Gardening Business Van Set Up For 2022. Time For An Upgrade?

Hello You Tube, it’s Rob, from Maxwells Grass Cutting Services based in the North East of England.
Today I want to share with you, my van setup for 2022. Is it time for an upgrade, your advice is always welcome.
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.
Please like and subscribe.
Remember, when the green gold is growing, keep mowing.
All the best.
Rob.

[@BadRightEye]

I'm planning to have a "puzzle piece" setup to not only protect the interior best as it can but to protect tools from moving around in transport, worked in enough vans where things was thrown in and broken within a week of being bran new by the owner of not really wanting to spend a small time investment of a proper care setup. I also designing some "protective" methods to minimise simple accidents at the clients place that can happen. I love inventing simple ideas that could save ££££ while making someone's garden enjoyable

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good luck with your project. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@trevorjarvis3021]

Great update.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Trevor. All the best.

[@edwardmcknight9113]

Love the videos rob excellent set up in the back shelf is handy Citroen dispatch is an excellent van bit bigger and higher 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Edward. All the best. Have a great weekend.

[@davidjimenez9340]

Awesome van set up!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks David. Appreciate your comment. All the best.

[@johngarratt1973]

Great set up all neat and tidy.😁👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks 👍

[@kieranthorburn8421]

I always just enjoy the smaller van! Much easier to use on a daily basis

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Me and you both. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@rickywest57]

Great outfit Rob 👍🏻

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Ricky. All the best.

[@adamstockton67]

Thanks Rob. You have invested in a lot of new gear. Look forward to the reviews. The new work advice video sounds interesting. Go for the bigger van you only live once.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Adam great advice. 👍🏻

[@pousis101]

Great honest video Rob, I reckon your the plan to see out the season works, then see how you feel.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your right, Phil. All the best.

[@w.d.hamilton3429]

Absolutely love your videos. I like your analysis of situations like, upgrade or stick etc. I’m just starting out in this game in my late 50’s! I need a van, and whilst I’d love something fancy, I really can’t justify it. I think something reliable so I don’t miss days off work while it’s broken down in the garage is the most important thing. I’m looking forward to binging on your videos on the next really wet day! 😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment. Good luck with your new business. All the best.

[@johnsweeney1712]

Great video, that’s a handy & economical van, the bigger ones can be awkward, thirsty and you then to bring too much stuff around… the smaller van makes you think a bit harder and carry only what you need on the day. Maybe buy a box trailer or open mesh trailer with tarpaulin cover… tow it around when needed, leave it in the garage when you don’t. Would help with waste removal as well. Keep up the good work.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Great comment, thank you .

[@mikecollings6889]

I've got a caddy maxi... brilliant van, plenty of room in it even with shelves down one side, length of soil pipe inside fitted to the roof for wolf handles...suits me fine! Great videos Rob 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Mike appreciate your comment . All the best, I will have a look at the vw.👍

[@jpenguin4373]

Great video Rob!!! Nice little set up. I would definitely think about getting a bigger van you'll never look back! With regards to the sprayer, you can never go wrong with the Stihl and CP- both good bits of kit. I know what you mean by control of larger swaths, but you can vary that by the nozzle. The nozzles determine everything, the sprayer only supplies the pressure. Get yourself a pack of different nozzle sizes!! Enjoy the rest of your week, all the best 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment, great advice. All the best.

[@jameswyeth8223]

I always liked the early 2WD Ford Rangers when they were low to the ground with a long bed.Stick a metal top box on and away you go ! the new ones are like bigfoot ! sod lifting a chipper up there ! I had a Bedford Midi work van years ago, best van i ever used. great video Rob.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks James. All the very best. 👍🏻

[@johncotton7053]

I started part time with a Fiat Doblo but I knew it wasn't going to be big enough for full time so I invested in a Vauxhall vivaro on an 05 plate. I would have kept it but it was stolen from a customers drive along with all my tools and my dog, who was asleep on the passenger seat at the time. That forced me to finance a newer vivaro (long wheel base) on a 16 plate which is plenty big enough. If I was buying now though I'd probably go with a high top version as my van is more like a mobile shed and so being able to stand up in tbe back would be a bonus. I did get the dog back as the thieves let him out up the road.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Pleased your dog is safe and sound. Thanks for watching and your comment. All the best.

