Mowing ..

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

I told The Dragon Lady that if she wants it mowed weekly I'm getting one of these......I should've bought one years ago

https://www.totaltools.com.au/141646...-kit-lm1903esp

If you buy it for her she can use it as often as she likes.

[FTE217]

Dragon Lady - love it
Mine's the Boat Anchor - if I suggest what I need or want to buy and the cost - why do you need that ?! or no not right now
After 30yrs I end up just buying it - then with online banking I'm rounded up normally at the most odd time
In the end I just walk away muttering away to myself, she says, what did you say ? suffering succotash, like Sylvester I picture to myself

[MITCHAY]

Well after trimming back the bush it was just what the lawn needed. Getting more sun so it is filling in more. So I reckon I will take out 1-2ft on that side when making my lawn edge.

I'm looking at using these in charcoal colour since it roughly matches the patio.

https://www.adbrimasonry.com.au/home...ings/lawn-edge

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Sort of a “noob” question, sorry.

My Shindaiwa 2-stroke straight shaft trimmer: Is it feasible/sensible to put a brush cutter disc on it for occasional use (clearing Patterson’s Curse, mostly)?

I’m presuming you swap the whole driven head. I note most brush cutters have broader twin handles than a trimmer.

Asking to see if it’s possible or safely practical from a view point of economy and less clutter.

I'd try a heavier grade cord, it'll get through tougher stuff and last alot longer aswell.

[danzvtil]

Mowed my pit bull lawn today, it’s been a month, as last fortnight was adelaides lockdown, kik was a foot tall. I took it down without the catcher then picked it up after a notch higher, what a mess. Good news is the house is sold, the customer has bought a baller place nearby which he needs me to take care of, and I’m knocking back work left and right. Doing this full time is on the cards within 12 months I reckon.

[Citroënbender]

Originally Posted by AU-Hog

It shouldn't be a problem if you have the flat washers to clamp the disc.
I would only use a 450 Universal head with 2.7 to 3.0 mm maxicore diamond string for Pattersons Curse. A disc is harder to control the speed on, and would not mulch the weed, but risk continuously getting wound around the shaft.
Also, if there are any rocks around, you risk damaging the disc and the brushcutter head by using a disc.

It looks like this is where I come un-stuck, the trimmer is one size too small for the 450 type head (I use it with 2.0 round line).

[AU-Hog]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

It looks like this is where I come un-stuck, the trimmer is one size too small for the 450 type head (I use it with 2.0 round line).

Try the 375 Universal head with 2.4mm square cord.
It will be much better than 2.0mm round line.

http://www.indmowing.com.au/catalog/...9ecc5a66cb3545

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

It looks like this is where I come un-stuck, the trimmer is one size too small for the 450 type head (I use it with 2.0 round line).

I used to shave down the ends of 2.4mm line so that it would fit my Stihl trimmer that would only accept 2.0mm.

[DFB FGXR6]

Two weeks growth and a layer of Magnolia leaves meant there was only one choice............



Victa 2-Stroke POWER!

I only use this mower on my own lawns, 2-Stroke isn't really suitable for commercial use as they use too much fuel, make too much noise and breathing the fumes all day long would be murderous. Speaking of which, the house still smells like 2-Stroke fumes two hours later.

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Mowed my pit bull lawn today, it’s been a month, as last fortnight was adelaides lockdown, kik was a foot tall. I took it down without the catcher then picked it up after a notch higher, what a mess. Good news is the house is sold, the customer has bought a baller place nearby which he needs me to take care of, and I’m knocking back work left and right. Doing this full time is on the cards within 12 months I reckon.

Uhmm, so I resigned from my full time,secure,well paid job this week to go out on my own in the new year! My boss is giving me 3 of his properties to look after because he is awesome and believes in my vision. Now I feel a little bit sick, but game on!

[Mr_G6ET]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Uhmm, so I resigned from my full time,secure,well paid job this week to go out on my own in the new year! My boss is giving me 3 of his properties to look after because he is awesome and believes in my vision. Now I feel a little bit sick, but game on!

You wanting to do it is most of it. You know whats needed, having drive is most of it. Being keen is all I ask of people that work for me

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Uhmm, so I resigned from my full time,secure,well paid job this week to go out on my own in the new year! My boss is giving me 3 of his properties to look after because he is awesome and believes in my vision. Now I feel a little bit sick, but game on!

Well done for taking the step.

And the best thing is, YOU are the boss!

[Tonz]

25 years ago I did the same, was independent.
Dont do what I used to do, see Jims or VIP working, wait until they had gone then knock on door and offer a cheaper price.
I got physically threatened on autumn evening at SA fertilisers yard, then a week later my trailer, spare mower and stuff was stolen while I was doing rear lawns on a house.

[Pis-ton broke]

i too am trying to get mowing work, but i'm using my tractor with slasher. i got the tractor registered and I've got printed up some pamphlets, 150 of them for $33. I''ll do a local letter box drop. I'll see how i go, with the fire scares last year maybe some people will get there paddocks cleaned up, and lots of rain this season at my area so paddocks will be growing well.

