Professional opinions.. - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Cache · 05-14-2009, 03:21 PM

Gonna partner with BIL on landscape business. I'll run administrative side of business and provide capital (up to $50K). He'll handle crew and operations. Will do everything; design, retaining walls, water features, new construction, sprinklers, hardscape, mowing, etc....

He graduated in landscape architecture/horticulture and has worked for a landscape company for 3 years. His experience with various equipment seems limited in that he doesn't have a strong opinion on which brand/type will be the better purchase. I'm looking for your opinions on which equipment is preferred and why. I have the following questions. I understand that you don't know the complete situation, so a cost/benefit analysis is impossible. Just looking for opinions if you were wanting to hit the ground running.

Size/type/make/model of mower?
- Will be handling a lot of residential, so access to smaller areas might be a frequent issue. Also, decent bag capacity is a must. Green waste must be properly disposed of here.
Skidsteer or Utility Tractor?
- Tractors and attachments are cheaper, but does skidsteer versatility justify the extra cost?
If skidsteer... tracks, tires or bar tracks?
Which attachments for landscaping?
- Box grader
- Auger
- Backhoe vs trencher?
Which attachments for snow removal?
- Snow blower vs. rotary broom vs. blade?
Mini-excavator --- buy or rent?
- rental is $250/day
Trimmer size/make/model?

Thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate it.

rbsremodeling · 05-14-2009, 03:32 PM

I tried to read it twice but failed. I will come back after I have a drink or two.

naptown CR · 05-14-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbsremodeling

I tried to read it twice but failed. I will come back after I have a drink or two.

Guy posts like I have learned not to

Cache · 05-14-2009, 03:48 PM

Sorry, shortened it up.

swade · 05-14-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cache

Size/type/make/model of mower? Xmark-36 for backyards, 48 for fronts. Depending on size of property, jungle wheels for the walk behinds or maybe a smaller zero turn rider
Skidsteer or Utility Tractor? For Installs? Skid steer IMO, but again what do you need it to do for you.
If skidsteer... tracks, tires or bar tracks? Are you going to be doing mostly new residential or existing homes? Tracked for existing, wheeled for new. Can also use wheeled for snow removal.
Which attachments for landscaping? For a bobcat?
- Box grader... or rock hound
- Auger....A necessity
- Backhoe vs trencher? Depends on the type of work you will do..irrigation/drainage, obviously a trencher. Excavating for patios in tight areas, the backhoe.
Which attachments for snow removal? Blade or box plow IMO
Mini-excavator --- buy or rent? Rent until you can keep it busy 70% of the time.
Trimmer size/make/model? Echo.Hand held for landscape crew, backpacks for mow crews. If leaf removal is an issue, a little wonder blower is a time saver

Thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate it.

The brands are up to you, just listed mowers that I have used, and have seen take a hell of a lot of abuse. As far as a bobcat goes, its up to your budget and what you need it to do as far as lifting/height...trax vs wheeled. IMO wheeled bobcats give you more options such as for snow removal etc, but if your doing a ton of existing homes a trax model might be better.

Highly recomend enclosed trailers for your mow crews, will save a ton of "unaplied" time in the mornings unloading and loading equipment.

BreyerConstruct · 05-14-2009, 06:34 PM

Mower depends on what's available, and on the comfort of the operator. Here's another vote for an Xmark... but I'd go bigger for the front yards.

Oh, yea- you'll need accounts. Consider buying another company's assets and mowing list, or partnering. Start small, don't but a lot of equipment, only to have it sit and rust. Rent until the payments make you buy.

HTH,
~Matt

antnepi · 05-14-2009, 07:28 PM

Hustler Super Z