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Top Commercial Lawn Care Equipment: Guide for Business

Published on March 7, 2024

Finding the right commercial lawn care equipment doesn’t have to be a tough process!

It's easy to get swayed by your competition and see that they are strong advocates for the brands they love.

However, brands that work for other businesses, might not work for yours. 

After all, every business has different goals, budgeting, and services.

Use this article to provide your business with the best resources to:

  • Discover the leading equipment among experts in the industry
  • Select the best commercial lawn care equipment to meet your business needs

Discover the Most Trusted Commercial Lawn Care Equipment on the Market!

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1. The Perfect Truck for Your Business

Choosing the right truck for your lawn care business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

After all, your truck is a huge determinant of the success of your lawn and landscape business and it needs to be reliable and durable.

While every business is a little bit different here are a few things to consider before you get your next truck:

  • Budgeting
  • Business size
  • Amount of equipment
  • MPG (i.e. miles per gallon)
  • Horsepower (e.g. how much it can haul)
  • Storage Space (e.g. whether you're hauling a trailer)
  • Purpose (e.g. whether you'll be using the truck for snow plowing too)

Also, you’ll decide whether to buy a new or used truck. 

However, this is completely based on the individual needs of your business. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to wrap your trucks too!

2. Open Utility Trailer vs. Enclosed Cargo Trailer

After choosing a truck, it’s time to buy a trailer.

As you try to decide between an open utility trailer and an enclosed trailer, you should consider things like:

  • Fuel efficiency
  • Maneuverability
  • Your truck’s horsepower

Then, weigh the pros and cons of each trailer. Use these key deciding factors to help you select the best trailer to meet your business needs.

Open Utility Trailer

ProsCons
Lightweight delivers optimal fuel efficiencyLacks versatility
Better visibilityPremium customization costs
No height restrictionsLess weather protection
Versatile for outdoor servicesChallenging to prevent theft
Light weight delivers optimal fuel efficiencyUpfront economical costs

Enclosed Cargo Trailer

ProsCons
Provides extra storage spaceUpfront premium costs
Additional security from theftMinimal visibility
Protects against weatherHeight restrictions
Versatile customization optionsLess versatility for outdoor services
Heavy weight decreases fuel efficiency

3. Decide on Storage Space for Your Commercial Lawn Equipment

Now that you’ve chosen a truck and trailer, it's time to choose how to store your commercial lawn equipment.

If you’re just getting started, and you’re using your enclosed trailer for storage, then you might not want to buy additional storage.

As you think about renting or leasing a commercial and business storage unit, there are a few factors to take into consideration:

  • Budgeting
  • Proximity to route
  • Building surveillance and security
  • Climate controlled vs. non-climate controlled

While cost is still an important factor, ensuring the safety and security of your commercial lawn equipment should remain your top priority.

4. Choose the Best Commercial Mower

With the endless brand competition in the lawn and landscape industry, it's easy to get carried away by brand wars.

Although, there are several key factors to consider before choosing the best commercial mower for your fleet:

  • Budgeting needs
  • New vs. used mowers
  • Brands carried by nearby dealers

Remember, if a dealer doesn't carry the brand you love, then you’ll have to consider another dealer that’s potentially farther away.

However, every time you take your mower in for repairs, you’re likely going to have to drive round trip twice (drop off and pick up).

So if you’re choosing a dealer that’s an hour away, then expect to spend at least four hours on the road… 

Think of all the time and gas you’ve now spent on ONE repair.

In addition, here are a few other things to think about:

  • Cash or credit
  • Relationship with your local dealer
  • Access restrictions (e.g. make sure it fits)
  • Brand loyalty for the identity and image of your business

Factors like these help decide which is the perfect commercial lawn mower to help grow your lawn care business.

5. Commercial Lawn Care Essentials

Depending on the services you offer, there are a few lawn care essentials you should think about purchasing:

As we talked about in the previous section, it’s important that your local dealer carries whatever brand you choose.

For example, Echo, Husqvarna, and Stihl are all one and the same… and yet, they’re all not.

Other things to think about as you choose a brand:

  • Budget
  • Maintenance
  • Branding and image
  • Power and durability based on servicer requirements

Once you’ve weighed those options, decide if you’re going to buy new or used.

In addition, consider these elements:

  • Will you consider a multi-task tool?
  • Are you paying in cash or putting it on credit?
  • Will you buy electric or gas-powered products?

