My Lawn Care Truck Setup || The Southern Reel Mower

My Lawn Care Truck Setup for 2018:
-Ford Transit
-Exmark Turf Tracer 36 in. Mower
-Exmark 30 in. Mower
-Stihl Blower BR700
-Stihl Trimmer FS94R
-Stihl Edger
About Me:
Hi! I'm the Southern Reel Mower. I was born and raised in the South, and I've always had a passion for landscaping. I started my own business at 18, and I have learned a lot about business and property maintenance. Follow along with me, as I share tips for landscaping, business owners, and homeowners. Welcome to my channel!

[@MBGAdventures]

New Subscriber here. I just bought a 2017 Ford Transit High Roof long box with the 3.2L Diesel for this exact same reason. I just found your video. In my area that I service, 90% of the time I only use my 36 inch stand on and 30 inch walk behinds. This set up will be super amazing on fuel and so much easier to park in tight neighborhoods. Right now my F250 and 7x14 enclosed trailer will block 3 driveways. I will be retro fitting the van through the winter to get ready for the coming season. Will share on my channel as well.

[@RicardoVargas-dy9tf]

Amazing. I've been thinking of having this setup for some time. I specialize mostly on residential properties and having to deal with a trailer is one our biggest obstacles when it comes to parking space. Having a single vehicle gets you in and out fast. This is what I call a motorized enclosed trailer👍👍

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Haha that’s a good name for it. It works great for those resi accounts!

[@johne3999]

I like the small landscape truck setup better but this van has one huge advantage over it. It protects ALL your stuff against THIEVES. No need to lock up everything individually.

[@jordankendall86]

Nice

[@firstname6208]

Put spring clips into the roof bows to hold brooms, rakes, shovels etc. I hate moving one thing to get at another, wastes time and damages equipment, add frustration on a hot miserable day. Lots of good ideas there

[@ricepadi29]

Clean set up. Bet the neighbors appreciate it also.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I live in a hoa neighborhood, so I’m not allowed to have a “commercial” vehicle. That’s why I don’t really have any lettering on the sides. Just basic logo for customers to know it’s us.

[@76clubhouse19]

Unique setup!

[@meowzah2495]

We had an Isuzu box truck and it was amazing!

[@hartslawnservice9402]

I must say that's a pretty interesting setup. It seems to work well and I do like the advantages that it offers.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

That’s what everyone says. It works for my route and properties I target and manage. Thanks

[@dirkdiggler1895]

I need this in my life !

[@antoniobryant2516]

Nice setup!

[@sonicbluecoupe]

Cool rig!

[@Disc46789]

Nice set up! I just started my lawn business this year. I’m in Woodstock, GA. Awesome content so far! Looking forward to more...

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Awesome! Good luck with your business. If you have any questions, I’ll try to help you out! Thanks

[@HoopersGardenMaintenance]

Nice setup 👌🏼

[@CamdenGardenSolutions]

GREAT SETUP MATE ! LOVE IT !!!!!

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thank you!

[@lechandler4041]

Fantastic setup. I have never understood why anyone would ever haul around a trailer.

[@blackhawkservices9358]

Nice video, just suscribed. I already have a small ford transit connect and I used it for my clean ups and small jobs wheelbarrow, blower, weed eaters and more fit in the little van.

[@davidworley8885]

That is a very cool idea very efficient

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks

[@lindencamelback2305]

Great set-up, and very professional. Except for box trucks, I don't understand why everyone doesn't do landscaping this way.

[@leadnsteel1428]

Nice setup. Got a Transit connect for my buisness, 4 cylinder engine for good mpgs, and a new 34" Hustler zero turn. I do mostly small medium sized yeards.

[@whiskeylies4221]

I would like to see your setup

[@stevenandcaroletiesi1211]

Recommended by Florida Turf Pros, love the channel and the set up. Im in Australia, I have a Ute and trailer for my business love it, my only problem is finding parking, I’m 30mins from the city. Getting a van soon. God bless

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thank you!

[@thegreenskeep1]

Ideal vehicle for residential property maintenance. I would do the same.

[@KG-bp3qp]

Smart set up

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks so much! It works well for me.

[@AlKyRi]

Watching (again) in 2020. Happy New Year, man. Looking forward to the new content.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

It will be coming soon!

[@waymakerlawncare931]

Nice set up it also keeps your equipment from fading

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Yes, helps on resale value also. If equipment looks newer you can sale for more money

[@housemachine509]

Love it

[@lockwood6793]

Thankyou for this video

[@victoriagreenlawncarelands6836]

I have a fairly similar set up as this but with a econoline van with the folding ramp set up you mentioned. I should start a mowing vlog series and post it.

