If you run a landscaping business, having the right tools and equipment is key to your success. This guide provides a comprehensive landscaping equipment list. Tailored to the diverse needs of the landscaping industry.
Maybe you’re just starting out and need to budget for high quality tools. Or maybe you want to upgrade to high quality equipment for better efficiency. This list has what you need. It’s perfect for business administrators who oversee operations. As well as professionals working directly in outdoor work environments.
We’ll cover everything. From basic hand tools like hedge shears to heavy equipment that helps you haul materials or tackle large-scale projects. You’ll also learn about electric models and hedge trimmers. And specialized tools for flower beds and grass clippings. Plus, we’ll discuss machinery that creates more space and flexibility. All while handling various jobs.
It’s always a good idea to stay up to date on your equipment options. Like essential tools and advanced landscaping systems. This can help you better plan your purchases and streamline your work.
Read on to find helpful tips to maximize your investment in equipment. All to help your business thrive in the constantly evolving landscaping industry.
FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: How to Start a Landscaping Business: A Comprehensive Guide
Essential Hand Tools for Landscape Contractors
Landscape contracting involves a wide range of projects. They run from small maintenance tasks to major yard makeovers. Professionals in this field use everything from hand tools to heavy landscape machinery.
No matter what size task you’re performing, it’s essential to have the proper tools to get the job done right with no wasted time. After all, wasted time means a loss of income.
Having the right tools and equipment also lets you execute high-quality work. This results in improved customer satisfaction and high client reviews. Those reviews and testimonials are key to attracting new clients for continuous business growth.
Let’s take a look at landscaping hand tools that you probably want to have on your truck for smaller jobs or for putting finishing touches on larger ones. It’s worth noting that some of these tools also have power versions, like aerators, post hole diggers, trimmers, and sprayers.
Fortunately, these tools are relatively low cost, so you can have plenty on hand when needed:
- Shovels and spades with different blade shapes for digging and planting
- Spreaders for distributing seed, fertilizer, and weed control products
- Aerators for aerating lawns to improve growth and overall health
- Post hole diggers or augers for fence posts and similar structures
- Trimmers and shears for hedges, vines, and plants with narrow branches
- Pole saws and loppers for trimming tree branches without climbing
- Trowels for putting in small plants and bulbs in beds and containers
- Rakes for clearing leaves and brush and for spreading mulch
- Hoses for watering in new plantings and nurturing existing ones
- Tampers for compacting soil around plantings and hardscape elements
- Sod rollers for seating sod into the soil once it’s been placed
- Mattocks for breaking up heavy soil, rocky areas, or overgrown spots
- Wheelbarrows for moving and hauling smaller items and refuse
- Sprayers for broadcast application of fertilizer and pesticides
- Buckets for moving and applying water or carrying small items
Power Equipment Every Landscape Contractor Needs
Landscaping power tools have come a long way in the last few decades. Now there are electric-, gas-, and battery-powered versions of many manual tools. These are designed for both faster work and use over larger areas.
Basic power equipment for landscaping includes:
- Aerators, augers, trimmers, and sprayers, as described above
- Lawn mowers for cutting grass (see more on lawn care below)
- Edgers to create a neat border where lawns meet hardscaping
- String trimmers to neaten areas where mowers can’t reach
- Blowers for removing leaves and light detritus
- Chainsaws for cutting large branches or removing trees
- Stump grinders for pulverizing and removing tree stumps
- Rototillers and cultivators for breaking up packed earth
Since this equipment is more expensive, you need to crunch the numbers based on experience to see how many you need. You want enough for demand on any job, but you don’t want them sitting idle for a long time either.
Some of these tools, like larger auger and cultivator models, require two people to operate. This must be considered for staffing and when purchasing the equipment.
It is important to think about the power source, as each one has pros and cons. For example, battery-powered equipment is lighter and more portable. It can be used without any electrical outlets nearby.
But, like gas-powered tools, battery-powered models run out eventually. You want to look at both battery time and charging time when buying these items.
Gasoline-powered tools need refilling, so you need to carry extra fuel to the job site. They’re heavier too, which may affect how fast employees can work with them.
Additionally, gas motors often need periodic servicing. This results in downtime and an increased expense for their maintenance.
Do you operate in the northern part of the United States? If so, your landscaping work is probably limited by snowfall and frozen ground.
