Lawn care and gardening are traditional American pastimes. People enjoy the rewards of beautiful lawns and flower gardens and the taste of homegrown produce. These pleasures make the effort of planting, watering and tending well worth it. The joy of creating something beautiful is further enhanced by the therapeutic value of working the soil.
That therapy will be especially valuable this spring while we are still healing from the recent terrorist attacks and looking for ways to nurture our beings. As we all try to regain a sense of normalcy in our ever-changing world, our customers will find reassurance in the fundamental things that have satisfied them in the past.
In a tight economy people tend to rent equipment rather than purchase it. This year we are being encouraged to spend money to help stimulate the economy. This is a good idea as long as we spend wisely. Rental centers will want to invest in affordable equipment that is capable of paying for itself in less than a season, thus producing clear cash profits that can be used in operations budgets.
Specialty mowers, such as commercial mowers and high-wheeled trimmers, all have their place in the rental market. Small, noncommercial lawnmowers are not rented frequently since most homeowners choose to purchase a machine of their own or have a lawn service do the cutting.
But lawn mowers do have an impact on DIY rental business. Mulching mowers have gained popularity because they reduce the need to fertilize and eliminate grass-clipping disposal. The mulching mower returns nutrients to the soil, and contributes dramatically to the build-up of thatch.
Early spring is the peak power-raking season because of the need to remove winter lawn damage and thatch buildup from the prior year's mowing season. Plug aeration, depending on your geographic location and your customers' preference, can be accomplished in any season, but generally is either a spring or fall task because the soil should be moist for best results. Spring tilling helps prepare garden soil by breaking up packed ground and mixing in fertilizer for spring planting. Fall tilling helps clean up the garden area and allows the customer to mix in compost and other mulch, enriching the soil as it rests over the winter. All of these tasks, if done in a timely manner, will maximize the success of the customer's lawn and garden by providing ideal conditions for moisture and nutrient absorption.
In a few months the rush of homeowners and yard contractors to rent lawn and garden equipment will begin. To make the most of the spring rush, rental businesses should use the “pre-season” to purchase new rental machines and to repair and maintain current inventory. Because of the heavy and often less than expert usage, yard and garden equipment for the rental market should be evaluated for the following:
- Durability
Heavy-duty construction is probably the most important factor in durability. Lighter weight machines, while fine for the homeowner, will suffer damage from being dropped and from misuse by inexpert customers. Sealed bearings and metal wheels will generally give longer service.
- Ease of use
Ease of transport (Will the machine fit in the customer's car trunk?) and simplicity of controls are extremely important factors in customer satisfaction.
- Safety features
Belt and muffler guards should be sufficiently complete to protect the inattentive or inexperienced customer. Safety and warning labels should also be maintained and replaced as needed.
- Ease of maintenance
Easy access to fluid ports, belts, blades/tines/plugger teeth will increase the probability that maintenance will be performed. Engine oil quick-drain devices are available on some machines.
- Expected types of use
There are three types of tillers used in the rental market today. The front tine, mid tine and rear tine, and each has its own niche. Small and large models are available in each of the three tiller types. Deciding which machine is appropriate for which job will depend on the counter person interviewing the customer. Questions to be asked include: What size is the project, what is the type and condition of soil, has soil been tilled previously, is the space to be tilled wide open or restricted by fences and adjacent buildings?
Versatility of the machines can help rake in the profits. Specialized slicer reels for power rakes can be substituted for flail blade reels and used to cut-in fresh seed or slice horizontal roots at a fraction of the outlay for a single purpose dedicated machine. Tiller attachments such as trencher blades, sod stripping and edging attachments, and heavy impact harrow teeth tines for extra hard soil increase versatility and profits.
Many rental customers rely on rental center personnel to be the experts they consult for their lawn and garden questions. Their advice is trusted and, thus, educated counter people are essential for customer satisfaction. A knowledgeable counter person can ensure the customer gets the right size and model machine. For example, a home garden with fencing or buildings as boundaries may call for a front tine tiller to ensure the corners can be tilled. A smaller tiller or rake may be suggested for an older customer because of weight considerations. Large areas needing tilling may require a larger rear tine hydraulic machine.
A sharp counter person can also assess the experience of the customer and offer more or fewer instructions as appropriate. Height adjustment considerations, as appropriate, should be explained to the customer. A standard safety briefing should include instructions not to operate machinery near children, not to wear loose clothing, not to leave machinery unattended while running, and to avoid pipes, sprinkler heads, cement driveways or walkways. It is good business to educate counter personnel about the types of lawn and soil conditions in your geographical area. It gives the store another opportunity to establish a good relationship with the customer, which will translate into additional rentals.
To enhance the longevity and profitability of your yard and garden equipment, a written and streamlined maintenance procedure should be established. This plan should not put additional pressure on your maintenance personnel. It should actually save time by standardizing maintenance procedures.
