I use entry level Sthil or Echo for stick equipment. If a trimmer is showing it's age I demote it to a backup piece and get a new entry level egger or trimmer. I do most of my own repairs during the off season. I would add that the entry level stick equipment is lighter so it's easier on my 72 yr. old body.
2020-2022 taught me that you better have a backup for everything that is essential for running your business. If I have a good back up I can run my equipment for much longer without worrying. It also prevents panic buying which can lead to over paying or poor choices.
I judt started out so what i did was use a multi tool approach. I use the stihl kombi so i can go between blowing, trimming, pruning, and blade edging. The only downside is switching.
However long they’ll finance it for is typically when I’ll start thinking about buying one. Looking at possibly doing a lease next time around, it’s what the big guys do and having newer warrantied equipment with low liability makes a decent amount of sense.
Your srm 225 should last more than 2 years even if you use it on 10 or 12 lawns per day. My 225 is finishing up its 4th season. Take time and maintenance it each season with all new filters and a new spark plug. Taking out the spark arrester is a MUST!
Since I am the only one using the two cycle equipment, I buy meant levels of equipment. For example, for line trimmers, I run mostly top end units, like the shindaiwa t302 and echo srm-3020. I'm willing to pay for them because I know that I'm going to take care of them. They will last me 5 years, minimum. When I had employees, I used the shindaiwa t242 &/or t262 units because they were a lower in price and I knew that they would not be as well cared for. Mowers, I try to get at least 1500 hours. I'm finally moving on from a 2016 grandstand with 2000 hours. It has finally had what I would not call a major issue but several small issues that would add up to a couple of thousand dollars in repairs. Trailers, my first trailer lasted me twenty years. I only had to replace one wheel hub and replace the deck once in all of that time. The bottom line is, philosophy of use needs to be tied to how the equipment will be cared for. You can't decide that you're going to keep a mower for 1500+ hours and neglect oil changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, driver over any and all debris, hop curbs at speed, etc... Likewise, with trimmers, if you want them to last three plus seasons you need to use ethanol free fuel, the best two cycle oil, not drop start them, etc. .. As always Jonathan, a great subject and a great video
Great video!! My idea for stick equipment is 1 year per $100 spent before tax. So a $350 trimmer should last 3.5 years. Obviously there are lemons, or mistakes made when buying a certain brand/model. I do check all the handhelds yearly for air/fuel filters and plugs. If one were to breakdown where it is too expensive for the time left on that machine, I'd just keep it for parts. I have the same philosophy as you on mowers. As for trucks I try to have a number in mind when buying it. Depending on the price/year/mileage/trim level, there is a lifespan I'd like to see out of it. Again, sometimes you purchase a bad one, but you can't cover every base. I just try my best to not overspend when purchasing, or repairing. The headache costs more than the repair.
Good thoughts here. Stick equipment, I switched to battery trimmer / edger at the very end of 2022, have been using the same ones since 2023 season, almost 2 seasons in no issues and all the batteries still work and I take steps to be sure I get most out of them. I am strongly considering “retiring” my main work truck as it’s 37 years old still runs great but I want something a little newer but similar body style / equipment.
@@dominickwynn2435 great idea. Ya I have a small 21” battery mower for a few tiny backyards it does ok but it’s not a commercial mower. I have enough batteries I can simply charge the dead ones at end of the day and so far have never ran out.
My old stihl fs100rx was leaking fuel into filter. So time for rebuild. While parts on order i bought a new echo 2620 used it on two lawns then while on my rack on trailer i hit a trash can that stuck out and tore the whole carb off. 😩.
I had some old weed eaters and blowers That need to be worked on.I ended up putting them in the front yard Is with a free sign by Them They were gone quick.
I would repair the equipment until the cost of repair warrants a replacement or a newer version would increase productivity substantially. One scenario, replace a mower that has a forward speed of 7 mph/reverse speed of 4 mph, with an older deck design for a new mower with a 12.5 mph forward/8 mph reverse with the more effecient/upgraded deck design.
Heres a TIP for everyone. For small engines take off the muffler, spray the inside with carb cleaner and set it on fire. Then blow it out with an air compressor. Alway keep air filter clean. And that equipment will last for years
You should make enough in 4 hours to buy an SRM 225. And if that trimmer last you 2 years just think how much money you have made off of that trimmer for a 200 and some dollar investment
I will get one. Use it until the carburetor goes bad. Buy a carburetor. And use it until that one goes bad. Then I buy a new one after that. About 3 years out of every weed eater.
