Growing your Landscape Business and Staying Profitable

Have you ever given thought what it means to be profitable? Some of you are ready to stop reading right here because you tell yourself you’ve “got it down”.  That may be true for some of you, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched businesses grow from a one man operation to a larger company without a thought to profit.  At the same time, I can show you case after case of successful businesses that are doing well, yet are leaving tons of profit on the table.  

Imagine you have a nice mid-sized Landscape company with a couple trucks, a handful of commercial mowers and a great crew.  Remember those days?  Now you decide you want to grow, so you start looking for new accounts.  You run into a lot of competition and you drop your price a little bit to get the next job and a little more for the next one after that.  You start driving further from your home base in search of growth.  You need more equipment, but you can’t afford that nice new Scag, Exmark, Toro mower (or whatever brand you prefer) so you buy a no name wonder at one of the big box stores.  You need a new truck for all of the work you picked up, but you can’t afford one so now you’re extending your routes and missing customers all together when you get a rainy week.  You get the picture.  Unfortunately, all too often this is what I have witnessed as growth in our industry.

It’s not all about top line revenues; it’s about what you get to take home at the end of the day.  It’s about your quality of life and time to spend with loved ones.   It’s about a lot of things, but the one common denominator is profit.  We DO want you to grow you’re business, but we want you to do it profitably.  We’ll show you how with tips on bidding, renewing client contracts, expanding services for existing clients and more.  

Stop back here often.  We gladly share our over 25+ years of industry experience with our loyal mow more customers.  We’re your partner in profitability, not just your parts supplier.  

5 Reasons why You should Date a Power Equipment Guy

The Power Equipment Guy, your lost unsung hero. The last hope for the American Dream. Guys who work at Power Equipment stores are often forgotten in this very non-sexy industry. But here are some very good reasons why Power Equipment guys make the perfect mate.
1. Versatile All Day long these guys deal with multiple brands of equipment. Maybe they start off selling equipment and by lunch they have done the receiving, sold parts, changed a spark plug and done the inventory. This kind of versatility means the power equipment guy can handle any dating situation from high profile dinner dates to staying in and catching a movie on the couch. 2. Caring When old Mrs. Johnson comes into the shop, your power equipment guy must carefully explain why her machine is not covered under warranty for having bad gas in it. Turning a sticky situation into a positive shows he is more than able to carefully listen to all of your needs are requests. No matter how mundane they are. 3. Handy Repairing lawnmowers and weed trimmers requires advanced problem solving skills for multiple projects – all day long. Hanging up your doilies or building your favorite new Pinterest planter will be child’s play for the Power Equipment guy. There is nothing he can’t accomplish.
4. Reliable There is nobody more reliable than your neighborhood power equipment guy with maybe the exception for military, firefighters and cops. In Snow storms, ice Storms who is there? The power equipment guy. He shows up to make sure that millions of people can snow blow out of their driveways. In the summer, no blade of grass goes uncut because he was there to make sure your mower is running smoothly. Also, when the power is out, who has power? This guy. 5. Chiseled Good Looks Ok, maybe this one is taking this a little too far. I mean most of these guys probably won’t win a beauty contest, but the slight odor of 89 fuel can be endearing. If there is one thing I can say about these guys is that hard work produces scars, and girls dig scars. Actually, forget about this one and refer back to points 1 thru 4.
Power Equipment Guys are the Southern Bells of Men. Their grace and knowledge should charm any lady looking for a real, decent man. So next time you are looking for a date on Match or Tinder don’t be afraid to walk on down to your local store and chat one of these guys up!

Article: Written in total jest.

Top 5 Worst Snow Shovels

I am writing this article as someone who is from NH and knows a thing or two about shoveling snow. I have owned every snow shovel I talk about about.  I also have the bad back to go along with it!  This article is written in jest.

5. The Garant 30 Inch Steel Blade

Ha, Good Luck lifting snow with this one.  If you want to scream after every snow shovel than this is for you.  With its smooth surface snow will not stick, Good Points!  The bad side the snow will not stick at all.  You could be in for a good lesson in patience and balance with this shovel. I give it 2 winters before you snap the handle in half and get something else.

4. The Suncast 22 Inch Scoop with Wear Strip.

Come on people, what is it 1920?  Now I know some of you may say it is used for arenas and public areas but really this “Scoop” is into ideal for shoveling through a whole winter. Much Like a plow once the banks get to high where are you going to scoop the snow after, Mary Poppins

3.  The Suncast Double Grip Snow Shovel

Seriously? This may be over thinking a Snow Shovel.  I am glad our engineering degrees are going to redesigning the snow shovel? This shovel comes with a second foldable grip, because you couldn’t possibly use the shaft to hold on to.   I think we are abusing the term “Ergonomic” in anything built these days.