[Citroënbender]

Next trimmer questions…

I’ve just worked out, the square drive portion of the trimmer head unscrews by an M7x1,0 thread from the shaft proper. Now I understand fully how the 375 head can attach. The model is a T230X, so presumably 23cc.

So - the largest line a 375 head can take is 2,65mm. Is there any benefit to this size, compared to 2,50mm? Or is it like peeing in a wetsuit?

[AU-Hog]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Next trimmer questions…

I’ve just worked out, the square drive portion of the trimmer head unscrews by an M7x1,0 thread from the shaft proper. Now I understand fully how the 375 head can attach. The model is a T230X, so presumably 23cc.

So - the largest line a 375 head can take is 2,65mm. Is there any benefit to this size, compared to 2,50mm? Or is it like peeing in a wetsuit?

The larger the cord diameter, the smaller the amount of cord that can be out of the head due to air resistance and the power of the motor.
Use the smaller cord for cutting stuff that is less tough, and larger cord for the difficult stuff. There won't be a huge difference between 2.5 and 2.65.

I would use the largest stuff you can fit if you were choosing it, but otherwise it won't matter much. Use the cored stuff for greater longevity.

[Citroënbender]

Thank you. I’ll get the 2,65 line if I can find it locally tomorrow. Want to try this setup ASAP.

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well done for taking the step.

And the best thing is, YOU are the boss!

Back in 1994 I was in charge of a 9 green 18 tee golf course and 8 rink bowls green . Been doing the job for 8 years and learned a lot . Right at the end of the year the club wrote to me to inform me that the committee had decided to go from direct employment to tender and contract due to new licencing laws adversely affecting club income .

Our full time bar manager also got the flick and club reverted back to a volunteer system other than a part time bar person on Friday and Saturday.

I was out of work soon after as my tender failed . Later found out the successful applicant undercut me by a lot . He never lasted long and found it hard to continue . He also developed serious health issues unfortunately .
After a couple of months of no luck finding work I decided to have a go at starting my own business .. I did a basic business course through a local Group Training firm and registered a business name , took out Liability insurance and spent about $10,000 on a ute (XB actually) and mowing and trimming tools . In the local paper I took out an ad and had a crack . Within a few days I got a number of jobs locally to my surprise . One night the phone rang and it turned out to be a contractor for Jim's Mowing who asked me if I was interested in a sub contract for 17 Telstra sites in our region subject to meeting with me . I agreed and a few days later I met with him in Launceston .
Ended up doing a contractor induction course with Telstra over a couple of days and picking up the sub contract . I finished up working my backside off for over a year , fitting in the Telstra work with about 20 local regulars and a few one off customers ..

The Telstra thing was great but over time they slowly loaded me with more tasks and I found only marginal increase to what I was paid .

I was asked one day if I was interested in an upcoming job at our High School that also included maintaining the 25 metre swimming pool ..Too good an opportunity with a Government permanent gazetted job so I applied and ended up winning the part time position . I kept my mowing business running mainly to fulfil the two year Telstra contract and managed to still fit in a few private customers too ...At the end of the Telstra time I let that go and another person I knew took it on after agreeing with Jims Mowing contractor ..All worked out pretty well .
By 2001 I was upgraded to full time at school and have been doing that ever since ... I let the business finish up gradually before we had the GST happen which probably worked out well having to set up an IBN and such but I'm so glad I had a few years of being my own boss in large part .

I hope you have a good run with it , G6E T, and it makes you happy to do it ..No doubt you won't have any regrets by the support your former boss has given you ..That's fantastic .

[danzvtil]

Thanks guys, since I made the decision, the childcare cleaning has been offered to me, it’s min 8hrs/week rain hail or shine, another guy I used to work with now does high end packing/removals, he’ll spend a week in an old family home packing up a lifetime of possessions for well to do retirees moving into a village. He often needs garden/maintenance done before sale.
I’m actually looking forward to doing a bit of everything for some variety for a change.

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Thanks guys, since I made the decision, the childcare cleaning has been offered to me, it’s min 8hrs/week rain hail or shine, another guy I used to work with now does high end packing/removals, he’ll spend a week in an old family home packing up a lifetime of possessions for well to do retirees moving into a village. He often needs garden/maintenance done before sale.
I’m actually looking forward to doing a bit of everything for some variety for a change.

Sorry danzvtil....I some reason or other I added G6ET's name into DFB's quote that he rightly made referring about being your own boss from now on. .Also sorry to G6ET for my mistake .I'm a bit of a goose on stuff like that ...Just the same everything else is the same and I'm sure you're going to make a great go of your new career path and I'm also sure it'll be great to be out and about doing different jobs , different places .

