Before you evaluate different custom landscape trucks available, you need to predefine certain parameters so you know what you need and you set an appropriate budget. Be ready to pay a premium for customization jobs from major dealers. However, in some towns you might find specialized shops that provide after-market customizations. In some cases, this might suit you. But whether you choose new personalized landscape trucks or aftermarket landscape trucks, be prepared for this endeavor: investing in custom landscape trucks implies a bold long-term investment in the future of your business and you must pick the proper design to maximize your landscaping business operations.

What Body Type Do You Need For Your Custom Landscape Trucks?

Does your new landscape truck need a single cab or crew cab? What body size will you require? Down in the 12 foot range you may consider a standard pickup truck, or do you really require the opposite in a full trailer-sized 26 foot body? Do you need dually landscaping trucks or will single 4×4 tires suffice? Do you need a box truck or flatbed truck? Do you need dump beds or a hauler body? How about a drywall pump platform?

Perhaps you don’t need a custom truck body at all; sometimes conceiving the most efficient solution of custom lawn trucks is to just add a couple custom landscape trailers to your fleet of vehicles.

Do You Need A Standard Gas Or A Diesel Custom Landscape Truck?

Do you need a gas or diesel engine? With smaller trucks and less intensive labor, I recommend gas. For larger trucks and/or trucks that will engage in tough, rugged work, I recommend diesel. There many advantages and disadvantages for both standard gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles. Make sure you research and understand these pros and cons before you invest your business capital in one or the other. I’m partial to diesel vehicles for their tough durability, but you need to make the right choice for your particular needs. In particular, diesel used landscaping trucks are often a great value.

Do You Need Special Accessories For Your Custom Landscaping Trucks?

Do you need to deploy a fuel station in the field? In other words, should your custom landscape trucks be capable of fueling other equipment on the job? Do you need an integrated toolbox for your employees? If so, what size and type of toolbox will you require? Can it be fitted behind the cab or would it be optimum to have an underbody toolbox? What specialized services do you offer that may require unique customizations for your landscape truck?

Custom Landscape Trucks

Specialized lawn and landscape trucks often require specialized storage options. Would it behoove you to have storage for hand tools and power tools? How about irrigation hardware parts with integrated inventory management? Will you be parking smaller vehicles within the truck or using it like a mobile storage shed? This may help you determine the size and quantity of utility shelves you require.
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Finish Your Custom Landscaping Truck With A Proper Exterior

What about exterior and rear functions? Do you need a sophisticated ramp system, such as a hydra-ramp? Do you need a debris dumper or a specialized door to maximize the size of the equipment that can be loaded and unloaded from your custom landscape truck body? Do you need a receiver hitch to enable this truck to tow? How critical will towing be to its lifetime of duties? You might also look into flatbed for trucks.

Will you want a custom paint job to help your company stand out or do you prefer a rugged, utilitarian look? Remember, for large box trucks in particular, that large exterior space should be used as a mobile billboard. If you don’t choose a custom paint job, consider making it capable of holding vinyl lettering or changeable fleet graphics. It is an almost free and effective marketing opportunity you really should exploit, and making it one that can change with the season, market and the size and nature of your company makes it all the more effective and valuable.

Don’t Underestimate The Marketing Value Of Your Landscaping Vehicles

Don’t forget that marketing is a part of every successful business in this industry and marketing requires capital too. A glossy ad promoting your business on the broad side of that shiny new custom Isuzu or GMC may bring you more new business than you realize.

Remember that custom landscape trucks can be critical to your long-term success. As you evaluate different landscaping trucks for sale, remember you want your employees deployed as effortlessly as possible. You want them focused on the job itself rather than being distracted by the mechanics of basic operations, and that is precisely what a properly customized landscape truck can provide.
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Looking through ads of landscaping trucks for sale can be a tedious and wildly diverse journey. A landscaping truck can be as simple as a pickup truck that will hold a lawn mower and various tools, or as complex as a specialized rig with compartments and tie-downs to hold a multitude of equipment and accessories in place. Landscaping trucks, like other vehicles, are for sale in either new or used condition, through a variety of venues. It may take some preparation and then time to find the landscaping trucks for sale you need for your work.

