Hello Everyone - Page 2 - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

**Chris2520** · 06-27-2008, 12:31 AM

Welcome to MU.........

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Chris.....

**irwin** · 06-27-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenPro

I anticipate that mowing/snow clearing will be the bulk of the business though I am interested in drainage/water collection work as well.

Another option is to start with a walk-behind or zero turn mower and rent various equipment for my other projects.

Well you've got some thinking to do, I reckon.
If you have very deep pockets than buying new equipment is a gamble that could work, and if it didn't, just take a hit and move on.
If money is limited and you think lawn care and snow removal will be your starting point, maybe a good zero turn mower and a 4wd short bed pick up with a plow. Maybe gamble and buy a 10k 18-20' equipment trailer so renting larger machinery won't include transport fees, or waiting.

One thing I've noticed in CT anyway, is there's a lot of guys doing what you want to. Too much competition could be a tough hurdle. (of course if you have the money to hold you through, it would be a plus)

Dougster · 06-27-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenPro

RenPro is part of my business name, Renaissance Property Solutions. By property development and management I am referring to a variety of all inclusive services offered to homeowners and small associations where projects small and large can be handled through one company.

I will be doing business in Central Connecticut and the Lake Sunapee area of New Hampshire.

I have experience working in real estate sales, mortgage brokering, purchasing, general contracting (new construction and rehabed properties) I have done much of the framing, flooring, cabinetry, trim, and landscaping on myself.

As far as use of the equipment goes I am primarily going to be using the tractor to cut lawns and clear driveways. However plan also to use it to install rain water collection systems, patios, regrade/dress gravel driveways and repair/replace driveway culvert pipe.

I anticipate that mowing/snow clearing will be the bulk of the business though I am interested in drainage/water collection work as well.

Another option is to start with a walk-behind or zero turn mower and rent various equipment for my other projects.

I have to agree with Tim. This all sounds like a very tall order... in a set of business areas that will see a lot of cutthroat competition... in two very diverse states/locations... all at a time when the overall business environment is absolutely in the Crapper. You had better have lots of start-up money, a damn good business plan and (most importantly) some very strong salesmanship/marketing skills and strong inside contacts with those folks or organizations with which you intend to do business.

That being said, some lawncare/landscape folks in my area (Eastern MA) are still doing fairly well for themselves. The key seems to be focusing on repetitive, labor-intense, lawn maintenance services as opposed to one-off projects. Few people mows lawns commercially with real tractors around here. Most use some type of lawnmower.

Residential snowplowing is a total loser in my particular area and it is almost never done with a tractor. Most use plows mounted on trucks. And you better have a primary job while you are waiting for snow to fall and make some money at it. It can be a long time between storms.

Dougster™

RenPro · 06-27-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irwin

Well you've got some thinking to do, I reckon.
If you have very deep pockets than buying new equipment is a gamble that could work, and if it didn't, just take a hit and move on.
If money is limited and you think lawn care and snow removal will be your starting point, maybe a good zero turn mower and a 4wd short bed pick up with a plow. Maybe gamble and buy a 10k 18-20' equipment trailer so renting larger machinery won't include transport fees, or waiting.

One thing I've noticed in CT anyway, is there's a lot of guys doing what you want to. Too much competition could be a tough hurdle. (of course if you have the money to hold you through, it would be a plus)

Good advice,

I can't help but look at oil surging past $140 a barrel and wondering how landscapers with heavy equipment will be able to compete if gas goes to $7 per gallon as is widely being reported today within the next 2 to 4 years.

Even at $5 driving a F350 that gets 8 to 10 mpg makes trips outside the immediate geographic area very costly.

I've been looking at tow vehicles and found some nice F250, F350, K2500, K3500 as well as Dodge equivalents seriously discounted compared to just 1 year ago when I initially started looking.

Yesterday I came across a 2006 2500 Ram Crew Cab in mint condition loaded with all the goodies except a plow (Cummins Diesel to boot). 17,000 miles and they're asking $26,000 at a dealer. The MSRP on this vehicle was $52,000 when purchased new.

I also drove a nice 2006 F350 Super Cab, gas 5.4 with 29,000 miles and they are asking $17,000 at a dealer. It is still under warranty and they would sell me a used Blizzard plow (like new) with the truck for $2,000.

Right now I have a smaller vehicle with a 3800 lb tow capacity and a 5 x 8 3000 lb landscaper trailer. I have a classic 1983 Wheel Horse C85 Garden Tractor (mint condition) that I have used for small jobs. I could easily add a Deere 26hp Zero Turn for about $6200. I have snowblowers, a plow for the c85, sweepers, trimmers, etc. My small scale allows me to remain competitive even with higher fuel costs but limits expansion opportunities.

Big dilemma. It's hard to drop $50k in today's economy as retirement funds take $5k daily hits lately.

Dougster · 06-27-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenPro

Good advice,

I can't help but look at oil surging past $140 a barrel and wondering how landscapers with heavy equipment will be able to compete if gas goes to $7 per gallon as is widely being reported today within the next 2 to 4 years.

Even at $5 driving a F350 that gets 8 to 10 mpg makes trips outside the immediate geographic area very costly.

