If you are a lawn care company or a landscaper, you need lawn and garden equipment. There are many places to buy this equipment. There are large retail stores, like Home Depot or Lowe's, that offer every type of lawn and garden tool, and there are smaller, family-owned businesses that provide only certain products. Where you buy your equipment will depend on what you need and what is in your budget.

For the lawn and garden business, lawn mowers and tractors are essential. They will also be your most expensive pieces of equipment. In order to get everything you need for your business and stay within your budget, begin by making a list of services you offer. Use this list of services to create a shopping list of lawn and garden equipment. Research equipment and prices online and compare the going prices for lawn and garden equipment with your budget.

Once you have a completed list of items, you need to find these items at the best prices. Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Consider buying used lawn and garden equipment, especially if you need to buy a lawn and garden mower.

2. Research and compare all product prices from different stores. Do not just buy the item because it is available; make sure you get the best price for your money.

3. Contact local lawn and garden stores to see if you can set up a professional account. These stores will be happy to have your business; they may also offer you a great discount on their products.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research lawn and garden equipment before you buy

There is information about every piece of lawn and garden equipment out there. Take some time to research what other people and businesses have to say about products.

I recommend: ConsumerSearch, Inc. offers comparison charts for different leaf blowers. Popular Mechanics has articles on lawn mower performance that also includes likes and dislikes. ConsumerReports.org offers comprehensive information about different lawn and garden power tools. The downside is that you need to subscribe to ConsumerReports.org in order to see full product comparisons.

Buy used lawn and garden tools

Lawn and garden equipment is expensive. If you do not have the budget to buy new products, consider buying used ones online.

I recommend: Amazon.com offers a large selection of both new and used lawn mowers. eBay offers a large selection of used lawn mowers. If you do choose to buy a used lawn mower, just make sure that it is in excellent working condition and that parts for your model are still available.

If you can afford it, buy new lawn, garden tools

Although they are quite expensive, new lawn and garden mowers will last longer than used ones. There is a large selection of products in an equally large price range. Do research, and buy the best product for your money.

I recommend: Grasshopper Mowers, Scag Power Equipment and Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc. all offer commercial lawn mowers and tractors.

Make sure you have the necessary lawn and garden tools

A lawn mower is a necessity if you are in the lawn care or landscaping business, but so are blowers, edgers, trimmers, and a number of other items. Make sure you have these lawn tools for your business.

I recommend: Corona Clipper, Inc. sells shovels, post hole diggers, rakes, clippers, and other lawn and garden tools. Websites like The Toro Company, Husqvarna and Cub Cadet sell every lawn and garden tool available. From gas or electric blowers to trimmers and edgers, these companies offer name-brand products for your business

Buy environmentally friendly lawn equipment and garden equipment

Some customers only buy products that are friendly to the environment, and this is not an exception when they are hiring businesses to provide lawn and garden services. An electric lawn mower or organic pest controls are some products that eco-friendly clients request. Have these products available in case customers ask for them.

I recommend: Garden Power Corporation offers a large selection of rechargeable power lawn mowers. Planet Natural has a nice selection of organic gardening equipment. Clean Air Gardening offers a nice selection of garden tools.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep records of all lawn and garden equipment you buy. Include product numbers, serial numbers, model numbers and prices in these records. If you ever need to order replacement parts, all of the necessary information is in your records.