In that case, it may make sense to also purchase snow removal gear, like snow shovels and snow blowers. You might even want snowplow blades to attach to your trucks or gritters/salters to tackle ice. Many landscapers switch to this type of business in winter to keep revenue steady.
Specialized Tools for Lawn Care and Maintenance
Lawn care equipment is a cornerstone of landscaping services for most businesses in the industry. We’ve listed a number of lawn care tools above, but let’s dive into mowers a little more.
Your use of different size mowers will depend on the type of work you do and the size of the properties your company works on. You may want some hand-powered push mowers for tiny stretches of lawn. Or you might need rider mowers that cover wide swaths of grass for large properties, commercial clients, and parks.
Some mower features to consider include:
- Mulching or bagging capabilities
- Cutting width
- Turning radius
- Starting mechanism
- Blade torque
- Blade brake option
- Cut height adjustment
- Grass/brush height limit
- Headlights
- Safety features
- Storage profile
One other lawn care tool that many landscaping businesses forget about is software for landscape design. These programs are also excellent for drafting and measuring jobs. This is helpful for both estimates and for getting into the details of bids you’ve won.
In the next section, we’ll talk about heavy machinery used in these types of large-scale projects.
Choosing the Right Machinery for Landscaping Projects
If your business works on big jobs, you will need larger machinery to handle the work. These are capital purchases that can be essential but need to provide a return on investment (ROI).
Here are some pieces of heavy machinery you may need:
- Utility vehicles (UTVs) for hauling equipment or moving around the site
- Trucks, ranging from pickups to dump trucks, sprayers, and bucket lifts
- Trailers to move equipment towed behind another vehicle
- Graders to smooth or rake surfaces in large strips
- Skid steer loaders for earth moving, trenching, and rock lifting
- Loaders, backhoes, and excavators for similar work as skid loaders
The last section of this article provides a few more tips about buying this type of landscaping machinery.
RELATED ARTICLE: How to Bid on Landscaping Jobs (and Win More Work)
Safety Gear and Accessories for Landscape Contractors
Safety gear for landscapers is essential to protect workers and minimize the risk of injuries on the job. The US Department of Labor released a report underscoring the need for reduced hazards on landscaping job sites. It cited 142 fatalities in 2021.
Landscaping injuries can be caused by:
- Sharp tools that cut and puncture
- Tripping and falling accidents
- Moving machine parts
- Water hazards like ponds and ditches
- Contact with electrical power lines
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Animal bites and insect stings
- Chemicals and pesticides
- Loud noises and spraying material
It’s vital that your crews use the proper safety gear. Here are some of the top items to have ready:
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Goggles and ear protection
- Hats and helmets
- High-visibility vests and jackets
- Protective footwear
- Knee pads
- Ropes and harnesses
- Respirators and masks
- Safety signs and cones
- Proper fuel canisters
- Hazmat placards
Develop protocols for safety measures on the job and review these with staff periodically.
Don’t forget that landscaping insurance is also part of your safety arsenal. You should have liability insurance for non-worker injuries or accidental property damage. You also need workers’ compensation to cover staff hurt on the job.
Top Takeaway Tips for Choosing Tools and Equipment for Landscape Contractors
If you’re reading this article, you’re likely in the market for landscaping tools and equipment for your business. Here are some final tips to consider when making your purchases:
- Read reviews and ask your colleagues which tools they like. You may uncover hidden gems or items to avoid based on their practical experience.
- Always look at the warranty for landscaping equipment, especially expensive items. Does the manufacturer stand behind the item in case it malfunctions or breaks unexpectedly?
- Consider renting big-ticket items like skid loaders or backhoes before buying them permanently. This gives you a chance to try out different brands to see which one you like best.
- You may find renting some earth-moving equipment isn’t worth buying if you only use it a few times per year. In that case, rentals are the way to go. Or you could purchase the equipment and rent it out to other contractors, but you need to make sure the purchase will give you a good ROI.
- Don’t forget that landscaping tools also include software for running your business. You’ll find programs for creating visuals for your proposals and executing jobs. You’ll also want software for accounting, marketing, and estimates. The more you can integrate these functions, the easier your business administration will be.
RELATED ARTICLE: The Ultimate Guide to Pricing Landscaping Jobs