I have had some really sound and useful advice on this forum regarding training in advance of starting a lawn care business this year - many thanks!
I would be grateful for any advice on the type of vehicle and equipment that would be best suited to the type of work I intend to carry out in the early days of my business.
I will be working alone and hope to provide the following services (after training):
-grass cutting
-aeration
-scarifying
-feeding
-over seeding
-top dressing
-weed control
-moss control
-laying/seeding new lawns (possibly)
-hedge cutting (possibly)
(I've probably missed something there but I am still learning :)).
My first thoughts were to buy good quality, professional, second hand machines (esp lawn mower/s) that I could sell on at a reasonable price when the business expanded.
Vehicle-I am totally at a loss on that one?
many thanks
Nigel
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Replies
All depends on how much you have to spend really. I started with very little so my tools were not the best but as I made more money I upgraded my tools that way if it had all gone wrong id have lost very little. Id get a medium size van if I was you to start off with for me it makes more sense your tools stay safe and dry in there and they are a lot lower for loading than a pickup also if like me its your only vehicle you don't want your shopping and all that on the back of a pickup in the rain do you !
Nigel - good luck in establishing your business.
It is entirely down to your budget as to what you get to start with for your business, kit wise. You have to decide now - in your geographical area - what prospects of work there are out there for you.
What....if anything (other than really basic tools) do you need? What you will need to make a very good impression on your current clients - BUY.
Work diligently and with appreciation of your first set of clients and soon you will know a) you can afford, and b) what is needed for your clients to have their gardens well maintained into the future. Then the referrals rack up.
All imho,
Cheers, Eugene
I started my business two years ago, starting off with a few small gardens in a ducato van, since last year I took on some commercial work, both maintenance and construction and a van was no use as i had to tip and carry loads, scags and ride ons. So this year after taking on more commercial work, I bought a crewcab tipper and 14ft tri axel ifor williams. Its a great set up as the small knickable tools can go in the back of the cab, I can now tip and carry the larger machines. It was a tough decision but tipper is the way to go!!
All the best with the business - as long as you have the drive and always looking forward you will get there!!
Only downside is its the same length as an artic, and tricky when stopping for a bacon roll in the morning!!
Many thanks for that advice,
The start up budget will be about £8000, inc van.
Will start off walking rather than running, feeling my way and learning.
Any views on type van and make that is best suited, reliable?
I,ve seen transit type vans and vans the size of family car-not sure which is best.
When it comes to size of van one little tip. Make cardboard cut outs of the equipment your looking at (dimensions can be found online) and just play around with different layouts, then measure the area to give a rough idea of the size loading area required.
I have a berlingo, it's big enough to put a lawn mower, strimmer, blower and a couple of other odds and ends - ie ppe and fuel. Cheap to pick up and running costs are low, downside not enough room for waste or doing a few different types of jobs in the one day.
Spend a decent amount on a lawn mower (£500-1000) as it will be the bread and butter. You will also need a strimmer (£250-400) and blower (£200-500). Doesn't need to be top of the range brand but a pro model.
Buy a decent long reach hedge trimmer (£400-600) too, chances are you will gain more work doing that than scarifying ect.
There are a 100 other tools that you may need depending what route you end up going down, i would be budgeting (£500 plus) for the miscellaneous stuff.
i.e
PPE, Spades, shovels, rakes, fertiliser spreader, bags, measuring wheel, fuel containers, ect...
You can usually hire a scarifier or aerator for around £40 per day or £90 a week (plus vat)so I wouldn't be looking to buy this gear from the get go.
Don't know about others, but I would be looking £5000 on a van including sign writing and £3000 on tools.
is insurance included in the 8k?
Thank you so much for that reply Robbie, I am not used to people being so helpful- new to this, inc forums. Would you mind me contacting you to discuss what makes of lawn mowers etc?
Thanks for that Mike,
Its not included in the £8k. I have a quote for £200 for insurance.
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