Landscapers must balance hauling capacity, durability, and value when picking a truck for their lawn care business. The right vehicle can save business owners time, money, and headaches.
Below are the top 5 best lawn care trucks for 2024 that meet landscapers' needs. These trucks were chosen for their towing, payload, and off-road capability.
Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of August 2024.
1. Ford F-150
Overview: The 2024 Ford F-150 is a powerful, rugged, versatile, and technologically advanced full-size pickup truck, making it one of the best landscaper trucks. The new model has impressive towing capacity, rear or four-wheel drive, and multiple engine options, including a hybrid. It’s modern and built tough to meet the demands of any landscaping business.
Specifications:
Make: Ford
Model: F-150
Year: 2024
Engine Options: 3.3L V6, 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L V8, 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid
Towing Capacity: Up to 14,000 lbs
Fuel Efficiency: 20-24 MPG (city/highway)
Why it’s ideal for landscapers: The Ford F-150 has the highest towing capacity, so it’s perfect for hauling heavy equipment like trailers full of mulch or machinery. The multiple engine options, including the hybrid, give you flexibility for the job. The aluminum body is durable, and the crew cab has plenty of room for the whole crew. Plus, the Pro Power Onboard generator lets you power your tools on-site.
Pros:
High towing capacity
Versatile engine options
Durable aluminum body
Cons:
Higher price point for advanced models
The hybrid model may have limited availability in some regions
Fuel efficiency may vary significantly with load
Price range: The Ford F-150 XL starts from $36,965
2. Ram 1500
Overview: The 2024 Ram 1500 (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010, when Ram Trucks spun off from Dodge) is a full-size pickup with a luxurious interior and smooth ride. It’s a balance of power and comfort for any landscaping business. The Ram 1500’s suspension and storage solutions are ahead of the competition.
Specifications:
Make: Ram
Model: 1500
Year: 2024
Engine Options: 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8 HEMI, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6
Towing Capacity: Up to 12,750 lbs
Fuel Efficiency: 22-26 MPG (city/highway)
Why it’s ideal for landscapers: The Ram 1500’s powerful engines and comfort are perfect for all-day landscapers on the road. The high towing capacity means it can handle big trailers, and the EcoDiesel engine is fuel efficient. The RamBox Cargo Management System provides secure storage for your tools and materials. The smooth ride and suspension are great for hauling crews and equipment over rough terrain.
Pros:
Luxurious and spacious interior
Excellent fuel efficiency with EcoDiesel
Innovative storage solutions
Cons:
Higher cost for premium models
Some features are available only in higher trims
Slightly lower towing capacity compared to competitors
Price range: From $39,420
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Overview: The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (aka Chevy Silverado) is a rugged and reliable truck with strength and versatility. It has multiple engine options and safety features, so it’s a trusted choice for lawn-mowing businesses. It’s practical and powerful for the demands of the lawn care industry.
Specifications:
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Silverado 1500
Year: 2024
Engine Options: 2.7L Turbo, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 3.0L Duramax Diesel
Towing Capacity: Up to 13,300 lbs
Fuel Efficiency: 21-23 MPG (city/highway)
Why it’s ideal for landscapers: The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is built for heavy-duty, so it’s perfect for landscapers who need to tow trailers or haul large loads of material. The bed is spacious and durable for carrying tools, mulch, and heavy equipment. Advanced safety features like forward collision alerts and lane-keeping assist you in giving extra protection for your crew on the road. The Silverado’s engine options give you reliable power for any job site.
Pros:
Strong towing and payload capacity
Advanced safety features
Durable truck bed
Cons:
Less fuel-efficient compared to some competitors
Higher trims can be costly
Large sizes may be challenging in tight spaces
Price range: From $36,000 to $72,000
4. Toyota Tundra
Overview: The 2024 Toyota Tundra is a new, reliable truck with durability and off-road capability. It has a strong V6 engine and modern tech, making it perfect for landscaping.
Specifications:
Make: Toyota
Model: Tundra
Year: 2024
Engine Options: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6, 3.5L Hybrid V6
Towing Capacity: Up to 12,000 lbs
Fuel Efficiency: 18-22 MPG (city/highway)
Why it’s ideal for landscapers: The Toyota Tundra is off-road capable, so it’s a top choice for landscapers who work in rough terrain. It has a strong towing capacity for heavy trailers, and the hybrid engine option is fuel-efficient without sacrificing power. The Tundra has a spacious and comfortable interior for your crew and a durable build to withstand daily landscaping wear and tear. Plus, Toyota’s reputation for reliability also means long-term value and lower maintenance costs.
