Читать книгу Start & Run a Landscaping Business - Joel LaRusic - Страница 56

If you live in an area where it snows a lot, you might consider clearing snow as a way to make money in the winter. You will first want a snowblower; then, as you build your business, you may consider adding a blade to your truck so that you can get bigger snow-clearing jobs (e.g., parking lots, roads, etc.).

The snowblower (sometimes called a snow thrower) is a walk-behind machine and is ideal for residential walkways and short driveways. There are various sizes with differing degrees of power. The equipment dealer from whom you purchase your lawn care equipment will probably be able to help you select a snowblower too. Once again, use the Internet to investigate what is out there so you can make an intelligent decision when you talk to your dealer. Consider these options:

Size and power: The size of the machine (the width of the auger) and the amount of power you want will depend on where you live and how much snow you expect to move. Choose from 24- to 36-inch blowers ranging from 7 to 13 horsepower.

Single or dual stage: Single-stage snowblowers, with an auger that shoots the snow directly out the discharge shoot, are not for professionals. The auger in dual-stage blowers ingests the snow from the walkway and then tosses it against a rotating impeller, which drives it out the discharge chute. Definitely choose a dual-stage blower.

Propelling method: All dual-stage snowblowers are self-propelled. Some offer tracks instead of wheels for demanding snow conditions.

Auger type: Consider a serrated auger if you think you will be tackling compacted snow and ice.

Best names: Toro, Honda, Ariens, John Deere.

There is a multitude of truck-mounted blades to choose from, depending on the application you have in mind. For example, there are light-duty plows that will work nicely on a smaller pickup truck (4x4 drive is strongly suggested for any truck-mounted plow). There are also heavy-duty commercial plows that must be mounted on full-sized 4x4 pickups or larger one-ton trucks.

To choose the right blade, your best bet is to investigate the offerings of the major suppliers by browsing their websites or visiting local dealers.

Best names: Fisher Snow Plows, Blizzard Plows, Western Plows, Meyer/Diamond.