i'd just like to say hello to everyone!. I am currently a Head Groundsman at a secondry school but i am looking to go self employed next year as my current job is becoming more and more the role of a caretaker which isn't really what i signed up for!, the job has been enjoyable and i have gained 9 years of experience and my level 3 nvq in greenskeeping and various other qualifications.The line of self employed work I am looking to get into is mainly going to be lawn care, Mowing, strimming, scarifying, aeration and herbicide/fertilizer applications. As well as this i have also got a rigby taylor line marking machine and some good contacts within that sector, I am also hoping to make my current work place an offer to mark there pitches when i leave as i susspect they will not be replaceing me and looking to use commercial services who i hope to undercut!. Among this I will also be doing some tree work ( ground clearance only) and sell some logs along the way.So my question really is what kind of vehicle should i be considering? i have decided i will definately need a trailer with a drop down ramp, and every now and then this will be carrying weight (mainly logs). I have been looking at small combi vans like the transit connect and vauxhall combi but they just seem so under powered?? 75 bhp?? thats like my first 1.0 litre fiesta power!. I realise the running and repair costs of a 4x4 will be much higher however. A couple factors draw me to a 4x4 i live in a fairly rural area, my log pile is in a field (although i won't be selling that many so this would only be a problem every now and then), if i am marking out pitches access across fields may be required, and finally a 4x4 can be used as my personal transport probably better than a van??. O.k well i no it seems that i've already decided but I hope if it's a really bad idea someone could point me in the right direction, the other thing is my budget is pretty low at around the 2500 3000 mark. O.k many thanks in advance.

Ah, guys this is gold!, thanks alot!. I guess my main concern is just not having enough grunt from a small van and due to where i live a big van wouldn't work, so i guess by that logic nor would a 4x4!. Another option for me at the moment is to just keep my audi a4 estate until the time comes that my situation requires either a van or otherwise. Do any of you guys use estate cars? what about advertising on them? doesn't this just look a bit cowboy?.

Colin, in regards to the tendering out the sports pitch work, this is an excellent idea and i've been thinking about this for a while, i'm not sure about the whole insurance and public liability problems that might come with this however?, line marking is one thing but mowing, aeration and herbicide applications may be another thing?. Also for the areas involved some pretty big expensive kit is involved. I'm really interested in getting as much work from this as i possibly can though and i'm sure some undercutting can be done. Anyway i'll keep this on topic for the moment, so what would be the highest bhp small combi van be? also the trailer im looking at is a new pheonix trailers ( on ebay) 8x4 unbreaked, caged, with cover and drop down tail gate for ?915. o.k cheers guys.

Replies

Boxelder Landscapes October 8, 2010 at 6:20pm

Like you said, you've already made your mind up! problem is you won't get a lot for your budget. 2.5 - 3k would get you a lot of van though
Lawncare-4u.co.uk October 8, 2010 at 7:16pm

i bought a 4x4 for all 3/4 reasons as you.

only problem with my frontera's lpg , then a 3.2 v6 (both dark green estate) : depreciation cost me £3k sold 2.5 yrs later for £800 after 30,000miles

vans are good for loading / big back . not so good for personal vehicle/passengers.

i love my nissan vanette cargo (£1000 taxed and mot'd for 6 & 12 retrospectively / and i got a cheap serviced it for this £1k )

shogun -2003 .3.2 TD estate with £100k when i bought was £5,800. - very good price and still worth £5k? after 30k

had my (3rd) jeep 4x4 first then bought van as i had a garage built started jan/ and used it for dirty cement and i use it when i go mowing - i Love it . 2.3 diesel (slow as constipated poo!!!) 2001
Mark Brierley October 8, 2010 at 7:44pm

Ive just sold an 2005 nissan navara for £4000 and that would have been perfect
Michael Bates October 8, 2010 at 7:49pm

Ah, guys this is gold!, thanks alot!. I guess my main concern is just not having enough grunt from a small van and due to where i live a big van wouldn't work, so i guess by that logic nor would a 4x4!. Another option for me at the moment is to just keep my audi a4 estate until the time comes that my situation requires either a van or otherwise. Do any of you guys use estate cars? what about advertising on them? doesn't this just look a bit cowboy?.