2. The Garant Alpine 30-Inch Poly Snow Pusher.

The description has it approved for “intense and continuous use” I am not sure what they mean by intense but as the name suggests this shovel is little more than a snow pusher.

1.  The True Temper Snow Boss:

While the one-piece “Ergonomic Aluminum Handle” suggests easy lifting of snow. The design of this handle and bucket will have you praying you only get 3 inches on snow a year. Good luck if you live in the New England area with this shovel.   I would call this a Georgia Shovel. Made to shovel Sunshine not snow.

Out of all the things that make me dread snow shovels metal edges on these things will drive you insane.  Go in for a strong bite of the snow and the metal edge will almost always catch on the pavement and rip your arm off.  While buying a snowblower would be easier, some of us like the exercise. 

So in closing Snow Sucks, Shoveling snow sucks.  Move down South.

5 Signs you're dealing with an Upstanding Equipment Dealer

As a small, single, female, walking into any Power Equipment store can be a little intimidating. I know I can't be the only woman who worries about being scammed, mistreated, or underestimated. In my journey for the perfect Snow Blower, I had gone to a few bad dealership before I finally found a great one! Here are 5 Tell tale signs you are dealing with and upstanding Power Equipment Dealer.

1.) They will greet you at the door.

Nothing is worse than feeling like you are being completely ignored when you are shopping for something expensive, or waiting to get your machine serviced. A great Power Equipment Dealership should have a person ready and waiting to greet you by the door with a happy easy going expression.

2.) The showroom is clean and well organized.

A huge sign of poor management for any Dealership is a dirty store. If you don't care enough to clean your own store, why would you care enough to thoroughly service my machine? Or care enough to sell me something that is new and working for that matter. So after you have been greeted, scope out the area and make sure everything is looking in order. 

3.) The salesman looks you in the eye.

Your salesperson should be able to look you in the eye while selling to you or while he is explaining something to you. When someone is able to look you in the eye it shows that they are honest. If his eyes are darting around, or he is unable to hold eye contact for an entire conversation.... Be careful, chances are he isn't being honest with you. 

4.) Your salesperson gives you his contact information.

Your salesperson should not be nervous about giving you his information. He should be proud to stand by his words. They should also be to able direct you to a functional website, and show you how you can use it to better your experience.

5.) Explain reasons for service.

After you have bought your machine from a reputable dealership and used it for a couple seasons, wear and tear will occur. You should be able to bring your machine back to your trusted dealership for service. Your salesperson should be able to thoroughly explain all repairs and why you need them. If you feel as though they are tacking on extra work to a machine that had one problem, be careful, ask them detailed questions. If they are being honest, they should have no issue answering your questions.

So, in conclusion, stay sharp, trust your instincts, and stay strong in your decisions. You will know when you are being treated fairly, and when you are working with an excellent Power Equipment Dealership. The dealership I worked with was local to me, however, they had an online store that anyone can go on! Visit www.propartsdirect.net

How to Stay Happy During the Winter

How to stay happy during Winter

It's December now, and we still have the Holidays to keep our spirits high. However, what will you do when the Holidays pass and there is still 4 more months till the spring? The clouds move in, the snow beats the landscape, and the sun doesn't shine as brightly as it once did.... It can be a little difficult to stay joyful. Here is a short list you can begin to do now to stay cheerful all winter long. 

1. Socializing 

There is nothing better than sitting around the cozy hearth with your good friends! Winter can be very isolating due to the harsh elements and dangerous roads. It's easy to find yourself sitting on the couch, eating carbs, and watching TV. Instead, play with your pets, call your best friend, or enjoy a board game with local friends or family

2. Exercise 

Exercise is a great relief during the winter because, believe it or not, after about 30 minutes of exercise your brain releases a "feel-good" chemical. Not only will it make you feel happier, chemically, it will strengthen your immune system and Increase your body temperature. So, exercise will naturally help your body defend itself from that horrible winter flu going around!

Sited work: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495

3. Enjoy Winter Activities 

Get outside and try a Winter activity you love, or one you have never tried before. Find your local Ice rink, Skiing Slope, or an open field perfect for snowman construction. If the cold weather isn't your "cup of tea" take up another hobby you can enjoy inside. Distract yourself with learning to cook a new recipe, painting, crafting, home improvement, or just finally finishing that book.

