Article
Backed by it's Fleet of Power Trac Machines, Hartscapes Ensures Every Landscape Detail is Thought Out and Implemented (by Kristie Asbury)
Despite Reports of a
sluggish economy, today's green industry is alive and well. Pick up
the phone book, thumb to the landscape contractor section and you will find
a variety of professionals like never before. The green industry is
growing like ivy and competition is growing fiercer each season.
Veterans realize they need to set themselves apart from their rivals, providing unequaled services - whether they're mowing lawns, spreading fertilizer, constructing retaining walls or designing whole outdoor environments. It's having the ability to provide a quality product that pleases the customer and then having the crews to perform each unique job with efficiency and skill that matters. For Hartscapes of Eldersburg, Md.; the secret lies in a combination of unique services, competent crews, and the right tools to get the job done.
Eric and Mary Ann Hart went into the landscape business as Hart's Lawn Care in 1987. Their focus was on lawn maintenance and their reputation grew- and so did their range of services. In 1997, they changed their name to Hartscapes to reflect a new vision of providing clients with services that reached beyond the limits of typical lawn care, but included both categories of landscaping and hardscaping. For the Harts, providing vision, customer service and a quality product to their clients has been key to their success and growth. And staying efficient while they do it has kept them in business for more than 15 years. "Keeping things efficient puts more money in our pockets and less strain on our bodies," says Eric Hart.
The Harts believe that the equipment they own is a major factor in the that efficiency. While they once owned compact utility loaders or mini skid steer-type machines, Eric felt it limited the company because these machines would tear up too much turf. "And also, the ground speed was too slow for long runs carrying materials," says Eric.
Now
the company owns two Power Trac PT1460's (each with a lift capacity of 2,400
lbs) and a Power Trac PT425 (45-in. wide with an 800-lbs lifting capacity).
"Many of our jobs are hard to reach because of tight areas and small machines replace labor - the largest single expense contractors have," explains Eric. "We have found that a two-person crew with a 425 Power Trac will outwork a five-person crew that has shovels and wheelbarrows."
Hartscapes uses the Power Tracs with larger lifting capacities to unload pavers by the truckload, eliminating the need for a middleman. "The Power Trac way we do things has tripled our revenues due to increased productivity and efficiency," says Eric.
Another reason why Hartscapes is sold on these Power Trac machines is because each one is articulated. Eric notes that articulated machines cost less to operate: "The [Power Trac] wheels follow the turn, while a skid steer plows through a turn which takes more horsepower, resulting in more fuel being burned."
The articulated design allows the operator to be more efficient in using attachments and makes maneuverability a top priority. But perhaps the most important advantage for an articulated machine is that it does not damage the existing surface - not only turf. A crew can make the lasting impression their work, not a mess left behind. Contractors know if their equipment damages the turf during a job, they have to repair it for free, which can reduce profits dramatically.
"The articulated design of
the 425 allowed us to put 1,100 hours on the unit with replacing only one
tire... and that [damage] was due to operator's carelessness," says Eric.
And what would a machine be without it's attachments? Hartscapes uses a variety of implements - a small bucket with teeth, large light material bucket, stump grinder, and an auger. The company has found that finding the right attachment is critical to productivity. Eric has even used his own talents to create some attachments, including a brick paver carrier and concrete breaker. By welding a Power Trac quick-attach plate to the attachment, he can run his handmade attachments off the front of his machine.
Today, Hartscapes'
services include beautiful patios and walkways with brick pavers, ponds and
plant installation. The company provides an onsite evaluation that
takes into account what the customer has in mind, as well as soil
conditions, amount of sun, and and any deterrents Mother Nature may throw in
the way. All of these recommendations and design ideas are presented
to the customer before beginning any installation.
Then Hartscapes crews get to work designing solutions for water problems, inclines, and unique "outdoor rooms," which can include a brick oven for pizzas or wrought iron gates handmade by none other than Eric Hart himself. MaryAnn's talents are at work too and include creating the company's unique designs, as well as calculating estimates, administration, customer sales, and quality consultations.
"Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty," recommends MaryAnn. "Most of all, be honest and do the best work you can and be sure you are well compensated for your efforts."
A visit to the company's Web site (www.hartscapes.com) gives some good examples of the creativity the company lends to the smallest details, creating the perfect setting and professional final product. From the polyethylene flowerpots to the cleanliness of the pond water, Hartscapes ensures that ever detail is well thought out and implemented.
Kristie Asbury is a sales manager fro Power Trac, Tazewell, VA.
