|
|
Rank: Senior Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 97
Points: 291
|
a division of my company does weed control and fertilization programs and recently we have had a lot of customers ask if we can also mow. We are going to start mowing ASAP and I was hoping to get some suggestions on mowers to start. I was thinking maybe a Scag 48" walk behind (hydro) unless someone can give me a better suggestion.
thanks,
Tim
|
|
Rank: Forum God
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 287
Points: 870
|
What are the size of the lawns you are going to be mowing, slopes, how many lawns? I would definately go with atleast one ztr rider, probably about 60", then you probably need two trimmers, one blower, a push mower for smaller areas, and then maybe the 48" walkbehind(or even better, a stand on unit) maybe even a 36". This works great for those yards that have fenced in yards with only a 40" gate. Good luck, mowing isn't as easy as you think, especially labor wise. It is alot of babysitting at first.
|
|
Rank: Senior Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 97
Points: 291
|
Ryan,
Thanks for the quick response. We are going to be mowing lots of different size lawns. I wish I could give you more detail than that. We have everything from 1/3 of acre to 3 acre lots. I'd like to start slow with purchasing mowers and get by with as little as possible until we really need it. I have always tried to keep my money in the bank and not in inventory; as of right now, we have only a handful of lawns. So....at a minimum, what do you recommend? I would love to be able to go out and buy the mowers you listed but I need to wait until we really need them all.
Thanks,
Tim
|
|
Rank: Senior Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 60
Points: 180
|
Tim, you should look into the Deere 48" Hydro. We bought one a few weeks ago and the guys love it. Get a proslide for it and you will be good for the larger lawns too, and then add a 60" rider when necessary. Can't see dishing out 8-9k for a 60" z unless it is going to be running all day everyday. These walkbehinds are virtually bulletproof, better on gas, easier on the lawns, give better cuts, are better for the smaller lawns, and if you only have a handfull of bigger lawns the proslide will get you done in close to the same amount of time. You can also fit a 48" through some backyard gates that you couldn't fit a 60" through.
It all boils down to the size of your accounts, but it sounds like you are smart and conservative - you could get a 48Hydro wb w/proslide, your handhelds, and a push mower and maybe even a small trailer for less than a 60" Z.
Remember, this is just my opinion.
Oh, and as I always say, look at your dealer before brand.
|
|
Rank: Forum God
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 287
Points: 870
|
I agree with Todd. If you only have a handfull of lawns of all different sizes than a 60" rider may not be best. Especially if the terrain of some of those accounts are steep in some areas. I guess I would also be curious to how many of your lots are of the 3 acre size. I would definately want a rider over a walkbehind on that size of a property any day. Also keep in mind, if you do go with a rider, put the thing to work, don't let it sit. Find and take the lawns that you can use a rider for. I am all for user friendly, low fatigue machines. Using a walkbehind for large lawns will where your guys out.
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 18
Points: 54
Location: Vermont
|
Tim your description of the lawns was fairly general and a bit vague. There is no silver bullet mower that does every property well--I would think it is in your best interest to limit the size of property and then buy a mower that does that property very well--matching machine to need. This will keep your guys happy and your customer even happier. I would start with the walkbehind and the walkbehind size lawns
Aaron Smith S & D Landscapes LLC www.LandscapeVermont.com
|
|
Rank: Senior Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 97
Points: 291
|
Sounds like great advice. I will be throwing some more questions your way soon. I REALLY appreciate it. -Tim
|
|
Rank: Forum God
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 242
Points: 726
|
Small handful of lawns? Then go with Walk behinds. They go anywhere, are less expensive and are touger than riders since there are less parts to break down. We use Toro 36" for small gates and 52" for larger areas. If you gotta ride, look into a sulkey. I don't like sulkeys though as they leave wheel marks.
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 23
Points: 69
|
if you like making money in the mow business .... I recomend hustler mulcher 52" or larger
|
|
Rank: Noob
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/1/1999
Posts: 2
Points: 6
|
We have walk behinds, riders and standers. The crews are partial to standers. As good as walk behinds with less fatigue. The cost for standers are 1500 to 2 grand more. Try your local dealers for demos, then determine your needs prior to buying. Try all makes if possible. We find different benefits are partial to different manufacturers. Good luck.
|
|
|
Guest |