4. Vitamin D & Supplements 

The sunshine gives us a healthy dose of vitamin D in the summertime. However in the winter, we are not getting as much sunshine as we should. This lack of vitamin D takes a toll on the human body and can lead to depression. For more information about the benefits of Vitamin D visit www.healthline.com.

Above all stay cheerful and know that the winter will pass! Try and enjoy the season! Because we all know that in the heat of the summer months you will be wondering why you were so upset about the cold in the first place. 

Article written by Katie Ruiz, Staff Writer for ProParts Direct. Over 10 Years of experience in Nature.

What No One ever told me about Pintrest??

What no one ever told me on Pinterest

First of all, I love Pinterest, it's amazing. Pinterest has so many different ideas for me on a daily basis, from outfits to dinners. However, sometimes Pinterest makes things look a lot easier than they actually are. Learn from my naive mistakes. Here are some of the hard truths that no one wants to talk about.

Chalkboard art...

You can't use regular dry chalk on your cute chalkboard. Regular chalk will wipe away even with a slight breeze, and won't show up brightly. You will spend time going over and over your chalk lines to make them brighter, and not even realize that your new marks begin to erase your previous marks. You will need liquid chalk markers! Liquid chalk will make it cleaner and brighter. You can find liquid chalk markers at your local craft store.

Mason Jars.... are expensive.

If I could put 3,000 mason jars around my house I would! I think they are so beautiful and Pinterest has so many fun crafts you can do with them. However, the going rate per pack is, at least, $14 in stores. So if you think they would make a great wedding favor, be sure to check the prices before you fall in love with a cute mason jar craft idea. Also, it looks easy to tie bows around them and fill them with chocolate powders. It's not, it takes a lot of time. So be ready to invest yourself

Sharpie Mugs.....

You can't use your regular Sharpies for your ceramic mug art. So don't go and grab whatever you find from your desk. You need a special oil-based paint Sharpie marker. Otherwise, your cute baked design will be gone in 1-2 washes in the sink or dishwasher. You can find oil-based paint Sharpies at your local craft store.

Exact ingredients in recipes... 

Don't just say "Brown sugar" that doesn't help anyone. In a recipe, we need all measurements to be clear and labeled. A miscalculated measurement could change the entire flavor or chemistry of a dessert. So be sure to read through the recipe entirely before beginning, and use your best judgment to either solve the problem yourself or find a new recipe.

So my friends go now and make all of your Pinterest dreams come true. However don't be like me, know that all things that look easy usually aren't. In the end, the most important thing is to have fun while making your DIY pin-craft. Because really isn't that what it's all about?

Thanksgiving Recipes for a Happy Snow Blower

Recipe for "Snow Blower Non-Surprise"

Like the sun rises every morning, Thursday morning will arrive just as it promises every year. Thanksgiving morning and the question always is... are you ready? Mom and Dad are there, crazy uncle Joey, and the kids. Like a well-forecasted storm, they will come charging up those front steps with eager eyes and empty bellies. Just as the predictable Thanksgiving storm approaches so does the promise of snow. Winter is just around the corner, and knowing that you must be sure that your Snow Blower is properly buttered, stuffed, browned, and ready to go. 

Engine oil is the gravy to any snow blower recipe. Engine oil is a crucial ingredient to your snow blower, without engine oil your snow blower will be too dry and will break, leaving you snowed in. You can't have Thanksgiving without gravy....or stuffing for that matter which brings us to our next ingredient, shear pins. Shear pins are the stuffing, make sure that they are all intact or your blower simply won't throw snow. Snow Blower belts are the cranberry sauce. It is always good to have a couple extra belts on hand in case of emergency. Just as any Thanksgiving without extra cranberry sauce simply isn't a well planned Holiday dinner. 

What is a Thanksgiving meal without a Thanksgiving dessert? There is no smell like Grandmother's famous apple pie being sliced and served around the table. Just as the warm pie fills your belly, your snow blower hand warmers spread the warmth from your fingertips to your arms. Hand warmers are Grandmother's pies, you can't imagine going a single year without them. 

The Snow Blower itself, of course, is the most important item of them all, the turkey. However no matter how delicious a turkey is, it wouldn't work without all the other dishes next to it. So take care of your snow blower this season and make sure it's ready to go before the first snow fall.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe Winter

Sincerely,

Your friends at ProPartsDirect!

The Perfect Snow Blower For the Short Girl

My First Snow Blower

    Being a single female, a new home owner, and living in New Hampshire I was about to have my first ever “winter clean-up.” Which meant...snow blower shopping. I was extremely nervous about having to take care of all that snow alone. So for all of you ladies who are in the market for your own snowblower and you are having an anxiety attack, calm down! It was not as bad as I thought it would be.