Used Landscaping Trucks for Sale

If the business is just starting, it may be more practical to purchase a used landscaping truck. As with any vehicle, careful research is a must before you commit to a used landscape truck for sale or any used landscape vehicle for sale for that matter. The type of mileage, rather than the number of miles, is often a good indication of the condition of the truck. Was the truck used to travel only road and highway miles, or was it used to access remote areas? A truck that has been driven through fields, over rocks, through streams, or other rough terrain will have a considerable amount of unusual wear to its undercarriage that may not be readily apparent without a thorough inspection.

The local newspaper lists numerous vehicles for sale, including bucket trucks for sale and various commercial trucks. While the ads themselves are not usually very descriptive due to space constraints, they will still provide useful information. For example, one can check the list prices for the various trucks by year and average them together to form a good idea what he can expect to pay for those particular landscaping trucks. Also, most items for sale in a local newspaper are local, making it easy to physically examine the vehicle, prior to purchase.

Landscaping Truck For Sale

Craig’s List, eBay motors, AutoTrader and Vehix.com are excellent sources for online vehicle shopping and offer pictures of the vehicles as well as unlimited text descriptions.
Craig’s List is a catch-all forum where one can purchase anything from a domain name to a dirt bike. Bargains can be found there, but use caution and common sense prior to committing to a purchase. Craig’s List is mostly unmonitored, so sometimes it is difficult to discern the serious buyers and sellers from the scammers.

EBay does a more thorough job of monitoring its buyers and sellers, and it has a special site, eBay Motors, dedicated to buying and selling vehicles.
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Vehix.com and AutoTrader.com are wholly dedicated to vehicles, often providing video in addition to pictures, and offering other services such as a CarFax report when available. This should go without saying, but remember when you’re dealing with used landscaping trucks, you should always check the vehicle with CarFax and when appropriate the Kelly Blue Book.

This may difficult when you seek very specialized equipment, such as landscaping dump trucks for sale. The capacity, suspension and chassis of a vehicle used for landscape design can be quite a bit different than your usual roster of used trucks in ebay Motors or the like. This is why looking local is still necessary even in this age of Internet shopping. And don’t be too hesitant to consider brands like Mitsubishi, Volvo or Isuzu. Such make and models are more common in commercial truck services than you may be used to seeing if you’re new to the landscaping trucks industry. Also don’t hesitate to get more use of your existing truck fleet with specialized hitch and trailer systems.

New Landscaping Trucks for Sale

Buying a new landscaping truck is certainly easier than finding a used truck. A new truck will come with all of the features that the business requires and will be backed by a factory warranty and a reputable dealership. However, it will cost more than buying a used vehicle.

Both Ford Motors and GMC have a divisions for commercial-use trucks. These trucks feature tie-downs for mowers and other heavy equipment and a dump truck style bed that tilts upward. This feature enables the operator to safely drive riding mowers and other motorized equipment off of the back of the truck. If you implement flatbeds for trucks, be sure you also implement the amusingly-named but still vital headache rack.

Isuzu’s commercial vehicle division offers an open bed and rigging that extends over the cab to lash equipment such as weed whackers to the body of the vehicle. The cab is even large enough to safely carry a 7-person crew. Its tight turning radius gives this truck superior handling performance in small spaces.

Buyers have numerous purchase options available to them. Once a buyer decides to purchase a landscaping truck, it is worth looking at both used and new markets to find the best fit. But by checking out all your options — newspaper, online or auctions — you should be able to find a decent selection of landscaping trucks for sale.
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You’ll find flatbeds for trucks usually offer some of the most versatile platforms in regard to transporting and hauling all kinds of loads. A flat bed could typically be put on any usual frame of a truck, from heavy duty truck frames to lightweight, small pickup truck frames. Additionally, flatbeds for trucks can be designed in a rectangular or square configuration, depending upon the intended utilization of a truck.

