A common question I get asked on LMB is: “What equipment do I need to start a lawn mowing business?” The simple answer might be “a lawn mower,” but there’s more to it than that. You’ll need tools to transport your gear, protect yourself while working, and manage all the other tasks that come with the job.
Lawn Mowing and Gardening Business Equipment
Transport
To run a professional lawn mowing service, a reliable van is essential. My advice? Choose the biggest one you can comfortably drive and navigate through your work area. I’ve always dreamed of having a Luton van packed with mowers and other equipment, but unfortunately, parking it in narrow country lanes and fitting it into small driveways has always been a challenge.
In the past, I used a Citroen Dispatch L1 H1, which comfortably carried two mowers, two blowers, two strimmers, and other necessary equipment. Currently, I use a Vauxhall Combo L2H1 van—about as small as you’d want to go. However, my next van will likely be a Ford Transit Custom, as it will hold more gear and allow me to bring everything I need without having to plan out which mowers to take each day.
What is the Best Van for a Lawn Mowing Business?
Keep your van organized, clean, and well-secured. A proper racking system, ramps for loading, and extra locks are all good investments. Signwriting your van also helps with branding—lots of people ask for business cards when they see mine.
If you’re looking for more advice on outfitting your van for lawn mowing, we have an article dedicated to creating the ultimate lawnmowing vehicle setup.
Mowers
You don’t need a ride-on mower to run a successful business. Unless you’re using it every day, a ride-on mower is an expensive investment that can end up costing you more in storage and depreciation. Most lawn care businesses serve homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns, which range from quick jobs to a few hours of cutting. Start with the right mowers for those jobs and invest in a ride-on only when it makes financial sense.
The Mowers You Need to Start Your Business
For a versatile mower setup, I recommend three key models:
- A 46cm (18”) commercial-grade rotary mower – Ideal for most jobs, this is sturdy and can handle uneven ground.
- A 41cm (16”) roller mower – Great for smaller, finer lawns, and leaves the classic stripe effect.
- A 53cm (21”) large roller mower – Perfect for bigger, fine lawns.
46cm (18”) Commercial Rotary Mower
This mower is your workhorse. It will fit most back gardens, handle commercial sites, and cope with uneven surfaces. I recommend a model that cuts, collects, and mulches. For a petrol engine, a Honda or Kawasaki engine is a reliable choice, and you can expect to pay around £1,000 for a quality version.
41cm (16”) Roller Mower
This mower is excellent for new-build gardens, tight corners, and for creating the perfect stripes. Expect to pay £1,000+ for a solid, professional model.
53cm (21”) Large Roller Mower
For large lawns, a 21” roller mower is a must. I use the Lawnflite 553 Pro HS, which is built for daily use and has a top-of-the-line Honda engine. This mower costs around £1,400 including VAT.
Wide-Cut Mowers
If you want to expand your setup, consider a wide-cut mower. Toro’s 80cm (30”) models, the Timemaster and Turfmaster, do the job of a small ride-on but take up much less space. These are also priced around £1,400 including VAT.
Strimmers, Brush Cutters, and Blowers
From day one, you’ll need a strimmer to handle the edges and a blower to clear up after mowing. I recommend professional-grade cordless models from brands like Stihl or Husqvarna. The strimmer should have a loop handle, and the blower should have the battery integrated into the body. You’ll need at least one large battery and a fast charger. I use the Stihl AP system, which powers both the strimmer and blower for all-day use. Expect to spend around £750 for this setup.
For tougher jobs, you’ll need a brush cutter. A professional cordless model with a metal blade will tackle all kinds of scrub. I recommend getting a harness for back support during prolonged use. These will run you about £500-£700.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety is paramount. Invest in quality PPE to protect yourself from flying debris, noise, and long hours in the sun. A stone in your eye can lead to serious injuries, so always wear safety glasses. I use a Stihl Forestry helmet with a face guard when brush cutting, plus plenty of gloves, safety boots, and ear defenders. Don’t forget a sun hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, hi-vis jackets, and other protective gear. Good quality PPE is comfortable and worth the investment—budget around £100 to £500 for a full setup.
Other Essential Gear
Start with a WolfGarten kit—a multi-tool system with interchangeable handles and heads for rakes, hoes, brooms, and patio weeding knives. It’s durable and saves space in the van. You’ll also need some heavy-duty tough-trugs for storing tools and collecting debris, and Bosmere Pro Landscaper bags for grass clippings.
For basic garden work, grab a quality edging iron, spade, and garden fork (I recommend Spear and Jackson Neverbend tools). CK Legend edging shears are great for tall users. Budget around £500 for these tools.
Lastly, always keep spare parts on hand. I follow the “one is none, two is one” philosophy—if something can break, it will. Keep spare strimmer line, fuel, blades, PPE, tools, and a mobile phone charger in the van. It’s also wise to have a first aid kit and hand sanitiser. Having a backup mower is crucial in case of breakdowns; it lets you continue working without delays.
Conclusion
Starting a lawn mowing business costs more than you might think. A basic setup can cost around £4k, but for a more comprehensive package with all the necessary tools, it can go up to £7k or more—excluding the van. However, quality gear holds its value, so investing in the right equipment from the start is wise. Stick with durable, high-quality tools, and you’ll save money in the long run. Happy mowing!
