Exactly ! 100 percent correct, we all know kids are curious but bring her in the house and let her look out window ! Too dangerous for humans let alone a kid! I guarantee that guy will sue the heck out of this team ! Keep being safe guys and what we care about is quality over quantity!
i dont mean to be so offtopic but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost my account password. I love any tips you can give me.
@Gus Westley i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process atm. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
put it contract: no kids, pets, horses allowed in work zone. If conditions do not allow crews to do work, client will still be required to pay for crew time and set up.
I had a tiny piece of wood chip hit me below the eye once. Side discharge mower, I was standing maybe 30ft away. It stung something fierce and turned black/blue/ugly and didn’t go away for about 6 weeks. I was lucky it missed my eye.
You got a sub from me on that one with the young child. You can take two different mindset approaches to a situation like that. Either you can try to get them inside or you can teach them to be around the equipment in a safe way. My nephews used to like to watch me mow and weed whack when they were younger because they lived nearby. They always liked to be out there with me. So, I started to teach them, and improvise the situation. I taught them to stay either behind me or to the side of the mower opposite the discharge if they need to travel in that direction but only if they need to. For weed whacking I taught them to always stay directly behind me opposite the strings in a position so my body guards them from any potentially threatening discharge. Whenever mowing, and coming to some pine cones or small fallen sticks and the like that the mower can deal with and mulch up, I always made sure they were directly behind me a few feet. My father did the same with me so I did it with them. Believe it or not, the back of any machine, is always the safest place for anyone to be if they are wanting to watch you do it. If any object does happen to discharge from the back of the machine it has to get past the structure of the riding mower or the person pushing the mower or past the person who is weed whacking before hitting someone else. I would rather it hit me than anyone else. Plus, I don't know about anyone else, but I always stop and look behind me before going in reverse and to see if anyone or anything is there that I need to be aware of. You never know, the owner of the property could be standing behind you, or another person helping you out on the job. So what I say is: If the child won't stay inside and the parent won't enforce your rules for safety, you can either quit the job or take the opportunity if the child seems to be inquisitive, and old enough to understand and to teach them how to be safe around the equipment while it is running. Nurture their interest, but remain vigilant to be sure they are where you said to be, because this industry is shrinking and we can help to bring up a few more of those who like this sort of thing; man or woman. It doesn't take much time to correct them and they will start to do what you say naturally. Stay behind me at all times. If they don't follow those rules then quit the job. You would be surprised of how many younger children are willing to fallow those simple rules if they refuse to stay inside and the parent won't enforce your Plan A safety rules. Moreover, with them staying behind you and you going over something simple like pine cones, it will show them just how dangerous it can be to be messing around equipment like that. I understand it's not your child. But if the parent won't be a parent, then you need to take matters into your own hands and be a parent to the child, and teach them and nurture their curiosities. You'll grow to love them too. Plus, the actual supposed parent, may not be giving the child the proper attention that they require. I've seen one too many lazy parents in my day, and it breaks my heart, so I nurture their curiosities wherever and whenever I can while making sure they can remain safe. And the reason I do this is because I was lucky enough to have parents that were there every waking moment of my life, and did the same for me, even at a tender age. So I pass that on to the next generation if they can follow some simple rules I give them. When I turn around I expect to see you rate there where I told you to be or nowhere in site in 360 degrees. One or the other. Take your pick.
If you have to fight or argue with any customer they are not worth having . Move on and you will find another . There is always somebody else who will give you more respect. Cutting lawns is my life, so I've been there!
To be upfront I think some parents use their children as a pawn for issues and tell them to do these things, in order to create a legal issue this that results in financial gain on their behalf.
I've dealt with curious kids before, I have 3 ways of handling it. One is a waiver saying I'm not responsible for the children getting injured by the equipment, very descriptive of injuries and death incidents (usually scares them into number two, if it doesn't and I feel it's too much of a risk I do three). Two I ask for them to be taken inside and watch from a window or watch from a 2nd story deck (if applicable). Three I refuse to finish the property and leave alerting the client of the issue their children have presented and letting them know I'd be happy to come back so long as the children are not outside while I'm working.
Should add also, very nicely done on your part and I feel you on the emotional side. I literally avoid doing the waiver portion unless the parent is being unruly then I use it as a tactic to get them to understand.
GOOD FOR YOU !! Stand your ground. People have no idea how dangerous lawn equipment can be, and their failure to parent their child now will cost them heavily down the road....and probably not over a lawn mower....lol Look at the way the little girl spoke to you. It almost makes me sick at the stomach when I see people hold their little kids on the mower and allow them to ride while they mow.. ..it is an accident waiting to happen. It's a lawnmower, not a 4 wheeler !! And you're right....if that trimmer happened to throw a nail or screw up through her eye, they would sue you. He was already quick to have you in court over the mow job. Best to get rid of that headache right now.
I run into this all the time, with adults no less. They always have the "no big deal" attitude. Of course that is until someone is injured and the lawsuit comes rollin in.
@@SpencerLawnCare Its like hes getting angry because hes insecure of the fact that you have more caution for his child and its threatning to him sub-consciously, JKS I dont even know really, hes probably just an idiot
@@SpencerLawnCare i do, got hit in the face by a 8 inch angle iron from under a mower. 200 mph split my face from ear to eye, nearly knocked me out, 9 weeks of no lifting anything over 20lbs, or it would make me vomit from eye pressure. point taken.
@@Seriouslydave I hope you are all healed up, David! Did the mower hit a piece of angle iron? How were you below it? I’m guessing there was a hill involved. Please elaborate.
Hey bruddah, you are a good dude. 12 years ago when my daughter wasn't even 6 months old yet, my ex and I took her up north, Ludington Michigan to meet grandma. Next door to my mom was an empty lot that was just purchased to build a home on, the new owners were out there cutting this huge lot with grass up to 4 feet tall with a riding mower. My mom was inside the house in her bedroom holding my daughter and I hear glass shattering and a loud thud! Then I hear my mom scream, I go running in and a rock the size of a fist whipped through the window, then through the drywall and landed in between the bedroom wall, literally less than 2 inches from my daughter's head. My blood was so hot and my adrenaline was running so high I flipped out, ran at that dude cutting while he freaked out cause he had No idea why I was about to break his face. I gained control of myself so no breaking of any faces happened. He felt horrible when I told him what happened, paid for damages, stopped cutting, came back the next day with 20 foot wooden beams, regular fencing, and netted fencing to assure this would never happen again. Turned out to be very down to earth and good hearted people. The thought of what could have happened if that rock was 2 inches to the left makes my heart sink. My 5 month old baby who is 12 years old now may not even be here today, or could have been paralyzed for life, thank the good Lord none of that happened and she now plays baseball, volleyball, basketball, the guitar and a cheerleader. You are good people brother and you have a big heart, I own my own plumbing company and it is nice to be able to choose who your customers are, all my customers are like family to me and they appreciate and respect me as much as I appreciate and respect them. Much love and aloha brother, from Oahu Hawaii. 🤙🏼
Shawn- you did the right thing. Commercial lawn equipment is dangerous to everyone in the operation zone. This parent just doesn't understand the potential for harm or doesn't care. I had a 30 year career and I have seen firsthand the damage that this equipment can inflict. Some people don't respect lawn equipment, like the people who operate a riding mower while holding a kid. That really ticks me off. So don't sweat losing that customers. Your better off without him. Be safe and have a good hump day tomorrow!
Matt Woolley yea because now days if you spank ur child to discipline them cps gets called so it makes it harder for us to control and teach our kids right from wrong
Most recent John Deere tractor I bought had a reverse switch installed to keep the mower running in reverse. It's suppose to be a safety feature to remind the operator to actually look behind them running reversing with the PTO clutch engaged. John Deere installed these switches shortly after an incident where a GIRL had gotten back over by their own FATHER WHILE THE BLADES WERE RUNNING! The girl was thought to have been in the house while the father was mowing, unbeknownst to the father, she ran out to go play / check up on the yard and she surprised him in the worst way ever! You can look it up, would be a good lesson for those who may want to listen in the first place and be proactive rather than REGRETFULLY reactive.
My 9 year old nephew came to my house to play with my son back in the spring. I was in the middle first mowing of the year and out of nowhere he comes running up along side of my 17 hp diesel Kubota tractor that has a belly mower. Drops to his belly looking under the deck into the side shoot. I believe that was as scared as I have ever been and I am firefighter. My yard has three large pecan trees, a huge hard maple, a ash tree and a southern cyprus tree. The first mowing is always bad because of all the small twigs and pecan shells from those trees. I shut my tractor down and chased him to the front door had I caught him I would have beat his rear end off of him. At age 9 he knew it was dumb but the kid in him took control. My wife made both of the boys stay in the same room of the house she was in until I finished mowing. My son wasn't outside but I was terrified about the incident. I would have dropped the job same as they did and understand how he felt having the girl dart in front of him.
My friend was run over by a lawn mower by his grandmother who accidentally backed up onto him when he was 5 and he is missing toes and parts of his calf muscles. I don't let my little kids outside when I'm mowing either.
