What equipment should you use when you're starting off in the lawn mowing business?

At the start of my lawn mowing business, like many newcomers, I faced budget constraints that limited my ability to invest in professional-grade equipment. Initially, I decided to use the tools I already had on hand. This approach worked for a while, but I soon realized that my equipment wasn’t ideal for the demands of the job. While hard work is part of the process, I found that using suboptimal tools was leading to unnecessary strain and inefficiency.

I began with a Ryobi push lawn mower, a Victa curved shaft string trimmer, a Ryobi leaf blower, and a Green Atom edger—all of which I had been using for my personal lawn. I also utilized our family car and a 6x4 foot trailer. However, using the Atom domestic edger proved challenging; it required multiple passes over the same section just to cut through thicker grass. Similarly, the Ryobi blower struggled to move debris effectively, and the mower frequently clogged on taller grass. These issues not only slowed me down but also made the job frustrating and less professional than I had hoped.

Despite these challenges, I managed to complete the work with my initial setup. However, it became clear that investing in better equipment would enhance efficiency and overall job satisfaction. As soon as I could afford it, I upgraded to mid-range equipment. For residential services in Traralgon, I now use:

• Victa Corvette 850 VGMD489 Self-Propelled Mower: This mower, equipped with a Briggs and Stratton engine, has been reliable for the past seven months. It provides a clean cut and starts easily. My only minor critique is that it could be a bit faster and wider, but overall, it’s a significant improvement over my previous mower.

• Honda UMK425 Bent Shaft String Trimmer: This trimmer has a greater reach compared to my old curved shaft model, making it easier to access difficult spots and handle tall grass effectively.

• Stihl BG 56 Blower: This blower offers more power than the Ryobi model I started with and is well-suited for everyday mowing, trimming, and edging tasks. For larger leaf cleanups, a backpack blower would be ideal, but this blower meets my current needs.

• Atom 480 Deluxe Domestic Edger: Powered by a Honda 4-stroke engine, this edger has the power to tackle overgrown edges, though using new blades is essential for the toughest jobs.

I am also considering investing in a ride-on mower, specifically the Walker model, which has received positive reviews. Though it is a significant investment, I believe it would greatly improve efficiency and profitability in the long run. For now, it remains a future goal due to current financial constraints.

In conclusion, my advice is to start with the equipment you have and upgrade gradually as your business grows. Stay patient, avoid unnecessary purchases, and focus on acquiring only what you need to enhance your service. Keep improving and don’t give up—you’ll see the benefits as you invest in better tools.