The plan can be as simple as establishing procedures to be followed after each use, followed weekly, followed mid-season, and followed after the end of the season. The after-each-use checklist could include washing, checking engine air filter for cleanliness, checking all fluid levels, checking height adjustments, and checking wheel bearings.
The weekly checklist could include checking belt condition and alignment, checking tightness of fasteners and checking the condition of the engine oil. (Change engine oil as recommended by the engine manufacturer.) Engine hour meters are available on some machines to allow maintenance personnel to monitor engine use since last oil change.
The mid-season maintenance should include such items as reversing rake reels to get a new sharp cutting edge, reapplying anti-seize lubricants to shaft surfaces, examining tiller hubs, and items specific to each type and brand of machine.
The end-of-season checklist would typically include a thorough inspection of the machine, checking for cracks, leaks, and signs of excessive wear. Bearings, blades, seals, belts and guards are items of specific interest. A well maintained machine will outlast, out-rent, and out-earn a neglected piece of equipment. And your customer's lawn and garden will be beautiful.
Tricia Hastings is president of Yard Marvel, Spokane, Wash.
Bandit
The Model 2400 Tree Bandit, created with the high production logger and land clearer in mind, will produce approximately 100 tons of chips per hour, depending on the quality and size of material being processed. The hydraulic five-wheel feed system consists of two horizontal and two vertical wheels with an added top wheel set on a diagonal. The unit is available with or without a loader.
www.banditchippers.com • 800/952-0178
RS # 140
John Deere
Designed for high-usage commercial cutters who value productivity, reliability and durability, the John Deere 737 and 757 Mid-Frame Z-Trak Mowers can handle small, tight spaces as well as open fields. The 23-horsepower 737 and the 25-horsepower 757 both feature an overhead valve, air-cooled Kawasaki engine. With the two-lever hydrostatic drive control, cutters can select ground speed and direction control by moving levers forward or reverse. Operators can mow at up to 10 mph.
www.johndeere.com • 800/537-8233
RS # 141
Classen
The CA-18 compact aerator from Classen features removable weights, folding handle and four lift handles. The unit is portable enough to fit in enclosed vehicles. The unit comes standard with a 4 horsepower Honda engine and sealed bearings that never need re-greasing, according to Classen.
www.classen-mfg.com • 888/252-7710
RS # 142
Billy Goat Industries
The CR series power rake is designed for rental and homeowner use. It combines all the quality and features of the Billy Goat PR series power rake, which is designed for professional use, into a compact design. The CR series weighs nearly 15 percent less than the PR series and is small enough to transport in the trunk of a car.
www.billygoat.com • 816/524-9666
RS # 143
Hustler Turf Equipment
A new 72-inch side-discharge deck has been added to the Super Z from Hustler Turf Equipment. The unit also features an integral park-brake system incorporated into the steering system. A foot-operated, spring-assisted deck-lift system makes trailering and cutting height changes simple.
www.excelhustler.com • 800/395-4757
RS # 144
Yard Marvel
Yard Marvel's front tine tillers come in two sizes, the Renter Tiller and the Mini Tiller. Both are manufactured with a rugged steel-tine design that allows the units to dig effectively in difficult soil types. The tillers also feature a patented adjustable rear hitch for comfortable handlebar position. The units can accommodate several interchangeable attachments.
www.yardmarvel.com • 800/547-9273
RS # 145
Advanced Power Systems International
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst, manufactured by Advanced Power Systems International, increases power, fuel economy and reduces emissions in all self-propelled outdoor power equipment. The F4-T is formulated to work on lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment greater than 3.5 horsepower. The product is a permanent fuel treatment device that improves fuel combustion in all hydrocarbon-based fuel: gas, 2-stroke fuel or diesel.
www.fitchfuelcatalyst.com
888/881-APSI
RS # 146
Bachtold Bros.
Bachtold Bros. introduces a new line of walk-behind string trimmers. The offset head design allows easy access for trimming close to buildings, posts, trees, boulders and even under fences. Changing the cutting cord is designed to be simple. Additional features include a heavy-duty steel frame, 20-inch Tuff wheels, 25-inch cut, 170 mil. cord diameter and 1 1/2-inch thick aluminum cutting head.
www.bachtoldbros.com
888/988-7001
RS # 147
Mantis/Little Wonder
Designed for commercial use, the Mantis Tiller/Cultivator is rugged enough for daily use and small enough to handle tight spaces in flowerbeds and gardens. The commercial two-cycle engine is rated for hundreds of hours of trouble-free use and features electronic ignition for easy starting. The unit weighs 20 pounds so it is easy to handle and maneuver.