[@perfectedgeslawn1718]

I just subbed! Great setup. I am planning to use your setup for my 2nd year lawn care setup.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Awesome! Thanks

[@charlieloko5805]

Nice idea

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thank you! It works well for me!

[@ericgebhart5775]

Great set up. I love it. So a 52” is the biggest you can get between the wheel wells.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Yes, but the 48” fits perfect

[@brianfolding40]

I've been using ramps (homemade 10ft boards) with my F150 and putting a 36 inch Worldlawn walk behind in the bed is kinda scary. I've always thought a van would be a better idea and you've confirmed that. I'm surprised how much equipment you can get in it. For a beginner yard guy like me, I think this is the way to go. Thanks!

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

It works great. I only service small Properties so it’s all the room I need

[@tracysonslawncare7006]

Nice set I have 15' box truck set for my lawn Care business. But I need some ramps lol. My r wood

[@JoseGomez33185]

Hi, your setup is awesome. This is exactly what I need. I’m starting a lawn care business in Miami Florida and I was looking for something compact and professional. Great job! BTW, I also subscribed to your channel. Waiting to see more of your complete van setup. Landscapers are a dime a dozen in Miami. I just got laid off after 26 years of service in my company. Hope it goes well for me...

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Good luck!

[@chrisa8112]

I'm #71 subscriber I like your setup its nice and very practical for residential accts. Great vid thanks for some future content.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thank you!

[@westprolawns1953]

Good video. I subbed ya Jonathan from Florida turf pros gave you a channel shoutout. I’m moving to a truck with a folding ramp system with rack on the bed of my truck and and only doing residential properties now. I like the set up with the van never thought of that thing are definitely more secure and out of the weather. Keep the videos coming 👍🏻

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thank you so much!

[@sebastian56309]

I never thought about using a van, but that is a great idea. I really wish you went into bit more detail of the dimensions of the bed and how you setup your machines un the van. This was a great video. Just subscribed.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thank you! Great video suggestion, too!

[@fingersmcgee2762]

i live in a apartment complex and ive thought long and hard about what i need to get started and u either need to have a house and u need the right house because every neighbor or neighborhood wont be good for your business or rent storage and this gives u a way to live anywhere and park anywhere and be able to go cut a lawn at a moments notice and starting out being able cut on short notice helps

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

The van is very versatile! Glad this helped!

[@jralana3618]

Those sprinter Van's are awesome,useful for every trade! If it's just cutting what else do you need? Nada

[@shamid186]

Dope!

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks

[@TheJoecardiff]

Nice can

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks

[@rellmonger7935]

Kool, I want to try a van

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Do it!

[@GregsMowing]

You should come over to England. Practically all gardeners have vans. I have and always will have Ford transits. I have the high roof one. Same shape as yours. Ford started making the transit in uk in 1965. Backbone of Britain. You will find Mercedes and practically everyone copied Ford. Except VW. Great to see Americans use these vans

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

That’s awesome to hear. I didn’t know that about ford being over there so long. I love the ways europeans do things. I think you guys are very smart and innovative. I originally got the idea from you guys. I never see anyone here using these vans. I think I’m the only one.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I will definitely get the high top next time.

[@rebeccamachado5449]

lot of same reasons i use a Ford van extended cab. eventually want to go smaller for gas savings. dont know why more people dont use vans. think its a macho guy thing

[@TacoStacks]

What kind of ramps are those?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Just some from harbor freight

[@abetterlife44]

Great video! I love the setup. What do you do about the gas fumes?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Nothing. The back is separated from he front

[@johnmoran438]

Do you think a 48 inch Scag vride would fit? Love that set up, I'm wanting to do away with the trailer hauling just 2 mowers. Thanks

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Yes I think it will fit

[@davidvasquez3564]

My biggest concern would be gas fumes inside the van parked over night, one spark good buy you and truck.♨🚀

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Everyone always thinks of that. The cab is separate from the back, and it’s no different than box trucks that are used all over the country everyday.

[@davidvasquez3564]

Just checking I'll like to do the same, I was thinking of the Ram Roadmaster with the hight top and put a scissor ramp in place to load a 36" Ferris SRS Z1 in it it's total weight is 730 pds.

[@DjTakiriOkc]

Nice set up I’m planning to buy a used cargo van like that but what do you do when people want banging ? What do you do with the debris ? It will be very helpful if you share it , thanks in advance

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Either dump on site if they have woods or throw it all in the back like you would a truck or trailer.