[@samcole6569]

Hi Rob, great informative video as always. I went from a Renault Kangoo to citroen dispatch and it was the best desision I made. It has the double side door which is really useful and is really economical to run.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Sam , pleased you are happy with your van. All the best.

[@colliegardenmaintenance2560]

Good one Rob. My Dispatch failed it s MOT so ended up with a Peugeot Partner. Love it. Do miss the big one though. Cheers Neil In Wallsend

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

All the best Neil, Good luck with the new van.

[@ThymeAndPatience]

Great video Rob, I had the same problem with the space of my old van (Citroen nemo SWB) but I decided to trade it in and got a Ford transit custom. Love the space and can fit so much more in. One thing I’d say is if you do decide to upgrade, go fairly big rather than just a slightly bigger van as I bet you’ll be saying the same thing about space the following year if business keeps going well😀have a good weekend mate, cheers🍺

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks mate , great advice. All the best.

[@robdegoyim4023]

Nice, now I know what to nick

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Lol. Not sure I like that.

[@xfx09]

Hi Rob Good video. One of the things I’ve done in my van is use the roof on the inside. So I went and purchased 2 x spider bungee cords and ran them from side to side covering the whole of the back of the van. I use it to put all my brooms, hoes and racks up there, saves loads of room in the van and you get to use what was “dead space”

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for that. I will try and do that. All the best.

[@rossnicholls7228]

Hi Rob, i have recently started out on my own and bought a Nissan NV200. Perfect for the mower (went Honda HRX as per your recommendation video 👍) and strimmer, blower etc etc. Cant fault it and parts are cheap too! I’m driving down a lot of Cornish lanes and its perfect for small spaces but has decent height for all your kit! Cheers 😃

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for your comment Ross, good luck with your business and van.👍🏻

[@jasonhewlett1283]

Hi Rob, I am having the same problems with my swb Berlingo. Silly money for new vans at the moment though 🙄. A nice set up btw.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Jason. Your right the price of vans is silly. 👍🏻

[@russellgaley3164]

Excellent Video again, I have a little Transit Courier van, just right for me, lawn mower and everything just fit in.However, I did have a larger van,it was a night mare, customers expectations,are then you will remove all there garden waste and for me ,I have real issues disposing of waste.However, with a little van, you don't get into the rubbish debate with the customer.It is basically, what set up works for you, just go with it.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment Russell. All the best.

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

I have a Nissan NV200 and I love it! It's got 98000 on the clock but goes sweet as nut. It doesn't look very big but you'll be surprised what you can fit in it. If I ever get a new van, I'd go for the same!! 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for the comment, I will definitely look at the Nissan. All the best.

[@stacybaby111]

Your van is fine..

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Daniel. Appreciate your comment. 👍🏻

[@bullseyeant]

I started 6 years ago with a 2004 transit medium roof. Just upgraded last September to a 2017 transit medium roof medium wheelbase, mainly for the clean air charge living In Manchester. It's a great size van as I can get 6ft fence panels in no problem stood up. As you say though, prices have gone bonkers at the moment!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment. All the best with your business.

[@davidandrews5192]

I have the nv200 its a great little van i actually get my battery blower/battery strimmer 9 batteries a mulch mower and a catcher mower, petrol blower as back up my 25 cc strimmer and my 35 cc strimmer all in , covered all angles me thinks haha highly recommend the nv200 as not petrol hungry either

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks David, definitely something that I am going to look at.

[@royguthrie9085]

I run an external cleaning business and had a van and a car for the family. Decided to get a l200 pickup and it’s the best decision I’ve made. There’s a surprising amount of room in the back with a canopy fitted. Might not work with mowers due to the height of the handles. I’ve been looking at upgrading to a ranger but I’ll need to work harder first 😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment Roy. All the best.

[@Jordan.E]

Nice setup Rob, I've got a Peugeot expert lwb (exactly the same as the dispatch) and it's extremely spacious inside, the only downside is because it's the lwb, I have to climb inside sometimes but I keep banging my head on the low roof 😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Jordan. Appreciate your comment. All the best.