Lawn mowers are nothing to mess around with. They are very unforgiving and they do NOT care what they cut. I agree 100% with your decision. You can never predict what children are going to do. If that child would have been right around that corner and you didn't see her it could have ended in very serious injuries or fatality. I work with lawn mowers and weed whackers at our campground and we have to constantly watch for kids especially during the summer when school is out. We usually don't have too many problems as we do our lawn maintenance in the middle of the week when we don't have many campers in the campground. Most of our campers usually come in for the weekends. We do the lawn maintenance on Wednesday and Thursday so the grass looks nice for the weekend when campers come in
Awesome video dude! Love to see this, I’m not from America and it’s not often I see the standing ride on mowers, generally sit on or push mowers here. Just a thought, have you ever considering putting some branding on your truck?? Neighbours hear and see you next door leaving a beautiful lawn job behind, if they see your truck/trailer branded and with the appropriate contact details, you could drum up some really good extra business. Cheers for the awesome content! My first time here, a sub and a like, good on you!! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
Tq and You work your butts off,,thats how you make it man,,,,great people,,my dad was the same way,,working all the time,,,he died real quick to...never got to say anything to him,,sure miss him...enjoy you dad as much as you can,,,,while you got him...thats nice of you cleaning up door ways from ice,,completes the job id say...take care of your customers,,they will love you for it..i heard the big ones coming,,tuesday night,,a little more north from Wv...45 tuesday here 50 miles south of Pittsburg..stay warm u-all
Customer left a BRONZE sprinkler in the front yard. . . grass is tall and I'm on a Dixie Chopper with 200 MPH blade tip speeds, this thing comes out the chute and STICKS in the neighbor's car door !!
Not that you need any of us to tell you, but you are absolutely right. I resigned a job over the safety of a child in a different setting, and the bottom line is you can look in the mirror and respect yourself, and know what you did is right. Teaching children respect for power tools, yard mowers, trimmers, saws, etc. was something our parents did for us, and we do for our kids. Thank God for our parents! Keep up the great work!
I had a co-worker kill his 4 year old child with a riding mower in the early 90s. It left him a mess for the rest of his life, you did the right thing.
I somehow missed a rock when I did the walk through before mowing my backyard years ago. It couldnt have been more than 2-3 inches big around but the mower hit it and sent it flying a good 50-60 ft. It hit the glass patio sliding door...SHATTERING THE ENTIRE OUTER PANE. NOT CRACKED, NOT CHIPPED...SHATTERED THE ENTIRE PANE OF GLASS AND LEFT AN IMPACT CHIPPED LIKE PLACE ON THE 2ND PANE. If one of my kids (at that time oldest 14, youngest 4) had been outside playing, helping me, sitting out on the back steps OR IF THE PATIO DOOR HAD BEEN OPEN AND ONE OF THEM IN/WALKING THROUGH THE KITCHEN TO THEIR ROOMS OR THEIR BATHROOM...IT WOULD HAVE SERIOUSLY HURT THEM IF NOT KILLED THEM. This sh!t happens all the time. If it isn't flying projectiles (even something small like nuts, bolts, nails, wire, pebbles, rocks, sticks, etc...) then it is kids falling off lawnmowers, running into them or sticking their hands where they shouldn't. Not to mention belts, pulleys, guards can break loose and go flying from under the mowing decks. The last thing anyone wants to see is a little one with a gashed open face, hand, arms, feet or legs. And the very last thing anyone wants is to FEEL OR KNOW THEY ARE THE ONES WHO COULD OR SHOULD HAVE PREVENTED IT. However, that customer is a true piece of work.
Thing is, something else they don't get: It's the law. If there is a child running onto the site when a contractor is about to start work outside, be it mowing, paving, tree trimming, they must stop work until the situation is made safe. The parents don't even have to sue. A police officer driving by can issue them a citation and then make their lives hell by slapping on additional permit and license inspections, OSHA violations, DOT inspections, etc. If it's determined a parent was negligent, guess what? The state gets involved and the parents really have a bad day. I'm surprised you didn't call his bluff and take it to court.
I had a similar experience. Obviously your issue is your own experience. Mine was when I would go to cut items in the yard forks window screen pieces screw drivers ect. The tard f... I stated several times to please pick up and keep his kids inside or out of the yard when mowing would not. The kids would cast majority of the time hang near and around the chute of my exmark rider when attempting to mow. My response is if kids are outside they run here over there and do this and then that what ever that may exactly be. Sounds odd I know but after I reconsidered it further I realized that the kids were told to be in the proximity why else would they consistantly be in that location. I doubt that the kids are thinking about money lawyers ect. Welcome to mount Carroll Illinois home of mr. Jim sobo whoops did I just post this information....
Safety is always first and they taught me from John Deere school that the grass is traveling at 200 mph when it exits the discharge chute and the new mowers deck speed is a lot faster now so the exit speed is much higher. You hit a rock or a piece of steel and there is a deadly projectile which will injure or kill someone in the path. When my grandkids come out of the house the mower deck goes off and I shut down the diesel motor till they leave. That father is an idiot and your right to leave the account. You don’t have enough insurance if that little girl gets hurt. I’m just a homeowner and I have a 5 million liability policy and I’m not sure that’s enough.
I've worked professionally with children for the past 30 years, I do lawn care on the side. Kids are curious by nature and really dont know any better, especially at those young ages. Its our responsibility as parents/adults to keep our children safe and to teach them the do's and dont's of life. This is just unacceptable irresponsible behavior on the part of the parent, yet its your fault?? I think not.... What a joke!!! Never would I ever cut, trim, edge or even blow off a property with children nearby. The risks are way too high for any amount of money. Dont loose any sleep over this..You definitely made the right choice by dropping them as a customer. Keep up the great vids, stay safe, and live life to its fullest every day Team Specner!!!!!!
I have an industrial account that I want to give up because it's unsafe but can't since it's such a high percentage of my income. It's sad that the adults here are as bad as kids. Not that they want to watch us service, but there are so many cars and people always on break and they don't look out for you at all. People have to learn to take a little responsibility. I get mad as well, especially when adults act no better than kids about being in an unsafe position near us. Like you said, when you do sling something up and hit them, they will be the first to sue, yet they don't make any effort to avoid getting near us while we are servicing. I get they all are taking break and/lunch, but what can you do when people are always on break or lunch? I just don't see why they have to come walk right where you are mowing or trimming when they know you don't see them. These things make me hate this business.
This year in N. Texas lawn services are firing customers right and left, sometimes because they are smaller customers, or too far out, or whatever. The reason is because with changes in immigration law they can are not allowed to hire the numbers of seasonal workers they used to hire, and no one wants to work a seasonal job in the hot Texas sun except people from south of the border. These are companies that pay good wages with benefits, and they can't hire enough employees because there are not enough candidates that are used to hard outdoor work from early until late six days a week. My own daughter with a small front-only yard in Dallas was on a two-week schedule but got a nice letter telling her she had been dropped because they only had enough staff to service weekly customers, and not even all of them.
Back around 1967, when I was around 4 years old, I was running parallel to my dad as he used a hand pushed gas mower to mow a strip of grass next to the road out in front of our house. There was a ditch and another strip of grass, and a wood plank fence between him and me. I don't even think he saw me there - I went out of the house without telling mom, saw him and run after him along the fence line to catch up to him. Anyway, about the time I was even with him, a rock was spit out of that mower, missed the planked fence and nailed me just below the ear. It dropped me like I was hit with a sledgehammer. I was stunned for a bit, then it started to burn..and I started to scream. I think about that time was when he turned around to go the other way and saw me. All I remember next is laying in on the bench seat in the car, Dad driving and my head on mom's lap. I don't recall anything after that. That lawnmower...given it was 1967 probably wasn't as powerful as some of the handpushed gas mowers they make today, yet it shot a good sized rock probably 25+ feet and it knocked me silly for a least a minute before I became aware and began to scream - it could have been longer or maybe even less time, I was only 4 and knocked silly, as I said, but I do remember running one second, then kind of waking up face down in the grass and feeling that burn starting on the side of my head. And that mower back then probably didn't get the blade rpms anywhere near what a riding mower would have. So even if a kid is quite a ways across the yard, it's still to risky.
I've seen some crazy stuff come flying out of my home mower. Could only imagine what your machines could throw. I've had a mower throw a rock which took out my rear window in my Honda. It's no joke. Be safe.
Hey there I feel your pain , I'm a government garden contractor in the UK, and I do a lot of parks and playgrounds usually cutting with a Kubota G21 ride on mower or a Massey Ferguson compact tractor hauling a 6ft finishing mower and I have this problem daily during the summer months. I've had the parents of children actually argue with me that their child should be allowed to chase behind me while I'm mowing grass on a 35 horsepower machine cutting a 6ft path through the grass UNBELIEVABLE attitude to their child's safety!
Same thing happen to me bush hogging a field the little boy fellowed behind the cutter and it slings it out the back at 2200 PTO rpms. So I tell the home owner to not let there son ride in the field are near my tractor. Next time I cut it off walk to the door and told them I will not cut again and your child's safety is more important to me. So again 3rd time I loaded it up and chain it down he came hey you made three cut lines I told him you been ask two times keep him out of the field and you didn't I am not cutting it no more. It's your call not the home owner and that's how I do it. There is always a field to replace the one you lose. Stand your ground and do it right makes you look good.
