Essential equipment and tools for starting a lawncare business
Congratulations on starting your journey to launch your own lawn care business. With the right tools, mindset, and support, you’ll be a neighborhood favorite in no time. The Safford team is here to help with expert guidance on equipment, financing, and running a business. Over the years, we have grown from a one-man show to one the largest dealers of lawn care equipment in the region, and we’re still growing.
We’ve created this series for you our valued clients. We’ve also partnered with our marketing team to help you grow your business with a solid marketing plan. Check out the details here.
We know many of our customers are interested in starting or have started a lawn care business recently, so we’ve put together a series of blogs to support you in your entrepreneurship! The Safford team, in collaboration with our marketing partner, are going to be sharing our knowledge and expertise honed over countless years and many mistakes, to accelerate your business success.
So, what is essential?
The most important aspect
of your lawn care business is the
equipment as it directly impacts the
efficiency, quality of service, and
overall success of your business.
The most important aspect of your lawn care business is the equipment as it directly impacts the efficiency, quality of service, and overall success of your business. High-quality equipment ensures your lawn care services are delivered efficiently and exceed your client’s expectations, leading to satisfied customers and repeat business. However, it’s also essential to consider the budget constraints of a new business. Investing in the most expensive tools available might not be feasible or necessary, especially when just starting out. We’ll help you sort through your options to strike a balance between quality, budget, and the specific needs of your business.
Investing in the
right equipment
from the start can
save money in the
long run.
Core Lawn Care
Equipment
The heart of any lawn care business is undoubtedly the lawn mower. There are different types of lawn mowers, such as push mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn mowers. Each type comes with its own set of features, advantages, and limitations. The choice of a lawn mower is pivotal, as it should align with the size and complexity of the lawns you intend to service. Factors like maneuverability, fuel efficiency, lawn types, and durability are crucial in this selection.
The choice of a lawn mower is pivotal, as it should align with the size and complexity of the lawns you intend to service.
Lawn Mower Options
Push Mower
Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
Precision: They offer greater control and precision, especially in small or intricately landscaped areas.
| Labor-Intensive: They require significant physical effort, which can be challenging for large or hilly lawns. |
Easy to Maintain: These mowers are usually simpler in design and smaller, making them easier and cheaper to maintain and repair. | Time-consuming: Push mowers are slower, making them less efficient for larger properties. |
Environmentally Friendly: Many push mowers, especially reel mowers, are more environmentally friendly as they emit no pollutants. | Limited Range: They are not suitable for mowing very large areas due to their manual operation and slower speed. |
Ride-On Mower
Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
Efficient for Large Areas: Ideal for mowing large, open spaces quickly and efficiently. | Higher Cost: More expensive to purchase and maintain than push mowers. |
Less Physically Demanding: They reduce physical strain and fatigue, especially on larger jobs. | Storage and Transport Space: They require more storage space. |
Versatility: Many models offer attachments for other tasks, like aerating, spreading, or towing, making them versatile. | Complex Maintenance: Ride-on mowers have more complex parts and systems, leading to potentially higher maintenance costs. |
Higher Capacity: They often have larger cutting widths and more powerful engines, reducing mowing time. | Not Ideal for Small Spaces: Their size can make them less maneuverable in tight or intricately landscaped areas. |
Zero-Turn Mower
Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
Exceptional Maneuverability: Can turn on a dime, making them ideal for lawns with obstacles like trees or flower beds. | Cost: Generally the most expensive type of mower, both in initial investment and maintenance. |
Time-efficient: High-speed operation and efficient maneuvering reduce mowing time significantly. | Learning Curve: Operating a zero-turn mower effectively can require more skill and practice. |
Comfort: Offer a more comfortable ride, especially for long periods. | Not Great on Slopes: They can be less stable on hills or uneven terrain compared to traditional ride-on mowers. |
Precision: Despite their size, they offer precise cutting, even near obstacles. | Fuel Consumption: They consume more fuel due to their powerful engines and speed, adding to operational costs. |
Supplementary Tools and Equipment
Additional Lawn Care Equipment You’ll Need
Trailer
When starting a lawn care business, you’ll need to be able to get your equipment from point A to point B with minimal hassle. Safford’s bundle deals come with trailers to help mitigate this issue. Our team can help ensure you buy the right trailer for the equipment you purchase and will be taking from site to site. If you need more than one bundle or trailer, it can easily be added. Make sure you
Chainsaw
Included in most of the Safford bundles, chainsaws are crucial for trimming trees, cutting back overgrown bushes, and removing dead or unwanted vegetation. Using a chainsaw gives you precision and power for shaping and controlling trees and hedges.
