Lawn mowing appears to be an easy job; but there is more to it than most people realize; being able to cut your own grass at home each weekend is a little different to making a profitable business out of cutting other peoples lawns.
- Every lawn is different, and every lawn owner is different. Some want it cut high, and some low. Some contain weeds, others don't. Some contain soft grasses, others hard grasses.
- If you are to make a profit from mowing lawns, you must be a businessman and manager as well as a competent grass cutter.
- Some people contract to cut large areas, and equip themselves accordingly with large mowers; while others cut small areas and equip with smaller mowers.
- Equipment must be durable and reliable. You cannot afford breakdowns; so it's important to have a back up mower.
Scope of the Work
Lawn mowing or grass cutting is normally done on a weekly or fortnightly basis in the active growing seasons - less often in winter.
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may include trimming edges on each cut, on every second or third cut, or not at all.
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may be a "quality cut" service, for top quality lawns using top quality cylinder mowers.
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may be a basic cutting service using standard rotary type mower.
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you may or may not be required to remove lawn clippings from the site.
LAWN MOWING
Equipment ‑ A reliable lawn mower (preferably 2 or 3 mowers).
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At least one mower must have a grass catcher.
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For larger lawns a ride-on mower may be required.
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Lawn edging tools.
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A car with trailer, station wagon or utility car.
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A leaf rake.
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An air blower or a yard broom.
Contract ‑ Normally a handshake contract (nothing legal).
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Payment is normally made at the end of each day.
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Payment may be based on a fixed quote, or on an hourly rate.
Comments ‑ There are correct and incorrect ways to mow grass. A knowledgeable person will not only do a better job, but will do a quicker job. Anyone, though, with a little common sense and willingness to work can do this work.
LARGE MOWING JOBS eg. acreage, sports fields and similar.
Equipment - Slashers, gang mowers, etc. are required to save time in mowing.
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Quality of cut grass will be dependent on equipment used, and the condition of the area to be mowed (e.g. even or uneven, clean or lots of debris).
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General hand tools for machinery maintenance and one-off jobs.
Contract - Often done under contract - sometimes a handshake deal.
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Payment usually at the conclusion of the job.
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For large estates, councils or government authorities it may be on monthly accounts.
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Fixed rate for the property is the most usually method for regular customers, hourly rates for new customers.
Comments - Provided equipment is good, little technical knowledge is required to carry out these jobs. Care may be needed near established plants, structures, water features and steep slopes. Insurance costs can be fairly high.
Getting Started
For some people, the easy option may be to buy into a franchise; or purchase an established business. This may be a worthwhile expense if you are inexperienced and unsure of your abilities as a business person; however, these can also be unnecessary expenses.
You may be more successful; and develop greater long term profitability by simply studying and gaining the necessary skills before launching a new business.
Useful courses may include:
Turf Care
Starting a Small Business
Machinery and Equipment