I got mine stuck between a plastic fence last year. Had another neighbor who is a client pull me out. No bueno when it's super wet. Aeration is king. I did 5 after work tonight, two were neighbors who I picked up. fertilized and seeded three of them , nice night. Keep it up man. love that machine and not so tired at the end of the day. I'm glad I'm 5'9" haha, I still duck.
I tell you what..... this bad boy and the Exmark spreader / sprayer would be a sweet combo. May just be all one would need to make some serious change. Every day I drive to Honda and ask myself when are you going to turn around and do this. I'm half tempted to start here with an aerator. Seems like a good way and good time to dive in.
I guarantee you if you offered JUST aerations and did 500 of them in April/May, and another 500 in fall with overseeding, you could make a cool $75K a year LOL. Call it "The Aeration Guys" and get to pluggin!
There are a lot of areas to keep an eye on and maintain frequently, but I haven't had any issues yet with 200+ aerations and 30-35 hours on mine. It's a tank no doubt.
Do you require your clients mark all sprinkler heads? Do you have a release form for them to sign for any damage? Like fiber optic lines or things like that?
Get rid of the D rings and switch to E-track. It is what I use in my enclosed trailer and I am glad I switched. I even use the 2x4 brackets when I have to haul my rolling trunks that I store my Christmas stuff in. The 2x4 brackets keep them from rolling front to back and they are so wide they only can move two inches side to side.
I would definitely NOT strap across the motor! When making turns and hitting rough spots on the road that heavy machine is going to put a serious bind on the straps hence against the motor etc. Hook each strap at the front axle and your good to go!
Brian's Lawn Maintenance I didn't know that aeration only customers existed. Lol. Makes sense though because it keeps from having a lot of extra materials on hand.
Last year it was $9,000 now it’s $14,000 By the way I had several near by incidents when I put the aerator inside my she, it doesn’t happen with the stand on because the stand on platform is lower.
Surprised you didn't go to college, you come across as very articulate and professional. I would guess your professional demeanor gets you a ton of work, you should see some of the landscape guys I have had work on my property (hint, most are addicts).
+logdon17 Thank you. College, in my opinion doesn't teach you everything, including how to be an entrepreneur. Graduate of the school of hard knocks. Thank you for the support!
Absolutely, college at this point is becoming the new high school diploma unless you get a degree in something of value (business, math, engineering). Otherwise you are much better off doing real work like yourself and making a nice living with no college loans to pay back.
I use a combination of a tow behind I purchased and a rental walk behind. I have only one yard where the tow behind is a pain to maneuver and the walk behind would take too long.
Wanted to start out by saying love the videos, keep up the good work! So my question is, and if it’s been asked then sorry for asking again. But after you aerate do you overseed and fertilize? If so what fert do you put down after your all finished?
No worries! I don't overseed, yet, I will be next year most likely with the new Exmark spreader attachment for their aerators. I don't fert, hate the chemical smell!
People should check out the new Stinger aerators. Sitone should give you a free demo. Its a dual hydro drive aerator that you can attach a sulky to. Around 4 grand.
that looks like they picked up where lawn solutions let theres go. looks like a good unit to have with the sulky for jobs where this ride on cant fit. thanks for sharing i didnt see these yet
I remember hitting my head inside the trailer. I was buying some metal cabinets at Sears and loading them in. Not fun! More than likely, it will never happen again.
your fine strapping over block as long as there no serious pressure points where it's mounted. like anything that can bend easily. or any plastic that can break etc. Ur better off going thru/over frame/deck. over would metal N what not. U should do a review an close up video of the exmark aerator. I'd like to see that.
Nice video man, keep up the good work! Wish I had one of those sweet zero-turn aerators when it comes time to do mine. I'll just have to settle for renting a walk-behind lol.
Brian's Lawn Maintenance I live in Nowhere, Kansas lol. I have to drive 30 minutes just to find a walk-behind to rent from a small hardware store. It's almost worth buying a used one for myself!
Hey Brian, love the videos, in my opinion I would strap your mower by the tires bc you may cause a plastic component to break and it's better to be safe than sorry
Brian, Today's question to you is, if any aeration service is for one of your weekly mowing accounts, do you mow the following week still? Or do you skip a week or 2? I personally dont' just aerate, I over seed, fertilize, and put down starter fertilize for my customers as well, so I take a week or 2 off from mowing to give the new seed some time to grow. I rent the machine for the day and basically charge each customer the rental fee for the day, so I quickly make my money back. Just wondering how you handle mowing the following week.
Man people in my area charge $150 minimum and then $45 per K after that. Crazy the difference. Granted they do put down seed but most of the cost comes from the aeration.
I know "in" past videos you have said you are selective on "what" area of town "you" work in. Are you also selective on only taking yards with larger gates so that aerator fits in the back yard? "Do not asks questions late at night. Too many typos."