www.littlewonder.com • 877/596-6337
RS # 148
Yazoo/Kees
The large frame, mid-mount ZTH is built on a two-piece, 7 and 9-gauge tubular steel frame. It offers 23- and 25-horsepower Kohler and 23-horsepower Kowasaki engine options, coupled with heavy-duty welded 52- and 51-inch steel decks to stand up to tough mowing conditions. All models have patent-pending Quick-lift cutting-height adjustment, dual 5-gallon fuel tanks for longer running time and a state-of-the-art hydraulic system.
www.yazookees.com • 877/368-TURF
RS # 149
SCAG Power Equipment
The heavy-duty Scag Sabre Tooth Tiger features a 10.5 mph ground speed and 31 horsepower Briggs Daihatsu Vanguard Liquid-Cooled 3-cylinder engine. This zero-turn rider will maximize productivity with its low center of gravity, wide-track stability and 10-gallon fuel capacity. A heavy-duty gear box and shaft-drive system powers the cutter deck, ensuring dependability and ease of maintenance, while also providing a range of cutting heights from 1 to 6 inches.
www.scag.com • 920/387-0100
RS # 150
Glenmac Inc.
Innovative modular design of the Harley Modular M-6 power box rake lets you choose or upgrade from straight mount or manual angle mount. It features an adjustable rhino-hide barrier, dual independently adjustable gauge wheels, easy removable and reversible endplates for windrowing or reverse box raking and double #50 oil bath drive chain.
www.glenmac.com • 800/437-9779
RS # 151
Stihl
The model BR 420C backpack blower from Stihl provides comfort for all day use. It has a swivel nozzle, large engine and heavy-duty filter cartridge. The blower weighs 19.6 pounds and has an air velocity of 180 mph. The displacement is 56.5 cc, and the engine power is 2.5 kilowatts.
www.stihlusa.com • 757/486-8444
RS # 152
Bluebird
The new 530A Aerator from Bluebird International offers patented free wheeling outer tines for the best maneuverability and minimal turf damage on turns and tight areas. It also offers improved design for greater productivity, ease of use and lower cost of operation. A new folding handle featuring pistol grip support provides operator comfort and control. Compact design allows for easy storage and transport.
www.bluebirdintl.com • 303/288-5880
RS # 153
Kubota
Kubota enters the 360° ZTR turf mower market with the launch of its ZD-series. Both the ZD18 and the ZD21 are built around a unitized chassis assembly that incorporates the transmission as an integral part of the sub-frame. The deck lift allows the front of the mower deck to be easily raised. The built-in jack system and pivoting front axle allow for servicing without having to remove the mid-mount mower deck.
www.kubota.com • 888/4KUBOTA, ext. 900
RS # 154
Barreto
The 918 tiller is designed for small projects. Narrow tires and a tine width of just 18 inches allow the 918 to work effectively in small areas. The frame is constructed of 3/16-inch steel plate with double welded seams. The control valve for the tine drive operation has been moved to the tiller body, eliminating hoses on the handlebar. Fingertip controls offer variable ground speeds both forward and reverse for easy operation.
www.barretomfg.com • 800/525-7348
RS # 155
MacKissic
Mackissic recently added three new mower options to its rental offering. The rough terrain mower offers a lockable differential that provides single wheel or 2-wheel drive for extra traction and stability on hilly terrain or wet areas. The Johnson Big Wheel mower has a 1-inch steel tube frame that supports the mower. It also features belt driven blades that protect the engine if the blade strikes an obstruction and 16-inch pneumatic rear wheels. The company's trimmer mowers offer an alternative to traditional hand held string trimmers.
www.mackissic.com • 800/348-1117
RS # 156
Kawasaki
The latest introduction to the Kawasaki line of backpack blowers, KRB700B, features a high-performance 60 cc Kawasaki engine that blows leaves and debris with a maximum air velocity of 201 mph and a maximum air volume of 603cfm — 45 percent more than the Kawasaki KRB400 series blowers. It features a joystick throttle control and weighs just 20.7 pounds.
www.kawpowr.com
616/949-6500
RS # 157
Ground Hog
The T-4 trencher is a small, operator propelled, chain-type trencher designed for jobs requiring up to a 12-inch deep trench in a short period of time. The unit uses T-4 replaceable carbide tipped rock-type bits for digging in all soil conditions, and will dig a 3- to 3 1/2-inch wide trench to depths of 6, 8 and 12 inches.
www.groundhoginc.com
800/922-4680
RS # 158
Vermeer
The Vermeer BC1000XL brush chipper is 12 by 17 inches wide. The cutter drum provides the cutting inertia to handle wood up to 12 inches in diameter. A clutchless PTO allows the drum to be engaged without using a traditional engine clutch, idler pulley or sliding the engine. The absence of a clutch eliminates the possibility of expensive repairs caused by clutch abuse.
www.vermeer.com • 888/837-6337
RS # 159