Seeing this video right now for the first time, and it makes me feel really happy and soothing somehow, IDK. It’s because of the green colors, the neighborhood and the houses, the sounds sound pretty nice, nice beautiful grasses and is a nice sunny wonderful summer video. Nice video by the way! Just didn’t enjoy the speed up sound only. I feel like you don’t like people looking or staring at you working real hard in people’s yard. EDIT: I get where you coming with the child for sure. It’s all about safety first and foremost when it comes down to it at the end. Also you don’t want any problems dealing with customers/people in general with something that is little and can be solve easily. If people/parents don’t cooperate with you, than is a bye bye for sure. Yah just trying to make money for a living only, that’s all really mother******!
G'day, Spencer Lawn Care! I will agree, Safety 1st! Keep Kids and Pets Out of the Yard. Mowing the lawn with kids and pets underfoot is a dangerous proposition. It also makes the job more difficult in general. Kids are often fascinated by lawnmowers, but they shouldn’t be allowed to run around the yard while you’re cutting the grass. Let them watch from a window or from a deck or patio if they are old enough to resist the urge to get closer. Plus! Another I see (far too often) is Lawn Mowers, Flip Flops and Disaster!! The first thing to keep in mind is that a mower blade is a big chunk of metal going at a very high speed. Shod or barefoot, if it hits your foot it is going to do damage, unless you are wearing steel-toed boots. And quite frankly, I don’t think a very high proportion of the population mows their grass wearing steel-toed boots. As I look around the neighborhood, I see folks in flip-flops (really), sandals, and gym shoes. There is actually a guy nearby that I’ve seen mow his grass barefooted, while on a riding mower. Folks need to realize the blades on lawnmowers can spin at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun? Yet, each year, see people who have been hurt while operating a lawnmower (even) barefoot. So never wear flip-flops when you cut the grass. No matter what your age, you are never to old for safety. Thank you very much! Cheers! 😊✌🏼❤️
Your right man ! I’m with u on this ! I’m a new sub but yea don’t even mow it any more . Definitely not worth the headache. Is that your wife ? If so she’s beautiful and she’s good at what she’s doing !!! My mom use to mow for like 11 years str8.she was working at a lawn maintenance company and she was the crew leader . Also the driver . She was running it lol . Drove heavy equipment.dump bed truck all that .She always said make sure u continue to apply sun screen and take care of ur skin !!!
Having kids or people in general should be some sort of violation of your insurance. My companys insurance , not a lawn service, ssys that people cant be within 50 feet of our equipment.
Either way that would be a good excuse to use too with customers like this! "Sorry bud, my insurance just won't allow spectators/children around my work."
Way to stand your ground bro! At the end of the day, you just can't fix stupid. As a parent, I would be thankful that you have the best interest of my child for her safety. When things go bad, they go bad fast. Like you said, something comes whizzing out of that mower or off TQ's string trimmer and takes out an eye or worse, dad would be wanting to sue you. Has no clue of what you have to lose. Way to stand your ground bro......Well done and Happy 4th of July to you and the family!
I have been in this game for 26 year's, Brother you have a gem with your wife. She trim's better than 90% of the men I have worked alongside in all these years! Man Mowing Apartment complex buildings sucks for having people walk out on you when you are trying to do your job, Having kids play around playgrounds.. Like you I shut my mower off and if this continues on I will go to the manager and tell them to post a letter to everyone to keep kids inside untill mowing is complete!
Same thing happened to me about a month ago for the first time. I told the kid to go in side because he could get hirt he said "no, I do what I want" .... this kid is barely 5 n the first time I went to the property to give an estimate he was bad asf. Needless to say I told his mom that I told him he's not aloud to be outside while I'm mowing for safety reasons and if he's outside and gets hurt after I gave both of y'all warnings (in person and in text) I can't be held responsible and if it happens again I wouldn't be able to mow your lawn anymore. I've been by 2 times since with no incident lets hope it stays that way. But I would of at least tried to call the home owner first before just leaving and seeing if they could get her in. But I agree kids shouldn't be around running machines. And neither should adults to many customers like to stand at the wrong end of the weedwhacker way to much and get surprised when it kicks stuff up at them. I never thought in a business so simple that i would run across as many dumbasses as I do.
I would be mad too, because I mow and string trim and I always get mulch, rocks long grass flying everywhere at me at siding and stuff and when you string trim it’s dangerous cause I’ve worn shorts and it’s hurts bad with all the stuff that flies at me, and what if if would’ve flew at that kid? Parents have gotta know the dangers and injuries from this type of stuff.
It is no big deal, until that kid gets hurt....then they say, "u knew it was unsafe and kept working here". Bad customers are like a bad sale that you really want to make....you try to make it work, but in the end....no good deed goes unpunished. Legal tip of the day.....everybody says they will sue. Unless they r a lawyer....or know one who will work for free....they wont. On the other hand, small claims is a great way to get bills paid....especially if you have a written agreement....oh yes...and people always hire lawyers just like themselves. So idiots hire idiots.
@@adamgipson6151 I don't care if your trailer park trash or six figure trash... Wasn't my point... The point is that treating other people like a doormat, and taking advantage of them, and having zero respect for their personal wellbeing whatsoever makes you a very trashy person.
Difference between a city kid and a farm kid: city kid must remain in the basement under a table away from any windows until grass is cut. Farm kid would have that lawn mowed n done hours ago without an argument. Big deal.. this is drama at its finest.
I mow in a large cemetery but sometimes I do some properties early in the week, one I do is a couple acres and there's 3 kids always running around there's dozens of toys in the yard and they have two small dogs and a cat that wander about, it's a big mower and when I turn and see a kid running around and then look again and don't see them I have to stop to make sure I know where all the little kids and animals are, I don't think I'll be working on that property next summer.
Shawn- I agree with you and TQ. Safety is number 1 for me. I see all kinds of junk pn lawns. I shut down the mower completely of I see a kid or an animal on the property. The parents will sue you for injury or worse. I say it and send email with terms and conditions. I prefer to lose a client than get sued or a parent's inattention! Joe Carleo - A Plus Lawn Care of Stallings
It is best to drop a lawn at the moment you have already discussed an issue with the customer whatever it may be obviously significant enough to be a of concern for your company to drop the customer upon repeat reoccurring same issue s. It shows the lack of respect on the customers behalf, typically the same customer who do this type of thing have other issues that are not a good customer to have. A bit off subject yet really important part of the conversation. You have to think of that your business is two people not husband and wife. Two people who would be paid wages according to the market for staffed employees example one driver 14 per hr and one labor 11 per hr. Then pro rate the lawn by how many minutes it takes you to service the property on average (hot days/rainy period s/ect) and also include drive time (I figure a min.of 15 min) then take a daily operation expense ( fuel / insurance truck mower s ect) do not forget the labor and get it figured out to what that expense is by the hour and you have a exact formula that is going to guarantee you a profitable future. Always reevaluate the hourly rate every year or upon large purchase acquisition of additional truck and or equipment as it can change your operating costs. Also considering doing so prior to purchasing and or acquiring new truck s and or equipment it may change your operating costs in turn that may create a higher expense of operating that could impact your customers you value and create issues for you as well. Hope that helps you meant as a tool to be helpful.
My father in law was a mortician. He told me of way too many kids that he had to bury over the years that were killed by lawn mowers. When I started dating my wife I began to help him cut his yard so he was telling me about safety so he started telling me about these kids. Many were riding w their parents and for one reason or another they’d end up falling out of their laps and end up under the deck. He told me of several that were running out to meet their daddy’s and when they tried to stop running they lost their footing and slid under the deck mangling them. So we never let kids out in the yard when cutting and never let a kid ride or play on the mowers. We have a neighbor w 4 small kids. They’re always outside and when the dad cuts the grass they’re running everywhere. We went to town one day and went by their house and he was mowing w one of them riding on his knee. He did that often and alternated which got to ride w him to give them each a turn. Told my wife that one of these days one of those kids would be hurt by the mower because he lets them run wild. That evening we heard sirens out on our road (we can’t see their house or the road from ours). Didn’t think much of it because we hear sirens often. The next day wen learned that the kid that was on his lap ended up under the deck but he was lucky in that it only got his foot. He lost his big toe and had many surgeries over a weeks time. The dad said he didn’t know how the boy ended up under the deck. That remains a mystery People need to take safety seriously around any type equipment like that. You did the right thing my friend.
Gee it’s hard day, when I was young we were exposed to dangerous farm equipment n we were kids cutting wood on saw bench for example. I wonder if dad care or he trust me n other brothers around moving machinery? We told how to work around farm machinery, later in life that carry me as I got top score in safety at training company. The fella conducting the safety course said I was smart and I said no, i been exposed all my life to danger. When I see children come over when I do farm I get nervous, I explain the dangers of job but most don’t get full picture. I nearly run over 2ic at work onetime in tractor because he thought I would see him. I was piss that he should know better but can’t risk with anyone. You did right by dropping the customer n not worth the risk👍I would recommend writing a safety report n filling it, i have done before n save my ass in dealing with safety issues. Be safe n take care of one another👍
When you sign up new customers have them sign an acknowledgement that no person(s) should be on property while service is being provided. Tell them your insurance policy requires it.