[@nickwf70]

I used to have that problem with my Berlingo, used to spend time going home to swap tools. So I got a medium sized van, much better however I still can't fit everything and to be honest carrying tons of tools is effects fuel consumption and wear on clutch and brakes. So I still try to travel light if I can be bothered, plus a nice empty van it's far easier to get at the tool you want.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment Nick. We are never happy , always trying to improve.

[@cosworthization]

Very nice Van. Yes if you can afford a bigger van yes maybe the Nissan.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻

[@davidprice6994]

Interesting video mate.theres loads of Ford rangers around here.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I do like the ford ranger. All the best.

[@funkyduckproductions.8844]

I've thought about a trailer a lot. But on balance to many negatives. I started with a Berlingo van. Soon outgrew it. I've now got a Dispatch. Its an 08. Van. But its never let me down. But vans are like garden sheds. The bigger you get them the more sh**e you find to fill them. I've disciplined myself now and most days I carry just one mower. One cordless blower, one petrol blower and one cordless strimmer, spare fuel, extra batteries and a few rakes etc. Carrying just what you need for that day saves on fuel and headache tablets!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Gary appreciate your comment. All the best.

[@Alpikerawlings]

Keep the van for this season, and then upgrade if things are going well.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Appreciate your comment, all the best.

[@darrentynan2999]

I use a Citroen Relay xlwb and it's a spot on size.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Darren , appreciate your comment.👍🏻

[@blueford3363]

Morning der big man. Good video as ever always happy. My neighbour tells me you got 2 friends. One back pocket two hold tight.🤓. Keep what you have my friend and enjoy your say every day. You don't need big van keep it simple just saying like! Hope all good . Here's a question name 5 people that are happy with they have got in life.? You may find 2 no way 5 ok🤔

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks mate, great comment. All the best.

[@rhysthomas6999]

If u were after a new van rob id recommend a Ford transit custom great van and can normally pick them up second hand for a great price

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Rhys, great advice. I will have a look. All the best.

[@jimallan9631]

Best thing I found was going from a transit connect to a swb transit makes all the difference not having to keep moving stuff around

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Jim, sound advice. All the best.

[@stevepalmer8285]

Good morning Rob,so I'm just restarting my gardening business due to moving 400 miles away after a divorce .I have always had mwb transits,ladders on the roof,and plenty of room in side the van for all my tools,like you I like to have 2 mowers, 1 with a rear roller,if your van works for you at the moment I Personally wouldn't change it,14k is alot of money 😀. I enjoy your videos, lots of useful advice,and I've been a gardener for a good few years, plus I've got my fingers in a few other pies lol, but won't give to much away on here ,maybe I will send you an email.keep up the good work.take care.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment Steve. Look forward to reading your email. All the best and good luck with your new business location.👍🏻

[@norfolkboy6935]

Have you considered going electric Rob? A butcher mate has bought a Renault (Combo?) Factoring in a business grant he was well pleased with the deal. Not an option for everyone I appreciate. Thanks for the catch-up Rob, keep well. 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks mate, that’s something I will look at . All the best.

[@rh645]

Tidy set up mate! Renault trafic for me but needed 2 seats in front for kids, and i often sleep in it to save fuel if working same area next day

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Sounds great. All the best. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@rh645]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices cheers! best of luck to you

[@dogmangreengrass736]

I take , lawn mower ,strimmer,blower,sprayer,empty builders bags,tool box,petrol,2 stroke oil,spare strimmer cable ,loppers,silky saw,small chainsaw. I try take out anything not gonna need for fear getting it stolen. Always strim first , leave trimmer round back house with helmet.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Sounds good. All the best with your business.👍🏻

[@robertblount3143]

I use a trailer with my pickup. And touch wood never hand any trouble. Think about a box trailer you can fit alot of stuff in them

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Robert. I will have a look. All the best.

[@michaelgough4489]

Hi Rob great set up.if the van is still fit for purpose why change it? Thanks for the videos 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Sensible advice. All the best.

[@acutabovegardeningservices1957]

Hi Rob, I bought a lwb transit 3y ago, I started in a berlingo. My advice would be to stick with what you have, the fuel costs of my large van doesn't warrant it especially just for lawns. The only thing with the smaller vans is taking waste away.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for a very wise comment . All the best .

