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summitlawnco's avatar
summitlawnco
Contributor 3
27 days ago

Here’s a quick lesson I learned the hard way

I thought I’d save a few bucks by loading all the old lava rock from a landscape renovation onto my standard open-bed trailer instead of renting a dump trailer. Loading was a breeze—gravity did half the work. Unloading? Different story. Without a hydraulic lift, every single rock had to be shoveled out by hand. Four  hours later, I finally rolled away—sore, sweaty, and wishing I’d spent the extra cash.

Take it from me: the right equipment turns a back-breaking afternoon into a five-minute button-press. Think twice, rent once, and keep your profit (and your spine) intact.

 

10 Replies

  • julie's avatar
    julie
    Jobber Community Team

    Oof, we've all had those "should’ve spent the extra cash" moments 😅 Thanks for sharing the real talk. This is such a good reminder that time (and your back!) are worth factoring into the budget!

    • summitlawnco's avatar
      summitlawnco
      Contributor 3

      Appreciate the support! Funny how those “I’ll just tough it out” moments almost always come with interest, usually in the form of back pain LOL.

  • Thanks for sharing. I agree sometimes you get into situations that is not thought through from the begining. It has happened to me too. 

    • summitlawnco's avatar
      summitlawnco
      Contributor 3

      bsolutely—those spur-of-the-moment calls can sneak up on all of us. I’m learning to pause and think things through before diving in headfirst.

  • Thanks! I see it might be a great idea to check out the local rental stores and create a mental list of what's available to me. I've never thought about unloading rock other than shoveling!

    • summitlawnco's avatar
      summitlawnco
      Contributor 3

      Yes! Just knowing what’s available around you ahead of time can make those game-time decisions so much easier—and less painful.

  • Thanks.  That is great advice and most of us have been there trying to save money.  We have to decide if the money or our time (and bodies) are more important.

    • summitlawnco's avatar
      summitlawnco
      Contributor 3

      Totally agree. Trying to save a buck can end up costing way more in time and energy. Sometimes the real win is paying a little upfront to keep your body (and business) running smooth.

  • I understand not having the money to rent equipment. But if you'd thought of it you could've put a tarp down and maybe load it a little lighter and just pulled the tarp out

    • summitlawnco's avatar
      summitlawnco
      Contributor 3

      Great point on the tarp! That definitely would’ve saved me a lot of time (and sore muscles). I’ll be keeping that trick in my back pocket from now on.... Definitely would have had to be heavy duty.