Whether you’re just getting started or you’re expanding into new areas and services, every landscaping company ends up asking one big question: should we buy new or used outdoor power equipment?
Getting the right tools is crucial for doing quality work at a profitable pace and impressing clients so they come back year after year. Honestly, those “right tools” can be a combination of new and used equipment.
New equipment often has the latest features, but it also has a higher price tag. On the other hand, a wide range of used equipment can save you money, but it might require more frequent maintenance. Knowing the pros and cons of each option can help you make the right decision that fits your budget and needs.
Consider what matters most to your business, and pick the mix that helps you serve your customers and maintain your profitability.
Buying Outdoor Power for Your Landscaping Business
Starting or expanding a landscaping business means making smart equipment choices.
Whether you’re choosing aerators, commercial mowers, edgers, trimmers, or other lawn equipment, think about the type and scope of jobs your company handles. Will you need a wide range of equipment to cover various tasks, or are you more concerned with mowing the maximum number of lawns in a day?
Consider the balance between cost, reliability, and the specific needs of your landscaping projects. It’s not just about buying gear; it’s about buying the right gear tailored to your needs.
Match the Equipment to the Job
Selecting the right gear can transform your landscaping business. Look at the types of jobs and projects your company takes on. Are you maintaining open fields, trimming hedges, or managing varied terrains?
For wide-open lawns, fields, acreages, or large campuses, consider commercial-grade mowers with wide deck sizes from 72″ to 104″. Hustler, Cub Cadet, STIHL, Toro, and Grasshopper all make professional-grade mowers with wide deck sizes to reduce the number of passes needed.
For more detailed work or predominantly small urban lawns, smaller equipment might suit you better. For example, you’ll need to choose lawnmowers with a deck size that fits through the average backyard fence gate. You’ll also want to choose edgers, aerators, and other equipment that works for commercial purposes. Brands like Brown Products and Ryan make pro-grade equipment, for example.
Ensure your tools match your job’s demands for efficiency and quality results. Equipment from brands that specialize in commercial landscaping can often provide the reliability you need.
Set a Budget
Budgeting is key to managing your business resources wisely. Start with a clear picture of your yearly equipment needs.
Establish how much you can afford to spend, factoring in both new and used options. Remember to consider maintenance costs and the potential need for replacements. Set realistic limits, ensuring your budget aligns with your business goals and projected revenues.
Prioritize vital purchases that will support your company’s growth.
Shop Around
Take time to explore options when buying equipment. Don’t settle for the first piece of equipment you find. Compare prices and benefits from several sources to get fair prices on outdoor power equipment.
Visit outdoor power dealerships for expert advice and a tailored selection. These places offer specialized guidance that big box stores or private sellers on websites like Facebook Marketplace simply can’t match.
Dealers may also provide access to equipment for sale that’s better suited for commercial use, exclusive fleet discount programs, and special financing just for landscaping businesses.
Checking multiple places helps ensure you get the best possible deal and quality. Whether you’re dealing with new or used items, shopping around can offer significant advantages.
Pros & Cons: New Commercial Outdoor Power Equipment
New commercial outdoor power equipment promises the latest features and technology. New equipment may not need to be serviced until the year after you purchase, saving you some maintenance time and expense.
However, every choice comes with its ups and downs. Let’s compare the pros and cons to help you make a smart decision.
Pros
New commercial outdoor power equipment offers several benefits. It comes with the latest features and technology, which can mean easier operations and better fuel efficiency. Since everything is brand new, you can expect fewer repairs.
Warranties often cover any potential issues. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing your equipment is less likely to break down.
Plus, new tools can improve your business’s image. Clients like seeing clean and modern equipment. While new machinery often has a hefty price tag, you might see long-term savings on repairs and maintenance.
Cons
Despite the perks, there are drawbacks as well.
The most obvious is cost. New equipment requires a big upfront investment, which can strain your budget.
There’s depreciation to think about, too. As soon as you start using it, the value goes down.
Another con is learning new controls. New models or new brands may require time and training for your team. This can slow down productivity at first.
Lastly, some of the advancements can be inconsistent. New features might not always translate into better performance for all landscaping companies.
Pros & Cons: Used Commercial Outdoor Power Equipment
If you’re shopping for used outdoor power equipment, we have one main note: buying your pre-owned equipment from a dealer instead of a private seller is important.
Dealers should completely inspect and service the equipment they resell. For example, Ty’s Outdoor Power gives each piece of our used inventory a full inspection; we replace any worn or broken parts and ensure that all the equipment we sell is ready to roll when it leaves our shop.
Here are a few other pros & cons to consider:
Pros
First and foremost, buying used or pre-owned equipment can drastically reduce startup and capital costs, allowing your business to grow profits or free up the budget to hire additional help and branch into new areas or service lines.
Used equipment can still provide reliable performance if properly maintained, making it a practical choice for companies looking to maximize value without sacrificing quality.
Purchasing used equipment often allows for quicker client acquisition, enabling landscapers to start projects sooner and serve more clients.
Finally, buying used outdoor power reinforces your company’s commitment to sustainability! Minimizing waste and aligning the business with environmentally friendly practices can enhance your “green” or eco-friendly reputation in the community.
Cons
The condition of used equipment can vary significantly, making it challenging to assess whether it will meet your needs or perform reliably over time. (Again, look to a reputable dealer to help you assess this.)
Additionally, additional costs associated with repairs or maintenance may arise after the purchase, which could cut into any savings initially gained by opting for used items.
Older equipment may not have the latest features or technology, potentially impacting efficiency and productivity.
Lastly, warranty options are often limited or nonexistent for used items, leaving buyers to foot the bill if the equipment needs repair shortly after the sale.
Shop the Best of Both Worlds
At Ty’s Outdoor Power, we offer both new and pre-owned outdoor power equipment to suit all budgets and needs. Whether you’re starting out or expanding, we’ve got you covered.
Our selection of new and used equipment includes a wide range of commercial mowers, commercial landscaping equipment, and other lawn equipment.
Shopping for outdoor power equipment doesn’t have to be a hassle. At Ty’s Outdoor Power, we ensure you get the best value for your money, regardless of your choice between new or used.
