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craig · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 11:34 AM

I have been in business for 7 years now,most of my work is what I call ornamental masonry,(piers,mailboxes,walls,arches and steps) and repairs.I have done several brick paver projects and I'am very comfortable installing them.I have no intention of giving up my masonry work, but I'am leaning towards the purchase of some type of skid steer or mini track loader and diong many more paver jobs. I turn away 1-3 patios and driveways per month Because I don't have the hauling and loading equipment. I still want to work by myself and owning some necessary equipment would give me the potential for more income.Right now there are some weeks I earn a paycheck and some weeks I do really well.I'am just looking to even things out. Any recomendations You can make about loaders etc. would be appreciated.

Dale Wiley · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 03:52 PM

Turning away work means soemthoing is going right...Equipment will help you out, but unless you hire some employees and sell more hours you will hit a ceiling even with equipment.

You also need to consider how long you want to do the heavy physical labor. You WILL at some time wear out burn out. If you have built a good business, you will be able to step back from field work and you will make some good money.

I have been out of the field for 2 years, I bought a Vermeer compact skid loader package, a dump trailer this year and I have 5 great employees that are making good dollars and doing quality work. I was doing some equipment moving, materials hauling, but I have even got away form that this year, and do sales and estimating, and operations planning most of the time.

These guys keep me hoping to keep work in front of them.

To make more money, you have to sell more than the hours your body can put out, even with good margins.

Stonehenge · #3 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 09:47 PM

Craig - glad to hear things are going well for you, and that you have the opportunity tob id on these kinds of projects. I'll expect to get your input on any masonry threads I start.

Re: the shopping list, my first purchases were a compactor, cutoff saw and sight level (I'd go for a laser now). I'm guessing you already have these tools with the work you're already doing, so for me the next step was a skidsteer. Everyone has their opinions about which is better for which reasons, but the common theme you'll hear among all recommendations is make sure you're buying from a good, local dealer who will take care of you when the machine has problems.

Beyond that, just make sure the machine can do what you need it to (lift capacity, etc).

jwholden · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 10:53 PM

You can rent a skid steer by the week, and even dump trucks. Could you bid those jobs with renting the equipment built into the bid and see how you like the larger jobs.

I agreewith others, you need to get used to managing employees. I will never master this art, but I'm getting better at it. One man can only do so much, and even if you plan on working side by side with your help you are going to limit your capabilities by working alone.

craig · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 10:59 PM

A skid steer and dump trailer is what I'am considering. Thought I could trailer the loader in the dump trailer to save from buying a regular trailer.Plus, I only have 1 truck. As for how long I want to do heavy physical labor? I would consider hiring a helper if I could find someone I could trust. Right now my Brother in law helps me on weekends and takes vacation on my larger jobs.The thought of getting a loan for that kind of money scares me, but I'm sure I could do enough work to more than pay for it every month. Still scary nonetheless. Lots of good info on this site,glad I came across it.

cutntrim · #6 (**permalink**) 06-17-2005, 12:38 AM

Last fall I traded in one of my landscape float trailers for a 6x12 dump trailer, and also bought a Bobcat 553 skidsteer. I use the trailer every day, and try to use the Bobcat as much as possible. If you're doing a lot of work in backyards with tight access you might want to look at a smaller skidsteer such as the 553 (49" wide) or the 463 which can be outfitted at 36". I struggled with the decision, but I use mine all winter and the 463 just wasn't large enough for snow removal. If I only worked it in the summer, a 36" machine would get more use.

Anyway, my payments are $685 CDN for five years with around $4500 downpayment. For what the two purchases can do for me, it's been worth the price so far.