[@paulmadden4481]

Well Rob, how do you take away waste? Have you a trailer? I presume you try and leave as much waste on site as possible but some customers may not have a place to dump grass, hedge clippings etc. Nice video, keep up the good work 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I use builders bags, the customers waste bin. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@LewisgardenservicesLtd]

Nice set up, if you're on your own and everything fits then you're sorted. Maybe a small trailer for waste away days.👍 You can't win mate, the Karens will be asking where's your spill kit for the sprayer after you've explained you've done your pa's🙄

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment Nathan. The sprayer contained water and the weed killer was stored appropriately along with the spill kit/ first aid kit. There are 180000 self employed gardeners in the uk only one in five are trained to use weed killer. All the best.

[@LewisgardenservicesLtd]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices sounds perfect 👍my spill kit it stored safely.... somewhere...😬 🤔😅

[@ched999uk]

With a bigger van comes worse fuel consumption, more difficult to park to name but a few downsides! The NV200 isn't much bigger than what you have as it's narrower but taller! Can you put 1 mower in the side door and 1 from rear then a smaller box like the one you have make even with a full length box but about 12" high so front mower could go on top? Trailers are a right pain, you try doing a 3 point turn!! I am sure you could get 2 mowers and your other kit in the back if you designed some better storage boxes. Have a Look at Squeeky Clean Dave's channel as he made full length draws to go below a false floor!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Ched. I will have a look. All the best.

[@fourbeersandaguitar2171]

Make do with what you've got I reckon. If it helps anyone, I make do with my Skoda fabia estate that I use for everything. With the seat folded down it's practically a small van, with a removable rack I built for hand tools. I don't carry everything at once. Grass cutting days I can fit a mower, strimmer and blower. For hedges/pruning I put in the cutters, poles, step ladder if needed and leave a bit of space. If I do a big tip run I take everything out and can fit two bulk bags in at a time. I only ever work a few miles from home so popping home isn't a problem. General gardening I just take the hand tools and a petrol multi-tool. I can't fit a roof rack or tow bar without faff to my car, so I made a rack out of some steel rebar and strap things to that if I need anything extra. I can strap a wheelbarrow, timber, pipes or anything to the roof for landscaping projects (or kayaks too.) Works for me!

[@fourbeersandaguitar2171]

There's another guy I see in my local town, goes around cutting hedges on his bike. Petrol tools and everything. Don't know how he does it but he does.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Sounds like you have a great system. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@mcpheesgardeningservices]

Good stuff Rob.. Amazing the difference btw UK an Aus as we use trailers and utes . I have not seen many vans here . I gather it’s a security thing yet we don’t have that here . We have locks and insurance but as I’ve been told by many UK gardeners my set up wouldn’t last a day there.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your right Geoff. And we thought that we had sent all the criminals to Australia. The sods are still here. All the best mate.

[@mcpheesgardeningservices]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices hahaha 🤣 yep i think we must have got the good poms out here lol .. thank god we did me mums a pommy from somerset

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Somerset, very posh, they make great ciders . All the best.

[@bigchief2331]

Van makes so much more sense. Something medium size like a Mercedes Vito or Peugeot Expert is ideal as they have the Euro practicality and fuel economy, heaps of space for tools and drive really nicely. So much better than a gas guzzling ute and dealing with a trailer.

[@pablo9364]

My opinion is if you can comfortably afford to get a newer/bigger van then do it but maybe in a year (wait to see if vehicle prices drop. ) if you can trade in an expensive vehicle to get a newer/bigger van than do it now. If you would get into too much debt than stay with what you have for a while.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Great advice Pablo. Thanks very much.

[@clinthighton5969]

You need a bigger van rob may van is A transit mk6 lwb it’s got loads of space and I have sorted for all types of work it brilliant and it pulls trailers.. 😉 ya definitely need a bigger van mate 😜

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Clint. All the best.

[@garrypepperman]

Great video Do you have enough room if you need to carry a scarifier or an aerator at the same time as carrying your mower?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I take out the shelving section. It’s tight but yes. All the best.

[@glynwilliams1225]

Nice set up rob”👍 Place for everything “ And everything in its place”👌

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Glyn. All the best.