[@sebastian56309]

You have to make additional van setup videos. What size van is it? What are the cargo area dimensions? Does the equipment have time enough to cool off from job to job? Love the video, I wish there was more information on it.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks! I’ll make another one with more info soon.

[@sebastian56309]

@@TheSouthernReelMower thanks, love the van.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks! It does have limitations but for my clients and target accounts it has worked out great!

[@sebastian56309]

@@TheSouthernReelMower what are the limitations?

[@lsuman38]

NIce

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks

[@Grassology-vs1hn]

Can you get a 48” mower in van ? Do you eve4 need to bag your grass clippings and how do you handle that with a van ? Is this your FT job ? I like your set up 👍🏿

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Yes you can fit a 48”. Most to all my properties have a dump site in the woods behind their home. But in the event you have to carry clippings, just dump them in the van and drive on top of them. When you get to a location to dump, pull all the equipment off and blow the clippings out. Yes it has been my career for the past 16 years. Thanks

[@garden1023]

really nice set up. I have v ride 2- 52" do you think I can fit my in mower?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I know a 48” will fit. I’m not sure on the 52”

[@smithbenford4468]

Like looking for a van to for my landscaping business to

[@billezech]

Nice setup man! Do you operate solo? What's your average size lawns you take care of? I like that little setup! I started out with a truck and trailer and have grown out of my trailer and into a used 14' Penske box truck. I'm currently getting the box wrapped before the start of my next season. I'd like to get a couple of seasons out of it and then either a newer box truck or something similar to what you have. I currently have a 52" and 61" Ferris stand on mowers. Not sure if my 61" would fit between your wheel space? I could always go back down to another 52". I mainly use my 61" for all my yards but occasionally use the 52" in gated areas the 61" won't work.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

This was my setup when I was servicing smaller lawns. It worked awesome. I was by myself, but it would work great with you and another worker. I don’t remember the width between the wheel wells. I know the 48” fit. The dodge version may have more width. I only treat lawns now so I moved back to a pickup truck. But this is a great setup for small properties

[@AlKyRi]

I keep coming back to this vid for ideas lol. I am currently considering a 36" walk-behind for my van set-up as well...what ramp length are you using? I'm trying to figure out what length I'll need to avoid scraping the deck. Ideally wouldn't want to be adjusting the deck every time I load/offload.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I think mine are 5 ft

[@AlKyRi]

@@TheSouthernReelMower Cool. I saw some foldable ones on Amazon that are 7.5' when extended, so those should be more than enough. Thanks man.

[@JsCrazyCutzLLC]

Just subbed to your channel .Nice setup ...How does the AC work with the machines in back between jobs?...What part of the South are you from?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

There is a divider between the cab and back. So the a/c works great since it only has to cool that smaller cab area. I’m in Georgia!

[@Vanguardcredit]

700th Subscriber

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@CdaMANN96]

with this type of set up, i would assume you don't take away the grass clippings from your clients when you mow? Also, what do you do during fall season and there are tons of leaves on a lawn?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Those are good questions. We mulch everything so we have very few clippings to manage. Also here in Georgia, most homes have woods behind the home, so its not a problem to dump clippings there. Worse case scenario, I’ve had to just plan to cut a property that doesn’t have a dump location, at the end of the day, and just throw all the clippings in the back of the van and remove them once I get to my home or another location. The reason for this is if you plan the route out, then I can pile the debris in the back and it doesn’t matter if I can’t get the equipment off since it was the last property of that day. I hope that makes sense. Thanks

[@demalitioninc.344]

Do you find an issue with storing gas power machine In an open area like that....meaning do the fumes bother you since their is no solid wall between you and the equipment

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I get asked this question all the time. It hasn’t been an issue. 👍🏻

[@GlitchyMorpheus]

Just got a ford transit 250 low roof. Where did you get the weedeater racks ?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I made them. I assume you could put up some plywood on the inside and buy some racks already made and screw bit to the wood.

[@lifeonamarble961]

Thanks for the video! I have been interested in a van setup for a couple of years and never could figure out why many guys were not doing it. Quick questions. Can I ask about what you paid for that van and did you price a scissor type ramp for the back? Also, is that a medium height top?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks for the comment. I’ll be doing another van setup video soon with all the options, size etc. stay tuned.

[@tombranham9637]

@@TheSouthernReelMower We are waiting...

[@hudsonjamesc]

Can this or the Isuzu handle a greens aerator?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Sure it can

[@joshpakin6765]

Great video! Planning on buying one in the next couple weeks for the newest mow crew. Is this the high or medium top? What's the internal cargo height?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

It’s the medium height.

