Harbor Freight Trailer For My New Lawn Mowing Business

To read my write-up about this project build, click here:
howtostartamowi...
This video shows how I put a deck, rails, and supports on a 40"x48" Harbor Freight trailer to turn it into a platform to hold all my basic lawn mowing equipment.
It was built in February, 2016.
Please write in the comments if you find this useful or have any questions for me!

[@dwylinmiller]

Now that is what America was founded on. Someone willing to work. Starting out small and working your way up. Man I wish you all the success in the world. I think its terrific !

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Hey Dwig, I appreciate the comment. I'm out hustling a lot! Appreciate you taking the time to write an upbeat note.

[@PrestigeLoft]

America was founded on Slavery, just as most other empires before it, and after it, for example china.

[@matthewsmith2758]

@@PrestigeLoft empires, slavery, who the fuck cares. it's a free country now so that's all that matters.

[@URanInTheUglyForest]

@@PrestigeLoft Slavery is long gone in this country, which is something everyone should be proud. Your comment is totally out of place. Instead of being negative, how about praising this young man for his creativity and hard work to support his family.

[@PrestigeLoft]

@@URanInTheUglyForest I am not anti slavery. I am pro slavery

[@jacobwalsh6757]

I just turned 13 and I'm starting a lawn care business and all day I was making and passing out flyers. All night I've been watching these type of videos because tomorrow I'm making my own trailer that will be connected to my bike. I'm trying to stay on my part of town for now but I just want to expand and expand. Wish me luck and best of luck to you. Btw that's one of the most creative and nicest designs I've ever seen!

[@sebastian-nm7lv]

man same I'm watching this for the same thing tryna make money over the summer I'm 14 and I want to buy a trailer to pull with my quad

[@TheBruceDickenson1]

Are you still in the lawn care business?

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

5 years later ??? How did the lawn care go?

[@gibco25-offical56]

I have a tractor with a trailer. Works great

[@odysseybeatz6694]

Bro we need an update! Lol

[@Smokecorleone415]

I respect the hustle,don't let the big companies shame you...your on the right path

[@redneckfirefighter1373]

Perfect example of working on a budget and proving you don't need a truck and zero turn mowers to mow lawns and you got a nice family project an good luck on your business

[@HexaFox]

Definitely a great example of how to get started, but keep in mind you can only take on stuff that is manageable. Most people want to begin their landscaping business in the area where they reside themselves. Therefore, for me I had to consider a zero turn from the start as the smallest yards in my area are three quarters of an acre. I started with a small lawn tractor and as my business grew it quickly became apparent that I required something larger.

[@26grantj]

It takes time.

[@hm12460]

You are a true craftsman, well done. You are also blessed to have a wife that will help you with outside project's!

[@James-he8lh]

I feel a little bad. I thought that was going to be kinda lame. It was pretty awesome though. That's a cool little set up.

[@spacejam4840]

My dad started out with no car when I was about 9 & we would walk about 2 miles to the couple houses we had. other guys already had 2 or more commercial machines & when they'd see my dad they would make fun of him & Now we have a decent company. I showed him this and he said he'd wish he'd think of this back in the day. Keep up the hard work & don't let anyone bring you down man . Good luck & stay blessed.

[@LaughingRandomly]

very conscientious work ethics, if you were near our home, you'd have another customer! Good luck to you in all you do!

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Thanks!

[@jackburton6998]

I second that.

[@Mo-OhioTreeRemoval]

Perfect! I started my lawn care three years ago with a 4x8 trailer pulled by my Toyota Camry!

[@roxanacruz379]

Mow's Lawn & Iron huíi

[@NeilLB7]

Good job. You're making money and putting forth effort. Some people ONLY go into this business with the biggest and best of everything. Because they have to be COOL. Around here, every other vehicle on the road is a financed diesel pickup pulling a financed tandem trailer with a financed $12,000 dixie chopper mower and a financed pair of Stihl trimmers on board. Going to mow some house for $40, then go to McDonalds and take up 5 spaces for lunch. You're probably making more profit per job. And eventually you can pay cash for a bigger trailer and mower.

