Tools of the Trade

By Tim Huinker, Anchor Wall Systems

Compaction Equipment: Using proper soil compaction equipment, such as a plate compactor, is essential to creating a successful hardscape project. Good compaction provides stability for hardscaping projects, prevents water seepage and reduces settlement of the soil, which can cause wall damage. According to Huinker, compaction is critical because ?EUR??,,????'?????<Images courtesy of Anchor Wall Systems

The life of a landscape contractor involves a lot more than just hauling dirt and installing patios. True, landscape contractors do lots of heavy lifting, but they also need skills in customer service and business, an eye for design and, above all, industry knowledge.

From the first meeting with a client to the finishing touch on a backyard patio, contractors need the confidence, skills and, most importantly, tools to make sure the job gets done well.

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While a qualified landscape contractor will spend plenty of time planning and budgeting for a project, arguably the most important part of a project is the construction itself. According to Anchor Wall Systems Construction Specialist Tim Huinker of Minneapolis, Minn., all landscape contractors need high-quality tools and equipment while working on a hardscape project, both to make sure the job is done quickly and efficiently and to maintain good business practices.

Jumping Jack/Rammer

Roller Compactor

Vibratory Plate Compactor

Reversible Plate Compactor
Above: Many hardscaping projects will involve some type of retaining wall, patio, freestanding wall or paver application. Contractors need to, first, be up to the challenge of preparing the soil with proper compaction equipment. There are many choices, such as roller compactors, sheeps foot compactors, vibratory plate compactors, and rammers or jumping jack tamps.

The Top Four Tools

According to Huiner, there are four tools that no landscape contractor can afford to go without on a hardscape project. While most jobsites will require more than four tools, ?EUR??,,????'?????<

By using tools that save time and help create level, secure hardscape projects, landscape contractors can build their portfolios of high-quality projects, which in turn can promote the success of their businesses.

All types of levels, such as string levels and carpenter levels, are extremely useful when it comes to setting the base course for wall projects. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

A skid-steer loader is a versatile machine that is fairly easy to operate and maneuver in a residential setting. Using a skid-steer loader to move large amounts of dirt and pallets of product is one of the easiest ways to save time and energy, increasing productivity.

Time is Money

Tool care and maintenance are just as important as the tools themselves. Contractors should follow several measures to care for their tools and equipment to keep them in safe, working order to help contractors save both time and money.

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Huinker keeps all his equipment in a trailer, which he says helps save time before and after heading to a jobsite because all he has to do is hitch it to his truck and go, rather than unpack and repack everything.

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Used with a tripod, a laser site level is an invaluable tool for determining if a horizontal plane is level. The contractor holds a remote sensor which detects a beam sent from the laser site level. When the sensor and the laser are even with each other, the sensor beeps. They can be rented for $45 for one day, and up to $90 per week. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Tool Safety

Finally, both Huinker and Lowery agree that tool and jobsite safety should always be a number one priority. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Tyrone, GA-based AAbby Lawn Care Hardscape Manager Brian Lowery agrees with Huinker that a masonry saw is one of the most important tools to increase productivity on the jobsite. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The Bottom Line

Using the right tools is the key to creating successful hardscape projects, which is an essential piece of running a reputable landscape contracting business. Tools are important resources that increase productivity, save time and money and help contractors to build beautiful, high-quality projects that leave the homeowner pleased and the contractor proud. By using a basic set of invaluable tools and equipment on a jobsite, and by maintaining high standards of tool care and safety, landscape contractors can take one more step to ensure the success of their companies.