Lloyd Weaver LJ's Lawns, Lights, and Jobs LLC If the aerator doesn't fit the back I do it for $40. I charge a minimum to show up, if you will. 95% of my subs here are not gated.
Nobody around here use's the stand on machines most big company's run four $2000 aerators per truck and I'm thinking *So for $8000 your paying four guys to do the work one guy could do with one of those which is around the same price . but whatever works LOL
I got mine stuck between a plastic fence last year. Had another neighbor who is a client pull me out. No bueno when it's super wet. Aeration is king. I did 5 after work tonight, two were neighbors who I picked up. fertilized and seeded three of them , nice night. Keep it up man. love that machine and not so tired at the end of the day.
I'm glad I'm 5'9" haha, I still duck.
Shane Bretey Lol. I got knocked tf out. Hurt so bad. 🤷♂️
I tell you what..... this bad boy and the Exmark spreader / sprayer would be a sweet combo. May just be all one would need to make some serious change. Every day I drive to Honda and ask myself when are you going to turn around and do this. I'm half tempted to start here with an aerator. Seems like a good way and good time to dive in.
I guarantee you if you offered JUST aerations and did 500 of them in April/May, and another 500 in fall with overseeding, you could make a cool $75K a year LOL. Call it "The Aeration Guys" and get to pluggin!
Brian how has that machine held up for you. Does it need adjusted or new sprockets and things like that often or is it a tank?
There are a lot of areas to keep an eye on and maintain frequently, but I haven't had any issues yet with 200+ aerations and 30-35 hours on mine. It's a tank no doubt.
Do you require your clients mark all sprinkler heads? Do you have a release form for them to sign for any damage? Like fiber optic lines or things like that?
We do, or we do not take responsibility for damages. Fiber Optic and Comcast/ATT lines should be buried 6+" and be no issue!
Get rid of the D rings and switch to E-track. It is what I use in my enclosed trailer and I am glad I switched. I even use the 2x4 brackets when I have to haul my rolling trunks that I store my Christmas stuff in. The 2x4 brackets keep them from rolling front to back and they are so wide they only can move two inches side to side.
I would definitely NOT strap across the motor! When making turns and hitting rough spots on the road that heavy machine is going to put a serious bind on the straps hence against the motor etc. Hook each strap at the front axle and your good to go!
1cleandude thank you! Agreed
What's holding the surecans? Equipment Defender?
Do you offer fertilizer and seeding with aerations or no? Just curious!
+Lamont Hairston I don't do Fert and not yet on seeding!
Brian's Lawn Maintenance I didn't know that aeration only customers existed. Lol. Makes sense though because it keeps from having a lot of extra materials on hand.
You were dead on about the rental price on a stand on aerator. The place closest to me that rents them said it's about 300 a day!
Lamont Hairston Yikes I think here it was $250, but if you line up 10 at $80 or something, it's still good money!
Brian's Lawn Maintenance yeah he told me it was 290 something with tax!
Mannnn yeah, I'm definitely interested! Core aeration is where it's at!!!
Last year it was $9,000 now it’s $14,000
By the way I had several near by incidents when I put the aerator inside my she, it doesn’t happen with the stand on because the stand on platform is lower.
Surprised you didn't go to college, you come across as very articulate and professional. I would guess your professional demeanor gets you a ton of work, you should see some of the landscape guys I have had work on my property (hint, most are addicts).
+logdon17 Thank you. College, in my opinion doesn't teach you everything, including how to be an entrepreneur. Graduate of the school of hard knocks. Thank you for the support!
Absolutely, college at this point is becoming the new high school diploma unless you get a degree in something of value (business, math, engineering). Otherwise you are much better off doing real work like yourself and making a nice living with no college loans to pay back.
logdon17 Agreed!
How did you get into aeration? How did you learn how to operate one? How do I see your response?
Dennard Wright Uh I rented one. Just do it and try it out.
Are the tines down when you turn? Do you have a walk behind unit to aerate in small areas that exmark won't fit?
Stand on aerators are $275 a day in my area to rent. I went with a walk behind again this season and am already regretting it lol.
Hard Knox Lawn Care Lol been there. Killl me now. Ha
I use a combination of a tow behind I purchased and a rental walk behind. I have only one yard where the tow behind is a pain to maneuver and the walk behind would take too long.
Lloyd Weaver LJ's Lawns, Lights, and Jobs LLC if I ran something besides walk behind mowers I would probably explore the tow-behind option.
Wanted to start out by saying love the videos, keep up the good work! So my question is, and if it’s been asked then sorry for asking again. But after you aerate do you overseed and fertilize? If so what fert do you put down after your all finished?
No worries! I don't overseed, yet, I will be next year most likely with the new Exmark spreader attachment for their aerators. I don't fert, hate the chemical smell!
People should check out the new Stinger aerators. Sitone should give you a free demo. Its a dual hydro drive aerator that you can attach a sulky to. Around 4 grand.
