When should a landscaping company’s mowers and trailers be replaced?

There is no single date to replace a mower or trailer. It depends on how hard it has been used and how well it has been kept. Ask for service history on each machine: oil changes, blade work, deck repairs, tires, brakes and hitch parts. Machines with regular records usually last better than those with none.

Then look at the equipment itself. Check decks for cracks and rust, blades and spindles for wear, and tires and lights on trailers. Inspect hitches, safety chains, ramps and frames. A trailer is a safety item, so a worn one is more than a cost. Ask which units break down most and what the crew does when a machine fails on a busy day.

Build a simple plan: which pieces are fine, which will need replacing soon and which are dead weight. A machine that works but needs constant repair may cost more in lost crew time than it saves. Remember that a buyer will discount tired gear, so seller and buyer alike should know the state of it. An independent mechanic can give an honest view, and your accountant can help with the books. Ask whether replacement has been put off to keep profits looking better. Deferred replacement can make the books look stronger than the equipment really is.

Key takeaways

• Request service records for each machine and trailer.
• Inspect decks, blades, hitches, chains and tires in person.
• Sort equipment into fine, replace soon and retire.