Where to start/take my business?

[SimpleSimon]

Hi folks, 

 

After a little advice from those who have gone before and probably know the industry better than I do. 

At the moment I'm relying mostly on subbie work as a groundsman, also the odd bit of one-off tractor driving etc. I'm looking to reduce my reliance on subbie work a little and try to get some more of "my own" jobs so that I can more properly be my own boss. 

 

My idea, so far, is to invest in a decent all-round saw and a good, powerful brushcutter, and market myself towards rural property owners who may have large gardens, smallholdings, small woodlands etc. People who have neglected areas on their land or wanting to harvest and process some of their own firewood, get rid of the odd fallen tree, etc. but don't necessarily need a "proper" arb team in. 

It wouldn't need to be a full time job, as I can still subbie, but would need to make enough to justify the purchase of the kit and hopefully lead to enough work that I don't need to subbie so much. 

 

Any thoughts or advice on marketing, which kit to get, good idea/bad idea, etc would be welcome. 

 

[dumper]

I would invest in varied kit brush cutters,hedgecutter,saw mower then advertise and network if you like the jobs offered price lower ,if you can see more work price lower, don’t like job etc price higher refuse no work even if you have to hire tools in become the go to man then slowly specialise and steer towards work you want to do.it won’t happen overnight 

[huskykev]

Maybe look at a small chipper (greenmech cs100 type), big and small ground saw, pole saw and strong brushcutters.

[SimpleSimon]

1 hour ago, huskykev said:

Maybe look at a small chipper (greenmech cs100 type), big and small ground saw, pole saw and strong brushcutters.

Pole saw sounds like a good additional shout, thanks. Are any of the "multitool" types with changeable heads any good, so I could have a pole saw, hedge cutter, etc. in one? 

[huskykev]

I prefer the dedicated machines versus the multi tools, I find they flex too much and the join is a weak point. A dedicated pole saw is way stronger and longer, and the stihl pole hedge trimmers head will fit on the end of the pole saw for monster hedges... also I find with other lads using pole hedge trimmers will dog the life out of them on thicker hedges so I bought a cheap ALDI/Lidl battery pole saw and have it with the pole trimmers for stronger stuff...

[Treeation]

42 minutes ago, SimpleSimon said:

Pole saw sounds like a good additional shout, thanks. Are any of the "multitool" types with changeable heads any good, so I could have a pole saw, hedge cutter, etc. in one? 

Yes definetly get one...i. Got the big stihl kombi - gets used so much... Got the strimmer/trimmed/chainsaw attachments

[Guest]

Don't price lower just because you like the job. Work out your rate and stick to it.  Otherwise if you get repeat work and referrals it's harder to increase your rate. From previous posts it sounds like you have experience, so its not like you're learning the trade on the job. Its irrelevant to the customer whether its your first 'job' or your 1000th, as long as they're happy with your work, so don't act like your overly keen to get the work. Remember you've more to pay for than just a handful of tools, so if you intend to keep at it for a long time it can be a slow burn. If you still have subbie work don't just cut that off - make it a gradual transition. If you price low to get the work you'll find it's not worth it in the long run. Kit repairs and running costs will soon eat up any profit.

 

[Rough Hewn]

Yeah, a Kombi system, a decent Saw, a 4" chipper and a transit tipper.
Cheap but effective.
[emoji106]

[doobin]

Yes to small tools, but think hard as to whether in your target market (big gardens and woodlands) your first large purchase should be a chipper, or instead a digger or tractor. 
 

See what types of jobs you end up with then take the plunge accordingly. I’ve been doing tree type works ten years and only bought a chipper last year. Plenty of diggers though! 

Edited December 7, 2019 by doobin

[Treeation]

11 hours ago, huskykev said:

I prefer the dedicated machines versus the multi tools, I find they flex too much and the join is a weak point. A dedicated pole saw is way stronger and longer, and the stihl pole hedge trimmers head will fit on the end of the pole saw for monster hedges... also I find with other lads using pole hedge trimmers will dog the life out of them on thicker hedges so I bought a cheap ALDI/Lidl battery pole saw and have it with the pole trimmers for stronger stuff...

The only time I dont like my kombi system is with extension pole and hedge cutter section and using it horizontally - generally I try and avoid doing that any way beacuse it kills your back but it can save you having to set up with ladders the other side of hedge and having to do top from both sides....but this is when, and maybe its the flex or maybe drive shaft a little worn out now, it can have problems powering the trimmer which can lead to frustation and extra exertion trying to sort it out on top of a ladder.