    The snow blower I decided to purchase is called the “Toro Snow Master” and frankly I am in love! The Snow Master made it so easy for me. I was afraid that my small stature would make it impossible for me to push it. However, that was not the case at all. The Snow Master was able to cut through even our heaviest snowfall without any trouble at all. My Toro even chopped through that hard snow that collects by the driveway entrance, from the city plow.

    So here are the final notes about why you need the Toro Snow Master in your life this winter season. The Snow Master; is extremely lightweight, turns on a dime, gets all the tall snow, cuts through wet snow like butter, has a ridiculously easy chute control, clears to the pavement, it even has poly skid shoes that protect my driveway, a personal pace feature so I can go fast or slow, and its red... I mean can it get any better? 

    Okay, well good luck on all of your snow adventures this season ladies and I hope this helps you make your own decision.

For more help on what snow blower is right for you. Check out these guys ProParts Direct www.propartsdirect.net use the Live Chat Feature.  These guys will really help you out!

It's time to tune-up the snow blower

A snowstorm in the 7 day forecast should not be a reminder to have your snow blower tuned up! If you put the snow blower away last year with concerns about performance, now is the time to act.  As soon as it’s cold enough for snow, small engine shops are quickly inundated with calls for repair, replacement part supplies run short, and many homeowners are forced to grab a shovel and clear snow the old fashioned way.

Schedule service early and save money. Most small engine shops will offer incentives or specials that encourage customers to get the snow blower tuned up in late summer and fall. The small engine shop can curb the influx of calls when it snows and you can save some money!

If you plan to service the machine yourself, here are a few pointers to keep in mind to keep the job frustration-free.

1-      Keep the owner’s manual handy and make note of the snow blower’s model and serial number. When ordering replacement parts online or at your local dealer, the model and serial are critical to getting the correct parts. The manual will tell you everything you need to know about the snow blower and the items that need to be addressed for proper tune-up. Where to grease moving parts, oil change information, belt location and adjustment requirements are all spelled out in the manual.

2-      Go all out – don’t try to save a few dollars by avoiding critical replacements with temporary repairs. Replace the spark plug, remove & paint rust, and if the condition of the belt is questionable – install a new one! New equipment is expensive but will run like new for many years if properly cared for.

3-      Get started. Unless your garage is heated and outfitted with a lift – waiting to start only means the ground will be colder and your hands more reluctant to cooperate! The mad dash for common replacement parts starts at the first sign of snow too.  Order early and stock up on shear pins, fuel stabilizer, or even a spare scraper blade.

Determine the parts needed for your snow blower tune-up, order online, and receive the shipment in time for a weekend project. ProPartsDirect.net sells genuine replacement parts for the most popular brands like Ariens, Toro, Cub Cadet, Simplicity, and Snapper. 

Keep the Basement Dry and Plants Green

In a recent blog we looked at the challenges of keeping your lawn green when hot, dry conditions take hold. The first and most obvious solution was irrigation! Install an automated system or spend extra time pulling hoses to set up temporary sprinklers and keep the landscape green.

A reader was quick to point out that during a dry spell, cities and towns have water usage restrictions. Homeowners depending on well water face the risk of using needed water for the home, on the front lawn!

What if we told you that you could still water regardless of those restrictions? It’s pretty easy, just start collecting rain water.

Harvesting rain water is an effective way to collect and store water that’s safe to reuse on plants and gardens. There are a TON of options to collect water, from burying huge storage tanks to simple connections to a downspout. The elaborate storage systems are large enough that a pump can connect and feed an irrigation system.

For most homeowners, a Rain Barrel is probably sufficient. The barrel sits at the bottom of your downspout and a specialized diverter kit sends rainwater into the container. If your gutter is depositing the water at the base of your foundation now, not only will a rain barrel save rain water, it will probably prevent moisture problems in the basement!

Connect a hose or small solar pump to the container and you are back in business! Now you can capture the afternoon thunderstorm or passing shower and reuse when it is most needed.

What is your experience with harvesting rain? Do you have a harvesting system? Share your photos or experience with us!

Repairing a McCulloch: Fish or Cut Bait?

McCulloch chain saws, string trimmers, and leaf blowers were very popular homeowner tools up until the company shut its doors in 2009.  With McCulloch out of business, production of replacement parts stopped. Any replacement parts that McCulloch had in their factory were sold at auction in June of 1999. Small engine shops from all over scooped up the parts and have been using this limited supply to repair older McCulloch items for 15 years.    