The flatbed is non-enclosed with no doors, no roof and no sides. Flatbed trailers can be unloaded or loaded from the sides, and they do not need a forklift that is elevated for load removal or entry. Flatbeds are additionally known as Deck or Platform trailers. Different varieties will include lowboys, drop decks, standard straight flatbeds and other specialized flatbeds. Among these varieties you’ll need to choose between aluminum flatbeds for trucks or steel flatbeds for trucks.

Their variety and versatility make flatbed trucks or flatbeds for pickup trucks a common staple among landscaping trucks.

Smaller Truck Flatbeds

Flatbeds for small trucks are oftentimes fabricated into a square shape for a maximum bed area. But the beds will go well outside of truck body lines, and flatbeds that are square are typically confined to be utilized in open region conditions. Flatbeds that are square with hauling racks or stake gates are extensively utilized for a delivery of any amount of products to a location where mobility and parking space is not a problem or by sub-contractors who are on large development projects.

Flatbeds for Trucks

Flatbeds for trucks that are smaller are usually best for transporting auto parts, new rims and tires, sliding doors, storefront glass as well as other bulk supplies which are taken to loading docks and building sites. If you’re considering used landscaping trucks, smaller trucks with flatbeds should get some consideration.

Among smaller trucks, especially pickup trucks, it isn’t uncommon to see custom flatbeds for trucks implemented to maximize functionality yet minimize cost for a landscaping business. If you go this route, make sure you implement a headache rack and along with appropriate stake pockets for long-term use.

Larger Flatbeds for Trucks

Usually, flatbeds for large trucks are fabricated into a rectangular shape, that will let the trucks that are larger have close proximity parking, that doesn’t concern overhanging beds on the sides. Flatbeds that are rectangular for the trucks are usually ideal for large and medium route trucks which conduct daily deliveries of construction supplies and produce, and for shipping specialized things like oxygen and gasses which are high pressure. Stake gates will allow access for forklifts, as well as most route trucks being installed using hydraulic lift gates for better efficiency.

Truck Flatbeds Are Not New, Yet They Are Still Evolving

Suppliers of lumber which ship to the sites of jobs have used flat beds with continued success for centuries. The deliveries were at one time off-loaded utilizing steel roller systems to manipulate loads to the bed’s rear. But manufacturers now are making flatbeds which raise on one end through hydraulic lifts. Usually, this system offers better control in the off-loading of plywood pallets, large timbers and pipe. Stake gates on flatbeds that are rectangular come off for access with a forklift, of course.

A double, larger trailer frame with a flatbed is a common sight on interstate highways around the country. People can usually view any kind of load on the flatbeds, from large rolls of fabricating metal, to jet engines or earth movers and huge construction pieces. The truck’s large flatbeds have a very high load capacity which can range from 10,000 to 50,000 pounds and beyond.

When buying flatbeds for trucks it is important to find the type, size and material that will fit the truck and your needs best. Pay attention to the details to make sure you get what you need and can afford.
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Choosing used landscaping trucks comes with advantages and disadvantages, but with a few precautions you can find just the right truck for your needs.

Landscaping can be a profitable business for those who have the required skills, artistic vision and tools. The most expensive landscaping tool would have to be the landscaping truck, and the price of new work vehicles is often a deterrent to aspiring entrepreneurs that want to give landscaping a try. Shopping for used landscaping trucks is a viable alternative, but it should be weighed carefully. As with the purchase of any used vehicle, there are many factors to consider when evaluating the prospect of purchasing used landscaping trucks.