..Out of interest , have you decided or bought much equipment yet ? When I started I made an error in going in with household type gear and soon learned that I really needed better stuff . I'm sure DFB would agree as well .
Plenty of times I wish I could still do this type of work . Over time I did mostly cleaning , some mowing /trimming / minor maintenance and looking after a 25 metre pool initially outside and later inside when it was roofed under the BUR programme after the GFC . Ended up 19 years doing the pool and had to do courses and refresher courses three times .

About 3 years ago a total revamp of the trade certificate and personal issues going on made it really hard for me to do again so my line manager offered me alternate work to my 10 hours a week pool component so I now assist with general maintenance and assisting the groundsman with general duties. However this past year this was curtailed greatly by Covid 19 and non stop visits to general learning areas for constant wipe downs of these areas ...Drove us nuts with boredom to be honest ..That said ..Asset Maintenance which is essentially what you're doing now is pretty important and rewarding work .

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by roddy1960

Sorry danzvtil....I some reason or other I added G6ET's name into DFB's quote that he rightly made referring about being your own boss from now on. .Also sorry to G6ET for my mistake .I'm a bit of a goose on stuff like that ...Just the same everything else is the same and I'm sure you're going to make a great go of your new career path and I'm also sure it'll be great to be out and about doing different jobs , different places .

..Out of interest , have you decided or bought much equipment yet ? When I started I made an error in going in with household type gear and soon learned that I really needed better stuff . I'm sure DFB would agree as well .
Plenty of times I wish I could still do this type of work . Over time I did mostly cleaning , some mowing /trimming / minor maintenance and looking after a 25 metre pool initially outside and later inside when it was roofed under the BUR programme after the GFC . Ended up 19 years doing the pool and had to do courses and refresher courses three times .

About 3 years ago a total revamp of the trade certificate and personal issues going on made it really hard for me to do again so my line manager offered me alternate work to my 10 hours a week pool component so I now assist with general maintenance and assisting the groundsman with general duties. However this past year this was curtailed greatly by Covid 19 and non stop visits to general learning areas for constant wipe downs of these areas ...Drove us nuts with boredom to be honest ..That said ..Asset Maintenance which is essentially what you're doing now is pretty important and rewarding work .

Thanks roddy, my GXV powered honda was my step up in mowers, the only thing I’ll buy now is a straight shaft stihl line trimmer to replace my curved shaft.
Maintenance is big dollars for me, in 10 years I’ve painted the inside of the childcare top to bottom 3 times, then wear items, door handles and hinges, exhaust fans, light globes, patches and repairs, even furniture assembly, waste removal,air con filter sanitization it’s all stuff that needs doing that no one knows about.
I don’t yet know about extra training, if the cleaning thing is a goer, I can get qualified for covid cleans, but I’m more interested in the cleaning chemicals and what they do. It’s been suggested to me that I learn how to do floor stripping and sealing, I know several supermarket owners that find it hard getting this done overnight as no one wants to do it, you can charge accordingly.

[Mr_G6ET]

Originally Posted by roddy1960

...Also sorry to G6ET for my mistake

No sorry required, power to ya !
I made a mistake once

[Citroënbender]

Finally got myself a roll of diamond twist “Gatorline” in 2.7mm. Keen to try this on the abandoned building site next door, as it’s got some fairly stout weeds. Should give an indication of how it may go on Patterson’s Curse.

[danzvtil]

Tool update:
My HSA56 Hedge trimmer is 6 months old, and I’m about to book it in for blade sharpening, guy I bought it off can’t believe how quick I’ve blunted it, I’ve given it LOTS of use.
I’ve now bought the pole extender for the HLA56, it was $60 for an extra 40ish cm.
The HRU196 had dull blades, so took em off and angle grinded them, one was bent from hitting something, so I banged it back into shape.
I really like working on and cleaning my machines, it’s quite relaxing.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Should give an indication of how it may go on Patterson’s Curse.

I was always told to either burn Patterson's Curse out (not in Summer) or pull it out manually, cutting it like that only spreads it around more.

[Pis-ton broke]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

I was always told to either burn Patterson's Curse out (not in Summer) or pull it out manually, cutting it like that only spreads it around more.

this is my experience too. PC will reflower after being cut , very quickly, and it will multiply after it gets cut. its poisonous . its the worst weed to have imo. if you have an infestation. it might be easier to spray it.

[Tassie f100]

We use a gas burner thingy to get rid of weeds.A few beehives around here so spraying is out of the equation

[Pis-ton broke]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

We use a gas burner thingy to get rid of weeds.A few beehives around here so spraying is out of the equation

how well does it work?

[Tassie f100]

Works really well on patchy bits like capeweed,thistles etc.Seems to work on blackberries,althouh hard to tell with them because they seem to send out roots and new shoots metres from the main plant,so it takes a couple of goes

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Works really well on patchy bits like capeweed,thistles etc.Seems to work on blackberries,althouh hard to tell with them because they seem to send out roots and new shoots metres from the main plant,so it takes a couple of goes

Yes was going to mention blackberry, had the local CFA burn out a roadside paddock of blackberry during a winter burn here, hasn't come back. As Tassie states a gas burner (shrinkwrap gun) works well.