Nobody is making replacement parts for McCulloch and its very unlikely anyone ever will.

What does this mean to you? If you have a McCulloch tool (pre 1999), you should seriously consider replacement vs repair costs. The only way to get a part is a time consuming internet search in the hopes of locating someone who bought parts at the auction, back in 1999. If you locate someone with McCulloch parts, your next hurdle is that they have part you need.

At best, it’s a long shot. You may get lucky and find the part you need, but, you should evaluate if you are throwing good money after bad.

Please note, that the McCulloch brand was acquired by Husqvarna and they are selling tools under this brand name. They are not producing replacement parts for older equipment.  

Dog Days of Summer: Keeping Grass Green in the Heat

After an extended spring season that featured long periods of rainy weather, the summer is continuing the “all or nothing” trend. It’s been hot and dry in the northeast and green lawns are starting to turn brown under the stress.  Here are a few suggestions on how to help keep your lawn looking its best.

Irrigation – Getting water on your lawn nourishes and cools the grass. It’s the first line of defense against hot, dry spells. The best time to water is early in the morning from 3-8am. This allows the soil to soak up water needed and excess water will evaporate when the sun comes up. When a saturated lawn remains in contact with excess water, it creates a breeding ground for disease. This is why watering in the evening can do more harm than good! Finally, watering during the hottest part of the day is bad news…water is evaporating and your lawn won’t appreciate the tease!

PRO TIP: Avoid watering by hand. Use sprinklers to evenly water and connect timers for consistency.  There are even smart-phone apps that can operate irrigation controls! Generally speaking, most lawns want between 1”-2” of water per week. This can vary based on soil and grass types, location, and time of growing season.

Let it Grow…Let it Grow!  Set your mower deck at 3” or greater. Taller grass can absorb water better and creates its own shade too. Cutting too short not only stresses the plant, it prevents it from growing deep roots that could further protect from dry conditions.  

PRO TIP: Get a mulching blade and don’t bag the clippings. A mulching blade cuts the grass a few times before dropping it back into the lawn. The dry, starved lawn will appreciate the mulched clippings for food and shade.

Keep Fertilizer in the Bag. Unless you have an irrigation plan in place, don’t fertilize the lawn when the hot, dry conditions take hold.  Fertilizers provide nutrients for growth, but, without water you’re asking the lawn to do the impossible. Plus, fertilizers need to be watered in to be effective. If the product sits on the lawn for days only to be washed away in a thunderstorm/downpour, you might consider yourself lucky. The alternative would be fertilizer washed into lower areas in super concentrated for that kills the grass in a hurry.

PRO TIP: Use the money you saved on fertilizer and take your spouse to dinner.  A night out beats watching grass grow any day of the week…    

With lawn care, you can’t beat the heat - Mother Nature always has the upper hand. If drought and heat threaten your lawn each year, you might consider a new yard design. Trees can be added to create shade, planting a drought tolerant type of grass, and even reducing the lawn size are all long term solutions to consider.    

Four things to remember before sharpening a set of mower blades.

Sharpening lawnmower blades saves time and money, unless the technique is incorrect – that costs money. 

** Always use proper safety equipment and goggles, hearing, gloves. **

1.       Set the blade grinder to the correct angle. For Oregon replacement blades, use 30 degrees. OEM blades, consult your owner’s manual.

2.       For a right hand cut, set the motor to forward (counter clock wise) to draw the blade into the stone. This will throw sparks out to the right, away from the user.

3.       Your first pass should be to square up the blade.  This will remove any Knicks or chips in the blade.  Once you have set your edge then draw the blade across the stone until you have ground away the metal to meet the bottom edge. Flip the blade and repeat using the same number of passes. Do not attempt to get a razor sharp edge, a .030 - .060 is ideal.

4.       Balance your blade – it is a simple step, but very important when sharpening your blades. A simple screw on the side of your work bench or even a fancy blade balancer will do the trick. Balancing your blade can save you from having to replace your deck spindles prematurely.

A blade grinder is a great addition to any landscape company. By properly learning how to sharpen your own blades you can get a longer blade life, better cut and save money and time while doing it!

For more information on Oregon belt and blade grinders, click here: http://www.propartsdirect.net/pages/CustomCatalog/Catalog/1057

Getting Toro replacement parts just got easier for The Grounds Guys.

As the landscaping season begins its important to inspect your equipment and identify equipment problems before they happen. Air filters, blades, and trimmer line all wear at a predictable rate – so stocking up early saves time – and prevents unneeded breakdowns mid-season. Another place to investigate is the lawnmower’s repair history. Are you nearing the end of life on your belts, cables, or hoses? Keep detailed notes and keep a copy of this information with you in the truck.

