$600 Mowing Job Goes Bad & Free Pressure Wash Backfires
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2021
- Taking a look at two recent projects that blew up in my face.
Project #1:
Overly ambitious project involving clearing 2 acres of 6-10 foot brush. Underbid at $600 to clear everything less than 2 inches with my TORO BRC-28. I am certain the machine would have completed the work (the actual mowing, brush cutting, land clearing) were it not for its exposed underbelly. It managed to get a 2 foot piece of hardwood brush wedged in a corner of the frame and ran between a pulley and the drive belt. The belt was undamaged but immediately popped off the pulleys.
In hindsight, I definitely could have performed the repair in the field, as it requires no tools (Just releasing a tension spring, putting the belt back on, and redoing the tension spring. Took me about 3 minutes at home once I looked at the owner's manual), but did require the knowledge of how to fix it (which I didn't have at the time due to no user manual and no cell service to look one up) and required me to lay down on the wet ground to effect the repair (but could have used the trailer for that once I pushed it up there). That being said, I still hold that if this happened again, each time it would have required me to either get down in the muddy wet ground to perform the repair, or push it back to the trailer for a dry work surface, so I stand by my decision to say 'yeah, I think I needed a bigger machine'. Thankfully my honesty and full disclosure of the situation didn't leave a bad taste in the client's mouth.
Project #2:
Early in December I offered to pressure wash any steps local residents felt were unsafe. I went to complete one of them, found no one at home, and went to leave. Rather than backing down the long driveway to the main road, I tried to ford a small ditch in order to turn around. Big mistake and I spend 45 minutes getting myself unstuck. The good news is the client was really nice about everything and completely OK.
Copper Creek Cuts is a lawn care and landscaping business in Florida with a goal to entertain and educate.
Contact me: coppercreekcuts@gmail.com - บันเทิง
Brad, I admire you for showing the successes and failures. Running your own business has setbacks at times. You are mentoring some who have a lawn care business or want to start one. They need to know the truth. Bravo!
I appreciate the kind words!
I think anyone who runs their own business knows the terror and embarrassment from either or both of these tales of failure 😅. I appreciate you sharing them and being so transparent.
Crap happens 🤷 it's how you deal with it that is important.
Such a deep gut 'oh no' feeling as well! :D
Personally, I would rather have someone say "Well, I'm sorry, I got in over my head on this. You need to get someone else" than continue to try and possibly hurt themselves or cause damage to my property or their equipment. I respect people who can take accountability and admit when they were wrong or made a mistake.
Thank you! I guess if the 'ideally the dummy would know from the start what he can't handle' ship has sailed like it did with me, that would be the next best outcome! :D
Dude, come on. He said I'm gonna get a bunch of hate for this. He did take accountability and his client even said he did in the email. Some things can't be done.
One of the many reasons why I continue to watch your videos. You’re entertaining plus I appreciate your honesty. The world needs more men like you!
Thank you so much!
That was quite a day. You did a lot of things right. You tried figuring out solutions for the problems you ran into and didn't give up. One at a time you worked on them. When you realized the brush job was bigger than sheer-determination could fix, you helped to find someone with more viable equipment. Though I am sorry about the mess with stuck equipment at the second place, you still managed to get the steps safe for the owner and that was an important accomplishment. Wishing you the best. You are a person of honesty, integrity, persistence and humor. All are appreciated.
Thank you very much for the kind words!
What I hope people learn from you is taking ownership of our actions, facing up to our situation and being honest in communication. In this current time, people demand perfection from others, expectations of high standards when everyone is as human as we are ourselves.
You did well, handled it face on with grace and integrity, owned the situation while trying to find a solution for the client.
That speaks volumes about the content of your character.
I appreciate this comment and the kind words!
Well, sh*t happens! And we learn from that, right?
What I learned from this video is that you are an honest, hardworking, and kind man. I love your attitude and simplicity. All the best to you sir! May the force be with you! :)
Thank you so much!