Let Someone Else Handle the Depreciation of Your Landscaping Equipment

There is an adage that states that new vehicles driven off of a dealership lot are worth 80% of what they were worth on the lot. This is certainly true when it comes to resale, and accountants refer to this as depreciation.

Used Landscaping Trucks

Depreciation of business tools can often be written off, but the money still comes out of the bank account of any business while they own the vehicle. The first year of ownership generally sees the most depreciation in terms of dollars, followed by the second, and then the third. This means that someone purchasing used landscaping trucks should avoid purchasing relatively new models if they are adverse to losing value in their vehicle.
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Buyer Beware With Used Trucks

It might seem that purchasing older used landscaping trucks is the best idea for those adverse to spending too much money on their landscaping venture, but there is something else to consider. Simply put, the question is why is any given landscaping truck is on the market. Remember when you find used landscaping trucks for sale, they’re being sold for a reason.

In some cases the answer seems fairly clear; perhaps the seller is retiring from the landscaping business, they have used the maximum number of years for tax deductible depreciation allowable and are moving on to a new vehicle, or something else that seems logical. The question is: does their reason make sense?

If a landscaping business is going out of business, could it be because they continually show up late or do not show up at all thanks to unreliable transportation? If the seller bought a new vehicle, is it because there is something wrong with their old used bucket trucks? Could the vehicle have been in an accident or otherwise damaged badly and repaired?

Protect Yourself When Investing in Used Landscaping Trucks

Since there is a reasonable chance that anyone selling used landscaping trucks is doing so because they have problems with the vehicle, it would be wise to consider taking a few precautions. First, ensure that any used landscaping vehicle truly meets your needs and the needs of your landscaping business. Do you really need medium duty trucks, used commercial trucks, dump trucks or custom landscaping trucks and are you absolutely certain? Have you considered the new versions available from major manufacturers like Isuzu or Ford? Can you make do with smaller trucks with trailers or do you need a heavy duty truck?

Second, consider getting a vehicle history report through CarFax that would indicate whether the truck in question had been involved in any accidents, subject to recalls, or damaged seriously in any way. And make sure any previous loan on the vehicle has been paid in full before considering it.

And third it is vital you have a trusted mechanic perform a thorough inspection on any used landscape trucks before purchase. This is true for vehicles for personal use as well as for used landscaping trucks. Also remember to ensure that the vehicle is not painted with the markings of the other company, or a new paint job will have to be factored into the purchasing decision.

As long as you are careful and take a few precautions used landscaping trucks can be a great way to either start or expand your business.
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Appropriate and cost-effective landscaping trucks are critical equipment in any landscaping business. Competition is fierce and profit margins can be razor thin, especially during a down economy. Any slight edge that gives you an advantage over your competitors can make the difference between failing during the winter slump and surviving to see another spring. Long gone are the days when you could pick any old truck on the lot and make it work for your business. Today’s lean economy requires strategy and careful consideration of how many and what kinds of new or used landscaping trucks should be combined to form a successful fleet.

Varieties of Landscaping Trucks and Their Utilities

Any reader who is involved in the landscaping business will certainly appreciate the critical need for effective and highly useful landscape trucks. Landscaping trucks are constructed by a number of different manufacturers, including GMC or Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Isuzu, UD, Fuso, and Hino. They come in a wide variety of landscaping truck bodies, among which are landscape dump trucks, landscape flat bed body styles, landscape stake bodies, and landscape service bodies. Expense can range from low for smaller used landscaping trucks to larger custom landscaping trucks. Landscape trucks are often diesel trucks because of the toughness and reliability of modern diesel engines.

Landscaping dump trucks are perhaps the most commonly imagined type of landscaping trucks to the majority of American consumers. These multi-use landscaping trucks are useful for a wide variety of tasks. Not only are they helpful for hauling soils, sands, rocks, and fill which may all be required to create effective landscaping, but they find use in the construction industry as well.

