If you’re thinking of starting your own landscaping business, or you’re currently running one and want to expand your service offerings with high-grade equipment, this blog on landscaping tools is for you!
Basic Tool Checklist
Most humble landscaping businesses start with nothing but the essentials. Before getting into big jobs that need heavy machinery, most landscapers start their practice with a mower, some sheers and a rake. This checklist includes all the fundamentals you need as a base for your landscaping service.
- Mower – A good mow is a service that lots of people and businesses will pay for.
- Shovels – Great for small landscaping tasks as well as clean-up.
- Wheelbarrows – Save your back from lugging heavy materials and get yourself a wheelbarrow.
- Nets and Straps – To keep everything secure in the back of your ute.
- PPE Gear – Protective eyewear, shoes, gloves, earplugs and, should you need it, a helmet will keep you safe while conducting your daily business.
- Rakes – Makes picking up debris and grass clippings easy.
- Sheers and Pruners – For keeping plants looking good and adding structure.
- Ladder – For high-up jobs.
- Gardening Hand Tools – To make it easier to plant or remove plants.
- Hose – To keep the garden lush and green.
Advanced Landscaping Tools/Machines
Landscaping Spray System
Whether you’re spraying weeds, applying liquid fertilizer or using insecticides, a good landscaping spray unit is worth its weight in gold! Depending on your needs, you can opt for a back-pack/handheld sprayer, or if you’ve noticed an excess of spraying jobs, a vehicle spray unit is really the way to go!
A spray unit on your ute with a retractable hose gives you access to everything you need and adds superior spraying coverage plus, you’re not carrying around heavy liquids by hand. Professional spraying can be a highly sort-after service, so it’s great if you’re looking for a way to expand your offerings without needing to undergo major training. You will, however, need a Commercial Operator’s Licence, as outlined in the “Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966“, to spray chemicals and herbicides over land not owned by you or your direct employer in Queensland.
Concrete Mixer
Some high-end landscapers may be tasked with laying concrete footpaths and garden paths or set a basic slab for an outdoor tool shed, deck or water feature. If your clients want basic outdoor renovations done, it’s in your best interest to be able to provide them in-house instead of referring them to a builder or contractor. If you want to offer concreting as part of your landscaping service in Queensland, you will need a concreting license to undertake work with a value of more than $3,300. The qualifications required may vary based on your state or region’s policies.
Electric/Gas Machines
Most landscaping tools come in fuel or electric versions, so purchase what you feel will work better with your internal systems. Electric tools tend to be quieter, however, they take time to recharge, and if you don’t have an opportunity to charge them, it may result in unforeseen work blockades. Fuel-operated tools can be more reliable, but the rising price of petrol may inflate operating costs. Some fantastic machines to own are:
- Blower
- Line Trimmer
- Edger
- Shrub Sheers
- Ride-on Mower
Lawn Aerator
A lawn aerator does exactly what the name suggests; it breaks up the soil, allowing for more air to reach grass roots and softening the compact ground. This process allows more water, oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots of grass or garden plants. These tools can be manual, however, there are some electric alternatives to lessen the physical labour required to operate. As far as landscaping tools go, this one’s a bit more niche, but it has the potential to take your landscaping service from good to great!
Tamper
Contrasting the aerator, a tamper compacts sand, soil and concrete to make a tightly packed surface. A manual tamper is essentially a flat square attached to a stick that a person can stomp on to compact the soil. For heavier-duty applications, several machines are available for superior efficiency. Still, for the price difference, a mechanical tamper tends to be reserved for construction companies or structural landscaping.
Chainsaws
Tree lopping can be a profitable service for your landscaping to offer. However, it comes with several needed qualifications and permits. If you plan to take on this endeavour, make sure to do adequate research on the legalities in your local region.
In most cases, you will need to apply for a permit from your council in order to remove a tree, especially if it is a large, mature or native tree. Still, a chainsaw is a handy tool to have when it comes to removing branches and other larger plants. Make sure you stock up on all PPE needed with chainsaw work before buying one.
Get a Custom Landscaping Ute With Austates
With all these tools to cart around, you need a reliable work vehicle. Austates Pest Equipment has worked closely with professionals of many trades to create custom vehicle units perfect for the job. We can combine several spray units, toolboxes and other fittings to ensure everything you need has a home. With years of experience, the Austates’ team understands that every trade has special requirements. We work with a range of vehicles and equip them all with top-notch systems. Call us today for a fast quote if you want to level up your landscaping vehicle.