Your patience, determination and positive outlook is exemplary. We could all use a dose of your sense of humor and humility. You inspire me.
Much appreciated, thank you!
7:00 Dude I am feeling what your saying so much. This was an almost weekly occurrence for me my first 4 years in business. Getting faced with defeat and then finding a way to overcome it is one of the most painful but rewarding parts of being in business. Not knocking you for calling it quits on this one cause your business is your business and you know it better than anyone else but there is nothing more rewarding than facing a moment where everything in you says quit and you push through and make it happen anyway. I love moments like what happened to you in this video. They suck at the time but you learn and it makes you better so you know what to do next time.
Btw the very first video on my channel is this exact situation and I was completely overwhelmed by it. Now it’s a ten minute fix in the field lol
Really loved this video man
LOL I should have texted you and asked for advice. I was certain it was a 'will need tools' fix but like you said, once you know what to do it is 10 minutes or less. Live and learn for sure. I will say if it happened after a few hours of work, I MIGHT have been more inclined to push on, but in the first five minutes? I was like...."yeah maybe that is a good indicator I shouldn't have done this" :D
I like that you show the good, the bad and the ugly! All worth watching!
I appreciate it!
Pro tip: Straighten your front tires out next time. It takes more traction to make a hard turn like that then to just go straight.
The classiest lawn care channel on YT.
I've had to do the walk of shame for a stuck ZTR at the far end my own property, requiring several trips. And I'm pretty sure all my neighbors were watching out their windows.
High praise for putting your nightmare scenario out there, if only for how to keep your sanity while contending with it.
Haha, I am glad my experience wasn't the only one like this in the world. Misery loves company, so I am happier :D
You have the right and honest attitude for success, well done
Thank you kindly!
Regardless of what happened to that mower, I think we can all agree it was still an entertaining video😁
I've gotten to places where mowers tore up, weedeaters tore up, etc. Most people will understand, especially if they're usual customers. Coming back and finishing the job once repairs are made or redoing the job completely is part of the job.
Brad I admire you for your honesty! Let people mock and laugh, it's this honesty that ensure a bright future 🤗❤🌻
Thank you for showing us what can happen some days when things don't go as planned.
Haha, you are more than welcome!
Brad, one of the things I like about your unfortunate day, is your ability to cope with honesty. The lessons learned are so transferable to other kinds of labor. So happy with your chanel, integrity and humor. Have a safe New Year.
I appreciate this feedback very much, thank you!
This was truly awesome. Your transparency is very refreshing. No hype. Just reality. Great information to learn from and very much appreciated. Keep on being you, Brad, because you’re good enough, you’re smart enough, and doggone it, people like you… a lot!!
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Momma said there'd be days like this. Love the spot on sound effects also. You have a good heart sir.
Haha, thank you!
Your are operating with a sound business sense. Not trying is failing without trying and there are no lessons learned. When you try and do fail there are always lessons learned and your character is honed. Those are wins. Keep it up young man. Your hard word, resourcefulness, honesty, humility and attitude are going to take you far
This is probably the most joyful thing I do is mow overgrown fields. It is enjoyable DESTROYING everything in my path. I do use a skidsteer, but you're correct. You gotta start somewhere.
Oh boy! We've all had those days Brad where nothing goes right, you've owned them and no doubt learned from them. Happy New year, health and happiness to you and yours 🎉🎊🥂🍻
Thank you! :D
Brad, you never cease to amuse! "Look at how I messed up" is a great TH-cam business model :)
LOL Anything for the views!
That last bit was totally worth it’s own video 🤣
LOL I love how I really thought I would be able to move that trailer.
I just love your videos.. comical and amusing yet professional..
Thank you for that!
Brad, MUCH RESPECT to you for showing us EVERYTHING and not being an edit king. It takes guts to say you're human and show your errors, Brother!
You and Murphy's Law surely had some quality time together but, you handled it like a true gentleman and professional.
Thanks so much for a great year of videos and I wish you and yours a VERY Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year!! Keep smiling and have a happy heart.
