If you aren’t familiar with them, lawn mowers can seem like they are all basically the same thing. They all have blades that cut the grass down to an appropriate size, right? But if you plan on making the leap into the popular lawn care industry, you had better know about the equipment you will be using.
To get started, you will need to choose a lawn mower that you can depend on. There are many important factors worth considering, but these should be at the top of the list when it comes to buying a lawn mower for your lawn care business.
Power and Performance
Each lawn mower is different from the next. Sure, they will have similar features and share a largely similar look. Beyond that, there are features to each that make it a more viable option than the next mower out there. One of the most critical features of any mower, whether for business or personal use, is its power.
You don’t need a high-performance mower to get the job done on smaller lots. But part of running a lawn care business means taking on jobs of different sizes. If you plan to run a commercial lawn care service, a high-performance mower is going to be a necessity. They can handle a variety of tasks and just about any turf type.
Mower Type
Another critical aspect to choosing the right mower for your business is knowing the different types of mowers out there. Will you be comfortable using a walk-behind or will the size of the lots you plan to handle require a ride-on mower? It might not seem like the biggest decision in the world, but it is one that will have a tremendous impact on your business.
Walk-behind mowers are generally cheaper, but they can also be tougher to use, especially if you need to handle larger areas. Ride-on mowers can last for quite a while and there is a greater convenience level to them, but the financial obligation is much greater. Consider those factors when choosing your business mower.
Ease of Use
It is safe to say that even if you have done your homework, you aren’t a mower expert. For that reason, any mower that you get should be comfortable to use and understand. Dealing with ongoing issues or struggling with maintenance means spending more time taking care of the equipment rather than putting it to good use.
Features should be easy to access, the suspension system should be simple to use, and the seats should be ergonomically designed if you get a ride-on mower. Maintenance is key, too. You should be able to change out belts and filters so that you can keep your mower running rather than having to tend to issues, small and large.
Durability
Think of buying a mower for your business as an investment. By investing in that equipment, you are investing in the productivity and profitability of that business. The last thing you need is to have to replace that equipment sooner rather than later. For that reason, durability is a primary factor worth keeping in mind.
The best of the best is not only capable of doing a great job but of holding up over frequent use. Getting greater longevity out of the equipment means keeping overhead lower than it would be having to replace components or the machine entirely. Commercial grade materials are a must and will help contribute to the overall life expectancy of the mower, aiding your business for a long time to come.