String Trimmer
Important for edging and tight spots. Trimmers come in different types, like gas, electric, battery-powered, and are indispensable for reaching areas that mowers can't, like around trees and along fences. At Safford, many of the trimmers in our bundles are the perfect complement to the mower you select. If you have questions, pop into the store and try out different models.
Leaf Blower
Leaf blowers save time and labor in clearing leaves and debris. You can choose between powerful backpack models for large areas or handheld models for smaller residential spaces.
Edger
Edgers provide the finishing touch to a lawn by creating crisp lines around walkways and flower beds. They add a professional look to the landscaped area. There are many options to choose from.
Hedge Trimmer
Maintaining shrubbery and hedges requires reliable hedge trimmers. Depending on the scope of your work, you might need various sizes and power options.
- Fuel Canisters: These make it easy to transport and add fuel to machines while on the job.
- Extra tires and rims: While it’s unlikely you’ll need many spare wheels if you keep your equipment in good condition, you should still have a few backups for emergencies.
- Garden Tools: Shovels, rakes, pruning shears, and other hand tools.
- Spreaders and Sprayers: For seeding and applying fertilizers and pesticides.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Importance of safety gear like gloves, goggles, and ear protection.
Lawn Mower Brand Comparison
At Safford, we stock Husqvarna, Gravely, and Ariens. They are some of the most reputable brands in the lawn care equipment industry. We offer a wide selection of mowers and mower accessories from all these brands, along with a range of other products from Husqvarna. As with any purchase, the brand that might be best for your business may not suit others. After we provide a quick overview of the brands, we will outline the key factors to consider when deciding which equipment to purchase from each brand.
Husqvarna
Founded in Sweden in 1689, Husqvarna manufactures a wide range of outdoor power tools, including chainsaws, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. Husqvarna is renowned for its emphasis on innovation and quality and is often associated with professional-grade equipment, but it also offers products for residential users. The brand is known for its ergonomic designs, durability, and advanced technologies in its products.
Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
Innovation and Technology: Husqvarna is known for incorporating advanced technology in their products. | Price: Husqvarna’s advanced technology and quality can come with a higher price tag compared to some competitors. |
Commercial Fleet Program: Provides commercial customers with volume discounts on new equipment and accessories. Must be a full-time commercial landscaping or arborist business. | Complexity: Some users might find the high-tech features complex to use or unnecessary for their needs.
|
Versatility: They offer a wide range of products suitable for both residential and professional use. | Maintenance and Repairs: Due to the sophistication of the technology, repairs and maintenance might be more costly. |
Durability and Quality: Husqvarna equipment is generally well-built and reliable, often praised for its longevity. | |
Eco-Friendly Options: The brand has a strong focus on environmental sustainability, offering more eco-friendly options like electric models. |
Gravely
Established in 1916 in the U.S., Gravely is best known for its high-quality commercial lawn mowers. Their range also includes zero-turn mowers, stand-on mowers, and walk-behind mowers. Gravely is recognized for its durable and reliable products, primarily catering to commercial landscaping and lawn care professionals. The brand emphasizes the toughness and efficiency of its products, making them well-suited for heavy-duty, professional applications.
Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
Professional Grade: Gravely is often recognized for its heavy-duty, professional-grade equipment, especially suited for rigorous and frequent use.
| Cost: High-quality and professional-grade equipment often means a higher initial investment.
|
Durability: Their products are known for being robust and long-lasting, often preferred by commercial users. | Weight and Size: Gravely’s robust construction can result in heavier and bulkier equipment, which might not be ideal for smaller or residential spaces.
|
Performance: Gravely equipment typically offers high performance, particularly in their zero-turn mowers. This is also important for users with Baja grass and other types of dense grass that is difficult to cut. | Limited Range: Their focus on commercial-grade equipment might limit the options for average homeowners. |
Ariens
Founded in 1933 in Wisconsin, Ariens is well-known for its lawn mowers and snow blowers. Their product lineup includes zero-turn mowers, garden tractors, and snow removal equipment. Ariens is known for its high-quality, durable products that are popular among both residential and commercial users. The brand focuses on the reliability and performance of its equipment, with a particular emphasis on products suited for harsh weather conditions, especially snow.
Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
Quality at a Reasonable Price: Ariens offers a good balance between quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for residential users.
| Less Suited for Commercial Use: While great for residential use, Ariens equipment might not always meet the demands of commercial or professional use.
|
Variety: They have a diverse range of products suitable for different needs and landscapes.
| Durability Variances: Some models might not be as durable as those from more premium brands like Husqvarna and Gravely.
|
Snow Equipment: Ariens is particularly well-known for its high-quality snow blowers, which could be a great investment for plowing in certain regions. | Limited Advanced Features: Compared to Husqvarna, Ariens might offer fewer high-tech features. |
Buying Outright Vs. Financing Equipment
When starting your lawn care business, one of the critical decisions you’ll face is whether to buy outright or to finance your equipment. This choice can significantly impact your finances, operations, and even the quality of services you provide. Let’s walk through the advantages of both options and the factors you should consider.
Advantages of Buying Outright
Buying equipment outright has several key benefits. First, it leads to long-term cost savings. Though the initial investment is higher, over time, owning equipment becomes more economical as you avoid ongoing financing payments. Ownership also means you have complete control over the equipment. You can modify or sell it as needed, and there are no restrictions on usage, which is also the case with Safford’s financing plans. This is particularly beneficial during peak season when equipment demand is high. Additionally, owning equipment can be an asset on your business’s balance sheet, potentially increasing your company’s net worth.
Advantages of Financing
Financing a lawn care business is a critical aspect that can significantly impact its growth and sustainability. Equipment financing is particularly relevant for lawn care companies, allowing them to purchase or lease advanced equipment without paying the full cost upfront. This type of financing can be beneficial for managing cash flow, preserving working capital, and claiming tax-deductible monthly payments. However, it is important to discuss the advantages and drawbacks with your accountant to ensure payments are deductible.
Traditional bank loans are a common choice, offering the advantage of lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, but they often require a solid business plan and good credit history. Alternatively, small business owners can explore lines of credit, which provide flexible access to funds for ongoing expenses like payroll, equipment maintenance, or unexpected costs. It’s crucial for lawn care business owners to carefully evaluate their financing needs, considering factors like interest rates, repayment terms, and the potential impact on their business’s cash flow and growth trajectory.
The great thing about working with Safford is that we provide financing options for large purchases, making it easy for you to buy the equipment you need to start your business with ease. For equipment purchased from Safford, we also provide servicing to help with upkeep.
Factors to Consider
- Business Budget: Assess your current financial situation. Buying might be more feasible if your budget allows for a significant upfront investment. However, financing could be the better option if preserving cash flow is a priority. You’ll need to carefully calculate the expenses and interest over time to ensure you can meet your financing terms without a problem.
- Equipment Usage Frequency: Consider how often the equipment will be used. Buying outright might make more sense if you’re operating year-round and the equipment is essential for daily operations. For seasonal use or occasional special projects, financing could be more economical.
- Maintenance Capabilities: Do you have the skills and resources to maintain the equipment? If not, you’ll need to factor in costs when buying outright or financing to make sure you can meet monthly payments and still service equipment.
- Future Business Goals: Think about where you see your business in the next few years. If rapid growth is anticipated, financing offers the flexibility to adapt and upgrade your equipment. For a business with a more steady growth trajectory, purchasing equipment might align better with your long-term plans.
Safford VIP Marketing Program for Landscapers
At Safford Equipment, we’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of a robust marketing plan on our growth.
To give you access to the same opportunities, we’ve partnered with our marketing experts to provide a comprehensive strategy to help you reach your target audience, boost your online presence, and drive growth and profitability for your lawn care business.
Let’s work together to make your business thrive!