I appreciate the understanding, thank you Sir! :)
Lots of respect to you! Happy new year!
I appreciate that!
What a bad day. Man I love your positive attitude! You and a couple other sure inspire me to try and improve mine in a positive way, and it is working!
Thank you kindly!
I did a 6 acre brush clearing on a farm. some of it well over 10 feet tall did it all with 2 dr power walk behind brush mowers (same thing as that toro) took 30 man hours. Charged $1600. Buddy of mine put a sulky on the back of his brush mower lol
I was thinking I would be there at least 5 or 6 hours, so maybe my numbers weren't so far off. I was thinking about if this thing could take a sulky! :D
At least you’re honest about it, it takes a good man to admit his faults than to keep going knowing that he may or may not be able to do the job right. Kudos to you
I admire your can do attitude Brad. As John Wayne said:
“What’s the secret of success? Right decisions. How do you make right decisions? Experience. How do you get experience? Wrong decisions.”
Ohh, I like that! Thanks!
I am entertained and I have learned something
DOUBLE WHAMMY! :P
Your videos are so entertaining and full of good knowledge on how to tackle difficult situations !
I appreciate the kind words!
No worries my man🤙💯. You handled it and kept it moving. Thanks for sharing...
Appreciate that!
I know you wanted to say multiple cus words after this fulfilling experience. I love your videos you kept your head up and eventually your truck got out the ditch and you got the chance to pressure wash so it’s some relief in this mess you uplift others sir keep up the great work
LOL I can neither confirm nor deny that, thanks for watching!
I think we’ve all had those days lol 😂 Nothing you touch or do goes right!! Kudos for pushing forward and 🤞🏻 everything starts looking back up for ya!
I appreciate the kind words!
I remember starting with a Murray push mower, Ryobi all in one weed eater, and Ryobi blower lol.
LOL I had a WORX blower and Poulan Pro stick equipment.
What a rough day! Blessings for your hard work!
Thank you for the kind words!
It's amazing what a cheap mower will cut, I have the cheapest toro push mower available, and with the side chute open as long as you can get it thru the vegetation it'll cut it, even stuff taller than what Brad was cutting with the rider.
Very nice!
Brad; thank you for showing the mess ups. Saw a meme the other day, The book of our lives,good or bad COULD BE someone’s LIFE LINE in the future.
I really like you attitude. good job man
Remember the old saying, “ Mama said there’d be days like this!” This was yours! We’ve all been there and this was your day. But God bless, you handled it like a trooper!! 😁
Haha, thank you!
You had one of those days, or two, that the bear got you. But after having watched your other videos, I know that you will undoubtably get the bear. Good luck and Happy New Year.
Thank you kindly!
We love you Brad!
We don't ever know when things are going to break down. My car is 18 yrs old. I've seen many new cars sitting on the side of the highway. Keep going all is well and we'll keep watching even the critics. 😁😁
LOL Thank you!
Oh Brad.. You had a rough day at the ranch that day!! I don't think your dumb . Your honest and upfront and that goes a very long way . Guess what? It's a brand new year now. So, Happy New Year!!! And let's see where this year takes us.
Thank you kindly!
Dang brad so it’s not always easy as it seems great info knowing anything can go wrong in any situation, the ending had me cracking up 😂
Happens to the best of us. Great video.
Thank you!
Love your work man. I’m just starting out. Been a hard first year but I’m hopping 2022 I can afford a zero turn and trailer. Love your videos 👍
Hey, good for you man, I love the positivity! :)
seeing others do stupid stuff is something to learn from. but Happy New Year everyone!!🎉🎊🥳🎉🎊🥳
Then this video is VERY educational! :D
I think you done right by having a go at it you don't know what your machine is capable of doing unless you try it and you learn from it
Very true!
Great video Brad, you have been totally honest, you handled it very professionally, which makes the difference. 👌👍
Anyone in business, who says they have never had such a day, is very very lucky or not quite telling the truth.