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Thanks Neil. I've noticed that when I have to pay cash for the equipment I really think long and hard about if I really need something. For instance, my truck was paid with mowing money. I bought it for $1,500. I would like to have a better truck, but the one I have works well and looks decent too. When considering a new purchase, instead of thinking in the currency of dollars, I sometimes think in the currency of how many yards I would have to mow to afford that item. A $10,000 truck would be a lot of yards. My goal is to have enough money saved up to live off interest. I don't save money by spending, but by making more and then not spending any.

[@mini_worx]

@@parttimemowingman4998 -- I like your mentality. Most people think about spending and not saving/investing. Their retirement plan is to die at their desk. Truly sad when you think about it - waste all your life working for someone else. Following the 4% rule, the less money you need to survive the easier it all becomes.

[@jonathanb6911]

Good post here.

[@johnkennedy510]

I did exactly what you described started small asf just bought a toro zero turn and a brand new tandom axle trailer in CASH

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Update from April 2024 with a couple of free thoughts, for what they're worth. Lawn care went well for a couple seasons. There were about 25 accounts I maintained in the evenings. Then we unexpectedly needed to move and our new place didn't have a garage. I gave the accounts away and closed shop. Important lesson learned: when business is reliant on 1 person, then anything that happens to that 1 person can shut down the business. I now have another business and there is currently 6 of us. If something happens to me the others would keep it going. If I were to start a lawn care business again I would try hiring two people as soon as possible to mow the yards while I focused on getting more accounts to keep them busy. I would want one of them to have experience and knowledge regarding landscaping, types of grass, flowers, fertilizer, etc. The other would be his helper. I watched season 1 of Undercover Billionaire with Glenn Stearns 3 times and highly recommend it. My main takeaway was that building a business is building a team. Glenn is a master at pulling together people, sharing a vision, giving people a position that plays to their strengths and natural abilities, and then inspiring them to greatness. I aspire towards Glenn's example. Thanks for watching guys, and best of luck in your businesses.

[@p71collector]

Extra points for the color theme of red/black. Looks great!

[@cannonball666]

The black and white was even better!

[@endtimeswriter]

Great example of what a lot of folks want for a lawn mower set up.

[@lahojaqueflota]

Super awesome, your channel is a great inspiration for part time mowers. This takes the anxiety out of competing with the experienced full timers. You make it look fun, thanks for the videos and hope your business is coming along great!

[@youonlylivetwice78]

It’s so ironic. I have a Corolla and I’ve been trying to get a trailer for it. Just noticed the number on your trailer and I live in the same area code. I’ve had to disassemble my mower and put it in my trunk and everything else in the back seat. Your video is awesome . I hope your business is doing great

[@FernandoTheBeast28]

talk about SMALL business... good job man!

[@leonelariciaga3537]

I started small. Know I don't only own a lawn business. But Im in the realstate business. Keep it up man. I wish you the best.

[@a-veteranlandscapesitework2413]

Wow, hats off to you. That is what I call an awesome set up. You should patent and start selling those set ups.

[@dethmaul]

How much money would licencing the harbor freight trailer cost? Or could he sell bolt-together kits that go on the trailer, without involving the trailer?

[@jonnybravo9003]

That’s such a cool setup, good way to start your business, never get into large debts, work with your resources!

[@oldtimer4567]

You actually put together a neater, more professional looking set up than some "big time" mowing guys I've seen.

[@Strangeland701]

Awesome setup! Compact, efficient and can be towed with any vehicle.

[@Tman0517]

I love the trailer and the setup, but being a upstate new yorker I can say you'd never really see that unfortunately, mostly everyone has a truck or a truck and trailer, and a zero turn or velky with all stihl scag exmark stuff on the back. I love your set up because it's unique and very functional, only I'd suggest is a straight pole waker, the curved ones can kill your back

[@Futurebeefcake]

TmAn0517 you also reach further out so you get more grass per swipe.