I get it in this day and age of law suits, one more stupid thing you have to do because of stupid people. I think of it every time I see the DANGER sign on every lawn mower. Somebody sued someone because they didn't know that the mower could hurt or kill you?
Better language would be - "property owner understands and agrees that no pets or no person(s) other than employees of the lawn care service (insert company name here) shall be outside during the time that the property is being serviced between (insert starting and ending times) on (insert date of service)." , and have the property owner initial that section specifically after they have read it and you have explained it and that it is a condition of you providing the service. Include a clause stipulating that if that agreed upon and accepted condition is violated, work will cease IMMEDIATELY, and continuance of the work will be at the discretion of (insert company name here) employee on site, and that payment for work completed up to that time would be due and payable before company leaves the property. Consult an attorney for actual wording to insure that the contract is legally binding with that included. Some people are dumber than a box of rocks.
You are absolutely right to stop mowing. There's nothing more important to the safety of the people around you. I've had a lawn and tree business since 2006 and I have the same rule. No pets or kids around when we're working... PERIOD. Not your loss... You don't want or need someone like that on your schedule... Erase and replace I say.
Sucks you all had to deal with that, but you handled it best you could’ve. People just don’t understand how dangerous it can be. We had an employee hit one of those yellow heavy metal gas line covers/markers that had come loose, pieces of it went completely through a garage door. Easily could’ve killed someone. I was even shocked it did that. Stay safe✌️
You made the right call. Couldn't agree more . My grandfather that had his lawn care service when I was growing up was the exact same way. I won't mow when little ones are around. As I grew up I've heard stories by both of my grandfather's not only what trimmers & mowers can do to the human body But Bush Hogs as well.
I don't do individual yards as you guys do. Rather large residential complexes with lots of common lawns. This same thing drives me up the wall. Kids running around and RIGHT in the way. And it seems like the majority of parents DO...NOT...GET...IT! Even if you diplomatically and carefully explain how dangerous it is. For SOME reason they just will not listen. I have had everything like "Oh they're fine " and even "They live here too. They have just as much right to be on the grass as you do". Are kidding me? Gas-powered machines with literal whirling blades and nobody cares. However, if you walk anywhere near the place with a squirt bottle and mystery liquid boy do they change. "OMG!!! WHAT IS THAT? CHEMICALS?!?!?""
I have ben in lawn care for 4 years now learned from the bottom lol i was in the restaurant biss for 12 years hated it lol decided to do something diffrent lol i got a free education from the first company I worked for lol went in with no experience and left knowing how to do it all lol and i love it:) now I work for a big lawncare company during the week and on Saturday I help cut a good friends personal accounts and he pays me pretty well for just a Saturday lol i work 6 days a week but i love it nothing better than being outside gettin in ur zone and gettin it done lol and the end result is awesome to see lol im like i did that lol it looks beautiful:)
Where I am, you are required to wear PPE when working or near work. (steel toes, safety glasses and hearing protection, etc) If the Ministry of Labour sees me without it, I could face a fine, even more so for mowing around children not wearing any PPE. It is a serious safety risk and violation of safety regulations; that father is breaking those laws and committing child endangerment. We are entitled and obligated to refuse unsafe work that puts myself or others at risk. Good on you for dropping him.
Fire them if they won't keep their kids safe. Kids do not understand - their brains are not fully developed, they have no concept of injury or death, so they have no fear. Parents think they can tell a kid "be safe": and that covers everything under the sun, but it really doesn't. With kids, you have to teach and train them a little at a time. That parent is still a child, and no one has any business mowing or doing anything dangerous around his house. Good on you amigo.
My friends young son aged 8, fell and a mower went over his legs, amputated his legs. Children should NOT be anywhere near a worker using power tools including grass mowers, parents should make sure their kids are safe.....little girl could of watched you from a window. YOU DID THE RIGHT THING. WELL DONE.
When I was a kid one of our neighbors was cutting the grass and his son who was 4 or 5 at the time went running up to the mower because he wanted a ride. He slipped in the grass and his foot went under the deck and it cut off all of his toes on that foot! To many parents today are letting their children run the house because they don't want to be the bad guy!
You did the right thing. I know an adult that got hurt from something thrown from a mower. I had a young neighbor that always wanted to come over and watch me mow my yard. The family could not understand why I always told him to go back home. I don’t want anyone around where I’m mowing.
You, as parents, know the danger and tried to convey that to the Dad with his mind and eyes closed. I also own a tree company (52 years now) and we never allow a customer or anyone else in the work area. That Dad was out of line big time. You did the right thing in canceling his job. You would have to live with the consequences if she had gotten hurt. Thank goodness you were keeping an eye out. Waste of your time and materials. and you could have gotten sued, if he takes you to court, you will win
You did the absolute right thing in dropping that customer, if the parent can't put 2 + 2 together for the safety of they're child. You will get other work from your great work ethics. Wish you were in Washington, I'd have you do my lawn. Great work.
Ok.... As a older gentleman myself. I will tell you this. You handled this wrong 100%. i fully agree that it is a huge safety issue for sure. Yet the child is home which means there must of been a adult in the house. You should have stopped mowing..... Knocked on the door and again explain why you will NOT mow with their child standing around. That if it happens again..... they will need to find someone else to do their yard. Instead of just packing up and leaving without explaining why you stopped. take care
In the future I would choose a path along a wall where you don't emerge into the blind open. In other words, when approaching a blind corner move to the outside, away from the wall where you can see better, then do a 180 in the open and catch the part you missed. That was a rule with forklifts in a tight warehouse ... never emerge blindly from around a corner. Also, with kids around ... I'd at least take one earphone off, better yet both. If an accident were to happen, buzzing around a yard listening to tunes will not work well in your favor. Be careful out there.
Funny story...guy talks about kids and safety...while filming himself, driving one-handed, gesticulating with the "driving" hand, endangering every car he passes. Good one. In my state, anyone reported your channel, you would no longer have a driver's license, and probably be out of business, due to the repeated, self recorded, infractions.
![Customer Had Enough [YOUR FIRED]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E4LM5-B6dS8/mqdefault.jpg)
![Customer Had Enough [YOUR FIRED]](/img/tr.png)
![[That Just Happened]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/r7wkZemp-Uc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Attempted Robbery Caught On Camera [No Clickbait]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Svg9Qint1YM/mqdefault.jpg)
You're right for dropping them. He'd be the first to sue you if his daughter got injured.
Exactly ! 100 percent correct, we all know kids are curious but bring her in the house and let her look out window ! Too dangerous for humans let alone a kid! I guarantee that guy will sue the heck out of this team ! Keep being safe guys and what we care about is quality over quantity!
i dont mean to be so offtopic but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..?
I was dumb lost my account password. I love any tips you can give me.
@Greyson Jake Instablaster ;)
@Gus Westley i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process atm.
I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Gus Westley it worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
Thanks so much, you really help me out !
put it contract: no kids, pets, horses allowed in work zone. If conditions do not allow crews to do work, client will still be required to pay for crew time and set up.
Red max
Always children safety is # 1 . Thanks for being concerned for the customers safety !! Great job ..
I always am Jack, hurting someone is my worst fear.
I had a tiny piece of wood chip hit me below the eye once. Side discharge mower, I was standing maybe 30ft away. It stung something fierce and turned black/blue/ugly and didn’t go away for about 6 weeks. I was lucky it missed my eye.
Who cares I would mow the lawn with her out there and just keep going f her
@@emrythompson not with the liability and why tell kids, "f her?" She's a kindergarten kid. Who says that to a kid?
Tim Cole if he is bonded and insured then it wouldn’t matter plus he has that stupid chute cover on Where the grass comes out
You got a sub from me on that one with the young child. You can take two different mindset approaches to a situation like that. Either you can try to get them inside or you can teach them to be around the equipment in a safe way. My nephews used to like to watch me mow and weed whack when they were younger because they lived nearby. They always liked to be out there with me. So, I started to teach them, and improvise the situation. I taught them to stay either behind me or to the side of the mower opposite the discharge if they need to travel in that direction but only if they need to. For weed whacking I taught them to always stay directly behind me opposite the strings in a position so my body guards them from any potentially threatening discharge. Whenever mowing, and coming to some pine cones or small fallen sticks and the like that the mower can deal with and mulch up, I always made sure they were directly behind me a few feet.
My father did the same with me so I did it with them. Believe it or not, the back of any machine, is always the safest place for anyone to be if they are wanting to watch you do it. If any object does happen to discharge from the back of the machine it has to get past the structure of the riding mower or the person pushing the mower or past the person who is weed whacking before hitting someone else. I would rather it hit me than anyone else. Plus, I don't know about anyone else, but I always stop and look behind me before going in reverse and to see if anyone or anything is there that I need to be aware of. You never know, the owner of the property could be standing behind you, or another person helping you out on the job.
