As a new business owner in the lawn care industry, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right equipment. It's easy to get bogged down in the details—debating between different models and features, trying to find the "perfect" piece of gear. Trust me, I’ve been there. I spent a lot of time debating between different models of push mowers and leaf blowers—should I go with a Toro Time Master, an Exmark, or a Scag? Which one will give me the best return on investment? In the end, I realized that focusing on the type of equipment, not the model, was much more important.

Step Up: The Leap from 21" to 30" Push Mowers

One of the first big decisions I had to make was whether to stick with a 21-inch push mower or take the leap to a 30-inch mower. I spent weeks researching different models—Toro, Exmark, Scag—and comparing the features, prices, and specifications. I could have saved a few hundred dollars by choosing a less expensive model, but in the grand scheme of things, that wasn’t the game-changer.

What really made the difference was the upgrade in size from a 21-inch to a 30-inch mower. It was a total game-changer in terms of efficiency. The time saved mowing larger properties or bigger lawns was significant, and that was worth far more than debating which brand was best. The increase in productivity was the true value in that purchase—not the small differences in the models.

The Backpack Blower Decision

The same lesson applied to leaf blowers. I remember agonizing over whether I should upgrade from a handheld blower to a backpack blower. Should I go with an Echo or a Stihl? Should I look at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings, ergonomics, or fuel efficiency?

In the end, it wasn’t about finding the "perfect" model. What mattered most was simply making the leap to a backpack blower. The productivity boost was immense—being able to move more leaves and debris faster and with less effort was the key benefit. After making the leap, I could always upgrade to a more specific model as my business grew. Now I know that I prefer the ergonomics of a Stihl backpack blower over other models, but those details came later. The most important decision was simply making the switch to a more powerful blower.

The Same Goes for Choosing Your Truck

Another area where business owners tend to get caught up is choosing the right truck. It’s easy to get stuck on all the bells and whistles—does it have Bluetooth? Does it have a heated steering wheel? But when you’re starting your lawn care business, the most important factors should be: payload capacity and bed length.

Ask yourself: How much gear do you need to carry? How big of a bed do you need to transport your mowers, blowers, and other tools? These are the primary considerations when purchasing a truck for your business. Features like heated seats or fancy tech options are secondary. If you’re just hauling equipment for lawn care jobs, don’t waste time stressing over extra features. Focus on the essentials and get something that fits your needs.

If you’re thinking about plowing in the winter, of course, those extra features (like 4x4 drive) may become more important. But for a simple lawn care operation, the fundamentals are all you need to focus on when selecting your truck.

Make the Leap, Don’t Get Stuck in the Details

In summary, my advice to any new lawn care business owner is this: focus on making the leap to the right type of equipment, rather than getting stuck on the details of specific models. When making an equipment purchase, think about what you need to do your job more efficiently and effectively. Once you’ve made the leap to more productive gear, you can fine-tune your equipment later as your business grows.

Here’s the key takeaway:

1. Upgrade to a more efficient tool—whether it’s moving from a 21-inch to a 30-inch mower, or from a handheld to a backpack blower. This shift will increase your efficiency and productivity, saving you time and money.

2. Don’t overthink the details—while model-specific features matter down the line, don’t let the small differences hold you back from making your purchase. Choose what helps you do the job faster and more efficiently now, and worry about upgrades later.

3. Simplify truck purchases—for your first truck, focus on payload capacity and bed size. These are the key factors when choosing a truck to haul your equipment.

Starting a lawn care business is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Choosing the right equipment doesn’t have to be complicated—focus on the essentials, make the leap to more productive gear, and watch how much more efficient your operations become. Once your business grows and you start generating consistent revenue, you can then focus on upgrading to the more specific models that suit your needs.

If you’re ready to make that leap or want more advice on building your lawn care business, contact me today.