What to Consider When Choosing the Best Landscaping Truck for Your Business

If you’re in the landscaping industry, choosing the right work truck is just as critical as deciding when and where to plant a tree. The right amount of planning and preparation is needed for both in order to achieve long-term success.

Landscaping trucks not only modernize operations, they also improve customer gratification. A well-maintained fleet of trucks is a sign of a professional and reputable business. It gives clients the confidence that the job will look as immaculate as you do! Therefore, making the right decision is crucial and can lead to greater productivity, profitability and the overall success of your company!

So, where do you start? Let’s begin by answering the following questions:

• What is your budget?
• Should you utilize cash, credit or a Commercial TRAC lease for your purchase?
• How much maintenance can your budget afford?
• What kind of gas mileage are you looking for?
• How much horsepower do you need?   
• What kind of equipment, materials, tools, and supplies will you be hauling?

When setting a budget, the purchase price is not the only factor to consider. You will also need to decide what method of payment is best for your business. Will you pay with cash, credit or utilize a Commercial TRAC lease? It would be beneficial to contact your CPA prior to making your choice. It is also vital to discuss the merits of financing a new vehicle under your business name versus personal. You will also need to calculate the cost of long-term maintenance and repair, the price of insurance on the vehicle, what kind of gas mileage you expect, and how much horsepower is necessary. Is the majority of your clients local or do you take on clientele in other cities or counties? Do you prefer an enclosed vehicle to secure your landscaping equipment or are you looking for a more open platform that will give you the flexibility to transport larger equipment?

Answering these questions will help you transition to the next phase of the process – exploring the different types of lawn care trucks that are available.

Different Types of Landscaping Trucks

Lawn care trucks are specifically designed and equipped to meet the unique needs of your industry. Not only are these trucks used to transport lawn care equipment such as mowers, blowers, trimmers and other tools, they also haul supplies such as chemicals, fertilizers, sod and mulch. These vehicles specialize in providing convenient, efficient and safe methods to move your equipment from one job site to another. This eliminates the need for manual labor or multiple trips to retrieve tools, allowing you to be more efficient. Having a designated truck for lawn care enables your team to be effective when loading and unloading equipment – reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

The following is a list of the most popular types of work trucks in the landscaping industry:

• Pickup Trucks Pickup trucks are the most common types of lawn care trucks, especially among smaller-sized companies that don’t have as many crew members and equipment. They are a favorite in the industry because of their feasibility and flexibility, offering a significant balance of cargo space and towing capacity. They are easily maneuverable in tight spaces and narrow neighborhood roads. Pickup trucks also come in a variety of sizes and weight capacities, which allows you to choose a truck that is perfect for your needs.
• Flatbed Trucks Flatbed trucks are another viable option for landscapers who require more cargo space to transport larger equipment such as earth movers or ride-on mowers. Their open platform allows for easy loading and unloading regardless of the weight or size of the cargo.
• Box Trucks and Enclosed Trailers Box trucks and enclosed trailers are favored by landscapers who frequently move precious cargo that needs to be protected from the elements.    These are especially preferred by landscapers who travel longer distances and demand the extra security and protection. The large, flat surfaces serve as an incredible opportunity to promote your business with bold and professional graphics.
• Crew Cab Landscaper Trucks Crew cab pickup trucks have become increasingly popular over the years because they can house multiple crewmembers in addition to extra supplies. This can negate the need for multiple vehicles at one job site, which would maximize your productivity by having multiple crews at different work sites at the same time. Crew cabs are compressed enough to maneuver through smaller neighborhoods and jobsites.
• Dump Trucks Dump trucks are one of the most commonly used vehicles in the landscaping industry. They can be utilized for hauling supplies such as sod, rocks, dirt and other materials and can be used for hauling away large amounts of debris.   
• Dovetail Landscape Trucks A dovetail truck is most easily identified by its loading ramp. This particular truck features a ramp with joints that allow the end to fold down to the ground for easy loading and unloading of landscaping equipment, tools and supplies. There are models that utilize a hydraulic-powered lift to lower the ramp and others that can be lowered manually.

Now that you know what types of lawn care trucks are available, it is important to determine the essential features that would enhance your individual business.

Features to Consider

Depending on the size of your company, you may already have a fleet consisting of a variety of work trucks that execute various projects and tasks. If you’re a smaller to mid-size company, you may need to be more selective with the features in order to maximize their use. The following is a list of essential items to be carefully reviewed to assist in identifying the best vehicle for the job:

• Payload Capacity The payload capacity of a truck refers to the maximum weight it can safely carry. This includes cargo, passengers, equipment and supplies. It is crucial to choose a truck that can strike the right balance of giving you enough payload capacity without compromising capability.
• Towing Capacity Towing capacity is the maximum weight a truck can pull behind it. This is especially important to consider if you plan on towing additional equipment or trailers.
• Fuel Efficiency Fuel efficiency is a key consideration, since it directly impacts operating costs. Choosing a truck with good fuel efficiency can result in significant savings over time, especially if you service clients in multiple cities. It is also important to examine factors such as engine size, vehicle weight and aerodynamics when comparing the fuel efficiency of different trucks.
• Storage Compartments Lawn care trucks offer a variety of storage compartments located within the cabin of the truck or in the exterior. Be certain to compare the size and storage compartments available against the number of tools, equipment, and supplies that you require. Being organized will translate into a more efficient crew and potentially mitigate work related injuries.

Who to Team Up Once You’re Ready to Buy

Choosing a reputable dealer can make all the difference in the world. Plus, it’s important to note that not all automotive dealerships have a designated commercial fleet division. For example, not every Chevy dealer has a Business Elite fleet department, which offers additional services such as extended hours beyond the traditional 9 to 5 day and access to specialized credit lines of $500K or more. It is imperative that you find a fleet dealer that has a seasoned staff with the proper knowledge to build the correct vehicle, not just for the job, but for all safety and legal regulations as well. No one knows your business better than you, but the partner you choose should be just as invested, someone with whom you can build a long-lasting business relationship, understands that “time is money,” and respects the fact that you simply don’t have the time for lengthy stints at the dealership.

In summary, your search for a lawn care truck that’s right for your business should start by addressing baseline considerations such as budget, including both long and short-term costs, how you plan to finance it, what capacity you require and for what functions you will be utilizing it. From there, you will be armed with the information to explore the different types of lawn care trucks available – determining the essential features you require and who to ultimately team up with in order to select the truck that’s perfect for your business.

Investing in the right lawn care trucks is a critical step in increasing your company’s operational efficiency while projecting a professional image. This decision will play a significant role in building your reputation and your company’s success for years to come! QCBN

By Kenny Perkins, QCBN

Kenny Perkins and Kurt Roberts are the Fleet and Commercial Managers at Lamb Chevrolet & Cadillac located at 400 Prescott Lakes Pkwy in Prescott, AZ 86301. For additional information or to schedule an appointment with Kenny Perkins, call 928-778-5262 or email Kenneth.perkins@lambauto.com. Kurt Roberts can also be reached at 928-777-9375 or email Kurt.roberts@lambauto.com Interested in finding a work truck that can be customized for your business? Check out our actual inventory at www.lambchevrolet.com.

Courtesy Photo: Lamb Chevrolet & Cadillac offers trucks and knowledge about which kind is right for the job.