[@joshpakin6765]

@@TheSouthernReelMower Do you find that's enough with loading walkbehinds? How tall are you?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I’m 6 ft. And have to watch my head when walking under the supports for the roof. Other than that, I can stand straight up. And this height fits thru most drive thrus. But the high top would probably be best honestly

[@techevar]

I'm curious about why you left commercial and went back to residential?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I was sick of working Saturday and Sunday. We would end up on some properties on the weekends because it was just too hard to service them when the parking lot was full of cars. Also they were loyal and would nickel and dime you. Thanks for the comment.

[@Buttastackz]

Whats the Year and spec of this Transit? Also would your 220 Reel Mower go up that ramp?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

It’s a 2015 transit 250 with the eco boost engine. The reel mower will go up the ramps if needed. It’s not very steep at all.

[@kevinpoland566]

I wonder if a walker mower would fit in the back of that van?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Check out my newest Lawn Care Truck video for measurements!

[@famfirst6660]

Do you have the name of this song well instrumental playing. ?

[@alphaservices4624]

I take it you do no landscaping? If so what do you do for landscaping jobs?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

We do minimal installs. Although this setup works great for transporting plant material.

[@nickatlife8624]

I've always wanted this setup but your saying a 52 grandstand would fit no problem? Maybe a couple?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I’m not sure if it would fit. I know a 48” walk behind does

[@nickatlife8624]

O ok I thought you said 60in between wheel wells. Maybe I'm wrong

[@user-zf2jm8uk1x]

Nice set up! What area of Georgia are you in?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Around acworth Dallas area

[@gabsnands9845]

How do you haul around the trash?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

In the back of the van

[@GardenGateLawn]

Nice setup. Do you think a 52" stander would fit?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Thanks. Soon I’m going to do another van setup video and I’ll measure then

[@GardenGateLawn]

+The Southern Reel Mower thanks I appreciate it.

[@fredericksphotos]

I am just starting a lawn care operation. I have an old ford van that i want to use. How can i mount my trimmers so they won't slide around. I can't afford expensive racks. Thanks

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Just make some out of hooks or metal, or even wood

[@fredericksphotos]

Thanks i will try to figure something out

[@crimmy0204]

I use a ford transit connect for electric lawn maintenance, the gas being in there full time kinda scares me, I would try not to do it too much.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

What are you scared about?

[@crimmy0204]

@@TheSouthernReelMower fumes.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

All my mowers have carbon filters on the gas tank vents, and the front is separated from the back. 5 years now with zero issues

[@JL-zr8dm]

How do you haul the navigator?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

With ramps, it will fit in the van. I plan on building a trailer gate that folds up and is welded to the van so that it will be easier in the future.

[@robertogonzalez2551]

Do you have any vents to vent out the gas smell/fumes?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

No. Some people install fans, vents etc. but my cab has a wall between it and the back, and my mowers have a carbon filter on the gas tank vent so I don’t really smell any fumes.

[@robertogonzalez2551]

@@TheSouthernReelMower Ohh ok just wondering, Thanks!

[@cleanclippingslawnservice7128]

Could I fit safely 36 and 2 21s

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Yes

[@chikenburger]

Hey, is this the short or long wheel base Transit?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

It’s the medium one. I think 158”

[@antoniofreeman7729]

How is the smell? Do you have the smell of gas inside the cab?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

No, and that’s the number one question I get. The cab is separated from the back. Plus all my mowers have carbon filters on the gas tank vents

[@antoniofreeman7729]

Cool I'm really trying to figure out if I want to get a van like that or a trailer thanks for the feedback

[@jakobharris2719]

I'm guessing that's the medium roof?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Yes. Medium roof and length

[@qualitylandscapeandhauling7942]

What was the msrp on that van ? ( if you dont mind me asking).

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

They are around 35k

[@qualitylandscapeandhauling7942]

@@TheSouthernReelMower oh ok. Not bad. What dont you like about having a van compared to a truck ?

[@qualitylandscapeandhauling7942]

Does it smell like gas in there ,while you are driving from house to house ?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

No, the van is separated from the back. Also my mowers have carbon filters on the gas tank vents

[@qualitylandscapeandhauling7942]

@@TheSouthernReelMower I'm deciding between a van or pick up truck. Cant decide.

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

Just depends on what your going to do with it. The van will have limitations, but so does a truck

[@robleromunoz7755]

Where to get a ramp

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

My ramps are from harbor freight.

[@lawnsmaster7391]

52 inch mower will feet?

[@TheSouthernReelMower]

I know a 48” will

[@kevinogrady9446]

Please guys too calling it a box truck it’s a van a transit van

[@cleanclippingslawnservice7128]

Love it