So what I say is: If the child won't stay inside and the parent won't enforce your rules for safety, you can either quit the job or take the opportunity if the child seems to be inquisitive, and old enough to understand and to teach them how to be safe around the equipment while it is running. Nurture their interest, but remain vigilant to be sure they are where you said to be, because this industry is shrinking and we can help to bring up a few more of those who like this sort of thing; man or woman. It doesn't take much time to correct them and they will start to do what you say naturally. Stay behind me at all times. If they don't follow those rules then quit the job. You would be surprised of how many younger children are willing to fallow those simple rules if they refuse to stay inside and the parent won't enforce your Plan A safety rules. Moreover, with them staying behind you and you going over something simple like pine cones, it will show them just how dangerous it can be to be messing around equipment like that.
I understand it's not your child. But if the parent won't be a parent, then you need to take matters into your own hands and be a parent to the child, and teach them and nurture their curiosities. You'll grow to love them too. Plus, the actual supposed parent, may not be giving the child the proper attention that they require. I've seen one too many lazy parents in my day, and it breaks my heart, so I nurture their curiosities wherever and whenever I can while making sure they can remain safe. And the reason I do this is because I was lucky enough to have parents that were there every waking moment of my life, and did the same for me, even at a tender age. So I pass that on to the next generation if they can follow some simple rules I give them. When I turn around I expect to see you rate there where I told you to be or nowhere in site in 360 degrees. One or the other. Take your pick.
Wow dude was more worried about getting his lawn mowed than his daughter...smh
😳👍
yup,should win the shitting parent award
7:00 The Argument
Julio Constante thank you 🙏🏽
The real MVP...
Thanks
If you have to fight or argue with any customer they are not worth having . Move on and you will find another . There is always somebody else who will give you more respect. Cutting lawns is my life, so I've been there!
That right there is called irresponsible parents to let their kid in harms way
He thought it was a joke
Thats called children raising children. What an idiot.
@@SpencerLawnCare He won't be laughing when his little girl is in surgery getting a glass eye put in because a rock put hers out.
Amazing how some parents really don’t care, but first to sue you if something happens.
That's sad bud true
He's already threatened to sue you over fees, you think for a millisecond he wouldn't sue if his daughter got hurt.
To be upfront I think some parents use their children as a pawn for issues and tell them to do these things, in order to create a legal issue this that results in financial gain on their behalf.
@@SpencerLawnCare hi
@@SpencerLawnCare kouyjrjrj5u3nrhrhen3nrnfh2
I've dealt with curious kids before, I have 3 ways of handling it. One is a waiver saying I'm not responsible for the children getting injured by the equipment, very descriptive of injuries and death incidents (usually scares them into number two, if it doesn't and I feel it's too much of a risk I do three). Two I ask for them to be taken inside and watch from a window or watch from a 2nd story deck (if applicable). Three I refuse to finish the property and leave alerting the client of the issue their children have presented and letting them know I'd be happy to come back so long as the children are not outside while I'm working.
Should add also, very nicely done on your part and I feel you on the emotional side. I literally avoid doing the waiver portion unless the parent is being unruly then I use it as a tactic to get them to understand.
Unbelievable, that dad should have more respect for you and his daughter, props to you for not flipping out on him
I 💯 agree bro
GOOD FOR YOU !! Stand your ground. People have no idea how dangerous lawn equipment can be, and their failure to parent their child now will cost them heavily down the road....and probably not over a lawn mower....lol Look at the way the little girl spoke to you. It almost makes me sick at the stomach when I see people hold their little kids on the mower and allow them to ride while they mow.. ..it is an accident waiting to happen. It's a lawnmower, not a 4 wheeler !! And you're right....if that trimmer happened to throw a nail or screw up through her eye, they would sue you. He was already quick to have you in court over the mow job. Best to get rid of that headache right now.
Thank you
I run into this all the time, with adults no less. They always have the "no big deal" attitude. Of course that is until someone is injured and the lawsuit comes rollin in.
Yep! People don't realize the damage it can do.
@@SpencerLawnCare Its like hes getting angry because hes insecure of the fact that you have more caution for his child and its threatning to him sub-consciously, JKS I dont even know really, hes probably just an idiot
@@SpencerLawnCare Yup. Had a teensy little rock fly through my leg fat like a piercing once from weedeating with shorts and shoes on.
@@SpencerLawnCare i do, got hit in the face by a 8 inch angle iron from under a mower. 200 mph split my face from ear to eye, nearly knocked me out, 9 weeks of no lifting anything over 20lbs, or it would make me vomit from eye pressure. point taken.
@@Seriouslydave I hope you are all healed up, David! Did the mower hit a piece of angle iron? How were you below it? I’m guessing there was a hill involved. Please elaborate.
Hey bruddah, you are a good dude.
12 years ago when my daughter wasn't even 6 months old yet, my ex and I took her up north, Ludington Michigan to meet grandma. Next door to my mom was an empty lot that was just purchased to build a home on, the new owners were out there cutting this huge lot with grass up to 4 feet tall with a riding mower. My mom was inside the house in her bedroom holding my daughter and I hear glass shattering and a loud thud! Then I hear my mom scream, I go running in and a rock the size of a fist whipped through the window, then through the drywall and landed in between the bedroom wall, literally less than 2 inches from my daughter's head. My blood was so hot and my adrenaline was running so high I flipped out, ran at that dude cutting while he freaked out cause he had No idea why I was about to break his face. I gained control of myself so no breaking of any faces happened. He felt horrible when I told him what happened, paid for damages, stopped cutting, came back the next day with 20 foot wooden beams, regular fencing, and netted fencing to assure this would never happen again. Turned out to be very down to earth and good hearted people. The thought of what could have happened if that rock was 2 inches to the left makes my heart sink. My 5 month old baby who is 12 years old now may not even be here today, or could have been paralyzed for life, thank the good Lord none of that happened and she now plays baseball, volleyball, basketball, the guitar and a cheerleader. You are good people brother and you have a big heart, I own my own plumbing company and it is nice to be able to choose who your customers are, all my customers are like family to me and they appreciate and respect me as much as I appreciate and respect them. Much love and aloha brother, from Oahu Hawaii. 🤙🏼
Saftey First. Any small claims court judge would be on your side. Safe company is a profitable company.
Shawn- you did the right thing. Commercial lawn equipment is dangerous to everyone in the operation zone. This parent just doesn't understand the potential for harm or doesn't care. I had a 30 year career and I have seen firsthand the damage that this equipment can inflict. Some people don't respect lawn equipment, like the people who operate a riding mower while holding a kid. That really ticks me off. So don't sweat losing that customers. Your better off without him. Be safe and have a good hump day tomorrow!
Thank you
Couldn’t agree more with your decision. People have no clue how to parent these days.
He was laughing as I was trying to explain it to him.
Hey man the old saying. You can't fix stupid. Good for you, safety first.
@NMR Refuse to take responsibility and blame someone else. Yup
Matt Woolley yea because now days if you spank ur child to discipline them cps gets called so it makes it harder for us to control and teach our kids right from wrong
Thank you you are responsible
Most recent John Deere tractor I bought had a reverse switch installed to keep the mower running in reverse. It's suppose to be a safety feature to remind the operator to actually look behind them running reversing with the PTO clutch engaged. John Deere installed these switches shortly after an incident where a GIRL had gotten back over by their own FATHER WHILE THE BLADES WERE RUNNING! The girl was thought to have been in the house while the father was mowing, unbeknownst to the father, she ran out to go play / check up on the yard and she surprised him in the worst way ever! You can look it up, would be a good lesson for those who may want to listen in the first place and be proactive rather than REGRETFULLY reactive.
Your absolutely right to drop that account because you have been put in repeated unsafe circumstances by the customer.
My 9 year old nephew came to my house to play with my son back in the spring. I was in the middle first mowing of the year and out of nowhere he comes running up along side of my 17 hp diesel Kubota tractor that has a belly mower. Drops to his belly looking under the deck into the side shoot. I believe that was as scared as I have ever been and I am firefighter. My yard has three large pecan trees, a huge hard maple, a ash tree and a southern cyprus tree. The first mowing is always bad because of all the small twigs and pecan shells from those trees. I shut my tractor down and chased him to the front door had I caught him I would have beat his rear end off of him. At age 9 he knew it was dumb but the kid in him took control. My wife made both of the boys stay in the same room of the house she was in until I finished mowing. My son wasn't outside but I was terrified about the incident. I would have dropped the job same as they did and understand how he felt having the girl dart in front of him.
Sad situation when you care more about the child’s safety than the parents. Respect and support your thinking.
I felt worried for her no joke
My friend was run over by a lawn mower by his grandmother who accidentally backed up onto him when he was 5 and he is missing toes and parts of his calf muscles. I don't let my little kids outside when I'm mowing either.
Lawn mowers are nothing to mess around with. They are very unforgiving and they do NOT care what they cut. I agree 100% with your decision. You can never predict what children are going to do. If that child would have been right around that corner and you didn't see her it could have ended in very serious injuries or fatality. I work with lawn mowers and weed whackers at our campground and we have to constantly watch for kids especially during the summer when school is out. We usually don't have too many problems as we do our lawn maintenance in the middle of the week when we don't have many campers in the campground. Most of our campers usually come in for the weekends. We do the lawn maintenance on Wednesday and Thursday so the grass looks nice for the weekend when campers come in
Awesome video dude! Love to see this, I’m not from America and it’s not often I see the standing ride on mowers, generally sit on or push mowers here. Just a thought, have you ever considering putting some branding on your truck?? Neighbours hear and see you next door leaving a beautiful lawn job behind, if they see your truck/trailer branded and with the appropriate contact details, you could drum up some really good extra business. Cheers for the awesome content!