[@glenvaillancourt1575]

started my lawn care business with a used Murry lawn tractor, Yard machine push mower and a used Troy Built line trimmer, 2 boards so I could ride the mower into the bed of my pick up. Did that for a year then got a 5-8 trailer, a husquvarna zero turn at Lowe's and a new Troy Built TB 230 and a new line trimmer and a gas hedge trimmer. Fast forward 2 years and I have a 12-6.5 trailer a 61 inch Ferris zero turn, still have the TB230, Echo edger, husquvarna line trimmer poulan pro hedge trimmer, still BG 55 hand held blower and a Still 600 back pack blower. Be patient and do not get in debt on equipment, it'll get there sooner than you think. Looks like your wife is supportive and if she helps with the mowing you can make some bank. Love the trailer and the attention to details.

[@buckshotl1678]

Very nice. Thanks for the video. I like the "crude" weedeater holder.

[@morganrichards7575]

I really thought this video was goinng to be useless but i found your design for the weed eater was very helpful for my inclosed trailer. We have installed some of these in all of our trailers. Thank You

[@myopinion353]

very professional looking, great job and good luck...

[@Helloreality101]

bravo dude! About the same way I started out, $1k worth of investment. Now 8 years later I have 3 commercial mowers, two trucks and trailers, quite a few other tools and two full time employees. 3 tips: 1) don't hire friends 2) if it snows where you live, get a plow truck asap... when it snows, you can make $1k/day with one helper. 3) get a commercial grade mower asap (i recommend Exmark Vantage 52" for tight spots and holding hills) keep it going bro, you got this... especially if u mow like you build!!

[@Helloreality101]

After thinking about it a while, I should mention that $1k/day plowing is actually about $500 after paying for help, fuel, wear and tear and saving some for a new transmission for your truck. All things considered... it's easy and very profitable!

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Thanks for the tips man. I'm saving up for a commercial mower now. Since most my lawns are small residential yards I was thinking of a 36" Wright Stander. What do you think about that model?

[@dethmaul]

A damnes fine trailer. The fit and finish are top grade!

[@levipankey]

Funny because I'm watching this trying to get ideas for one to pull with my Corolla

[@somerandomguy8022]

Is it just me or is he one of those people that is extremely likable.

[@MeMe-cd1wy]

So impressed with your trailer. It is well thought out. And your business is an inspiration.

[@DRIBBLES2500]

Mr Part Time Mowing Man when I first started the video I was saying to myself what on earth is this guy going to do......Then as I watch I was like ok he is getting carried away lets not go crazy painting everything dude this is crazy....Well Mr Part time Mowing when you got done and I saw the finished product I was saying to myself.........I need to get Mr Part Time Mowing Man to come to New Jersey and make me a trailer.........I am totally impressed that thing came out VERY NICE.........Looks as Professional as can be........NICE JOB GUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@miguelangelvalderrama1808]

That little trailer looks beautiful with those small tires😎😎😎

[@chevyboy2066]

Nice! It's cool that your wife helped also.

[@sslawncarellc3993]

I started off smaller 😪 about 8 years ago but now have about 87 properties...'Never give up bro'

[@kenmows4u338]

I started with push mowers and a Harbor Freight trailer too, it helped me to get the ball rolling, your set-up looks great, and everything needed fits right in, good job!

[@rglawnscapes1469]

A sharp looking trailer with everything in its place, nicely done! maybe a rear gate to keep things from escaping on the freeway......nonetheless, a classy setup

[@JonsDailyHustle]

love your setup bro. it's simple and will make you lots of money

[@dennisarlan3564]

Respect to every one that holds a job..and/or wants too 👍 Great Job

[@superior3384]

wow very nicely done. looks great. very creative craftsmanship. you definitely got what it takes to make it in the lawn care business. thumbs up

[@jeanalexandre1105]

Where's there's a will there's a way. Thumbs up

[@woody5563]

I am looking at these little trailers to pull my mowing stuff behind my Mirage to save gas vs my truck. Pretty cool that someone else had a similar idea!

[@angelleon416]

Took alot of patience and creativity to make that. looks real good, nice job

[@ellow791]

That trailer was bad ass

[@blooh0264]

That is so good i have a little mowing company and this is the a star of work great job

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Thanks!

[@kennethm.380]

Nice equipment. I have a dremel tool. Where to you live? ;-) What's hilarious about this video is, you see these big trucks all day long on the road with NOTHING in the back. This guy builds a trailer to haul all his stuff for under $300. I love it.

