Essential Tools and Equipment for Professional Groundskeepers

Whether you’re keeping a lawn perfectly trimmed or maintaining a pristine baseball infield and outfield, your tools and equipment determine how your work turns out. But with so many options, it’s hard to decide what to add to your toolkit.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to the must-have tools to make your job easier, more efficient, and even more satisfying. Let’s take a look.

Essential Power Equipment

Outdoor power equipment is a groundkeeper’s best ally.

Our inventory at Kenney Machinery includes the top names in the industry, such as Toro mowers. With these tools, you can tackle tough jobs quickly and effectively, saving time and effort in your daily work.

Lawn Mowers

Picking the right lawn mower is key to keeping your grounds in top shape. There are several types to consider.  

• Zero-turn mowers are perfect for wide-open spaces, thanks to their ability to turn on a dime and navigate obstacles easily. On these mowers, you can cut grass faster and with less effort, but keep in mind that they often come with a higher price tag.
• Walk-behind mowers are a great all-around option for lawns of all sizes. They give precise control for trimming and maneuvering around obstacles, ideal for properties with complex landscaping features.
• Riding mowers offer a comfortable way to mow, especially if you have a lot of land to cover. A riding mower can be faster than a walk-behind mower but might not be as easy to maneuver in tight spots.

When choosing a lawn mower, consider the property’s size and layout. Are you dealing with wide-open spaces, tight corners, or lots of obstacles?

Also, think about the terrain you’ll be mowing—is it hilly, flat, or a mix of both? Of course, your budget will also play a role. It’s all about finding the right balance of features and affordability.

Trimmers and Edgers

Trimmers and edgers are your go-to tools for achieving crisp, clean lines throughout your landscape.  

• Trimmers can reach the nooks and crannies that your lawn mower can’t, like along edges, around flower beds, and next to fences. You can choose from gas-powered or electric trimmers, with varying cutting widths and features.
• Edgers cut a clean line along sidewalks, driveways, and flower bed borders to create a professional finish. While some trimmers can also do this, a dedicated edger can create a more precise cut.

To choose the right edger or trimmer, consider the amount of edging you typically do. If you have lots of sidewalks or driveways, a dedicated edger might be a wise choice. Otherwise, consider choosing a trimmer with an edging attachment.

Backpack Blowers

Clearing fallen leaves and debris keeps turf neat and helps plants stay healthy. Gas or electric backpack blowers work well for this task. And they’re more comfortable and efficient than handheld ones.

Backpack blowers distribute the weight evenly across your back, making them easier to use for longer periods. Plus, they have strong air power to move even stubborn debris, like wet leaves or small twigs. The extra power means you can clear large areas quickly, saving time and energy on big jobs.

Optional but Useful Power Equipment

Some power tools aren’t a must-have, but adding them to your landscaping fleet can definitely help you tackle specific challenges and achieve head-turning results.

• Aerators poke small holes in the ground, letting air, water, and nutrients reach the grass’s roots. The result? Grass growing in compact soil or high-traffic areas grows greener and thicker.
• Tillers break up hard soil and prepare planting beds for flowers or vegetables. They also make it easy to mix in compost or manure to enrich the soil.

If you’re dealing with compacted soil or need to prep a planting bed, an aerator or tiller can be a real lifesaver. You might not reach for them every day, but when the need arises, you’ll be glad to have these tools.

Essential Hand Tools

You can’t rely solely on large groundskeeping equipment for every task. Hand tools are just as important, providing the control and precision you need to make every landscape look its very best.

Rakes

Rakes allow you to gather leaves in the fall and remove thatch to give lawns a fresh start. Choosing the right type ensures you can work efficiently and avoid strain on your body.

• Leaf rakes have wide, springy tines that easily gather leaves without hurting your grass or other plants. You can choose from plastic or metal leaf rakes in different widths to match the job.
• Dethatching rakes are tougher, with strong metal tines. They dig into the soil to remove dead grass and debris, helping the grass’s roots get more air, water, and nutrients.

Having the right rake for each project makes cleanup easier and helps keep your grounds looking good all year.

Shovels

Every groundskeeper needs a good shovel. The right one makes your work easier and faster.

