No matter if you're a new or established business, reliable landscaping tools are essential to the successful everyday operations of your business.
In this article, you'll get:
Although, keep in mind, with the operation of ANY power equipment, you MUST provide and enforce the use of PPE (i.e. personal protection equipment). This keeps you in compliance with OSHA regulations.
Use this complete list of essential landscaping tools to efficiently run your business and ensure smooth daily operations.
Simply put, dedicated hand tools are basic hand tools without multi-tasking abilities. Whereas, multi-task tools are ones you can purchase with different attachments and multi-tasking capabilities.
Within the last few years, Echo and Stihl have begun creating their own versions of multi-task landscaping tools.
Which means, you can purchase multi-task tools (i.e. the motor)
When deciding which of these landscaping tools to purchase, consider whether you're primarily working in lawn care or landscaping.
If you’re primarily in lawn care, you’ll want to purchase dedicated hand tools. After all, you don’t want to waste time and energy switching between string trimmer and edger attachment heads while on the job.
However, if you’re primarily in landscaping, you’ll want to purchase multi-task tools.
Typically, landscapers don't switch between different attachments as frequently as lawn care professionals.
As a result, you can potentially save a lot of money by purchasing a multi-task tools.
| SPECIFICATIONS | ECHO | STIHL |
| MODEL | PAS-2620 | KM 131 R |
| ENGINE DISPLACEMENT (CC) | 25.4 | 36.3 |
| ENGINE POWER (BHP) | 1.3 | 1.9 |
| FUEL CAPACITY (FL OZ) | 20.6 | 24 |
| WEIGHT (LBS) | 9.9 | 9.7 |
| MSRP | ≈ $339.99 | ≈ $419.99 |
Though, keep in mind, these prices only include the motor. All attachments and accessories are sold separately.
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Blowers are one of the most essential landscaping tools because of their versatility.
They can be used to remove leaves and debris from various places, such as:
While backpack blowers are the industry standard, you’ll also want to remember to purchase a handheld blower too.
After all, handheld blowers will help you reach those tight spaces (e.g. flower beds).
| SPECIFICATIONS | ECHO | HUSQVARNA | REDMAX | STIHL |
| MODEL | PB-9010T | 580BTS | EBZ8560-RH | BR 800 X MAGNUM |
| BLOWING FORCE (N) | 48 | 47 | 47 | 41 |
| WEIGHT (LBS) | 26.7 | 26.8 | 25.4 | 23.1 |
| ENGINE DISPLACEMENT (CC) | 79.9 | 75.6 | 75.6 | 80.3 |
| CFM | 1110 | 1000 | 1000 | 912 |
| MPH | 220 | 220 | 220 | 239 |
| HP | - | 4.59 | 4.59 | 4.4 |
| FUEL CAPACITY (FL OZ) | 83.8 | 87.9 | 77.8 | 67.6 |
| MSRP | ≈ $629.99 | ≈ $619.99 | ≈ $629.99 | - |
Note, all CFM is based on round nozzle.
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While lawn care businesses might be able to get away without hedge trimmers, landscaping businesses cannot.
Hedge trimmers are useful for cutting or pruning bushes.
Plus, bush trimming is a fairly easy upsell which also serves as a simple, quick task your crew can complete in no time.
| SPECIFICATIONS | ECHO** | HUSQVARNA** | STIHL** |
| MODEL | HC-2420 | 522HD60S | HS 82 T |
| CUTTING SPEED (CUT/MIN) | - | 4400 | 5100 |
| KNIFE LENGTH (IN) | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| WEIGHT (LBS) | 11.5 | 11 | 11.2 |
| ENGINE DISPLACEMENT (CC) | 21.2 | 21.7 | 22.7 |
| HP | - | 0.8 | 0.94 |
| MAX RPM | 10500 | 7800 | 8500 |
| IDLING RPM | - | 3000 | 3000 |
| FUEL CAPACITY (FL OZ) | 12.5 | 15.2 | 15.6 |
| ELECTRODE GAP (IN) | - | 0.02 | - |
| FRONT HANDLE VIBRATION (M/S²) | - | 2.8 | - |
| REAR HANDLE VIBRATION (M/S²) | - | 2.5 | - |
| MSRP | ≈ $499.99 | ≈ $539.99 | - |
**All of these hedge trimmers have a 30-inch blade option.
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Chainsaws are highly individualized and largely depend on how you’re going to use them.
However, for most typical lawn and landscaping businesses, battery chainsaws will do the trick because they:
In general, tree businesses would truly benefit from using gas chainsaws. However, if you’re mostly only grooming/pruning trees, then a battery chainsaw should do the trick.
Which means, unless you also do tree removal, you may not want to invest $1,000+ on a chainsaw that can remove trees.
Plus, you’ll be working in quiet neighborhoods, so electric chainsaws are more ideal in noise-restricted areas.
| SPECIFICATIONS | DeWALT | ECHO | MILWAUKEE | STIHL |
| MODEL | DCCS670X1 | CCS-58V4AH | M18 FUEL | MSA 200 C-BQ 36V |
| VOLTS | 60 | 58 | 18 | 36 |
| POWER SOURCE | LITHIUM-ION | LITHIUM-ION | REDLITHIUM | LITHIUM-ION |
| AMP HOUR | 3 | 4 | 12 | 6 |
| RUN TIME (MAX CUTS) | 70 | 112 | 150 | 200 MIN MAX (W/ AR 3000)** |
| BAR LENGTH (IN) | 16 | 16 | 16 | 10-14 |
| WEIGHT (LBS) | 12.2 | 13.7 | 13.9 | 11.1 |
| MSRP | - | ≈ $339.99 | - | - |
**Stihl calibrates their run time differently than the other contenders.
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Pole saws are useful for trimming trees and brush in hard-to-reach places. Tree trimming is a pretty typical service, which can also hold a higher price tag.
