Much has changed since then. Technological developments led to a self-propelled walk behind mower with an engine that helped reduce manpower, to the present day zero-turn mowers. These developments also led to the idea of putting small engines on tools for edging, vacuuming, aerating, etc. PVC and polyethylene are now the standard for pipes and fitting, making an irrigation installation much easier to work with. In all areas of our business, technological improvements have made our lives easier. With each new generation, the tools get lighter, more powerful, easier to use--and more economical, when you consider the labor involved. Landscaping has a different face because of all of these improvements.

If you are of a certain age, think back to the time when you first heard of a piece of equipment called a computer, and then you saw it. Remember how big it was? When you think about it now, you realize how little capacity and speed it had. Yet for its day, it was a marvel and helped business work in a more efficient manner. And it wasn’t that long ago that another indispensable piece of office equipment, the fax machine, became commonplace in our industry.

However, that is only part of the equation; the other part of the equation is you. You started your business, or worked for someone and then bought the business, and along the way you learned and polished your business skills. Without these skills, it would be very difficult to operate your business is such a competitive climate.

Still, with the cost of doing business escalating, it takes these business skills to be successful today. Trucks cost more, gasoline costs more, labor wants pay increases; insurance is out of sight, and cost of materials from fertilizer to plant material to irrigation components has risen tremendously.

With all the increases you’re dealing with, it’s very difficult to keep costs down; however, raising prices is not always the answer. What can you do to keep your costs in line? If you examine each phase of your business, I think you’ll find that you need to run a more efficient organization.

Using your time more effectively is part of the answer, but using your field people’s time more effectively is the key. Another part of the equation is finding tools that make the job easier and more efficient. If you have more productive and more effective field people, you could get more work done with the same crew; consequently, it will reflect on your bottom line, and isn’t that what business is all about?

So the next question you ask yourself is, “Where are these tools that can make our company more productive?” They are in the marketplace, but sometimes you have to search for them.

We’re all creatures of habit, and breaking old habits takes time. Still, the more progressive contractor will peruse the various trade publications looking for items that can make his job easier. He/she will go to trade shows and look for new ways to help streamline his business.

Sometimes it’s hard to find these companies. Many are new entrepreneurs and they have limited dollars to spend, so they usually don’t have big booths; you have to seek them out. One thing I promise you, it will be well worth your while.

Just think, if you can find a product or a tool that will help streamline your business and get the job done in a shorter period of time, your client is happy and you can achieve a stronger bottom line.

Here are a few of the tools that I’ve come across recently. Some are relatively new to the market; others have been around for a while. What I’m in awe of is that while some of these products can really help you in your business, many of you’ve never even heard of them.

Powerhead

Normally, when replacing color or planting small shrubs, you would clear the desired area, loosen the soil and rake it over; then when you’re ready to plant, you would get on your knees and dig a hole with a small hand shovel, and place the plant in it.

With this tool, just attach it on a straight shaft commercial unit. Place the cone where you want the hole dug, pull the trigger for three seconds and you’ve just dug the hole. Think of how much time you would save.

The best part of this is that you don’t have to buy another straight shaft. Remove the string trimmer head and attach this unit to the straight shaft. Once it proves its value, you’ll probably buy another shaft, because you don’t want to be changing heads on each job. The unit sells for about $40.

Mulch PRO Power Rake

The mulchPRO is another one of those tools that offer labor savings. Attach it to a straight shaft and you’re ready to till soil, rake beds, fluff faded and compressed mulch. And it does it all 50-75% faster. The unit sells for about $300. Grassroots Technology, 262-242-1944.

Sun Glasses

Try this one on for size. Your field people really can’t seem to read when water stress affects the lawn, they can’t see disease or insect infestation. Now a pair of sun glasses, using technology developed by NASA, allows your field people to see water stress, etc.

Glasses sell for about $100. BoMar Technologies, 951-212-1039

Flushing Cross

How many times have you had to take off the nozzle of a sprinkler to clean it or unclog it? How many times has the stem slipped from your hands back into the sprinkler body in the ground? With the Flushing Cross, you simply screw it on the stem (fits all brands) so the stem won’t go back in the ground, no dirty water will flow back into the system. Also, when you take the nozzle off and turn on the water, the water usually shoots straight up and falls on you. The Flushing Cross directs the water parallel to the ground, so you don’t get wet; it’s also built for remote flushing. It sells for about $6.50. Valvette Systems, 818-887-1866.

The Doubler

Chances are that one of your clients needs more irrigation, another valve would be required. By using the Doubler, you don’t have to trench through an existing landscape to put in another set of wires. If you need to add an additional valve in the field, you can install the Doubler to an existing valve and then add the new valve. Simple put, the Doubler operates 2 valves independently from one set of field wires. Another use is, if you have a broken wire in the field, go to the nearest valve (instead of all the way back to the controller) install the Doubler at that valve, then run the wire to the valve that is not operating. List price $139, contact your local distributor or TSM Co. 530-751-2610.

HosEnclose

Why didn’t someone think of this one before? Hoses usually are unsightly and hard to roll up. Looks similar to a valve box, the hose is already coiled and fitted with a nozzle. After using the hose, it coils itself back into the box. The box is buried below ground, so all you have to do is put the cover on it. From your local distributor or Carson Industries, 800-735-5566

Mach 4 Trimming System

A major breakthrough in trimmer line technology incorporates four (4) aerodynamically streamlined cutting line blades. Gives the operator better control and a more precise and clean edge cut. The blades dramatically reduce both air and grass drag, thus converting wasted power into better and more useful performance. Because the line blades need less power to run, the trimmer does not need the high driving power or the high speeds normally required with conventional trimmer lines. The result is a major reduction in noise, fuel, engine emissions and wear and tear on the trimmer. The cutting head, fasteners and line blades $21.95. A package of 10 replacement blades costs $4.95
Aero-Flex Technologies, 888-880-2376.

These are just a few of the new ideas that come on the market. Can you see how some of these labor saving devices can actually help you do a better and quicker job?