Should i buy a toro?

[bp fick]

When my son was just a little older than you, I set him up in a mowing biz. Got him a 5x8 trailer, nothing special, good quality edging sticks, a backpack blower (used, at a steal) a cheapie MTD 14 hp tractor, BUT... we got a used Bunton walk behind or ride on dolly, for peanuts. Went thru it with some new parts, belt, tune up and it was a tank!!! He cut 100's of lawns with it and actually made money.

Your goal must be/should be to make some money doing this. IMHO, the only way that happens is getting some good, solid, if used equipment. Have a back up, 'cause stuff does break down and goes out of commission for a day or two.

When my boy gave up the business after two years, he re-couped 80% of the equipment investment by selling it. Not bad. That wouldn't happen with new stuff, I don't think. Just my two cents worth, and that's all it's worth.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Cheap junk trannys??? Really??? Without going to deere.com, or anywhere else, tell me what "trannys" are used in the John Deere Z400 series line. I'll wait...




BTW, they are not even "trannys" on the Deere - although the Bad Boy you are pushing does have two integrated hydro transaxles int it - maybe you are confusing the two? Oh, and don't forget the Kohler Courage engine in that Bad Boy - everyone loves that Courage engine! :confused2:

While the Z400 series are not commercial grade - they are pretty close... Do your homework - the frame is the same as the old 727A and 737A Commercial grade Deere ZTs. The drive system is the same as well - a Kanzaki DUP10 (10cc Dual Unitized Pump) with Parker wheel motors. WOW! What a cheap tranny that is!!! And forget the $1,000.00 green paint!!!

So... We have a Bad Boy BBZ6027KO from TSC for $4,999.00 with a 27hp Kohler Courage engine, Two integrated hydrostatic transaxles (made by ?) and a 60" hand-welded mower deck and no dealer service.
vs
A John Deere Z445 / 54HC from a dealer with a list price of $5,299.00 (we sell them for less) with a 25hp Kawasaki engine, a Kanzaki 10cc Dual Unitized Pump with Parker wheel motors and a 9 gauge stamped 54HC mower deck. Plus dealer service.

Please do some homework before you bash something... 1k more because it says Deere? Cheap junk trannys? I don't think so.

I stand corrected on the drive system on the JD. I am man enough to admit when I am wrong. And I clearly stated the Kaw engine is desired. I have been around commercial mowing for about 10 year, not nearly as long as you I can see, but have never had a issue with a Kohler. Briggs is another story. Hands down I will not own anything that does not have a Kawasaki and a welded steel deck, no stamped stuff for me anymore.

All I am trying to do is save this young 15 year old money in the long run. The stuff he is looking at will not hold up and end up costing him more in the long run.

Chris

 

[flyingdutch16]

At risk of wandering into this bar fight...My brother bought a Lowes (forget which) ZTR 3 years ago and cuts his 2 acres around twice a week (he's nuts). He has had no problems whatsoever with it.

Keep in mind that "pro" landscapers beat their machinery to death..minutes are money and they treat the equipment accordingly. Just watch one mow for 15 minutes sometime.

If you take it easy and maintain it, i don't see why you couldn't easly squeeze 4 years out of a big box ZTR.

If you business expands, first good for you, then make the commercial investment.

Just my opinion.

You made a really good point there, the pros do really beat their machinery. And im just gonna buy a good homeowners mower, and in a couple off years ill buy a commercial mower. Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[BleedGreen]

I stand corrected on the drive system on the JD. I am man enough to admit when I am wrong. And I clearly stated the Kaw engine is desired. I have been around commercial mowing for about 10 year, not nearly as long as you I can see, but have never had a issue with a Kohler. Briggs is another story. Hands down I will not own anything that does not have a Kawasaki and a welded steel deck, no stamped stuff for me anymore.
Chris

And I am man enough to admit that I got a little hot-headed with my response yesterday and for that, I apologize.

In regards to Kohler engines, if we go all the way back to the old "Cast Iron Line" engines they were absolutely bulletproof. The Kohler Command series is almost as good, with much better technology. Unfortunately the Kohler Courage engine leaves much to be desired, even in homeowner operation, IMHO. Without a doubt, the Kawi engines are my (and many others) preference for both Homeowner and Commercial usage.

When you get a chance, take a look at the heavy (7 & 9 gauge) stamped decks from Deere, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Stamping gives JD the ability to design the deck with more curves (rather than angles) where they want them in order to increase proper air flow within the deck, among other things. I agree that the light stamped decks are not commercial grade, but I sincerely believe that the heavy ones are more than adequate for commercial service. One more quick note, I have been told that the reason none of the other manufacturers build a heavy (7 & 9 ga) stamped deck is because no one else has a press big enough to stamp that heavy gauge of steel - according to Deere it takes 4,000,000 pounds of force to stamp that deck - yeah that is 4 million, which is pretty impressive in my book.

New commercial lawn equipment available from JohnDeere for your grounds care needs.

 

[flyingdutch16]

guys maybe a little off topic, but any suggestions on how i can get 4 customers today, for the next season, because my dad told if i can get 4 customers im allowed to buy a Zero turn mower. soo any tips?

 

[Diamondpilot]

guys maybe a little off topic, but any suggestions on how i can get 4 customers today, for the next season, because my dad told if i can get 4 customers im allowed to buy a Zero turn mower. soo any tips?

What I did when I was a kid was print out a cost worksheet. Go to the house with a clipboard and the worksheet and fill it out then hand it to the customer. Make sure you include all your info like name, address, phone number, and what you are trying to accomplish. Also get permission to use some of your current customers as a referral and include that info.

What we did was give a price with just mowing, one with mowing and trimming, then the works that included fertilizing and weed treating along with cutting all limbs on the trees that got in the way of mowing.

Chris

 

[bp fick]

We made up handbills, for AJ when he was doing this. Nice 5.5 x 8, with graphic, good solid info and a contact number.

Word of mouth is best. Passing out handbills is also good. On it, you could leave room or have a place for an estimate. "I enclose a free estimate on your yard. This price will include weekly mowing, trimming, blowing off sidewalks (or whatever services you provide)" $______

If your price is below what they are paying now, you'll get some responses.
Put these handbills in people's doors. Do not put them in their mailboxes, as that is a violation.

Again, you don't have to beat the competition by much, just enough. You cannot mow for free. You must allow for fuel, parts, repairs and equipment replacement.

 

[flyingdutch16]

We made up handbills, for AJ when he was doing this. Nice 5.5 x 8, with graphic, good solid info and a contact number.

Word of mouth is best. Passing out handbills is also good. On it, you could leave room or have a place for an estimate. "I enclose a free estimate on your yard. This price will include weekly mowing, trimming, blowing off sidewalks (or whatever services you provide)" $______

If your price is below what they are paying now, you'll get some responses.
Put these handbills in people's doors. Do not put them in their mailboxes, as that is a violation.

Again, you don't have to beat the competition by much, just enough. You cannot mow for free. You must allow for fuel, parts, repairs and equipment replacement.

Thanks, i was thinking of just going door to door, because in the begining of the year i did it in february and i pot some flyers in about 30 mailboxes and i got only one peroson. So im hoping actually going to the door and talk to them would really help.