• Round-point shovels are fantastic all-around tools. Their curved tip helps you dig in soft dirt, move plants, and spread mulch or compost.
• Square point shovels are best for hard soil or when you need straight edges. The flat blade is good for digging straight down, breaking up tough ground, and making clean edges.

It’s smart to have both kinds of shovels ready. Look for ones with comfy handles and a strong build to last through daily use.

Hand Pruners and Loppers

Regular pruning keeps your shrubs and trees healthy and growing strong. With the right tools, you can easily shape plants, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage new growth.

Hand pruners are small shears for cutting thin branches and stems. There are two types:

• Bypass pruners cut live growth cleanly
• Anvil pruners are stronger for dead or dry wood

Loppers are for bigger branches. They have long handles and big blades, giving you more power without hurting your hands. They’re ideal for shaping large shrubs and small trees.

Choose pruners and loppers that fit comfortably in your hands and have sharp blades. Well-designed tools make pruning quicker and easier. They also give clean cuts, keeping your plants neat and healthy.

Hedge Shears

Your hedges deserve some love, too. To keep them looking great, you’ll need a good pair of hedge shears. These long-bladed tools make it easy to trim and shape your hedges, whether you’re going for a formal look or something more natural.

If you’re dealing with smaller hedges or need to get into tight spots, manual shears are a solid option. But if you have a lot of hedging to do or thicker branches to cut through, electric shears will save you a lot of trouble.  

Level Board

Level boards help you spot and fix high or low spots when doing various landscaping projects, like:

• Making flat garden beds
• Grading soil for new lawns
• Laying sod smoothly

By running the board across the surface of your project area, you can quickly identify areas needing more soil or smoothing out. It’s an easy way to achieve a polished, even finish that will impress all your clients.

Safety Gear

Safety gear is an investment in your well-being. When you prioritize safety, you can work confidently, knowing you’re taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your team.

Safety glasses? They’re your first line of defense against flying debris, dirt, and dust that gets kicked up while you’re hard at work.

And don’t forget gloves, especially when using hand tools or handling plants with thorns or prickly leaves. Pick gloves that protect your hands, let you move easily, and fit well. Your hands are your most valuable tools, so take care of them.

Sturdy shoes or boots are a must-have for any groundskeeper. They’ll protect your feet from injuries and ensure steady footing when you stand on slippery or uneven terrain. Want an extra layer of protection for your toes? Go with steel-toe boots.

Pro Tip: Maintaining Your Groundskeeping Equipment

Just like any other investment, your groundskeeping equipment needs regular care. Frequent upkeep stops surprise breakdowns, cuts down on wear, and keeps your gear running smoothly for years. It’s the best way to save money as it helps avoid big repairs or buying new tools too soon.

Good maintenance also helps your equipment work its best. For example, a lawn mower with sharp blades will give you cleaner cuts and put less strain on the engine.

Safety is another big reason to take care of your gear. Well-maintained tools are less likely to break or cause accidents. Checking and replacing worn parts on equipment like shovels or pruners helps prevent injuries.

Taking care of your equipment is smart and pays off over time. It keeps you working well, keeps you safe, and helps you get the most out of your tools.

Quick Maintenance Tips

Keeping your equipment in good shape is simple. Here’s how to do it.

Mowers:

• Keep blades sharp regularly
• Change oil and filters when needed
• Clean under the deck to stop grass buildup

Trimmers and edgers:

• Clean and sharpen blades
• Oil gears and shafts
• Look for wear and tear

Backpack blowers:

• Clean or replace air filters
• Tighten loose screws
• Clean the outside after use

Handheld tools:

• Clean air filters often
• Oil moving parts
• Check for damage regularly

Remember, each tool is different. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for exact care steps. A bit of care now keeps your tools ready for any task.

Get the Best Groundskeeping Tools and Equipment from Kenney Machinery

The right groundskeeping equipment and tools are your partners in creating a landscape that stands out. They help you work smarter, not harder, so you can achieve picture-perfect results with less effort. So why settle for anything less than the best?

Interested in exploring the tools you need to achieve top-notch results? Contact Kenney Machinery today. When you call our shop, our knowledgeable staff can help you find winning solutions for your landscaping needs. We also offer parts and service, product demonstrations, and training to individuals and businesses all across our area.