My first time here, a sub and a like, good on you!! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
Tim Hanby Ventrac is better. Check out Ventrac on CZcams
czcams.com/users/Ventrac7
Tq and You work your butts off,,thats how you make it man,,,,great people,,my dad was the same way,,working all the time,,,he died real quick to...never got to say anything to him,,sure miss him...enjoy you dad as much as you can,,,,while you got him...thats nice of you cleaning up door ways from ice,,completes the job id say...take care of your customers,,they will love you for it..i heard the big ones coming,,tuesday night,,a little more north from Wv...45 tuesday here 50 miles south of Pittsburg..stay warm u-all
Customer left a BRONZE sprinkler in the front yard. . . grass is tall and I'm on a Dixie Chopper with 200 MPH blade tip speeds, this thing comes out the chute and STICKS in the neighbor's car door !!
They pay in my book
Better that car than that child. Wow!
@Solomon Johnson Don't even remember if it hurt a blade. . . Dixies are built for abuse.
Not that you need any of us to tell you, but you are absolutely right. I resigned a job over the safety of a child in a different setting, and the bottom line is you can look in the mirror and respect yourself, and know what you did is right. Teaching children respect for power tools, yard mowers, trimmers, saws, etc. was something our parents did for us, and we do for our kids. Thank God for our parents! Keep up the great work!
Thanks
I had a co-worker kill his 4 year old child with a riding mower in the early 90s. It left him a mess for the rest of his life, you did the right thing.
E H173 why the fuck do u want a picture of a dead child wth
E H173 shut the fuck up kid
I somehow missed a rock when I did the walk through before mowing my backyard years ago. It couldnt have been more than 2-3 inches big around but the mower hit it and sent it flying a good 50-60 ft. It hit the glass patio sliding door...SHATTERING THE ENTIRE OUTER PANE. NOT CRACKED, NOT CHIPPED...SHATTERED THE ENTIRE PANE OF GLASS AND LEFT AN IMPACT CHIPPED LIKE PLACE ON THE 2ND PANE.
If one of my kids (at that time oldest 14, youngest 4) had been outside playing, helping me, sitting out on the back steps OR IF THE PATIO DOOR HAD BEEN OPEN AND ONE OF THEM IN/WALKING THROUGH THE KITCHEN TO THEIR ROOMS OR THEIR BATHROOM...IT WOULD HAVE SERIOUSLY HURT THEM IF NOT KILLED THEM.
This sh!t happens all the time. If it isn't flying projectiles (even something small like nuts, bolts, nails, wire, pebbles, rocks, sticks, etc...) then it is kids falling off lawnmowers, running into them or sticking their hands where they shouldn't. Not to mention belts, pulleys, guards can break loose and go flying from under the mowing decks.
The last thing anyone wants to see is a little one with a gashed open face, hand, arms, feet or legs. And the very last thing anyone wants is to FEEL OR KNOW THEY ARE THE ONES WHO COULD OR SHOULD HAVE PREVENTED IT. However, that customer is a true piece of work.
My friend got ran over around that age, lost a finger and is permanently scarred. His Dad is a doctor and saved his life. All bad
Thing is, something else they don't get: It's the law. If there is a child running onto the site when a contractor is about to start work outside, be it mowing, paving, tree trimming, they must stop work until the situation is made safe. The parents don't even have to sue. A police officer driving by can issue them a citation and then make their lives hell by slapping on additional permit and license inspections, OSHA violations, DOT inspections, etc. If it's determined a parent was negligent, guess what? The state gets involved and the parents really have a bad day. I'm surprised you didn't call his bluff and take it to court.
I had a similar experience. Obviously your issue is your own experience. Mine was when I would go to cut items in the yard forks window screen pieces screw drivers ect. The tard f... I stated several times to please pick up and keep his kids inside or out of the yard when mowing would not. The kids would cast majority of the time hang near and around the chute of my exmark rider when attempting to mow. My response is if kids are outside they run here over there and do this and then that what ever that may exactly be. Sounds odd I know but after I reconsidered it further I realized that the kids were told to be in the proximity why else would they consistantly be in that location. I doubt that the kids are thinking about money lawyers ect. Welcome to mount Carroll Illinois home of mr. Jim sobo whoops did I just post this information....
Safety is always first and they taught me from John Deere school that the grass is traveling at 200 mph when it exits the discharge chute and the new mowers deck speed is a lot faster now so the exit speed is much higher. You hit a rock or a piece of steel and there is a deadly projectile which will injure or kill someone in the path. When my grandkids come out of the house the mower deck goes off and I shut down the diesel motor till they leave. That father is an idiot and your right to leave the account. You don’t have enough insurance if that little girl gets hurt. I’m just a homeowner and I have a 5 million liability policy and I’m not sure that’s enough.
To quote the Crazy Russian Hacker “Safety is #1 Priority!”🖖🏻
Hahaha love that dude
EG Biggie lol I read it in his accent
Welcome back to my laburatury
"And BOOM!"
I've worked professionally with children for the past 30 years, I do lawn care on the side. Kids are curious by nature and really dont know any better, especially at those young ages. Its our responsibility as parents/adults to keep our children safe and to teach them the do's and dont's of life. This is just unacceptable irresponsible behavior on the part of the parent, yet its your fault?? I think not.... What a joke!!! Never would I ever cut, trim, edge or even blow off a property with children nearby. The risks are way too high for any amount of money. Dont loose any sleep over this..You definitely made the right choice by dropping them as a customer. Keep up the great vids, stay safe, and live life to its fullest every day Team Specner!!!!!!
Some people are very ignorant! You guys did the right thing!
Thanks man
I have an industrial account that I want to give up because it's unsafe but can't since it's such a high percentage of my income. It's sad that the adults here are as bad as kids. Not that they want to watch us service, but there are so many cars and people always on break and they don't look out for you at all. People have to learn to take a little responsibility. I get mad as well, especially when adults act no better than kids about being in an unsafe position near us. Like you said, when you do sling something up and hit them, they will be the first to sue, yet they don't make any effort to avoid getting near us while we are servicing. I get they all are taking break and/lunch, but what can you do when people are always on break or lunch? I just don't see why they have to come walk right where you are mowing or trimming when they know you don't see them. These things make me hate this business.
Fuckem. Some customers are not worth even using 1 minute on. Great job handling him!
This year in N. Texas lawn services are firing customers right and left, sometimes because they are smaller customers, or too far out, or whatever. The reason is because with changes in immigration law they can are not allowed to hire the numbers of seasonal workers they used to hire, and no one wants to work a seasonal job in the hot Texas sun except people from south of the border. These are companies that pay good wages with benefits, and they can't hire enough employees because there are not enough candidates that are used to hard outdoor work from early until late six days a week. My own daughter with a small front-only yard in Dallas was on a two-week schedule but got a nice letter telling her she had been dropped because they only had enough staff to service weekly customers, and not even all of them.
I'm in that group. Fuck working outdoors. I can work in a 110 degree factory but in the sun with no fans nearby. Helll naw.
Some people just aren’t smart enough to have coloring books, or children.
Back around 1967, when I was around 4 years old, I was running parallel to my dad as he used a hand pushed gas mower to mow a strip of grass next to the road out in front of our house. There was a ditch and another strip of grass, and a wood plank fence between him and me.
I don't even think he saw me there - I went out of the house without telling mom, saw him and run after him along the fence line to catch up to him. Anyway, about the time I was even with him, a rock was spit out of that mower, missed the planked fence and nailed me just below the ear. It dropped me like I was hit with a sledgehammer. I was stunned for a bit, then it started to burn..and I started to scream. I think about that time was when he turned around to go the other way and saw me. All I remember next is laying in on the bench seat in the car, Dad driving and my head on mom's lap. I don't recall anything after that.
That lawnmower...given it was 1967 probably wasn't as powerful as some of the handpushed gas mowers they make today, yet it shot a good sized rock probably 25+ feet and it knocked me silly for a least a minute before I became aware and began to scream - it could have been longer or maybe even less time, I was only 4 and knocked silly, as I said, but I do remember running one second, then kind of waking up face down in the grass and feeling that burn starting on the side of my head. And that mower back then probably didn't get the blade rpms anywhere near what a riding mower would have. So even if a kid is quite a ways across the yard, it's still to risky.
I've seen some crazy stuff come flying out of my home mower. Could only imagine what your machines could throw. I've had a mower throw a rock which took out my rear window in my Honda. It's no joke. Be safe.
Hey there I feel your pain , I'm a government garden contractor in the UK, and I do a lot of parks and playgrounds usually cutting with a Kubota G21 ride on mower or a Massey Ferguson compact tractor hauling a 6ft finishing mower and I have this problem daily during the summer months.
I've had the parents of children actually argue with me that their child should be allowed to chase behind me while I'm mowing grass on a 35 horsepower machine cutting a 6ft path through the grass UNBELIEVABLE attitude to their child's safety!