I use and Abuse. When struggling begins j make sure the equipment has more than served it's purpose. Stick equipment gets replaced. Mowers used for 3/4 years then resell.
SRM 225...oh nooo. Not even having those on my set up. I love my echo 2620's and 3020's. After 2 seasons, they get tuned up cleaned up and put up. Never trashing my equipment. If one can't handle a 3020 efficiently I won't have them on my team. That's how I decide who's a keeper and who's not... I only sell if someone asks to buy them. Other than that, I have many back ups, or enough to run a crew of at least 10 if need be. Mowers stay forever. Not trying to buy a car every few years. Mowers get baby'd.
The 225 is perfectly fine for residential lawns. You guys and your Big trimmers are the same guys who buy the $80,000 trucks to pull $50,000 worth of equipment. It's ALL EGO! The rest of us just laugh as we make the same money per hour!
Found this channel on Monday and I’ve probably watched like 20 hours worth of videos. So inspired to start my own business up here in Tennessee
My family just returned home from Tennessee for vacation time. Absolutely beautiful state. We have plans of retiring up there one day.
Go back and watch them all
@@FloridaTurfPros I've been here all my life. We'd be glad for you to join us. I'm just outside of Nashville
I use entry level Sthil or Echo for stick equipment. If a trimmer is showing it's age I demote it to a backup piece and get a new entry level egger or trimmer. I do most of my own repairs during the off season. I would add that the entry level stick equipment is lighter so it's easier on my 72 yr. old body.
2020-2022 taught me that you better have a backup for everything that is essential for running your business. If I have a good back up I can run my equipment for much longer without worrying. It also prevents panic buying which can lead to over paying or poor choices.
I use cheap echo stick equipment as well and run it until they die. With mowers I will keep the maintenance up and keep it until I can't anymore. :)
Interested to hear your thoughts on when to turn around mowers... Do you just keep making repairs on them or sell them after a warranty is up?
Thanks for sharing your videos and knowledge.👍😎🤠
I run everything till it's completely junk. Then I'll get new. 😊
Looking to add a used gravely to our fleet. Can you add a link to the mowers when you get ready to sell? Thanks for all the content!
Been running a Stihl FS94 for 7 years now. It's light, it starts every time, and I don't have any trouble with it.
I judt started out so what i did was use a multi tool approach. I use the stihl kombi so i can go between blowing, trimming, pruning, and blade edging. The only downside is switching.
However long they’ll finance it for is typically when I’ll start thinking about buying one.
Looking at possibly doing a lease next time around, it’s what the big guys do and having newer warrantied equipment with low liability makes a decent amount of sense.
I've had the same srm225 since 2013. Never had any issues with it.
Your srm 225 should last more than 2 years even if you use it on 10 or 12 lawns per day. My 225 is finishing up its 4th season. Take time and maintenance it each season with all new filters and a new spark plug. Taking out the spark arrester is a MUST!
I have been using the Stihl 56, $359. Last one only lasted a month before clutch broke. Usually get a year out of it with guard off, not anymore.
Since I am the only one using the two cycle equipment, I buy meant levels of equipment. For example, for line trimmers, I run mostly top end units, like the shindaiwa t302 and echo srm-3020. I'm willing to pay for them because I know that I'm going to take care of them. They will last me 5 years, minimum.
When I had employees, I used the shindaiwa t242 &/or t262 units because they were a lower in price and I knew that they would not be as well cared for.
Mowers, I try to get at least 1500 hours. I'm finally moving on from a 2016 grandstand with 2000 hours. It has finally had what I would not call a major issue but several small issues that would add up to a couple of thousand dollars in repairs.
Trailers, my first trailer lasted me twenty years. I only had to replace one wheel hub and replace the deck once in all of that time.
The bottom line is, philosophy of use needs to be tied to how the equipment will be cared for. You can't decide that you're going to keep a mower for 1500+ hours and neglect oil changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, driver over any and all debris, hop curbs at speed, etc... Likewise, with trimmers, if you want them to last three plus seasons you need to use ethanol free fuel, the best two cycle oil, not drop start them, etc. ..