Happy New year mate 👍👍
LOL I am glad I am not the only one who has these issues, thanks as always for your comment! :)
@@CopperCreekCuts 👍👍
It looks like you had a Murphy's Law moment or two, or three. Happy New Year, Brad and Family! 🥳🎈🎊🎉
LOL You are correct. Thank you so much!
😂😂😂😂😂 the second part of the video after the emails. I was dying laughing. Stuff like that happens to me all the time. I’m just so glad I’m not the only one who has bad luck like that 😂😂😂 my husband said a kind guy like that can get stuck in our yard any time 🤣🤣🤣
I loved this video, Brad.
Thank you!
we’ll that’s off to a great new year like I’m having! hope it goes better
Thanks!
Hey Brad time to get better tires for your truck so u won't get stuck, love the work you do for the elders
I'll look into it!
Love the roof on the mower!
Should help this coming spring/summer! :)
Nobody knows what's going to happen at anytime. That's life. Don't worry about it. Your honest.
Very true, and thank you!
Well Brad, I'll admit that you owned up to not being able to do the job as you said you could, that deserves an accolade by itself, and getting stuck in a yard isn't as bad as you made it out to be, the little bit of pressure washing was nice though, hope you have a great and safe new years eve and a prosperous New Year
I also did get to mow a little bit! :D
BRAD you were having one of my days or two 😂😂😂
LOL You've got that right!
Always keep kitty litter in your truck, works every time!
Wait, for which part? Getting stuck and getting traction?
@@CopperCreekCuts getting traction, happy new year!!🎊
I like the dew rag you were wearing while you were brush cutting haha
LOL Gotta keep the mosquitoes away no matter what it takes!
@@CopperCreekCuts haha yeah
18:40 thank you for saying I have a sharp eye! :) that was really nice, Brad!
You trying to push your trailer was comedy gold. I honestly would have tried the exact same thing, and had the exact same reaction Lmfaoo
LOL I really was like 'oh yeah I can do this, the wood will let it just slide backwards'. Dumb :D
we all make mistake because we are human and it’s s in our nature. I appreciate for taking on that embarrassment of messing up on youtube!
Haha, I appreciate your comment!
Well, all very successful overachievers have encountered situations similar to yours. To succeed you must first fail GREAT VIDEO
Haha, thank you!
I'm glad you show the reality of mowing and dont get upset when things go wrong or when somebody wants to share constructive criticism, unlike another channel... BoG 🤣🤣
I missed that one!
I am wondering if you figured out how to reinstall the belt easily on the Toro BRC28? I'm interested in buying that Toro model, and wanted your input on that machine. It's a stout machine that would serve a great need I have here on the beach here on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston Texas.
Sure it threw the belt, but I'm sure it is still an easy repair (Once seeing how to reinstall it).
I cut code compliance type of grass on Galveston Island.
I am sorry you had equipment failure. That happens to everyone whether they own a business or not. You are always professional. If I lived in your neck of the woods, I would hire you.
Thank you kindly! :)
@@CopperCreekCuts You are very welcome. You do good work and I love your work ethic. Happy New Year to you and yours.☺🙏
We have all had them. Enjoyed the video
Thank you for the support, much appreciated!
I run a billy goat it’s practically the exact thing you’re running but mines one blade. I highly recommend for this type of mowing. Hit the big stuff with Tordon so it doesn’t grow back
Good tip, thanks!
I have always like when you show the good and the bad. We do all screw up. We need to learn from our mistakes. Secondly, I hung my truck up several times in my in-laws back yard helping them move long ago. I called a tow truck both times. I now have triple A to cover those tow jobs. Keep up the good work making these type of videos. Tractor Tim with Tim has shown lots of his mistakes and also showed how he (or others) repaired them.
AAA might be something I need to look into if I run by any more ditches! :D
@@CopperCreekCuts i have used the towing feature at least once a year since i have been a three year member. I am even with them so far. I also worked at the local Wastewater plant. We had a 15 year old Scags 60 inch mower with the steering under the seat. I cleaned up 10 acres of brush 8 feet tall. It was a miniature bush hog. The ground had better be dry or it would sink quickly to the frame. I pulled it out many times.