Safety is priority. Glad you stuck to your guns.👍👍👍
Thanks bro
Same thing happen to me bush hogging a field the little boy fellowed behind the cutter and it slings it out the back at 2200 PTO rpms. So I tell the home owner to not let there son ride in the field are near my tractor. Next time I cut it off walk to the door and told them I will not cut again and your child's safety is more important to me. So again 3rd time I loaded it up and chain it down he came hey you made three cut lines I told him you been ask two times keep him out of the field and you didn't I am not cutting it no more. It's your call not the home owner and that's how I do it. There is always a field to replace the one you lose. Stand your ground and do it right makes you look good.
Yep exactly! Good man
Seeing this video right now for the first time, and it makes me feel really happy and soothing somehow, IDK. It’s because of the green colors, the neighborhood and the houses, the sounds sound pretty nice, nice beautiful grasses and is a nice sunny wonderful summer video. Nice video by the way! Just didn’t enjoy the speed up sound only.
I feel like you don’t like people looking or staring at you working real hard in people’s yard.
EDIT:
I get where you coming with the child for sure. It’s all about safety first and foremost when it comes down to it at the end. Also you don’t want any problems dealing with customers/people in general with something that is little and can be solve easily. If people/parents don’t cooperate with you, than is a bye bye for sure. Yah just trying to make money for a living only, that’s all really mother******!
G'day, Spencer Lawn Care! I will agree, Safety 1st! Keep Kids and Pets Out of the Yard. Mowing the lawn with kids and pets underfoot is a dangerous proposition. It also makes the job more difficult in general. Kids are often fascinated by lawnmowers, but they shouldn’t be allowed to run around the yard while you’re cutting the grass. Let them watch from a window or from a deck or patio if they are old enough to resist the urge to get closer.
Plus! Another I see (far too often) is Lawn Mowers, Flip Flops and Disaster!!
The first thing to keep in mind is that a mower blade is a big chunk of metal going at a very high speed. Shod or barefoot, if it hits your foot it is going to do damage, unless you are wearing steel-toed boots. And quite frankly, I don’t think a very high proportion of the population mows their grass wearing steel-toed boots. As I look around the neighborhood, I see folks in flip-flops (really), sandals, and gym shoes. There is actually a guy nearby that I’ve seen mow his grass barefooted, while on a riding mower.
Folks need to realize the blades on lawnmowers can spin at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun? Yet, each year, see people who have been hurt while operating a lawnmower (even) barefoot.
So never wear flip-flops when you cut the grass. No matter what your age, you are never to old for safety.
Thank you very much!
Cheers! 😊✌🏼❤️
Its definitely is nice not having to double cut every yard
Yes Yes Yes it is lol
Your right man ! I’m with u on this ! I’m a new sub but yea don’t even mow it any more . Definitely not worth the headache. Is that your wife ? If so she’s beautiful and she’s good at what she’s doing !!! My mom use to mow for like 11 years str8.she was working at a lawn maintenance company and she was the crew leader . Also the driver . She was running it lol . Drove heavy equipment.dump bed truck all that .She always said make sure u continue to apply sun screen and take care of ur skin !!!
Having kids or people in general should be some sort of violation of your insurance. My companys insurance , not a lawn service, ssys that people cant be within 50 feet of our equipment.
Either way that would be a good excuse to use too with customers like this! "Sorry bud, my insurance just won't allow spectators/children around my work."
Way to stand your ground bro! At the end of the day, you just can't fix stupid. As a parent, I would be thankful that you have the best interest of my child for her safety. When things go bad, they go bad fast. Like you said, something comes whizzing out of that mower or off TQ's string trimmer and takes out an eye or worse, dad would be wanting to sue you. Has no clue of what you have to lose. Way to stand your ground bro......Well done and Happy 4th of July to you and the family!
Exactly man its sad
Who else think mowing grass is satisfying
not as satisfying as pressure cleaning
I have been in this game for 26 year's, Brother you have a gem with your wife. She trim's better than 90% of the men I have worked alongside in all these years! Man Mowing Apartment complex buildings sucks for having people walk out on you when you are trying to do your job, Having kids play around playgrounds.. Like you I shut my mower off and if this continues on I will go to the manager and tell them to post a letter to everyone to keep kids inside untill mowing is complete!
Very true, thanks! Honestly she trims better than me. Lol but don't tell her
"Check my levels, I dont wanna do not walk of shame" hahaha that's the dang truth
Same thing happened to me about a month ago for the first time. I told the kid to go in side because he could get hirt he said "no, I do what I want" .... this kid is barely 5 n the first time I went to the property to give an estimate he was bad asf. Needless to say I told his mom that I told him he's not aloud to be outside while I'm mowing for safety reasons and if he's outside and gets hurt after I gave both of y'all warnings (in person and in text) I can't be held responsible and if it happens again I wouldn't be able to mow your lawn anymore. I've been by 2 times since with no incident lets hope it stays that way.
But I would of at least tried to call the home owner first before just leaving and seeing if they could get her in. But I agree kids shouldn't be around running machines. And neither should adults to many customers like to stand at the wrong end of the weedwhacker way to much and get surprised when it kicks stuff up at them. I never thought in a business so simple that i would run across as many dumbasses as I do.
Liability on that kid would be on you..........
Exactly man
@@SpencerLawnCare You did the right thing. tQ will give you brownie points
I would be mad too, because I mow and string trim and I always get mulch, rocks long grass flying everywhere at me at siding and stuff and when you string trim it’s dangerous cause I’ve worn shorts and it’s hurts bad with all the stuff that flies at me, and what if if would’ve flew at that kid? Parents have gotta know the dangers and injuries from this type of stuff.
Children are the Only innocence we have left in this world
THEY ALL NEED PROTECTION 😇
God Bless Them All ...
Thanks Dave
It is no big deal, until that kid gets hurt....then they say, "u knew it was unsafe and kept working here". Bad customers are like a bad sale that you really want to make....you try to make it work, but in the end....no good deed goes unpunished. Legal tip of the day.....everybody says they will sue. Unless they r a lawyer....or know one who will work for free....they wont. On the other hand, small claims is a great way to get bills paid....especially if you have a written agreement....oh yes...and people always hire lawyers just like themselves. So idiots hire idiots.
That customer has what I like to call a trailer park trash attitude... Running rampid through society these days
Sad bro
Yeah but not everyone that lives in a trailer or trailer park are trash. Even six figure homeowners are trash. Good job keep the girl safe.
@@adamgipson6151 I don't care if your trailer park trash or six figure trash... Wasn't my point... The point is that treating other people like a doormat, and taking advantage of them, and having zero respect for their personal wellbeing whatsoever makes you a very trashy person.
@@zscape3233 my point exactly.
Difference between a city kid and a farm kid: city kid must remain in the basement under a table away from any windows until grass is cut. Farm kid would have that lawn mowed n done hours ago without an argument. Big deal.. this is drama at its finest.
had to leave yard before i got the weedeating done, for same reason....i wont mow or weed eat if kids are outside...
You did the right thing
I mow in a large cemetery but sometimes I do some properties early in the week, one I do is a couple acres and there's 3 kids always running around there's dozens of toys in the yard and they have two small dogs and a cat that wander about, it's a big mower and when I turn and see a kid running around and then look again and don't see them I have to stop to make sure I know where all the little kids and animals are, I don't think I'll be working on that property next summer.
You Sir... 100% right...sorry about the loss of income for your business. But there is NO dealing with some people, better to "cut" it now & move on.
Shawn- I agree with you and TQ. Safety is number 1 for me. I see all kinds of junk pn lawns. I shut down the mower completely of I see a kid or an animal on the property. The parents will sue you for injury or worse. I say it and send email with terms and conditions. I prefer to lose a client than get sued or a parent's inattention!
Joe Carleo - A Plus Lawn Care of Stallings
You did the right thing could cost you your business
Exactly Bo
It is best to drop a lawn at the moment you have already discussed an issue with the customer whatever it may be obviously significant enough to be a of concern for your company to drop the customer upon repeat reoccurring same issue s. It shows the lack of respect on the customers behalf, typically the same customer who do this type of thing have other issues that are not a good customer to have. A bit off subject yet really important part of the conversation. You have to think of that your business is two people not husband and wife. Two people who would be paid wages according to the market for staffed employees example one driver 14 per hr and one labor 11 per hr. Then pro rate the lawn by how many minutes it takes you to service the property on average (hot days/rainy period s/ect) and also include drive time (I figure a min.of 15 min) then take a daily operation expense ( fuel / insurance truck mower s ect) do not forget the labor and get it figured out to what that expense is by the hour and you have a exact formula that is going to guarantee you a profitable future. Always reevaluate the hourly rate every year or upon large purchase acquisition of additional truck and or equipment as it can change your operating costs. Also considering doing so prior to purchasing and or acquiring new truck s and or equipment it may change your operating costs in turn that may create a higher expense of operating that could impact your customers you value and create issues for you as well. Hope that helps you meant as a tool to be helpful.
Drop them and move on, forget those people.
💯👊
My father in law was a mortician. He told me of way too many kids that he had to bury over the years that were killed by lawn mowers.
When I started dating my wife I began to help him cut his yard so he was telling me about safety so he started telling me about these kids.
Many were riding w their parents and for one reason or another they’d end up falling out of their laps and end up under the deck.
