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Replies
Hello Richard - joining this forum as a Pro will help - there's loads of good information available.
I started 3 years ago and am only now starting to buy new by default. The first thing I bought new was a proper hedging ladder as client number 3 has hundreds of metres of 12' hedges that need clipping every year - then it was a reliable van, other than that watch out on your local Facebook marketplace, Ebay and the like. Just make sure you are buying kit that is being sold as part of someone downsizing or similar - in that it IS NOT commercial kit that has been polished to look like new then sold on.
Good luck
Rather than trying to get experience working for free for a gardening company, why not just get a paid job with them fulltime. You'll learn what you need and pick up customers you can do "privately" in your spare time. As Adam says, you can get some good secondhand stuff on Facebook marketplace, Gumtree and Ebay...... unfortunately, most of it's been hammered....... they've replaced a couple of plastic covers, wiped wd40 over it to make it look loved and cherished. A machine that's just a year old might look a bargain but if used commercially, give it a miss.
Working for family and friends makes more sense than working for free for your potential competitors
Seeing what you can realistically complete in a hour including setting up and packing away your kit along with how to deal with the waste at your parents or the home of another family member is a good starting point.
Andy
Hi mate
I'm new to this job too , I worked as a gardener for a few years employed and a year ago went fully self employed.
What Ive been doing is buying gear as I need it. I bought a new honda Izy , Honda strimmer and a stihl hedge trimmer to start with to get me going.
I keep looking on fb marketplace etc but Ive came to the conclusion that if I can buy new I'm going too gradually just because you dont know how the gears previously been treat and the price difference isnt that different from new too me ...just my opinion.
Ps I'm sure the tasks youve mentioned you can learn through doing the work ...?
To me the insurance is a no brainer for the cost of it.
Best of luck mate
If you want to gain experience I would recommend volunteering as a gardener at a National Trust property. I did this 5 years ago and not only learned invaluable lessons but helped out a worthwhile charity in the process.
I agree with not working for free. We all have bills to pay, and regardless of your levels of experience, your work is still valuable and worth something.
I'd get on a couple of good facebook groups. One called "Landscapers, professional gardeners" or something like that is quite good. Some very professional and smart business owners on there. Everyone willing to help.
Roller mowers - look at Moultfield and Masport in that budget. Make sure you get a self propelled machine.
Trimmers - good used Stihl trimemrs are usually a safe bet, NOT the HS45 though.
Strimmer - I can highly recommend Tanaka. A 20-22cc machine will do the bulk of work you need it to.
Also, get a blower. It's essential.
Do leaflets, facebook ads (set up a facebook business page), instagram, get photos from little jobs here and there and once you get good ones, start to share them everywhere.
You'll be quitting the full time job in no time.
Hi Richard. Re equipment budget, I suppose it depends how many hours you will have free from your main job. There's no denying, landscaping is physical work and once you have invested in the kit, you need the energy to do the hours to make it pay for itself.
Insurance is a must, as is bookkeeping. Maybe a batch of flyers to get you up and running. Transport? A roller mower is a heavy beast so you may want a van.
By focusing on a particular aspect of the job, you can reduce the amount of equipment you will need , to begin.
Don't let all that put you off though. I took the leap years ago and would not work indoors for any amount of money. Do you have any mates, relatives that need their garden doing? It will give you some idea of what kit you will be needing. It is quite likely you'll be approached by or referred onto simply from that.
You won't get a pro mower for that amount but you will get an new Izy or similar. You may not need a roller mower right away, it depends on the sort of gardens you get to do. I know an elderly guy who has no tools, he just turns up and uses the customers gear and this guy is the most knowledgeable gardener I know! Of course, with your own kit you command a higher rate.
If I were starting out now, I'd kit myself out with the Ego cordless range and an Izy then, as and when, add a decent pro roller mower. There's some good advice on here, keep us informed of your progress. Good luck Fella!
Hi. Everyone! Sorry I’ve been late replying I’ve been on holiday. Wow thank you all for the great advice I’ve took it all on board. I’ll look to do an hour or 2 a night after work, so I’ll be targeting local to where my work is. On Fridays I finish at 1pm and looking to work on the Saturday too. I have just past my test at 35! I have put a deposit on a Vauxhall Astra estate so I’ll kit out the boot with protective casings for mower etc. I’ll look to just stick to grass cutting and the odd hedge trimming to start with and now I’m just looking for equipment. I don’t want to go crazy with price but I think I could stretch to £800 for a new mower roller preferably as I’d like a more polished look, I’ve seen a Hayter 48 pro on eBay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hayter-Harrier-48-Pro-Rear-Roller-Lawnmo...
what do you guys think of it? Or do you think it will be a good idea and get a Honda roller for £700 ish New with warranty? Is there any sites you recommend for buying mowers? Thank you all again I can’t thank you enough!