Nice video. Don't you get any trailer sway loading the bigger mower towards the rear of the trailer?
s**t happens. I can't believe how calm you stayed
Helped that I could edit out the crazy bits! :D
Thought of you when I rolled west of Dallas/Ft.Worth. Copper Creek Tx.
I think this was still a good ending to what started out as bad situations. Being upfront about the situation and taking ownership goes a long, long way. Glad that the first homeowner was understanding and was able to get in touch with someone that could help TAME THE WILDS... like that wasn't just a brush cutter situation that looked more like what we learned in History class where homesteaders would be given acerage and had to make something out of it. For the second part, glad the homeowner understood and you were able to help her out in the long run!
You had some wee problems and weren't afraid to show them to the world. That's how folks learn.
As a plus for you tho', your body positioning when shoving the Toro up on to the trailer was spot on and if you ever get a game of Rugby, you'd do alright in the Scrum!
LOL I will keep that in mind! :D
It is good practice to cross those trailer chains. Left one goes right, right one goes left in a X pattern.
That's right!
Not gonna lie, it would've been a pleasure to watch that yard being mowed. Hope you get another of these jobs soon.
I was looking forward to it for sure!
Great video
Thanks!
We all need to learn from our mistakes and adapt and overcome!
Very true!
That is a pretty big property, get after it!!
LOL I need you to come help! :)
We!l said, sir. Happy New Year.
Thank you!
subbed, and the Christmas tree hearing aids from Northern Tools are the BEST, speaking from a person that has a lifelong history, and just got a referral to the special doc for a cochlear implant, MAN, cover your EARS !
I have no clue what the christmas tree hearing aids are, but I use in ear ear plugs. You can see me take them out, you can see them in, and you can see them hanging from my neck at different points in the video.
@@CopperCreekCuts sorry in the Christmas spirit, they look like, shaped like a tree, evergreen.
Brad, you get an extra man point for the roof on the mower. (MELANOMA people.)
LOL I will be appreciating it this summer, I am sure!
I know people who have BIG businesses who started with a push mower and a CHEAP trimmer AND the courage to get up and try.
Also, I would have used my mower to pull the brush cutter back to the trailer. Been there, done that, yeah I'm old and a bit lazy. :D
hi i'm brazilian and i love your videos ❤️
Thank you!
Should have titled this one "Brad and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"! LOL At least the lady who needed help was home and you were able to help get her steps a bit less scary!
That's looking on the bright side! :D
Happy New Year
Thanks for watching!
There is no shame to be had when it's just one of those days. We all have had them and probably will have again. Dust yourself off and keep moving forward.
Thank you!
You inspire me
High praise, thank you! :D
Now that you have Vin-track you should check with the customer if this job is available to be completed(i.e. not already done by others)
Your motto should be....this is a video of how you do things not how it shold be done. And yes i am entertained through all your videos. Well done for taking a few minutes out of a stressful situation and laugh about it... when life gives you lemons....
You will be good.
That would be an accurate motto to have! :D
Murphy"s law 🙈 enjoyed watching from Cape Town South Africa
Hey, that is a long way away, thank you! :D
Man I thought the brush cutter would power through it easy. I had a similar situation happen to me this Summer with a push mower. Seriously five seconds in and the blade went flying off of a brand new mower. 😳 🤦♂️
LOL Doesn't make you feel good for the rest of the job, huh?
Funny video....1st belt comes off the brush cutter, then you & trailer get stuck. heehee
LOL Not a good day!
Can you do a over view of your utility trailer and did you have it special built?
Sure!
@@CopperCreekCuts sweet I’m 14 and do lawn care and want to upgrade my 5x8 utility to a bit bigger trailer 👍🏻
Now that you have the ventrack you should give this Job another go if it hasn't already been cleaned up.
Did you think about unloading the Z turn and dragging it. Looked like you bout “ stroked out”.