Best Lawn Mowing Trailer Setup for a New Business Plus Bonus Maintenance Tips
Even when you have the best support when you start a new lawn mowing business, it’s easy to feel daunted by the unfamiliar territory. Everything is new, and you might be unsure what the best practices are for lawn mowing and other lawn care services in NZ.
Sometimes, you may not even be sure how you’re supposed to transport all your lawn care equipment from one client to the next and how to do it in the most convenient and efficient way. Start your business off with a bang by considering these lawn mowing trailer setup tips below.
Pick the Right Size
You may not always know what the right size trailer will be, especially when you’re new to the lawn care industry and don’t quite know which tools of the trade you’ll need to carry with you at all times.
Ask other lawn care providers what they use, or take note of what you see listed for sale online and their potential uses. For most push and ride-on lawnmowers and extra power equipment, a standard 8 x 6-foot or 2.4m x 1.8m trailer with extra compartments will likely be sufficient. You might even be able to purchase one that was already set up for a lawn mowing business to make the purchasing process even easier.
Factor in Convenience Features
Being outside all day in the elements mowing lawns can be tiring, so you’ll likely appreciate all equipment and tools you own having convenience features. For example, you might look for self-propelling lawn mowers so that you don’t have to push so hard.
Take the same approach when establishing the best lawn mowing trailer setup. Look for trailers with split ramps to help you load and unload your lawnmowers. These ramps are much lighter than solid ramps, leading to a reduced risk of muscle fatigue before you’ve even mowed the lawns.
Other convenience features include multiple access points to get the equipment you need and locks to close your trailer securely.
Don’t Underestimate the Value of Storage
Having an open trailer is all many people need to get their lawnmowers from one client to the next, but what about all your other equipment like weed eaters? Rather than leaving your equipment to roll around unsafely, consider purchasing a trailer with built-in storage or space to attach large toolboxes.
Having dedicated storage spaces for power equipment, fuel, oil, spare parts, a first aid kit, and accessories means it’s easy to access and safe while driving.
Remember Security
While most of us like to think that everyone is good and honest, unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Tens of thousands of thefts are reported each year, and there’s no saying that you won’t be a victim.
However, you may be able to reduce the risk of being an easy target for opportunists by storing your equipment securely at all times. Make sure you can lock the back of the trailer in place and either lock or padlock any storage compartments you have.
If you have to remove the trailer from your vehicle, secure the pin with a lock or use a wheel lock to reduce the risk of someone taking it away. When visiting clients’ homes, lock your vehicle and do your best to keep your trailer within eye’s view. The unfortunate reality is that an open vehicle and exposed power equipment can be an open invitation for people to take what isn’t theirs.
Maintenance Tips for Lawn Mower Trailers
Once you’ve done your homework to secure one of the best lawn mowing trailer setups for the job, write down a checklist of maintenance tasks to perform to keep everything in working order.
1. Keep the trailer clean
Cleanliness is crucial for your image and brand, but it can also ensure any problems are visible for fast repairs. Dirt can hide all manner of problems that can become safety issues in the future.
2. Inspect the trailer’s coupling
The coupling is one of the most crucial parts of your trailer, so inspect it often. Look out for cracks, chips, and any warping, and take note of these possible problems on your vehicle’s tow bar and the hitch ball, as well.
To make sure hitching and unhitching remain easy tasks, apply grease to the inside of the coupling at least once a month. Finally, check the chain. Look out for any rust, corrosion, or breakages that could cause problems.
3. Check the electrics
Always make sure brake lights and indicators are working before you hit the road. Look for exposed, cracked, or corroded wires and prevent rust with WD40 every few months. If you notice any problems with the wiring or lighting, have them addressed as soon as possible.
4. Focus on the wheels
Check your tyre pressure, look for any cracks or punctures, and take note of the tread. Inspecting the lug nuts to ensure tightness is also crucial.
Purchase a Lawn Mowing Trailer Today
A trailer can be a necessary tool of the trade-in lawn mowing, which is why it’s so important to do as much research as possible to secure the best one. Take note of these tips above and put yourself in the best position possible to purchase the right trailer for your needs.