Since pole saws are fairly inexpensive, this means they can be quite a lucrative tool.
| SPECIFICATIONS | ECHO | STIHL |
| MODEL | PPF-2620 | HT 133 |
| ENGINE DISPLACEMENT (CC) | 25.4 | 36.3 |
| ENGINE POWER (BHP) | - | 1.9 |
| FUEL CAPACITY (FL OZ) | 20.6 | 24 |
| WEIGHT (LBS) | 13.2 | 15.9 |
| MSRP | ≈ $499.99 | - |
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Whether you should buy an enclosed or utility trailer largely depends on your business needs.
Deciding between these two trailer types depends on:
As you’re looking to find the right equipment trailer for your landscaping business, all of these factors come into play.
However, there is no right or wrong answer in whether you should buy an enclosed or utility trailer.
When it comes to trailers, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. It’s probably best to stop by your trusted dealer in your area to explore the trailers in person.
Your local dealer will be able to help you find what best suits your needs. Plus, if need be, you might be able to go to them for assistance or repairs.
Additionally, purchasing from your local dealer allows you to get a hyper-personalized trailer that’s exactly perfect for you and your business.
Once your business starts to grow, you’ll want to look into getting a dump trailer.
As a landscaper, owning a dump truck is important because it allows you to save large amounts of money.
After all, dump trailers allow you to:
Plus, just by owning a dump trailer, you can offer more services. Plus, you won’t have to rely on paying other companies to deliver products.
As a result, dump trailers truly have the potential to quickly pay for themselves.
The purpose of your dump trailer will determine which one is right for you.
This is why it’s best for you to reach out to your local dealer to find the best option for your landscape business.
Based on things like your truck and budget, they’ll be able to personalize a fit that’s right for you.
First off, if you’re offering fertilization and weed control, you’re going to need a license.
Although, every state is different, so contact you local government to find out the steps you need to take to get properly certified.
Then, you need to decide whether you want to purchase a skid sprayer.
Primarily, skid sprayers are used for weed and pest control. They can be a serious investment, but it’s likely they’ll yield you some serious profits.
When priced correctly, you can make as much as $1,978 gross daily profit and $9,890 weekly gross profit - just with this sprayer.
However, you should only consider this investment if you’re an established lawn and landscape business.
After all, there’s no sense in committing to such a huge investment if you don’t have the satisfied clients to purchase your new services.
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No matter where you’re at in your business, backpack sprayers are great. They’re somewhat of an easy investment, which allow you to provide more services to clients.
Backpack sprayers can be used to treat special problems. For instance, you could use it for a specific bug or weed infestation.
Usually, these backpacks can hold between 2-4 gallons of product.
Based on the types of insects you want to treat, you’ll be able to determine which backpack sprayer is right for you.
For instance, if you want to treat flying insects (e.g. mosquitoes) you’ll need something that has a high spray range.
However, if you’re not treating for flying insects, you could probably choose a less expensive model.
Also, I recommend purchasing a gas-powered sprayer, because it will spray faster, farther, and more efficiently than a manual-operated backpack sprayer.
| SPECIFICATIONS | MAKITA | SOLO | STIHL |
| MODEL | PM7650H | 451 BACKPACK MIST BLOWER | SR 450 |
| ENGINE DISPLACEMENT (CC) | 75.6 | 66.5 | 63.3 |
| ENGINE POWER (BHP) | 3.67 | 2.9 | 3.9 |
| CHEMICAL TANK CAPACITY (GALLONS) | 3.9 | 3 | 3.7 |
| FUEL CAPACITY (FL OZ) | 61 | 64 | 57.5 |
| WEIGHT (LBS) | 29.3 | 23.8 | 28.2 |
| MSRP | - | ≈ $699.95 | - |
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If you’re applying dry fertilizer or other ingredients to the property, you’re going to need a spreader.
Depending on the type of product you’ll be spreading, the distance, terrain, etc. will all determine the type of spreader you need.
Check out these spreaders to find the right one for you:
By choosing an all-in-one software, you'll be able to give your business the boost it truly needs to develop long-lasting success.
The #1 landscaping software has the power to streamline your daily operations with:
With Service Autopilot, you can spark instant, long-term growth by simultaneously saving time and increasing profitability.
Instant invoicing
Better scheduling
Manage your clients and employees all in one system
In this industry, there are so many potential landscaping tools at your disposal. As a result, your consistent need for new equipment will never end.
This is why it’s important you choose specific areas of expertise and then add more services later.
You can’t do everything at once, so just do a few things you’re good at and have the right equipment for. Then, gradually expand your services as you can afford the proper equipment and training.
While the landscaping tools mentioned in this article are just the beginning of what you need, it’s enough to give your business a jumpstart.
However, every business is different, so it’s important to evaluate your individual business needs. Then, choose the landscaping tools which are right for you.
Related: How to Choose the Best Commercial Lawn Mowers
Originally published Sept 17, 2019 7:00 AM, updated March 2, 2022 11:25 AM
Tags: Business Operation
