"We use Stihl 100 models," he points out.
When it comes to string trimmers, Parker feels like he's found a hidden gem. So it makes sense for us to go with really powerful backpack blowers," Parker adds. We also have a one-time major cleanup that requires a bigger blower, along with our fall leaf cleanups. But in my case, since we have a lot of biweekly accounts, we need more power. "If all of your properties are weekly, you might not need as much power. "Some contractors in our area have been cutting back, but I find it beneficial to have a bigger, stronger blower." The BR 600 produces a 201-mph air velocity and 712-cfm air volume (with tube). "We run nothing but Stihl BR 600 backpack blowers," Parker says. Kohler field data suggests that you can reduce fuel consumption by 25%, generally, when switching to a comparably sized EFI (electronic fuel injection) engine. "I haven't been able to do a comprehensive analysis yet, but it does seem like we're getting a few more hours out of a tank of gas," Parker says. The new 60-inch mower has a Kohler EFI engine. "If I can't fit my 52-inch riding mower through a gate, we just don't take that account," Parker explains. Then we phased out our 48-inch mower and now use our 52, which has helped our production rates on the residential side."Īdditionally, Parker sees no need for a more compact zero-turn rider-as might be necessary in certain residential settings where you have to get through a narrow gate to access a back yard. The extra cut width and horsepower have really paid off. For this season we bought a new zero-turn with a 60-inch deck for our larger commercial accounts. "So in the past we've always used 48- and 52-inch decks. "Our business base has always been residential, but we're trying to grow our commercial more," Parker says. Parker has used Exmark riding mowers for years. Some recent choices have proven to be smart ones this season as crews have been beaten, battered and pushed to the brink.
The equipment he puts on jobs is a great example. Parker simply tries to control what he can. "Although the rain has been difficult to manage, sales are up 38% and profit is at 12% so far this year, and 2013 will be the best year PLM has ever had," Parker adds. "We're spending more time on each job, so our man-hours are definitely running over." Nonetheless, PLM is having a record-setting year. "Our weekly properties haven't been too bad, but the biweekly sites have required a lot more work," Parker relates. And the extra cleanup time needed on seemingly each and every property is pinching profits. Scheduling has been a lot harder than usual. The abnormally high amount of rain Georgia has received this year has caused some headaches for commercial lawn maintenance contractors like Greg Parker, president of Parker Landscape Management (PLM) in Gray, GA.
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