I've been looking at tow vehicles and found some nice F250, F350, K2500, K3500 as well as Dodge equivalents seriously discounted compared to just 1 year ago when I initially started looking.

Yesterday I came across a 2006 2500 Ram Crew Cab in mint condition loaded with all the goodies except a plow (Cummins Diesel to boot). 17,000 miles and they're asking $26,000 at a dealer. The MSRP on this vehicle was $52,000 when purchased new.

I also drove a nice 2006 F350 Super Cab, gas 5.4 with 29,000 miles and they are asking $17,000 at a dealer. It is still under warranty and they would sell me a used Blizzard plow (like new) with the truck for $2,000.

Right now I have a smaller vehicle with a 3800 lb tow capacity and a 5 x 8 3000 lb landscaper trailer. I have a classic 1983 Wheel Horse C85 Garden Tractor (mint condition) that I have used for small jobs. I could easily add a Deere 26hp Zero Turn for about $6200. I have snowblowers, a plow for the c85, sweepers, trimmers, etc. My small scale allows me to remain competitive even with higher fuel costs but limits expansion opportunities.

Big dilemma. It's hard to drop $50k in today's economy as retirement funds take $5k daily hits lately.

I think you are being very smart to focus on slightly used equipment... particularly trucks (making sure they are all 4x4)... and yes, it is damn frightening to watch the 401(k) shrink by leaps and bounds on a near daily basis. No argument from me at all!!!

Dougster™

**PaulChristenson** · 06-27-2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irwin

One thing I've noticed in CT anyway, is there's a lot of guys doing what you want to. Too much competition could be a tough hurdle. (of course if you have the money to hold you through, it would be a plus)

I'll bet you'll find that many of those guys are layoffs and this is a fallback position for them...

The best job in a recessional market is office cleaning!!!...Low overhead and an open field...

A friend of mine in Cleveland and his buddy got the axe and started cleaning offices...Now they have many crews working for them...Just a classic case of taking lemons and making lemonade...

**Ducati996** · 06-27-2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenPro

RenPro is part of my business name, Renaissance Property Solutions. By property development and management I am referring to a variety of all inclusive services offered to homeowners and small associations where projects small and large can be handled through one company.

I will be doing business in Central Connecticut and the Lake Sunapee area of New Hampshire.

As far as use of the equipment goes I am primarily going to be using the tractor to cut lawns and clear driveways. However plan also to use it to install rain water collection systems, patios, regrade/dress gravel driveways and repair/replace driveway culvert pipe.

I anticipate that mowing/snow clearing will be the bulk of the business though I am interested in drainage/water collection work as well.

Another option is to start with a walk-behind or zero turn mower and rent various equipment for my other projects.

Sounds like a good service provider - how did you pick the two locations that aren't strategically next to each other (CT and NH)

The work that you describe sounds like bigger machines are in order

and we have a great walk behind mower advertiser on site here - Better Outdoor Products - take a look at them, I also own one, and they are solid units!
Of course if you are looking for some ZTR's or Tractors talk to Kevin Emerich (Emerich sales) who is also a advertiser here!

Good luck hope we can help you!

RenPro · 06-28-2008, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducati996

Sounds like a good service provider - how did you pick the two locations that aren't strategically next to each other (CT and NH)

The work that you describe sounds like bigger machines are in order

and we have a great walk behind mower advertiser on site here - Better Outdoor Products - take a look at them, I also own one, and they are solid units!
Of course if you are looking for some ZTR's or Tractors talk to Kevin Emerich (Emerich sales) who is also a advertiser here!

Good luck hope we can help you!

Wow. The Better Outdoor Products walk behind looks interesting. I'm a big fan of the Kawasaki engines. The pricing is good too!

bindian · 07-01-2008, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenPro

Hello Everyone,

My name is RenPro and I am in the process of starting a property development and management business.

I have been investigating equipment for my business and have explored mini excavators, loader/backhoe combos, and skid steer equipment.

Since my business primarily focuses on homeowner services I have decided that a loader/backhoe would be the best piece of equipment to start with. I'm currently leaning toward the Kubota B2620 with a LA364 loader, BH65 backhoe and 54" mid-mount mower. I'm also considering a 51" rear mount snow blower.

I've considered the B2630/B3030 for my business but after testing several Kubota models and some competitors I feel these larger models are too big for many of the smaller properties I will be working on.

Does anyone have any other suggestions that I consider before taking the plunge?

Thanks,

RenPro

RenPro,
Welcome.
Have you looked at any Mahindra loader/backhoes?
hugs, Brandi

RenPro · 07-02-2008, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bindian

RenPro,
Welcome.
Have you looked at any Mahindra loader/backhoes?
hugs, Brandi

Yes, as a matter of fact I did just the other day at a nearby Agway store. It is quite a bit of tractor for the money. What's the reliability? I know that the Indian made auto industry is doing some cutting edge stuff especially out of Tata Motors.

I'm also impressed with the Massey Ferguson 2610 TLB. I saw it advertised in NH for $18,450 and effective today there is a $300 cash rebate and 0% for 50 months. That's about $4,000 less than the best price I got on the Kubota b2620.

What gives? Am I not comparing apples to apples?