Commercial lawn mowers endure demanding conditions, often running 10 to 12 hours daily, especially in regions with year-round growing seasons. For landscape businesses, these machines are critical investments—balancing performance, cost, and fleet management is essential to maintaining profitability.
Key Considerations for Financing
Landscapers face a pivotal decision: purchase equipment for long-term ownership or lease for flexibility. Each approach has trade-offs. Purchasing builds equity but requires budgeting for maintenance, while leasing offers newer equipment with predictable costs but no ownership.
Fred Kuhnen, General Manager at Advanced Acceptance, notes, “Contractors who finance purchases over longer terms risk equipment wearing out before the loan is paid off. Leasing avoids this but means constantly rotating machines.”
Purchase Financing: Ownership with Planning
For landscapers prioritizing ownership, financing programs—including specialized credit lines—can streamline expenses. Robert Hendley of GE Capital highlights equipment financing cards as a versatile tool: “They cover not just mowers but also parts and repairs, with interest-free periods on smaller purchases.”
Manufacturer promotions, such as zero-interest 36-month deals, further incentivize buying. Kuhnen adds, “If ownership is the goal, these subsidies are unbeatable.”
Leasing: Flexibility and Predictable Costs
Leasing appeals to landscapers who prefer updated equipment without long-term commitments. Typical leases run two years with hour limits (e.g., 900 hours), often including buyout options.
“Leasing locks in your cost per season,” says Kuhnen. “No surprise repair bills—just a fixed expense for a machine under warranty.” This approach treats mowers as tools rather than assets, aligning with businesses focused on cash flow over ownership.
Making the Right Choice
Dealers like Ferris offer tailored financing, including seasonal incentives. Experts advise landscapers to evaluate:
- Fleet size and replacement cycles
- Budget constraints for upfront costs vs. recurring leases
- Long-term maintenance expenses for owned equipment