Another variety of commonly seen landscaping trucks are the landscape flat bed body styles. These are often used for carrying trees or heavier plants. Landscape service body trucks find application in landscaping services support tasks, such as for electrical and plumbing work. Landscape stake body trucks are utilized for a wide variety of different applications, such as for delivering stones, top soil, landscaping materials, or mulch. Ambitious landscaping design projects often require multiple types of these landscaping trucks. As you research different utility trucks online to integrate into your inventory, keep in mind the cost of parts and maintenance. Flatbeds for trucks are often a good idea for re-purposing older, smaller pickup trucks.
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While box trucks are a common commercial truck, they aren’t directly associated with landscaping designs. However, you will often find a box truck playing a significant role for landscaping services employing large and diverse truck fleets and taking on large-scale landscaping projects. Try not to be too brand loyal, either. Even a dyed-in-the-wool Ford man might better grow his business if he gave reputable Isuzu trucks a chance.

With Landscaping Trucks, Size Matters

The size of your trucks is crucial to a successful business. While a uniform fleet of huge flatbed trucks parked in your lot will make you feel like a king in the industry, having more big gas-guzzling vehicles than you absolutely need could put you in the fast lane towards bankruptcy. If you generally only run two heavy material deliveries to a site at a time, you only need two large dump trucks in your fleet. Sell the excess and invest the money toward smaller, less expensive and more fuel-efficient vehicles that can be economically deployed in a wider range of tasks. Many landscaping services are employing a versatile cutaway van instead of relaying solely on trucks for every job.

True, you might lose a job once in a great while because you do not have a third truck on hand for a short-notice job, but this is not the right economy to invest large sums of money in the hopes of future growth. You may want to consider landscape truck rental instead. By renting a landscaping truck for a specific large job you may be able to do the job without the expense of adding another truck to your fleet. Concentrate on running a lean operation and only add a new landscaping vehicle if there is a continued need for it.

Of course, it is equally important not to overcompensate in the opposite direction. Light-duty small pickups are great vehicles to have in your fleet. They are relatively inexpensive to buy, especially if you go with used landscaping trucks, and cheap to operate compared to the heavier commercial vehicles, but there are many jobs for which small pickup trucks are simply not appropriate. Especially when hauling stone and gravel, it is easy to overload a pickup truck far beyond its rated capacity without realizing it. Extra strain on the suspension, brakes, and drive train will quickly lead to repair bills far in excess of the money you will save with a small pickup. A well-balanced mix of light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks is essential to long-term profitability.

With Your Landscaping Business, Looks Matter Too

While the quality of your work and professionalism of your staff will create repeat customers, the appearance of your fleet and of each landscape truck is of primary importance in getting those customers in the first place. If your trucks are relatively new, clean, and brightly painted, people are far more likely to develop a positive first impression of your company. Never forget that your trucks are your best advertising device and will convey a sense of your competency and professionalism to the outside world. Neighbors will notice a clean, attractive vehicle parked next door while your workers cut the grass and will be much more likely to call you for their own landscaping work than they would be from any Yellow Pages advertisement.

Finally, do not be afraid to be creative. While professional-looking vehicles are an important factor in maintaining your company’s image, there is something to be said for a quirky, creative approach, especially if you are just starting out and money is tight. If you plan to focus exclusively on lawn care for example, you might consider forgoing a small fleet of large landscape trucks and, instead, purchase a larger fleet of small Ford pickups, or even cars with light landscaping trailers to move your equipment.

Something like buying a couple of used mini-vans and painting them like ambulances with a name like “Lawn Medics” could create some real buzz in the community as your fleet drives through town. If the idea sounds silly to you, remember how Best Buy created a powerful brand name for themselves with nothing more than a small fleet of “Geek Squad” Volkswagen Beetles.

So before you evaluate different landscaping trucks for sale, be sure to consider everything from the volatility of your bottom line to the identity of your company as you market it. Thank you for reading Landscaping Trucks and I hope my website helps you.
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