hi my name is ronnie i have been doing bodywork for about 9 years and was thinking about changing my profession to lawn care i was just wanting to know if anyone could help me get on track in what to do to start a lawn care business i was thinking about starting out a little small and see how it works i have one lawn mower and string trimmer any help would be appreciated thank you

Thanks for joining bodyman77. The lawn business is a great profession and I do not know of another where you can increase your salary so much every year. There is so much I could tell you about this business so you do not make the mistakes I have made. Try and get a big walk behind as soon as you can. Don't forget to save money for a velke or jungle wheels. It says major time and enery. I have written a book that tells many important things about starting a lawn business. You can find it at www.GrassToCash.com This info about buying a used mower is from a chapter in the book. Hope this helps.

Buying a Used Mower



I prefer to by used equipment. Like a car it loses value as soon as you buy it. I believe you can find good equipment that was taken care of. Look at as many different models as you can. This will be your work horse.



When buying a used walk behind

1) Check all safety switches and guards

2) Air Filter- Is there a lot of dust and dirt on the filter? Some mowers have a paper filter and a foam filter. Check both!

3) Remove air filter and look inside carburetor. Is it clean or is there a lot of dirt and debris buildup.

4) Check oil. Is it clean or dirty? Smell the oil. Does it smell burnt? It shouldn’t. If the mower has an oil filter that’s a big plus. Ask the owner how often he changes the oil, oil filter, and air filter.

5) Feel the engine to see if it has already been started. If not see how easy it starts cold.

6) Does the engine smoke or stutter.

7) Turn the blades and listen to the sound of the spindles. Is there a lot of grinding or rubbing? The blades should move freely and make little or no noise. If there is grinding they probably have not been greased enough and that could be a sign of how well the mower was taken care of.

8) Engage mower transmission. It should go through all gears easily, and more or less drive straight without a lot of control.

9) When turning left or right, do the brakes squeak?

10) Engage blades. Do they engage quickly?

11) Disengage blades. Do they stop within a couple of seconds?

12) Check to see how much the tires are worn. This can give you a good idea how much the mower has been used.

13) Check all belts for wear.



Now, find some grass to mow and see how it performs.



Do not rush to buy a mower. Compare several mowers to get an idea of how much they are worth. I always start negotiations at a much lower price than what the seller is asking. Just because he is asking a certain price doesn’t mean it’s worth it or it will sell for that.



A good used walk behind 36” should cost $1200-$1500. You may find one for less. Make sure you save money for a Velke or Jungle wheels if the mower does not come with one. I can’t stress that enough.


Kevin

thank you kevin for the info it helped