This list will make it easy to call in a replacement part order from the field, as soon as it breaks. If you don’t have this list, you should keep a copy of the ProParts Direct catalog handy. Pricing, parts, and Dingo breakdowns alone make it invaluable, but for The Grounds Guys who receive 4% off all orders – it’s a no-brainer!

Unfortunately, ProParts Direct can’t prevent your equipment from unforeseen breakdowns, but we can get you replacement parts faster!  This summer, we are offering The Grounds Guys landscapers factory direct, drop shipments from Toro! When you order from ProParts Direct before 2pm (EST), you receive your Toro order in 48 hours. 

In addition to the best pricing around, we are excited to deliver Toro and Toro Dingo parts with the speed The Grounds Guys demand!  In addition to Toro, ProParts Direct is an OEM and aftermarket dealer for all commercial lawnmower parts.

Order online at ProPartsDirect.net or call our dedicated commercial parts team at 800-305-9255.

The Benefits Of Buying and Stocking Parts Early

Spend time preparing for the upcoming season and avoid the headaches and trouble in-season.

As a landscaper, you really need to look at your efforts through the eyes of a small business owner. Taking advantage of pre-season buying programs keeps items on the shelf for quick repairs and manages consumables. A little bit of attention spent is the difference between turning a profit on the year, growing your business, and standing out among competition. 

Here is an example of the immediate financial impact of not having backup parts:

• Cost of new part and overnight shipping.
• Lost time spent diagnosing and physically repairing the issue.
• Lost revenue due to lost time. Your landscape crew is not cutting and earning; they are waiting.

True Cost of Downtime

1.      Customers who pay for a professional expect great work, no excuses. Landscaper says: “I broke a belt, I’ll return in 2 days.” Customer hears: “Call someone else who can get the job done right.”

2.      $6000 buys a nice enclosed trailer and huge billboard… that nobody sees when it is parked at the shop waiting for a repair.

3.      Failing to prepare says a lot about your business. Not having pride in your work is reflected through your employees and ultimately customers. If you don’t take your work, seriously neither will your customers. Eventually the phone stops ringing and you will never know how many sales you are missing. A reputation is the hardest thing to repair.

Take some time…

Look at what you spend on consumable items.  Trimmer line, two-cycle fuel, air filters, oil filters, and blades are replaced based on hourly use so you can estimate your seasonal parts budget. If you only order as parts break, calculate your shipping cost and lost income during the down time. You will find that it costs more to order only when you need parts vs having the consumable parts on hand.

Once you know what you spend each season, take 20% of what you spend to place a bulk order next spring. Companies like ours, ProParts Direct, have the best buying programs in January and February to help jump start the season.  You can also save by combining several smaller orders into one large order. Shipping charges on individual packages adds up quickly.

Knowing what you need makes it possible to take advantage of pre-season sales and bulk discounts. It’s the little steps that will help increase your bottom line and help your company grow.

For Parts view our website www.propartsdirect.net

Don’t put that snowblower away … yet

Although it feels like winter won’t quit, the good news is that spring will be upon us soon. Before switching from snowblower to lawnmower, it’s a good idea to prepare your snowblower for next winter. It’s a fairly simple process and it will keep your snwoblower running for many years. The following steps should be completed each season.

1.       Fuel used in small engines should always be treated with stabilizer. Ethanol contained in today’s gasoline causes trouble with the carburetor and headaches for the owner. If you don’t treat fuel year round, at least consider adding to the fuel and running the machine before storing.

2.       Inspect the snowblower for worn or loose parts. The scraper blade and skid shoes are designed to wear so if anything looks questionable, just make the repair. Crashing into large snowbanks and throwing heavy snow will weaken shear pins and loosen bolts all over the snowblower. Tighten bolts and replace where necessary.   

PROTIP – While you are at it – change the oil and spark plug! Check your owner’s manual for machine specific instructions, but a 5W30 oil should do the trick.

3.        When storing the snowblower – remember it should stay covered and dry. Clear room inside the shed or even pick up a cover. Either way, make sure it’s secure because it makes a nice home for pests!

Preventative maintenance is straight forward, so a homeowner can complete in less than an hour. Just make sure to have the correct replacement parts on hand before starting the project. Order the replacement parts online at ProPartsDirect.net or call us with questions at 800-305-9255.

Think spring!