[@sr.pabl0806]

Wow. Lots of effort into it but totally worth it. Great imagination and creativity to create this.

[@drewdrops-6754]

Amazing little starter trailer man!!!!!

[@Irishman1776]

That's a really nice set up. I do have one recommendation though. When the Troy Bilt dies buy a Honda.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Put those paint rollers/brushes in the bags and into the refrigerator (it's nice if you have a 'fridge in the garage) - I have paint from this Spring that I use to touch up lawn decorations - just did so a week ago and the paint is still fresh!

[@chrissingletary2287]

I have the same trailer. I found that if you put some grease on top of the rear of the leaf springs where they slide on the frame, the springs flex easier and the trailer will ride smoother.

[@coltonware5627]

Dang that trailer turned out super cute man!

[@idrinkpowersteeringfluid]

I might have to build one of these. I pull my stuff around with my riding mower. Although I think I want something bigger.

[@adanvaldcontreras4283]

Wow you did a great job!

[@georgefenrich4119]

SWEET LOOKING TRAILER NICE JOB! PS: you just showed us how to cut your cables with a small portable Dremel tool.

[@albertledesma5173]

Extra points for using Echo equipment. Didn't skimp there, and that was a smart choice. Stay with Stihl for chainsaws though. Trust me, I have a landscaping maintenance business and have used just about every commercial brand. Echo is the way to go with all tools except chainsaws. Hope this is working out for you. You seem to have the right attitude, which means more than being able to buy a Walker or Ex-mark mower these days. 👍🏽

[@assfault9]

Awesome build man! Really smart fella!

[@karenlaughing3530]

Nick that is really cute. I know your wife is proud of you. I like your imagination. thank you for sharing.

[@GrassDaddy]

I like the setup!

[@crewoftwodocs]

Well done. Good luck. I hope your business grows quickly to support your family.

[@unclebuck9861]

Nice job Nick and the sign was a nice touch good luck with your new business !

[@lwoodt1]

Very well done. You have a good eye for design and organizing. The finished product looks very profesional.

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Thank you, appreciate the comment.

[@bigsonslawncare]

Man thats a very nice trailer design

[@wildbill23c]

Great build. Run a cable with a lock through your fuel cans too, them things will disappear as well. Also, if you don't already have it locked, lock the hitch on your trailer tongue and the pin going through your trailer hitch...if you have an actual trailer hitch receiver on your car. Otherwise someone can easily just unhook the whole trailer from your car roll it to their vehicle and drive away with everything while you are out back cutting someone's yard and you'll never know its being taken until you return to put your equipment back on the trailer.

[@parttimemowingman4998]

That's a good idea about locking down the gasoline cans, I'll start doing that. My trailer I do have double locked (a lock on the hitch-pin to the ball and another lock on the big pin through the receiver). HOWEVER, this past week my lawn mower was stolen while I was working a property. A neighbor was outside and witnessed it. So I had to buy a new mower. Too bad theft is such a problem. oh well, I felt more sorry for the thief than for me. Being dishonest never pays off in the end, whereas buying a new push mower is a minor setback for me. It was a good lesson too, I'll take theft even more seriously.

[@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950]

I noticed the wichita state sweatshirt... shocker! 🤟

[@erike.erskine7648]

I did the same thing but put a 36 inch bobcat on it. The two side rails are screwed into the sides of the trailer frame as opposed to sitting on top of it. If i had put them on top of the frame there would only be a half inch clearance on either side. The way I did it there's 2 inches on either side. Oh yeah front wheels stick over the front of front board.

[@bendacanay7717]

nice video. great mines think alike, I also bought the same trailer from harbor freight, built the side n deck. then I had the bright idea to start a lawn mowing business. hope you have a successful business!

[@billysharp1030]

Ben Dacanay great mines? neverMIND

[@chrisa8112]

Hi Nick judging from your latest video you seem to be moving up on your lawn mowing service. I see you now have a 5x8 and some more equipment. And your also talking about a wright mower. Things are looking good brother be blessed.

[@TruthNlies365]

The price of wood has nearly tripled this since the video.. lord

[@wagdyziada4503]

Very nice, good quality workmanship. Attractive design, color and graphics. Should be towed by Mercedes, good luck.