Colin, in regards to the tendering out the sports pitch work, this is an excellent idea and i've been thinking about this for a while, i'm not sure about the whole insurance and public liability problems that might come with this however?, line marking is one thing but mowing, aeration and herbicide applications may be another thing?. Also for the areas involved some pretty big expensive kit is involved. I'm really interested in getting as much work from this as i possibly can though and i'm sure some undercutting can be done. Anyway i'll keep this on topic for the moment, so what would be the highest bhp small combi van be? also the trailer im looking at is a new pheonix trailers ( on ebay) 8x4 unbreaked, caged, with cover and drop down tail gate for ?915. o.k cheers guys.
Michael Bates October 8, 2010 at 7:59pm

Ye, it's a bloody good waggon and i'll be sorry to get rid of for a little van!! haha, especially seeing i got a high spec 98 one for a grand!, but needs must i guess!
Dan Frazer Gardening October 8, 2010 at 8:43pm

I use a swb transit with 75bhp and twice per week tow a 700kg trailer with a regular load of 500kg. Occasionally Im towing 2t. Although it's slow I get to where I need to be.

I COULD NOT run my bunsiness with a 4x4. I have everything where I need it in the van, 2 mowers for different jobs, an array of chemicals and feeds, trimmers, chainsaw, 2 brushcutters, 25l drums of water, 2 sprayers, hand tools and a backpack blower, plus many many other things. And everything can be accessed and used with minimal fuss.

With a 4x4 you'd forever be spending time loading and unloading, watching the vehicle from a distance with tools in the back. Ok for specific jobs and towing, not a good allrounder for a gardening business.

I run a cheap car for household duties.

In essence, the low bhp vans will work. I got my trailer replated to 2.6T instead of 2.7 as the van is 2640.
Michael Bates October 9, 2010 at 6:03pm

Hmm, well this has been graet information and i'm noe truley back onto the idea of a van, the only reason for not going for a standard size transit is just the problems with parking and general use in tight areas. So in terms of small vans what would you guys say would be one of the better more powerful vans?. Also in regards to me saying i'm definitley getting a trailer, i'm taking it most of you guys use one?
Dan Frazer Gardening October 9, 2010 at 6:37pm

The reason I got a SWB is that it's as manouverable as a normal car, in fact with such a tight turning circle it's better. I park in car parking spaces at supermarkets no problem. It fits all underground car parks and is fine in tight driveways etc.
Michael Bates October 9, 2010 at 7:09pm

It seems the swb transit could be an option then? how do you find maneuvering with a trailer? I'm pretty good at backing a trailer when i can turn around and see it but using just two mirrors??? i feel that there could be some "i'm sorry i didn't see you parked right behind me there!!" lol. So in regards to having a trailer do most of you guys use one?.
rosie larking October 9, 2010 at 7:13pm

Hi - i was drivng a little Vauxhall arena van for couple of yrs- needs MOT at the mo, which is narrower than a Transit, and with regards to parkability its Brilliant! Really nippy, easy to manuvere, plus being higher up, your vision is better than in a car. And they are nice and 'square'..... no sticking out boots or bonnets!!!!
Much easier than a car, and even transits are ok, espec ones with power steering, which mine didnt have. I find the whole van driving experience great.....!
I had a 4x4, but it was a Landie hardtop, so still van like, but with less height in the back. An old one is normally quite reasonable, espec if you are practical and can do odd bits to it yourself, plus they tend to hold their value.

While Arena has been off road i have been using LWB Merc Sprinter.... its ACE! Bit more difficult to find parking space, but again easier and much more fun than a car! As its normally used for ferrying musicians about it has extra seats in back, then right at back, a fixed bulkhead with loadsa room for equipment.
Guys that i work with have the same set up in their Transit, due to needing it for work and ferrying kids about!!

Have no idea if any of that helped you in any way!