I started a mowing business from scratch a few years back (it was the hottest/driest summer on record at the time - 2010/11 I think). The business failed after around 9 months, but there were a number of reasons for this.

Excluding vehicle, be prepared to invest around $10k on equipment. A decent rotary, cylinder mower, blower/vac and edger are critical. In addition to your standard brushcutter. Look at Stihl multi-tools - very handy to have hedge trimmer, chainsaw, etc. Carry retic parts....be prepared for odd jobs - you can make a lot of extra cash fixing things for people.

The key to success with your business is in organising your clients and maximising how many people you see in any given day. You can keep your prices reasonable, don't overprice, but don't undersell yourself either (this is a mistake I made to generate business). You need to work quickly to make good $$$. In summer, aim for 12-15 jobs a day or more if you can.

There is always demand out there and nothing like quality work (as in any trade). You would be surprised how complex lawn care can be! No reason why you can't make $750 a day in summer if you are prepared to work hard. Finding something to do in winter is the challenge!

Would recommend that if you go independant, start it as a part-time venture - 1-2 days a week. Don't burn bridges so you have something to go back to if it doesn't work out. You can recover around 60-80% of your capital outlay if you have to sell.

Happy to answer specific questions...PM me if you want more advice!? Good luck.

 we have had 3 rounds and had i been younger would still be doing it as you can make very good money if you are prepared to work.the most we paid for a round was about $15000,that was for the customers and included all the gear.as buschy said winter can be a bit slow as the lawns go to once a month instead of 2 or 3 weeks but if your carefull you can still earn a living.the best time to buy is in winter as a lot of blokes sell their rounds then and take the winter off then restart in spring.we looked at a franchise but werent prepared to pay a weeks earnings out of every month to a company where in the end you dont end up owning the round,and its so easy to just buy or start one yourself.we were in mandurah and safety bay and had alot of holiday homes as well,as you get a bit of a rep you have to start knocking people back.it is a great lifestyle job and you can earn very,very good money if you do it right.good luck.

if u set it up correct u will be onto somethink

1. make sure most of your clients are in the same area or very close, less driving = more mowing

2. get good equipment dont waste your money on cheap stuff

3. start your own

4. pay is very good if you do it correct

5. also in winter do spraying, ie chemicals and liquid fert

6. in spring do verti mowing!! u can charge 200 an hour no worries

if u need any other advice pm me as i have been in the game for 15 years

Cheers guys

Just a bit of research at this stage but might be worth looking at for a few extra dollars and if it takes off who knows.

Cheers 

Pezdog

I would just like to add stay away from Franchises ,ones in turmoil at the moment 30 Franchees around Perth have just jump ship but its only the tip off the iceberg and a heap more to come.

One chap who was involved for 18 years has never had any intentions of leaving and has been very happy,,recent higher fees and the way they get treated is to blame.

Best way is to buy a good existing business ,all the hard work in selecting the best lawns and customers has already been done for you,saving you wasted time,if you are new the time wasters,centerlink jungle owners and non payers will pounce straight onto you,,basicly the ones nobody else wants for good reason,they can spot new lawnmowing people at 100 paces with a blindfold on.

In my local area a bloke started of a year ago,,brought a $10,000 ride on and a $5000 slasher and is getting the jobs that are out of reach for the average Joe,can charge a few hundred for a couple hours,,has a niche market so to speak.

It seems easy but most go broke within 6 months,,good luck.

Oh and make sure you book a day out with a lawnmowing assocation member ,they will show you how to mow lawns etc,what to charge and other valuble tips .