The Snowblower Parts Crunch

The 2013/2014 winter has been brutal. The weather pattern has been delivering storms nearly back to back. Coupled with extended bouts of bitter cold, it seems the only way to cope with the conditions are to give it a name(Polar Vortex), so we can really get mad at it!

The conditions don’t just test our patience, they challenge the machines that contractors and homeowners use to manage all the snow.  Increased use and heavier snow will cause snowblowers to fail. When snowstorms span the entire country, from Texas to Bangor, Maine, the number of people using snowblowers is insane!  Belts and bolts give way on the machines driving demand on replacement parts.

Again, consider the size of the storms – cities in the southern half of the country don’t have a fleet of snowplows to handle the snow. The locations that do have snow removal equipment probably haven’t used or serviced the machine in over a year, so a major snow event is when issues first arise.  

When the entire country needs a new auger housing on a random Tuesday following a 4 day storm, it’s easy to see how parts quickly become unavailable or backordered. Manufacturers who build the parts have nothing to provide small engine shops to sell to customers.  Back to back storms slow everything from airline travel to parts deliveries.  

It’s frustrating to tell a customer a part is on “national backorder.” National backorder means there is no estimate when a part will be available and that stores nationwide can’t access the item. A $10 snowblower belt in July is practically an afterthought. However, in February, that belt is absolutely critical to clearing snow and keeping walkways safe.

TIP:  In most cases it is more effective to keep your original order with your parts vendor than cancel and check elsewhere!  Parts vendors all pick from the same inventory. Think of it like standing in line and deciding to leave your spot; if you change your mind and return, you go to the back of the line.

The ProParts Advantage allows our company to be in the top tier for all major suppliers. This means we are the first to receive backordered parts.

In the era of Amazon providing next day service – and exploring “drone” deliveries, it’s frustrating that the nature of our industry can’t even come close to that speed. We offset the demand by keeping a massive inventory of fast moving parts like belts, sheer pins, and bearings.  – but when it rains, it pours….or snows in this case.    

While it’s impossible to predict when or what will break on your machine, it’s a good practice to keep the usual suspects on hand. Having an extra belt or sheer bolt on hand is invaluable.  

Top 10 Snowblowers of All Time

In a recent blog we attempted to compile a list of the top 10 lawnmowers of all time.  For the most part our readers agreed on our selections, but we also discovered that we left out some great machines. The feedback and discussion that followed was awesome!

As the snow continues to fall this winter, we figured it was the perfect time to roll out our next top 10 list… The Top-10 Snowblowers of All Time!

Our list was compiled using an informal survey of parts and sales experts with over 50 years of experience. We judged based on durability, cost, and some we thought were cool!


10 – Kai Grundt’s V8 Snowblower – A 412 horsepower snowblower that throws snow 50 ft at 3500rpm. Not a useful snowblower for most at nearly 1000 pounds, but what do you expect from a 454 cubic inch big block?

     9 - Zaugg, Snow Beast – If you don’t mind giving up a spot in your garage and driving your neighbors crazy, you could own the most intense walk behind snowblower we could find! The

beast has a 54hp Kubota Diesel, nearly 4 ft (width and height) clearing area, and at just shy of 3000lbs, you could save a few dollars and forgo tire chains!

8 – Granite State “Snow Cloud” – Our company (ProParts Direct) is based in New Hampshire, The Granite State – so the Snow Cloud automatically lands on our list! A machine shop in Hinsdale, NH was building this blower which was sold by Montgomery Ward under model 5662.









7– Ariens Model 10M- Built in 1960, this machine is one of the first snowblowers and helped put Ariens on the map. It was built using a 2-speed gear transmission drive system before switching to a friction disk in 1961. The bucket on the 10M used a half round shape allowing the auger to extend in front of the machine…something that probably makes safety officials hair stand on end today!

6 – Jari Jaw – This monster is unique in that it has two augers – and a mean looking guy painted on the side. Although there are plenty of moving parts to break – the machine is built like a tank. Built in the 1960’s its time has passed – you are likely to find one buried in an old garage.  It is worth nothing that Cub Cadet is producing a 3-stage snowblower – making the Jari Jaw a distant relative.

5 – Toro Snow Pup – You would be hard pressed to find a landscape or snow removal crew that did not have this single stage blower. Lightweight and powerful, it is the perfect tool to clear walkways and easy to lift into the back of the plow truck.