When it comes to commercial lawn care essentials, there are a ton of things to think about and it can quickly become overwhelming.

Instead of getting overwhelmed and sucked into the internet black hole, think about YOUR NEEDS. 

Every business is different, so think about what you need to drastically narrow down your choices.

ROI CALCULATOR​

How many hours per week do you spend scheduling?​

By streamlining your everyday tasks, you simultaneously save money AND time. This gives you more time to work on high-value tasks and grow your business.
Avg. Office Pay
/ hr.
Hours Saved
hr. / week

TOTAL SAVINGS


Per Month:
Per Year:
CALCULATE MORE SAVINGS​

6. Choose the Right Spreaders and Sprayers

First off, make sure you know your state’s laws and have a license for fertilization and weed control before purchasing spreaders and sprayers.

Then, decide if you want to buy a skid sprayer. 

Many commercial lawn care owners swear by skid sprayers and their high profitability and turnover rate.

Think about the services you provide and decide to get a skid sprayer and then look at the customization options, size, and capabilities.

Once you’ve narrowed down these options, you’re ready to choose a sprayer (e.g. mister).

Also, be sure to consider the type of sprayer you'll get. 

For instance, backpack sprayers tend to be more popular because of their convenience and ease of use.

Then, consider how many gallons it needs to hold, while also making sure it’s lightweight enough to easily complete jobs.

The spray range is also important–if you’re treating mosquitos, a high spray range is a MUST.

7. Uniforms, Personal Protection Equipment, Gloves, and More

Your crew’s safety is a TOP PRIORITY… or at least it should be.

Uniforms are a part of safety, and the right uniforms can reduce your liability for potential injury.

Not only do uniforms and other PPE (i.e. personal protection equipment) protect your crew, but they also show the professionalism and branding of your business.

Plus, uniforms and PPE are an awesome way to market your business at low cost.

Take a look at a few key elements to consider:

  • Gloves
  • Footwear
  • Headwear (e.g. hats, sunglasses, etc.)
  • Who's paying for the uniforms (e.g. your business or employees)
  • Type of uniform best suited for the crew (e.g. t-shirts, polos, button-downs, etc.)

8. Miscellaneous Commercial Lawn Equipment Items

A few more things to think about for your commercial lawn care business are:

  • Oil
  • Small tool kit
  • Blade sharpener
  • 30-gallon lawn bags
  • 5-gallon gas containers

As you continue to add more services and expand your business, this list will grow! 

Remember, it's crucial to listen to your lawn care team. Hear out their input—including questions, concerns, and advice which will help you to build an amazing commercial lawn care business.

Automations is the  #1 way to follow up  with clients. If you’re not using it, your business might still be successful - but it won’t grow. 

Start Automations Tour

In Service Autopilot, our automations send emails and texts to:​

Every lead after an estimate is completed
Clients after their property has been serviced​
Remind leads and clients to send you customer feedback​
Update outdated or declined payment information​
Inform them when a service can’t be completed due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. weather)​
Remind them of maintenance tips (i.e. putting a cover on the outdoor faucet before the winter)​
Start Automations Tour

9. Maximize Profits With the Best Lawn Care Software

You DESERVE the best lawn care software that works just as hard for your business as you do.

Build your dream lawn care business with the best tools lawn care experts love:

Automate your everyday tasks. Take payments more easily. Instantly create professional forms. Kickstart your lawn care business’ growth... THAT’S the power of Service Autopilot.

Grow Your Lawn Care Business... Faster 
(and with Less Stress)​

Instant invoicing

Better scheduling

Manage your clients and employees all in one system

Start Software Tour

The Right Commercial Lawn Equipment Can Revolutionize Your Business Growth

The success of your lawn and landscape business is deeply impacted by your commercial lawn equipment.

It’s important to think about all of the factors mentioned in this article, so you can make the best decision for your business.

Even though finding the right commercial lawn equipment can be overwhelmingly stressful, this article helps to put your mind at ease and simplify the process.


Related: Lawn Care Business Advice: The 13 Secrets to Long Term Success


Originally published Dec 21, 2022 5:09 PM updated on Mar 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM

Alyssa Sanders

Alyssa is the Team Lead of Creative Marketing at Xplor Field Services. Alyssa is an expert in field service industry trends, roadblocks, and solutions. When she’s not writing or creating engaging content, you can find her watching a new sci-fi series or shoving her nose into a good book.
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