Worthy investment?

[LawnDoc]

Hey folks! I'm new here. I've been looking for an interesting side project/investment. I did the lawn mowing thing for a few years, was successful, but moved on to other ventures involving school, volunteering for a fire department, and more school. I still have equipment like my chainsaws, weedeaters, pushmower, etc.

I am asking you guys if this is a lucrative enough business that I could purchase a small tractor, do some small jobs, and eventually work my way up the totem pole into bigger and better ventures. I learn quick, I'm willing to do what it takes, but I'm unsure if this economy would supply the jobs for me to make a worthy investment. I would also need to do this around my schooling.

I'm open to ANY input! Thanks!

 

[kthompson]

To me this varies from area to area. Survey your area carefully. You will need to be insured and that can be costly. You will need business license also. Both will be needed for the business you want.

 

[bucktaker]

i dont think you will see much return on your investment if you purchase a tractor soley for this venture. Even a older MF/Ford tractor and necessary equipment, Larger trailer, Finish mower, rotary cutter, PHD, box blade, showblower. Lota years lotta hours to recoup cash out.

Now if you alrerady had that equipment and it was sitting idle you might make a few bucks, but its the economy that will make it hard to turn a profit

 

[robs660]

I agree with kthompson. See if your area is flooded with landscapers and then make a business plan. If it is flooded and you can support lower rates then the others in the area then you have an opportunity. If there is a hole then consider filling it. There is a large inventory of quality used equipment on the market right now to look into. In my parents town there are more landscapers / grass cutting services then there are houses. By me there are only a handful of operations.
The other aspect is quality and customer service. Just because you have the equipment doesn't mean that you can successfully service customers.

Good luck!

 

[TripleR]

Pretty much agree with others; too many variables to know for sure. I know around here, you would starve to death as about everyone owns a tractor of some sort.

You might check with Builder and Farmswithjunk as they do this for a living.

 

[Jesse11]

yeah,See if your area is flooded with landscapers and then make a business plan. If it is flooded and you can support lower rates then the others in the area then you have an opportunity. If there is a hole then consider filling it. There is a large inventory of quality used equipment on the market right now to look into.

 

[wcampbell47]

Look around for a niche.

In my area most tractor owners were sold a 40 hp with FEL, box blade and 5 or 6 foot shredder. I bought a 21 hp with FEL and finish mower for my own use. As time passed I acquired implements not that common. A 48" tiller, a 40 gallon 3 point spray rig, fertilize spreader, an aerator.

The smaller tractor lets me go places the big boys can't and I am not competing with them on shredding. Last year I acquired a five foot land plane which I use to maintain two rural parking lots and level lots, especially just before sod is put down. The land plane is way better than the box blade for what I am doing.

I do other things as well. I'm an IT professional and have a repair shop in the community. I am on the board of the Chamber of Commerce. I derive more income from the tractor than I do repairing computers - but it all counts.

Do excellent work, don't cut corners, give more than you bargained for and build a name that folks trust.