Forum

Replies

• 

  Graeme @ BGS February 8, 2010 at 9:00pm

  So have you decided what services you actually want to offer Alan? Originally it was lawn care, whilst I can see and suggest lawn cutting as a good option to run along side, if you are on a tight budget one or the other services might have to be dropped until budget permits.
• 

  alan mcmillan February 8, 2010 at 9:19pm

  Just confirmed what i thought, It did say pro in the title and having investigated more articles on the net seems to be as you have all said, i'm getting a little wise to this, as the clue is in the warrenty, much less, like only a couple of months if used for commercial use, i have got my local lawn mower dealer for stihl/viking and husquvarna on the case for a good second had PRO mower. thanks alan
• 

  alan mcmillan February 8, 2010 at 9:38pm

  I,m also going to offer scarrifing and will also aerate, this should hopefully help strech out the season and give me work in march and november, i will also offer weed and feed granual form at the begining of the grass cutting season and half way through, but will be learning along the way, have also got a course booked (Self study), plant recognition, lawn treaments, garden machinery, patios, driveways, hedges, customer sevice, planing hours, health and safety, accounts. god help you all when i go to but the next lot of kit. thanks alan
  
  Graeme @ BGS said:

  So have you decided what services you actually want to offer Alan? Originally it was lawn care, whilst I can see and suggest lawn cutting as a good option to run along side, if you are on a tight budget one or the other services might have to be dropped until budget permits.
• 

  alan mcmillan February 8, 2010 at 9:58pm

  Thats right if is not likely to rain within 48 hours your better to water it in.
  
  Pro Gard said:

  "i will also offer weed and feed granual form at the begining of the grass cutting season and half way through"
  
  There are mixed feelings on granular feeds, the problem is you need imminent rain after application or you can get scorch, you also need a good accurate spreader and this will need calibrating. Further you shouldn't apply for several days after mowing or mow for several days after
  
  Personally I always use liquid feeds as there is no risk of scorch or need to water in and I can apply after mowing. I also tank mix in iron sulfate.
  
  The combined feed and weed treatments are also ineffective regards weed control, better to do your NPTC spraying ticket PA1, PA2, PA6 and then use a good quality commercial turf selective like relay or spearhead.
• 

  alan mcmillan February 8, 2010 at 10:51pm

  Good point, will bear that in mind. Is it just my end, seem to be having problems with the site today?
  
  Pro Gard said:

  Point is you cant relly on the customer to do it and as a contractor its not really that practical hence better to stick with liquid feeds.
• 

  Lawncare-4u.co.uk February 8, 2010 at 11:55pm

  i had one for 2 yrs - did 5 lawns a week - medium . its good on fuel. reliable engine 1-pull.
  
  i still have it (paid £249) , it must be worth £100-£120 easy (engine alone !).
  
  which i may keep to use on another machine , not that many are over used !!
  
  it will get u started..........but as above spend £350 more now + save £400 in long run...............
• 

  alan mcmillan February 9, 2010 at 9:20am

  Thanks Robin for the replies!! Intrestring what you are saying, but think now will have to get something more robust as i will be hoping to do more lawns than 5, hoping that it will be the main part of my business, as i'm selling myself as lawncare, later i hope to be in a position to add more if i have to, only really looking to work around 16-20 hours per week. Do you think i would need a 18" or !6" mower, the front lawns around here are around 5 meters x 5 meters?? Also what would be the costs perol wise, like how much can i mow on one tank??
  thanks alan
  
  Robin Ainsworth said:

  i had one for 2 yrs - did 5 lawns a week - medium . its good on fuel. reliable engine 1-pull.
  
  i still have it (paid £249) , it must be worth £100-£120 easy (engine alone !).
  
  which i may keep to use on another machine , not that many are over used !!
  
  it will get u started..........but as above spend £350 more now + save £400 in long run...............
• 

  alan mcmillan February 9, 2010 at 10:16am

  Morning Rhonda!!
  Yes they have all been very helpful and priceless, probably of had a fly mow by now, lol. Reconditioned is a great idea, basically will be like new, must have a look into that, don't really know where to go localy for that. I have been watching your posts with intrest, and yes bring it on Rhonda!! Were doing it and wont be long now. Have you been watching the flier discussion? I,m ready to go with that as well, but will wait till mid march before i start unless i'm advised diffrently on here. cheers alan
• 

  Thomas James February 9, 2010 at 12:24pm

  "have also got a course booked (Self study), plant recognition, lawn treatments, garden machinery, patios, driveways, hedges, customer service, planing hours, health and safety, accounts."
  
  Hi, a bit off topic but I noticed this. I too am starting out and was wondering which course or course title this was? Sounds very helpful.
  
  Back on topic, the idea of getting a second had pro machine seems the best route to go for myself. However, are reconditioned machines reliable enough or would I simply be taking a bit of a punt?
• 

  Roy Bretton February 10, 2010 at 3:06pm

  If I was you Alan, I would go for something like a Hayter or Honda. I have used Hayter Harrier's for years and found them to be very reliable. They leave a good finish, if you need parts, they are readily available and the parts are not over priced. The Alpina is probably ok for someone cutting there grass once a week, but as a contractor I feel you need something of better quality.