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Losing money!!!

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cory

04-23-2001 00:15:34




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I run a small lawn care business that i work part-time on. Recently i was offered a job clearing about 1/4 acre. This includes brush/small saplings and medium trees. I had a poulon 2175 that I burned up very quickly. I normally don't do this much tree work, but ever since I started this job people have been asking me to put a bid in on there yards. Only problem is I'm goin' upside down. My first question is: Hw much does it usually run to fall and buck a tree. This includes hauling it away, or how much should I charge to clear ($$$ per acre?)? My next question is: Which saw should i buy? I know that seems broad, but I need help. Money is a serios issue beins it keeps costing me every time I turn around. It seems in the Stihl line of products anything above a 021 is very costly. The same goes for comparable models in the Husky line. Is it worth the extra money. Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Leo

04-28-2001 18:43:50




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
To your first quesion: If you have to have tools such as saws, a chipper, a pickup or truck, provide fuel, insurance and can do that kind of work steadily, probably should be charging between $35-55 dollars and hour. Especially if you hire helpers. Then see if you can get enough done to make customers think they got a fair bargain. Just because people ask doesn't necessarily mean they will pay enough to make a business of it. It is good exercise though, isn't it!

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Junkman

04-26-2001 19:58:36




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
Pay the extra for a good saw. I have a 257 Husky and would not trade it for any Stihl, but thats just my preference. The husky cost me right around $400 5-6 years ago. It runs better than any Stihl, Homelite, John Deere, or numerous lesser brands that I have used. Good luck on your new start.
John



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Jack in CA

04-26-2001 18:54:52




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
No one has mentioned Jonsereds. I went through a Poulan in one season (heavy work - limbs to 36" logs) Then bought my first Jonsered - Am on my second after thirty years. The first had to be resleaved when I grabbed the wrong gas (yeah, it was marked). I use first rate oil- 16 to 1.



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DumOleBob

04-26-2001 09:22:56




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
I've had a Stihl 034 for 12 years & no matter how hard I try I can't kill it! However, along with a good saw you need a really good professional to keep it running.

Suggestion - Look into renting a Bobcat with a grapple bucket. I use one a lot & can sit in Wyoming & pick up most of Eastern Idaho. Seriously, a Bobcat can be rented for less than you think? Just pass the cost own since it'll cut your time considerably!

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Tom

04-23-2001 18:37:57




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
All this about burning up saws. I wonder if it has anything to do with the very lean oil to gas mixture I am seeing on newer two cycle engines? I have an old Homelite that calls for 16 to one, some of the newer saws my brother has are leaner, I don't know what but leaner. And some of the small brush trimmers I have are 32 and 40 to one. If the new saws are lean like this could this be partly the cause? Could richening the misture a little help? Anyone with an opinion or experience here?

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VaTom

04-24-2001 19:06:30




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 Re: Re: losing money!!! in reply to Tom, 04-23-2001 18:37:57  
After burning up a Huskie, due to an employee's mis-tuning (they can be adjusted to go too fast), I had a falling out with the dealer and bought a Stihl. I mix the fuel a little heavier on the oil. My assumption is I'll get a little smoke that's not a problem as long as I'm not clogging the muffler. I don't know if my extra lubrication is working, but the saw's on the second bar and maybe twentieth chain (I don't grind) and it hasn't been in a repair shop yet. The last shop I asked, was pushing an oil that didn't give a specific mix ratio and indicated it somehow adjusted itself to whatever the tool needed. Don't remember the brand, but it scared the bejesus out of me. I've stuck with Stihl oil since and just mixed it with a little less gas. You'd need to run a fleet to give a real comparison but this was my best guess.

By the way, mine's an 039 with a 20" bar and I can't see how a smaller saw, especially with a shorter bar, would make limbing easier. Climbing's another matter, but are you small-saw guys desk jockeys? Or just built close to the ground? My back asks for a longer bar if anything.

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The only thing you can afford to do for nothing is . . . Nothing! ntx

04-23-2001 10:59:45




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
ntx



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Paul

04-23-2001 10:55:45




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
The Stihl 021 is a fine saw. It is light enough to be easy on your back, and yet powerful enough to handle larger stuff if necessary. I originally bought an 039 to use here on the farm and it's a cutting fool, but I went back and got the 021 for limbing the stuff after it's on the ground. My back appreciates the lighter 021 for limb work.



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Big Jake

04-23-2001 06:14:14




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
This will take care of all your problems!


http://www.mightyaxe.com/



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Dave

04-23-2001 05:48:51




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
There's been lots of discussion about this very thing amoung experienced people over here too:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/tools/



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walt

04-23-2001 05:04:42




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
I burnt up a couple of Sears, Poulan, etc. Till I got a Stihl. You wont regret the extra cost.



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F14...In a word...

04-23-2001 02:45:29




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 Re: losing money!!! in reply to cory, 04-23-2001 00:15:34  
yes. If you're going to do chainsaw work on a regular basis, get a mid-sized saw. I have a Stihl 026 (or 025, can't remember, too lazy to go look) for which I paid aroud $375. It's been a great saw, starts dependably, plenty of power, good vibration control, relatively light for it's power.

Charge 'em by the hour for tree work.



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Ray,IN

04-23-2001 18:00:30




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 Re: Re: losing money!!! in reply to F14...In a word..., 04-23-2001 02:45:29  
F14's comments about saws are right on, you get what you pay for. I once had a 80ft. oak tree blown down by wind and my ins. co. paid $420 to have it cleaned up and hauled away. I asked the agent if I did the work would they pay me; his response was " the lowest bid is $420, if you will do it for that- yes! I then got paid for cutting up the tree and burning the brush, and I had all the firewood cut for the coming winter. Anyway, ask commerical firms for advice as you are starting a business, some will help, some will tell you to go push a rope. Thats my spin!

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shawn

04-23-2001 12:07:09




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 Re: Re: losing money!!! in reply to F14...In a word..., 04-23-2001 02:45:29  
I have a 025 and paid 300



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