[@owenparsons2972]

If you buy bigger, you do bigger jobs, you need bigger, so on etc. I have a renult traffic, and a 8x4 trailer. Still not big enough . So now I just limit my work to suit my equipment

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Very sensible , all the very best.

[@kierandaly3709]

Very wise words. Agree to wait 12months. Roofrack?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cheers mate, not a fan of roof racks. All the best.

[@user-tu1bi9wl3e]

I have the exactly same van year and mileage , mines got 58k on clock , trade in was 4.5k but the fella did say if I sold it privately would look at 6.5-7k , decided just going pass it onto a good friend for 6k , Just purchased expert 2017 professional 42k on clock cost 14k no vat from Arnold Clark

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good luck with your new van, let me know how you get on.

[@leesgardeningservices4316]

Lovely set up your a canny man Rob

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Lee all the best.

[@waynehammerton5698]

There is only you can make the decision Rob regarding a bigger van in the future you keep up that absolutely superb quality work you do Rob and take good care of yourself won't you buddy

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Wayne appreciate your comment. All the best.

[@waynehammerton5698]

No problem whatsoever Rob

[@bareallotment7391]

ive went from a fiat doblo high roof to a renault trafic i wouldnt have upgraded if i didnt do fencing and decking .

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment. Good luck with your business.

[@jimallan9631]

Just an idea for awkward to get to jobs, just leave a cheap mower at the job , i know a gardner has 6 cheap mowers he leaves in customers shed

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Jim. There is no storage at the factory otherwise a great idea. All the best.

[@stearmitt5233]

Hiya mate. Hope you're well. I've been watching all your videos, I'm in the very early stages of starting my own gardening business. I'm still on all electric plug-in equipment. I'm looking to invest in 3 items... all petrol, a mower, a strimmer, and a blower. I have a rough idea of what I'm looking to get, but I'd like some advice if you wouldn't mind helping me out. I've a few quid to spend and was looking at the Honda HRN536 mower. Do you think that's a little much for someone starting out or not!!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I would always advise you to buy the best you can afford. Hondas are great mowers and the main machine for a gardening business. Good luck I hope you do well.

[@treecutter1806]

You have only made it when you get a tipper🤣😉

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Not for me. All the best.

[@redneckron2525]

Hi Rob, what's your thoughts on the km94 with regards to power and reliability and any carb/starting issues?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I love it , no issues with mine . All the best.

[@dodgsr2009]

Hi Rob. I am looking at the stihl mowers at the minute to substitute my main mower (weibang) I was just wondering why did you go with that model? There are a load of difrent models. I want as much power as possible.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cost, size, weight, good bagging in the wet. It suited me. Good luck with your choice. Let me know how you get on. All the best.

[@lennylaa1686]

On your spending proposals, I suppose you've got to be careful you are not spending vital cash to get you through the winter. And watch out for dry/drought conditions during July/August when there's virtually no mowing ie ''the green - becomes brown - not gold!'' Then your income dries up - you can't win!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Great advice, thanks Lenny. All the best.

[@dodgsr2009]

Hey Rob. I started doing a bit of property maintenance last year and I find I'm spinning out of control with how busy I'm getting. I'm just after purchasing a ride on mower honda 2417. How do you cope with big lawns .5 acre plus? I just found I was taking to long with my pedestrian mower. Thanks mate. Also I wanna get a toyota dyna tipper to replace my citreon dispatch

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Jack. I am not a tipper fan.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Congratulations on the big contract, I don’t have lawns that size. All the best.

[@davidmartin7695]

Citroen dispatch lwb will do yer , I down sized from a ldv covoy , any way I can get both my mowers in the dispatch

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks David , appreciate your comment. All the best.

[@lennylaa1686]

How many miles have you clocked up in this current van?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

60k, it’s not for sale. All the best.

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

you seem to be growing at a decent rate so if you can put up with the hassle you could take someone on & give them the Berlingo🤔 just a thought

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

If I could find the right person I would think about it. All the best, have a great season.

[@jasongardener3425]

I see you're copied my setup, will make life much easier for you

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for watching and your comment Jason. I watched your video and it got the brain working. Thanks for sharing your experience I have learnt loads from you. Looking forward to seeing more videos from you.

[@matthewpaley7183]

Get a trailer

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Have you seen my driving. 👍🏻