As always Jonathan, a great subject and a great video
Great comment, thanks for sharing!
Same I use the echo trimmer stuff and almost look forward buying shiny stuff.
Great video!! My idea for stick equipment is 1 year per $100 spent before tax. So a $350 trimmer should last 3.5 years.
Obviously there are lemons, or mistakes made when buying a certain brand/model. I do check all the handhelds yearly for air/fuel filters and plugs.
If one were to breakdown where it is too expensive for the time left on that machine, I'd just keep it for parts.
I have the same philosophy as you on mowers. As for trucks I try to have a number in mind when buying it. Depending on the price/year/mileage/trim level, there is a lifespan I'd like to see out of it.
Again, sometimes you purchase a bad one, but you can't cover every base. I just try my best to not overspend when purchasing, or repairing. The headache costs more than the repair.
Good thoughts here. Stick equipment, I switched to battery trimmer / edger at the very end of 2022, have been using the same ones since 2023 season, almost 2 seasons in no issues and all the batteries still work and I take steps to be sure I get most out of them. I am strongly considering “retiring” my main work truck as it’s 37 years old still runs great but I want something a little newer but similar body style / equipment.
I use battery for everything but mowing and every time I pull the trigger it works. I have a power inverter to charge batteries during the day.
@@dominickwynn2435 great idea. Ya I have a small 21” battery mower for a few tiny backyards it does ok but it’s not a commercial mower. I have enough batteries I can simply charge the dead ones at end of the day and so far have never ran out.
@@BigRedServicesLLC I may be getting the greenworks 30” battery mower next year for my son to cut backyards with.
@@dominickwynn2435 nice! That looks like a solid machine. The toro / Exmark E-30 has some serious weaknesses.
My old stihl fs100rx was leaking fuel into filter. So time for rebuild. While parts on order i bought a new echo 2620 used it on two lawns then while on my rack on trailer i hit a trash can that stuck out and tore the whole carb off. 😩.
I had some old weed eaters and blowers That need to be worked on.I ended up putting them in the front yard Is with a free sign by Them They were gone quick.
Hey @floridaturfpros what program do you use to design post cards?
I do my string trimmers the same way!
I would repair the equipment until the cost of repair warrants a replacement or a newer version would increase productivity substantially. One scenario, replace a mower that has a forward speed of 7 mph/reverse speed of 4 mph, with an older deck design for a new mower with a 12.5 mph forward/8 mph reverse with the more effecient/upgraded deck design.
Same here good video
Heres a TIP for everyone. For small engines take off the muffler, spray the inside with carb cleaner and set it on fire. Then blow it out with an air compressor. Alway keep air filter clean. And that equipment will last for years
I can't see any reason why anyone would need anything more than an srm-225 unless you want to get the pas 225
You should make enough in 4 hours to buy an SRM 225. And if that trimmer last you 2 years just think how much money you have made off of that trimmer for a 200 and some dollar investment
I will get one. Use it until the carburetor goes bad. Buy a carburetor. And use it until that one goes bad. Then I buy a new one after that. About 3 years out of every weed eater.
I use and Abuse. When struggling begins j make sure the equipment has more than served it's purpose. Stick equipment gets replaced. Mowers used for 3/4 years then resell.
SRM 225...oh nooo. Not even having those on my set up. I love my echo 2620's and 3020's. After 2 seasons, they get tuned up cleaned up and put up. Never trashing my equipment. If one can't handle a 3020 efficiently I won't have them on my team. That's how I decide who's a keeper and who's not... I only sell if someone asks to buy them. Other than that, I have many back ups, or enough to run a crew of at least 10 if need be. Mowers stay forever. Not trying to buy a car every few years. Mowers get baby'd.
The 225 is perfectly fine for residential lawns. You guys and your Big trimmers are the same guys who buy the $80,000 trucks to pull $50,000 worth of equipment. It's ALL EGO! The rest of us just laugh as we make the same money per hour!
20 Yr old Mitsubishi Express stuck it
I bought sthl,echo. Amd shindaiwa 😅
Scag and Honda
Nutnfancy??
Great video Johnathan. I use the same SRM 225 for the same reason. will you go Graveley again next season? @Mike&Sonthecuttingedgelawnservice