[@parttimemowingman4998]

lol, thanks! Too bad I don't have a Mercedes :-)

[@724riff]

LOOKS nice ..... you could consider a good lockable tool box between the tounge and trailer for more space

[@darrencreel6860]

hahahaha, i love it, LOVE IT.. great job brother.. D&B Lawn Care

[@danielpadgett2831]

Awsome design man you are going to great

[@ccsmallengines]

i picked up a newer 48inch bobcat walkbehind for $80 just needed to sharpen the blades and clean the carb. definatly a lot easier than using a 22 inch walk behind.

[@jackcarroll702]

ccsmallengines bob cat made a good mower

[@KJAdventures]

Great project build! Fun to watch and very creative with your ideas! Thank you for sharing! 👍

[@Langz75]

Pretty nice low budget setup.. Gave me some great ideas. The only thing I would have done differently is instead of paint, I would have used truck bed liner (spray or roll on), no need to prime the wood first and extremely scratch resistant and durable, but non the less that is a damn fine DIY project...

[@iconaclastor]

I guess you made your own signs on the side also? Good job overall and good reminder on the 20% coupon at Harbor Freight.

[@BigB-lt4ik]

Nice work. Good luck with your business!

[@rickjames4882]

HF isn't all bad. I built the 4x8 several years for a white water raft and submerged it in water several times a week for 3 years and still traded it for something worth more than I paid for it.

[@mathteacher2651]

pretty cool man - you're quite a handy man.

[@alanbloom1431]

Nick, saw your vid. Awesome effort and great job. All the best LCPM.......

[@Pixelgraft]

very nice job! I bought one of these today during a 3 day sale and found your video AFTER buying it while I was trying to figure out how to install the floor and sides. You've done an excellent job with the video and I love the tremendous amount of detail you put into your blog post - especially the parts list. Kudos to you and I hope you are doing well with the part time business.

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Hey, glad you found this helpful. What are you planning to use your trailer for? Like others mentioned in the comments, putting some type of back would be a good idea, one that I didn't do. I'm actually looking to sell my trailer soon as I bought a 5x8 trailer recently. This little Harbor Freight setup was just to bootstrap my biz off the ground with as little cash outlay as possible.

[@fivevenomstyle6337]

What an awesome job, end result looks fantastic, and your wife is beautiful, Side Hustle Boss!!!

[@parttimemowingman4998]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, this was a kind post :-)

[@theundertaker7447]

Super good job, I wish you well!, Your a smart man. Keep up the good videos!

[@Timthornton1]

looks good, nice job. Sign looks great too.

[@danielrylance4658]

nice vid mate i start in march this year vehicle was our family 8 seater van few months in now have toyota camry 8x5 trailer lol need to upgrade to a ute. when it warms up is winter here in aus at moment bit slow here now .keep up the great work mate.

[@JonsDailyHustle]

I absolutely appreciate the hustle💪👊

[@tloveles14]

Great job, I have one just like it and have plans, to do much of the same things that you did . Nice video

[@enginemodify]

not to knock your setup, but a top cage with a locking gate/ramp would save you time and also keep anyone from screwing with your stuff. only speaking from experience, otherwise great low cost setup

[@AttackLineConsultingLLC]

really impressed

[@freedomrings4134]

Very nice setup but if anyone is every worried about a zero turn, you can finance a Kubota Kommander for $100 dollars a month.

[@Timthornton1]

looks good. like the sign.

[@thelandscapingking310]

Great job !!! Liked this video a lot to see someone else doin it as well, that’s awesome 👍 to be able to make money on your own and be your own boss , nothing better than that.

[@juntjoonunya9216]

Awesome job!

[@CARSANDRACING]

Epic! Great Job!

[@djexclusivee]

Great innovation! Good job ol boy

[@antwanleesuarez159]

good job nick

[@HFConstruction]

Nice job man!

[@bhailala1091]

Very nice i like your good work and professional. the trailer looks like a thousand bucks.

[@thebrinx9632]

@2:24 wrap your brushes/rollers in storage bags (zip top, type) and put in freezer...will last forever (well, almost).

[@Laffy1345]

Good job, my friend has lost alot of mowers, and equipment not locking them up.