A different kind of arb setup

[Timmy]

Im in Nelson NZ. The micro chipper I have is a hansa C13. Its pretty handy to have, certainly better than paying to tip and often I can get it right up to the tree and chip on site which saves dragging, but obviously a lot more processing time.

 

My main problem with upgrading my current setup is that it very quickly gets expensive, and I just don't have enough work at the moment. Business is super slow and I expend a huge amount of effort to get only a tiny increase in work. Word of mouth is great, and is the source of 90% of my work.

[Tentman]

Hmm - Don't I know that situation well - I'm in exactly the same boat right now, except that I'm fencing rather than doing tree work - too bloody slow. Incidentally I'm from Canvastown originally and have very deep family roots in Nelson!

 

One thought - have you seen the flat deck ute set-ups the guys who work on large machinery are favouring just now. The tool boxes are on the sides with a large area of deck between. If your chipper would fit up the middle on the deck then you could put your trailer on a front hitch, back into jobs and blow stuff over the cab into the trailer.

 

The guts is a flat deck ute gives you a heck of a lot more deck space than the more poncy ones.

 

Foster

[Timbermcpherson]

Nelsons not an easy place to do arb work in, with the council arbs also doing commercial and private work, high housing costs yet people dont seem to be willing to pay arb rates. My inlaws live there and I scouted it out a bit.

 

But at least its not Auckland!

 

Sometimes a good "in" can be the lawn guys, they see alot of property's and try to do alot themselves but often lack the climbing skills or ability to economically get rid of the debris. Stop and talk to them, ask for there card as you have clients "that ask if I know any good lawn guys". Offer them something like an hours chipping on one of there jobs if they put you onto a days arb work. worth a try.

 

Good luck!!

[Fredward]

I feel your pain Timmy, it's a hard industry to start in.. Lots of expensive tools and equipment, can't really work on your own much either so end up with expensive subbys or having to employ casual workers.. ACC levys, repair bills.. Yuck.

 

It's taken me 3 years to get to a reasonable pace of work, and even then winter will leave us with quiet weeks...

 

My own personal advice would echo the comments above.. Networking with landscapers and mowing contractors has been a big help.

 

Sorry I know this is totally off topic.