Emily Burcham I'll have to take a look! Thx!
that looks like they picked up where lawn solutions let theres go. looks like a good unit to have with the sulky for jobs where this ride on cant fit. thanks for sharing i didnt see these yet
Going to rent the exmark aerator next week!
+fourwhldrive nice!
Hey Brian, have you tried the Toro Grandstand? Do you ever do any mowing with push mower anymore?
+Peter Ryan I haven't, nope. I don't mow anything with a push mower anymore. I sold my wbh and dropped my gated customers last year.
It's not a plug aerator, or yes?
Glyn Robinson Yes plugs
I remember hitting my head inside the trailer. I was buying some metal cabinets at Sears and loading them in. Not fun! More than likely, it will never happen again.
this machine looks incredible! great video
The f250 should pull it no problem whatsoever.
I don't do it right now because we get so busy with tree work but I'm thinking about buying a machine and adding it on to my business
What does aeration do?
What about sprinkler heads?
sean mccabe Opens up the soil, reduces compaction, allows for overseeding to be more effective, promotes root growth, just to name a few benefits
Nice video Brian, quick question were did you get the line trimmer holder at?
Gerry's Green Landscaping It's all from Equipment Defender. My affiliate link is down below. It's a decent design. I just screwed mine to the wall ha
Thanks I really need one.
your fine strapping over block as long as there no serious pressure points where it's mounted. like anything that can bend easily. or any plastic that can break etc. Ur better off going thru/over frame/deck. over would metal N what not. U should do a review an close up video of the exmark aerator. I'd like to see that.
Ron Hughley Sure thing
Nice video man, keep up the good work! Wish I had one of those sweet zero-turn aerators when it comes time to do mine. I'll just have to settle for renting a walk-behind lol.
+Kris Mueller Can you rent one?
Brian's Lawn Maintenance I live in Nowhere, Kansas lol. I have to drive 30 minutes just to find a walk-behind to rent from a small hardware store. It's almost worth buying a used one for myself!
Kris Mueller Play your cards right and you can have a monopoly on that service in your area!
Thanks Brian, great footage sir! Thinking about buying one, but I'll be renting first off, like u suggested.
Do you have to pull up the tines before you turn around?
Lamont Hairston Definitely
how would you go about doing a quote for this
$15/1ksqft
Hey Brian, love the videos, in my opinion I would strap your mower by the tires bc you may cause a plastic component to break and it's better to be safe than sorry
Freddy Sanchez good looking out
cool stuff bro!
Great video Brian! Love the advice you are giving. Keep up the great work and we are looking forward to more Aeration videos.
Brian,
Today's question to you is, if any aeration service is for one of your weekly mowing accounts, do you mow the following week still? Or do you skip a week or 2? I personally dont' just aerate, I over seed, fertilize, and put down starter fertilize for my customers as well, so I take a week or 2 off from mowing to give the new seed some time to grow. I rent the machine for the day and basically charge each customer the rental fee for the day, so I quickly make my money back. Just wondering how you handle mowing the following week.
Detailed Lawn Services I mow the next week still, no interruption of service.
Man people in my area charge $150 minimum and then $45 per K after that. Crazy the difference.
Granted they do put down seed but most of the cost comes from the aeration.
I am doing my first aerations next weekend and I have about 14 lined up. I'm renting the stand on toro. What plug size should I pull on average?
Christian Schloegel 1.5-2. Set at 150-200 psi but it should be set there already.
I like your aerator thinking about adding to my business this year what do your charge thanks
Varies everywhere is different
hey next time over by my house hit my yard for me, no I dont own aerator, I wand the back area behind my berm done too.
Austin Denney lol I'll get to friends and family discount
You gonna hit up my lawn next??
Grass Daddy if you cover gas money 🤣
Really enjoyed this one! You guys are makin bank up in Michigan! We can't pull those kinda $'s down in Louisiana.
True but I'm sure you guys get your services which command a pretty penny!
Dam that's like 25 aeration a day.
Ron Hughley precisely.
Would you cut my lawn down here in naples florida? Haha im kidding man keep up the good work love your stuff
I know "in" past videos you have said you are selective on "what" area of town "you" work in. Are you also selective on only taking yards with larger gates so that aerator fits in the back yard? "Do not asks questions late at night. Too many typos."
Lloyd Weaver LJ's Lawns, Lights, and Jobs LLC If the aerator doesn't fit the back I do it for $40. I charge a minimum to show up, if you will. 95% of my subs here are not gated.
Nobody around here use's the stand on machines most big company's run four $2000 aerators per truck and I'm thinking *So for $8000 your paying four guys to do the work one guy could do with one of those which is around the same price . but whatever works LOL
I mean the same price as four after tax .
Rufus LC Its just labor to them, super cheap, they don't care. But one stand on does the work of 3-4 wbh's easy
Rufus LC Infact the Scotts branch by me has 2 now. They crush it.