Is it possible to start a business with just one piece of heavy equipment?

Such as an excavator, backhoe, or bulldozer.

All of my research takes me to forums where everyone is recomending 3 or 4 pieces of equipment. I can't get a CDL due to a medical problem, and want to just keep the whole operation under 26,000 lbs. What I really want to do is just buy one thing and get hired as a freelancer. Does anyone ever do this?

I was actually planning on buying something, which would force me to have to transport it myself. This opens up another question. Cost wise, what are the advanteges to renting? Everyone always seems to say rent, but to me it just seems like over the long term that would cost more money, as I'm paying for something I don't get to keep, while I actually have enough money to buy something once and keep it.

Also, I was really hoping someone would say mini ex =) I love using those. I was really thinking everyone was going to recomend a backhoe as it's more versatile.

Thanks for the advice btw. I've been trying to see if this was viable for hours, luckily stumbling across heavyequipmentforums

If you find a niche market such as tricking out a finish grade dozer with gps. The same could be done with a grader. These I think have the greatest chance of being hired out by larger contractors. It would also reduce your needing of a dump truck. A skid steer alone or mini ex or any ex would result in you going hungry and broke in my opinion. If you can offer something that is cost prohibitive for others to purchase but offers advantages in productivity would be a place to start. Much would depend on your specific market area as to how successful something like that would be.

The problem with a mini ex is they are too easy to rent. If your at a one machine max. you are limited in the type of jobs you can do yourself. Your basically reduced to the very same types of jobs that are ideal for the "rent a mini ex for the day" type jobs. Maybe in Florida there is enough of a market for such work, but it would seem doubtful to me. A backhoe is a good idea but if your limited to under 26K you wont get much of a dump truck and you would have to pay to have your hoe moved. That will limit how competetive you can be.

You could pick up a skid steer, trailer, and small dump truck and be in business. You can keep yourself under CDL and still pick up work. You should check out your local market, and find out if they would hire you, and at what rate. Start with all your local small landscape companies, and your local Small contractors, talk to the local material supply yards also. Be very careful at setting the right rates for your time and equipment. If your not right you could end up working for a loss. Things are slow right now, so take plenty of time doing research. The equipment needed could also cost you about $30,000 to get started. You will also need insurance and permits, and it also might help if you take a course in small business management... But it can be done so give it a try...and good luck if you do.

Zeus,

I have to ask you this before you drop a dime on this idea of yours, do you have any license? By that I mean at least a CUC which is the Florida Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor or a Florida General Contractors License? Dunedin is in Pinellas County if I'm not mistaken, my cousin is a County Compliance Officer there and this state and every county in it is hard up for cash and they use fines to offset their budget deficit's whenever possible. You can't so much as dig a hole for hire in Florida without a contractors license and general liability insurance. You should check with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to see if you can get away with being a "registered" contractor only which means strictly your county NOT statewide like a CUC or GC.

Not wanting to take the wind out of your sails but I have been in contracting my entire adult life in the Sunshine State and they have become ruthless with regards to licenses and insurance. If you have none of the aforementioned it's no longer just a slap on the wrist, it is a substantial fine and possibly being banned for a period or permanently from sitting for ANY contractors license test. Beware and be careful, it's your money, livelihood and possible freedom at risk...


One more thing, when you mention excavating to an insurance agent they generally flip out on you and you never hear from them again. They know the risks involved when contractors go to diggin' and know that locating companies aren't always totally accurate. There's a saying in the biz, cut a fiber optic cable and you WILL go bankrupt and that's why insurance companies get real nervous when it comes to start-up operations involved in excavation. Do a lot of research before you drop a dime. And if and when you decide to pull the trigger don't believe the scams who'll do all the state paperwork for you for oh around $500, you can do it all yourself for less than half that online at www.sunbiz.org the State's own website. Good luck...

Zeusophobia said:

I was actually planning on buying something, which would force me to have to transport it myself. This opens up another question. Cost wise, what are the advanteges to renting? Everyone always seems to say rent, but to me it just seems like over the long term that would cost more money, as I'm paying for something I don't get to keep, while I actually have enough money to buy something once and keep it.

Also, I was really hoping someone would say mini ex =) I love using those. I was really thinking everyone was going to recomend a backhoe as it's more versatile.

Thanks for the advice btw. I've been trying to see if this was viable for hours, luckily stumbling across heavyequipmentforums

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I don't have a license at the moment, but I plan on getting one before I put this together, even before I buy the equipment.

Okay good,

Have you checked at www.myfloridalicense.com to see if you meet all the minimum requirements to sit for the test? You can download the application and it must be filled out completely or it takes forever. You also have to have the whole application packet in, in the first of every month so the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) can review it at the end of the month. You need their approval before you can sit for the test. Also, since 2006 I believe you will need to take a course in Construction Management which can be done at a Community College and it only takes about two months. If you need any help let me know, my family has deep ties with the ECLB and CILB.

Quick question but no need to answer in this forum, more a personal mental note if you will. You do have good credit and at least $20,000 in liquid assets? You will need good credit as part of the CILB vetting process as well as money or liquid assets that can be confirmed. Florida learned the hard way about giving away licenses only to have the "contractors" go belly up leaving customers without completed work and left holding the bills. It is not an easy or quick process to get licensed in Florida but well worth the effort. Quite a few other states know how hard it is to get a license here and therefore will reciprocate giving you the opportunity to move if things don't work out as planned here and another door of opportunity opens up elsewhere.

Zeusophobia said:

I don't have a license at the moment, but I plan on getting one before I put this together, even before I buy the equipment.

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Zeusophobia said:

Such as an excavator, backhoe, or bulldozer.

All of my research takes me to forums where everyone is recomending 3 or 4 pieces of equipment. I can't get a CDL due to a medical problem, and want to just keep the whole operation under 26,000 lbs. What I really want to do is just buy one thing and get hired as a freelancer. Does anyone ever do this?

Click to expand...

1967 Allis Chalmers I600 backhoe---called it Wayne's Backhoe Service back in 1974.YES,it certainly can be done--communicate with every tradesman you can imagine,network,advertise,be smart,find a niche if possible and ABOVE ALL--BE SAFE AND DIG SAFER!!!! Best of luck.

One of our longtime subs runs an outfit with only an F-550 and a Bobcat with a bunch of goodies. Over the years he has done tree cutting, complete final grading and landscaping, or other miscellaneous jobs with just a Bobcat. However, most of his work comes from a long term contract with a major gas pipeline company clearing hundreds of miles of ROWs. He says although it requires background checks and some certifications, it was very profitable. He's buying a second machine and a new dump truck with the profits. And he's only been in business for less than a decade.

Maybe ROW clearing is something you'd consider. Lots of traveling (within reason, of course) and good money. Good opportunity to expand and grow a good reputation too.

I barowed money and started with a snow plow (probably would not work in Florida) a year later a dump truck then a year later a 975 bobcat. I am now worth a little over 2 mil. It took 30 years of hard work, but yes it can be done.