4 – Exmark Rotary Broom- While technically it’s not a “snowblower,” the machine can move snow! The rotary broom has a price point that makes it more appropriate for commercial and municipal applications, but its ability to move compacted snow when salt won’t work is impressive!  Here is a quick video of the Exmark Rotary Broom in action:

Watch on YouTube




3- Honda HS1132 – Everyone can agree that Honda makes a great product, from generator to snowblower, the unit is built to last. The snowblower can throw snow for miles, will start with a couple pulls, and if properly cared for – will last forever. The most apparent downside on these machines are the cost. For most homeowners, spending $3000 isn’t an option.

2 - Simplicity 870 (Late 90’s)- The look of a Simplicity snowblower has always been a little different. Its c-

channel steel handles use a better quality, thicker steel to create one of the strongest chassis around. The late 1990’s was also when Simplicity stopped using the Tecumseh flat head engines, one of the most reliable, powerful, and easy to repair engines available. It’s rare to find an engine today that could kick as hard while under load.




1 – Ariens 924050 – This snowblower was repeatedly mentioned as one of the best. It’s durability alone sets it apart! If you have an older Ariens, chances are it’s the 924050! Released in the early 90’s, it featured 8” tires which was a major upgrade over the 6". There is a very good chance there are a couple of these in your neighborhood today!And the best part?!? Ariens still makes parts to service this snowblower!

What do you think? What snowblower are you running? Share your thoughts with us! Join the discussion on Facebook or Twitter

The new “Age Old Question”: Horsepower vs cc’s

How powerful is your snowblower? When a customer shops for a new machine, the most common question is about its power. An engine’s CC (Cubic Centimeters) determines how large and ultimately how much power it can put out. Ft lbs tells you how much torque the engine will produce… but that’s another story for another day. Two things to remember:

•       There is no math equation to calculate Horse power.
•       Adjustments in gear ratios and rpms will impact the performance of any snow blower.

A general understanding of CC’s will prepare you when shopping for a new snow blower this season.

Here is a chart to help approximate cc to torque to horsepower. We used 3600rpm in this example.

179cc = 5hp

205cc = 8-9 gross torque = 5.5 – 6 hp

250cc = 11-11.5 gross torque = 7 – 8 hp

305cc = 13.5-14.5 gross torque = 9 – 10 hp

342cc = 15.5-16.5 gross torque = 11 – 12 hp

While the above calculations aren’t exact, it’s a step closer to understanding how cc’s correspond to horsepower. Keep this in mind next time you are shopping for a new snowblower!

ProParts Direct Holiday Gift Guide

Do you have DIY’er, landscaper, or outdoors person that needs a gift this season? While we offer millions of parts to fix a broken machine, we also sell lots of very cool products that everyone can enjoy!

No-Spill Gas Can – $30.99

http://www.propartsdirect.net/p/Fuel-Cans-and-containers

All new fuel containers are required to have built in safety mechanisms to prevent spills… the days of the simple can and spout are gone. This can is a no-fuss, next best thing to the old cans. Push the button and pour.

Additionally, the No-Spill design cuts off supply to the outside air – preventing ethanol in the fuel from pulling in moisture and corrupting the gas. The vacuum assist also does a great job preventing an over filled tank.

Why we like it: Rugged, DOT approved, variety of sizes and colors.

Why you will love it: No more spilling gas! Seriously - No flimsy spouts or complicated safety mechanisms. Push the button and go!

Radio Earmuffs – $79.95

Radio Ear Muffs

What Holiday guide is complete without a snappy gadget to listen to some tunes?! Radio

Earmuffs are the ear protection that you won’t work without! Complete with AM/FM radio and Aware technology to allow some environmental sound in.

Why we like it: Accessory jack allows an iPhone or MP3 player to connect.

Why you will love it: Stream any audio from your phone – Sirius, Spotify, iTunes – whatever.

Snow Accessories  - $39.00

http://www.propartsdirect.net/p/Ariens-Snowblower-Parts-Accessories

Grab a snowblower cover and keep the dust and rain off the machine! A floor mat is a perfect way to contain melting snow in the garage. Park your machine over the mat in the summer to catch mud, leaks, or spills.

Why we like it: Contains messes and prevents slip and falls.

Why you will love it: Use it all year to keep the shop or garage organized.

Grassbuster – $9.99

Grassbuster

The Grassbuster tool always finds its way into our lists. With a rounded, flexible scraper edge it is perfect for the curved underside of mower decks. It’s built to last and the stainless steel blade will remain rust free with superior strength!  

Why we like it: A clean mower deck provides a better cut and improved longevity.

Why you will love it: Perfect stocking stuffer that’s affordable and functional!

This year give your family and friends the gifts they need and will use! Our suggestions are affordable and practical. What do you think? Visit us on Facebook . Happy shopping!