Pros:
Excellent off-road capabilities
Reliable and durable
Hybrid option available
Cons:
Lower towing capacity compared to some competitors
Fuel efficiency could be improved
Limited bed size options
Price range: From $39,965
5. GMC Sierra 1500
Overview: The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is a powerful, luxurious full-size pickup with advanced tech and a premium interior without sacrificing performance. It is built to tackle tough jobs while keeping the driver and crew comfortable.
Specifications:
Make: GMC
Model: Sierra 1500
Year: 2024
Engine Options: 2.7L Turbo, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 3.0L Duramax Diesel
Towing Capacity: Up to 13,200 lbs
Fuel Efficiency: 20-23 MPG (city/highway)
Why it’s ideal for landscapers: The GMC Sierra 1500 is luxury and utility in one, so it’s a great work truck for landscapers who need performance and comfort. It has a strong towing capacity and multiple engine options for heavy loads, with TurboMax™ Engine Delivering 310 Horsepower. The MultiPro tailgate adds versatility for easier equipment loading and unloading. The Sierra’s interior is refined and has advanced tech, like the available head-up display, to make long drives more comfortable and efficient for your landscaping team.
Pros:
High towing capacity
Luxurious and comfortable interior
Versatile MultiPro tailgate
Cons:
Higher price for premium features
Some advanced features are only available in top trims
Lower fuel efficiency under heavy loads
Price range: From $46,700 to $100,000
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Landscaping Truck?
Choosing the right type of truck for your landscaping business is essential for ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. Consider the following key factors to make an informed decision that best suits your operational needs.
Payload and Towing Capacity
Consider the payload and towing capacity when choosing a truck to see if it can handle your supplies and equipment. Whether you’re hauling snow plow equipment or large trailers, having a truck that meets your towing and payload needs is key. Businesses that must haul a lot should look for trucks with high towing capacity and reinforced truck beds.
Fuel Efficiency
Power and fuel efficiency are key to managing the cost of your vehicles. Trucks with better MPG will save you money on fuel without sacrificing the power you need for tough jobs. How often will the truck be on the road? Choose a type of truck that has the right balance of performance and cost savings.
Off-Road Capabilities
Do you need 4x4 or other off-road features for rough terrain? If your landscaping jobs involve remote or uneven sites or doing snow removal jobs, a truck with advanced off-road capabilities is necessary. Ensure the truck can handle the toughest environments while being reliable and safe.
Interior Comfort and Tech
A comfortable and tech-filled interior makes the workday better for you and your crew. Features like climate control, advanced infotainment systems, and driver assistance tech can make long days on the road more bearable. A well-equipped interior also looks professional when you meet clients on-site or shop for new trucks.
Bed Size and Configuration
Choosing the right bed size and configuration is key to carrying all your heavy-duty equipment and materials, whether you use trucks or vans. Whether you need a standard bed or a custom configuration like a dovetail or aluminum bed, ensure it matches your typical load. The right bed setup reduces trips and increases productivity.
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect truck, what’s next?
Beyond Just Trucks: Grow Your Business with Aspire
Aspire has a business management platform that covers every aspect of your landscaping business. With features specific to the industry, Aspire helps landscapers streamline, communicate, and increase profitability.
Aspire’s crew management features, like Crew Control, allow real-time communication between office and field teams, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. The platform’s automated scheduling and mobile checklists ensure crews are always informed and prepared for each job. Plus, Aspire gives crews tools for mobile time tracking and geofenced clock-ins so payroll is precise.
The auto-dispatch scheduling feature lets you send weekly or monthly schedules to your crew ’s mobile devices. At the same time, route optimization ensures every job is done with minimal time and cost. Aspire also gives you data insights to make informed decisions, from tracking job profitability to managing payroll.
Aspire’s reporting features give you a 360° view of your business to see where to improve and make real-time growth decisions. The platform integrates with your existing systems so you eliminate data entry errors and have access to up-to-date information whenever you need it.
With Aspire, your landscaping business can be more efficient and profitable, so you’re ready for the next job.
It’s Your Turn Now
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a landscaping truck and how Aspire can help your business, it’s time to start. Choose the truck that’s right for you, from payload capacity to fuel efficiency. And remember, with Aspire’s business management tools, you can optimize every aspect of your landscaping business for maximum efficiency and profit.
Check out our other resources on how to start a landscaping business and common mistakes to avoid.
Get started today. Book a free demo with Aspire today to see how we can help you streamline your operations and boost your bottom line.