He told me of several that were running out to meet their daddy’s and when they tried to stop running they lost their footing and slid under the deck mangling them.
So we never let kids out in the yard when cutting and never let a kid ride or play on the mowers.
We have a neighbor w 4 small kids. They’re always outside and when the dad cuts the grass they’re running everywhere.
We went to town one day and went by their house and he was mowing w one of them riding on his knee. He did that often and alternated which got to ride w him to give them each a turn.
Told my wife that one of these days one of those kids would be hurt by the mower because he lets them run wild.
That evening we heard sirens out on our road (we can’t see their house or the road from ours). Didn’t think much of it because we hear sirens often.
The next day wen learned that the kid that was on his lap ended up under the deck but he was lucky in that it only got his foot.
He lost his big toe and had many surgeries over a weeks time.
The dad said he didn’t know how the boy ended up under the deck. That remains a mystery
People need to take safety seriously around any type equipment like that. You did the right thing my friend.
The RightStuff Believe what you want. He was a mortician for right at 40 years.
Good grief, how much crap can people have in the way? No wonder they don't cut it themselves.
Gee it’s hard day, when I was young we were exposed to dangerous farm equipment n we were kids cutting wood on saw bench for example. I wonder if dad care or he trust me n other brothers around moving machinery? We told how to work around farm machinery, later in life that carry me as I got top score in safety at training company. The fella conducting the safety course said I was smart and I said no, i been exposed all my life to danger. When I see children come over when I do farm I get nervous, I explain the dangers of job but most don’t get full picture. I nearly run over 2ic at work onetime in tractor because he thought I would see him. I was piss that he should know better but can’t risk with anyone. You did right by dropping the customer n not worth the risk👍I would recommend writing a safety report n filling it, i have done before n save my ass in dealing with safety issues. Be safe n take care of one another👍
When you sign up new customers have them sign an acknowledgement that no person(s) should be on property while service is being provided. Tell them your insurance policy requires it.
Good idea
I get it in this day and age of law suits, one more stupid thing you have to do because of stupid people. I think of it every time I see the DANGER sign on every lawn mower. Somebody sued someone because they didn't know that the mower could hurt or kill you?
Better language would be - "property owner understands and agrees that no pets or no person(s) other than employees of the lawn care service (insert company name here) shall be outside during the time that the property is being serviced between (insert starting and ending times) on (insert date of service)." , and have the property owner initial that section specifically after they have read it and you have explained it and that it is a condition of you providing the service. Include a clause stipulating that if that agreed upon and accepted condition is violated, work will cease IMMEDIATELY, and continuance of the work will be at the discretion of (insert company name here) employee on site, and that payment for work completed up to that time would be due and payable before company leaves the property. Consult an attorney for actual wording to insure that the contract is legally binding with that included.
Some people are dumber than a box of rocks.
You are absolutely right to stop mowing. There's nothing more important to the safety of the people around you.
I've had a lawn and tree business since 2006 and I have the same rule. No pets or kids around when we're working... PERIOD. Not your loss... You don't want or need someone like that on your schedule... Erase and replace I say.
These are dire times when you have to say, that the customer is always wrong.
Sucks you all had to deal with that, but you handled it best you could’ve. People just don’t understand how dangerous it can be. We had an employee hit one of those yellow heavy metal gas line covers/markers that had come loose, pieces of it went completely through a garage door. Easily could’ve killed someone. I was even shocked it did that. Stay safe✌️
Wow that's crazy man
Well done bud I would have walked off the job as well sadly some people just don’t get it
You made the right call. Couldn't agree more . My grandfather that had his lawn care service when I was growing up was the exact same way. I won't mow when little ones are around. As I grew up I've heard stories by both of my grandfather's not only what trimmers & mowers can do to the human body But Bush Hogs as well.
Thanks man
Safety never takes a holiday
For sure Corey
I don't do individual yards as you guys do. Rather large residential complexes with lots of common lawns. This same thing drives me up the wall. Kids running around and RIGHT in the way. And it seems like the majority of parents DO...NOT...GET...IT! Even if you diplomatically and carefully explain how dangerous it is. For SOME reason they just will not listen. I have had everything like "Oh they're fine " and even "They live here too. They have just as much right to be on the grass as you do". Are kidding me? Gas-powered machines with literal whirling blades and nobody cares. However, if you walk anywhere near the place with a squirt bottle and mystery liquid boy do they change. "OMG!!! WHAT IS THAT? CHEMICALS?!?!?""
It’s so hilarious how customers will do that one second and turn around trying to sue you
Right lol
I have ben in lawn care for 4 years now learned from the bottom lol i was in the restaurant biss for 12 years hated it lol decided to do something diffrent lol i got a free education from the first company I worked for lol went in with no experience and left knowing how to do it all lol and i love it:) now I work for a big lawncare company during the week and on Saturday I help cut a good friends personal accounts and he pays me pretty well for just a Saturday lol i work 6 days a week but i love it nothing better than being outside gettin in ur zone and gettin it done lol and the end result is awesome to see lol im like i did that lol it looks beautiful:)
You guys are great. 😂 I work at a lawn service over the summer and your channel makes me miss it. 😅 great content you two!
Where I am, you are required to wear PPE when working or near work. (steel toes, safety glasses and hearing protection, etc) If the Ministry of Labour sees me without it, I could face a fine, even more so for mowing around children not wearing any PPE. It is a serious safety risk and violation of safety regulations; that father is breaking those laws and committing child endangerment. We are entitled and obligated to refuse unsafe work that puts myself or others at risk. Good on you for dropping him.
Kudos to you for making the rite decision to stop doing business with that customer!😊 👍
Fire them if they won't keep their kids safe. Kids do not understand - their brains are not fully developed, they have no concept of injury or death, so they have no fear. Parents think they can tell a kid "be safe": and that covers everything under the sun, but it really doesn't. With kids, you have to teach and train them a little at a time. That parent is still a child, and no one has any business mowing or doing anything dangerous around his house. Good on you amigo.
Y'all are some good ole folks! Love the segway mower btw. Keep up the good work!
My friends young son aged 8, fell and a mower went over his legs, amputated his legs. Children should NOT be anywhere near a worker using power tools including grass mowers, parents should make sure their kids are safe.....little girl could of watched you from a window. YOU DID THE RIGHT THING. WELL DONE.
Good for you man. That was a respectable move on your part.
When I was a kid one of our neighbors was cutting the grass and his son who was 4 or 5 at the time went running up to the mower because he wanted a ride. He slipped in the grass and his foot went under the deck and it cut off all of his toes on that foot! To many parents today are letting their children run the house because they don't want to be the bad guy!
Thats sad
Gravel flying from the mower is deadly, pieces of a little girl blowing out the mower,..............
Makes me cringe
You did the right thing. I know an adult that got hurt from something thrown from a mower. I had a young neighbor that always wanted to come over and watch me mow my yard. The family could not understand why I always told him to go back home. I don’t want anyone around where I’m mowing.
Cool video and all but why didn't you weed eat them crackweeds
You, as parents, know the danger and tried to convey that to the Dad with his mind and eyes closed. I also own a tree company (52 years now) and we never allow a customer or anyone else in the work area. That Dad was out of line big time. You did the right thing in canceling his job. You would have to live with the consequences if she had gotten hurt. Thank goodness you were keeping an eye out. Waste of your time and materials. and you could have gotten sued, if he takes you to court, you will win
His good day: ight imma head out
You did the absolute right thing in dropping that customer, if the parent can't put 2 + 2 together for the safety of they're child. You will get other work from your great work ethics. Wish you were in Washington, I'd have you do my lawn. Great work.
You are 100% right if something comes off you mower or equipment and she were to get hurt they would have you in court!
Ok.... As a older gentleman myself. I will tell you this. You handled this wrong 100%. i fully agree that it is a huge safety issue for sure. Yet the child is home which means there must of been a adult in the house. You should have stopped mowing..... Knocked on the door and again explain why you will NOT mow with their child standing around. That if it happens again..... they will need to find someone else to do their yard. Instead of just packing up and leaving without explaining why you stopped. take care
my little mower spit out 1 of the dog's tennis balls and went through a sheet of plywood. good call stopping
In the future I would choose a path along a wall where you don't emerge into the blind open. In other words, when approaching a blind corner move to the outside, away from the wall where you can see better, then do a 180 in the open and catch the part you missed. That was a rule with forklifts in a tight warehouse ... never emerge blindly from around a corner.
Also, with kids around ... I'd at least take one earphone off, better yet both. If an accident were to happen, buzzing around a yard listening to tunes will not work well in your favor. Be careful out there.
I normally do, this one I didn't have the option
Guy like that wouldn't hesitate to hire a mouthpiece if his daughter was touched by a pebble kicked up by the mower........
And your career and business goes down the sewer.
👍
@@ralfus37 yep
You burned the grass on the trim shoulda just 90d it
Definitely made the right decision.
Thanks Carl
Funny story...guy talks about kids and safety...while filming himself, driving one-handed, gesticulating with the "driving" hand, endangering every car he passes. Good one.
In my state, anyone reported your channel, you would no longer have a driver's license, and probably be out of business, due to the repeated, self recorded, infractions.