Dedicated to Design

Green is often the color associated with envy and for good reason. It’s the hue of a well-manicured summer sanctuary that neighbors whisper about and long to construct — meticulously grown flowers and trees, lush grass trimmed blade by blade and elaborate outdoor features (from ponds to patios) that entice al fresco entertaining and relaxing.

These projects usually require a tender touch and a trained eye, not to mention plenty of hard work and elbow grease. And don’t forget the countless hours that durable and versatile equipment lend to creating such a coveted green space. With the right knowledge, skill and tools, a true professional landscape architect can achieve the best in form, function and beauty.

For more than a decade, JTS Landscaping has been providing these services to Northeast Ohio. With a well-rounded team of designers and landscapers, the company has produced a variety of inspiring lawns and outdoor structures that would make a passerby take a second (or even a third) look. But the company’s crew doesn’t just roll onto a site and create scenery in a day. JTS implements a process that involves designing a landscape suited to a client’s needs and wants and then works to produce the enviable end results that only a true pro can construct.

“The most important thing is to be a professional and do what you say you’re going to do,” says owner Joe Pavlovicz. “Communication between the client and contractor is critical. Things come up, weather happens and it’s important to keep a client up to date on that. Make sure to be honest with a client and never tell them something just because they want to hear it. Being realistic and professional sets you apart from the competition.”

In order to operate a landscaping company, not only is communication key, but so is the right design process, equipment and client interaction. With the proper combination of all three, JTS is able to construct jaw-dropping greenspaces and offer tips for other companies in the business.

Adding a Mini Ex to Your Landscaping Crew Tips for Buying a Machine to Fit Your Needs With so many makes and models of mini excavators, it can be a difficult decision to purchase the type of machine that best fits your operation. Besides price, purchasers should consider important issues such as productivity, operator environment and serviceability. Review Productivity Features Having a machine that is easy to operate is key to maximum return on investment (ROI). When shopping for a compact excavator, consider a machine that has minimal or zero tail swing. By purchasing a machine with minimal tail swing, you reduce the risk of damage to the machine or other structures that the machine may be working in the vicinity of. Also be sure to look for a machine that has a highly efficient and economical hydraulic system that will supply the required amount of oil to each actuator. The right hydraulic system will ensure a machine that can be operated easily, efficiently and economically. Examine Operator Environment Operating a machine can be the best place or worst place to be on a jobsite. If an operator is comfortable and the machine is easy to operate, the operator is much more likely to be productive. When designing a tight tail swing compact excavator, one of the first comforts that you give up is space in the cab. When an operator on a jobsite is in a machine eight to 10 hours a day, having adequate leg and foot space is of the utmost importance. Make sure that you sit in and demo the machine to get a feel of your comfort level after a few hours of operation. Check Machine Serviceability For too many buyers, price outweighs how easy a machine is to service. But the money you save up front can easily disappear in maintenance and servicing costs. Since daily maintenance is important, look for a model that offers full opening access to all daily maintenance items such as checking the engine oil, checking and replacing the fuel filer, cleaning and replacing the air element, cleaning the oil cooler and radiator and servicing the battery — preferably without having to remove bolts to open covers and/or bonnets.

Attention to Details

Today, JTS Landscaping operates out of Seville, Ohio, located about 40 miles south of Cleveland. While Pavlovicz says about 90 percent of the company’s

projects are done within 25 to 35 miles of its headquarters, the landscapers often take on work in Cleveland and Akron and suburbs such as the Lorain metropolitan area.

JTS Landscaping opened its doors in 1994, when Pavlovicz decided that landscaping was the career path for him. After finishing high school in the early 1990s, he worked for a garden center named Boyerts, lending a hand on local landscape projects and honing the skills for his next career.

“The owner of the garden center actually told me that I wasn’t going to be working there my whole life and gave me a big shove to start my own company,” says Pavlovicz. “I took on a couple of projects and it all snowballed from there. One project led to another project. Then five years later, I wondered what I was going to do with the rest of my life and the company just started from there.”

Fast forward 14 years and JTS Landscaping now offers the gamut of green services — design, consulting, hardscape and landscape services to its clients — planning out and creating structures such as patios, decks, nightscaping, retaining walls, ornamental ponds and other unique water features.

In its 10-month work season, which typically lasts from mid-March until the end of December, JTS employs around 12 to 15 employees to tackle the design, landscape and hardscape projects that eagerly come through its doors. To aid in these aspects of traditional landscape duties, Pavlovicz notes that individual staff members are responsible for each type of work.

“Depending on the job, we have an employee who is trained to do the work. There are two of us in the design process, myself and Russell Luyster. Tommy Baltic is the hardscape foreman and Danny Rutherford is the landscape foreman,” says Pavlovicz.

He also notes that when subcontractors are involved on projects, he and his employees work out a plan to make sure they can organize tasks with the extra party to keep the project running smoothly and on time.

Usually the first step in JTS Landscaping’s work process is designing a project.

Pavlovicz says that the design is typically a joint effort between what the customer wants and the company’s recommendations of colors, textures and functionality. With all of those factors taken into consideration, the right materials can be selected and the project can begin to take shape.

“Clients will give us a general idea of what they want and it’s our job to figure out how to do it,” explains Pavlovicz. “Sometimes customers have heard about us and want our recommendations and then we take the ball and run with it.”

Staying on Track Compact Track Loaders Provide an Efficient and Light Footprint for Landscapes A Bounty of Benefits Compact track loaders vary widely in terms of technology and so will vary in terms of their ability. Rubber track loaders do more digging and earth moving with much greater traction. In addition, they have the ability to work on a wide range of ground surfaces and can maneuver in much smaller areas. Users of compact track loaders also reap the benefits of exceptional traction, low ground pressure, state-of-the-industry hydraulic systems and interchangeable work tools and attachments. Another big advantage is the ability to work with attachments that are in front of you. Before You Buy Someone looking to purchase a compact track loader should know that not all machines are created equally. Different manufacturers make different recommendations on use and make different promises on performance — all stemming from the fact that the technology differs widely. As a result, what may be true for one manufacturer is not necessarily true for another. Because of this, landscapers should consider renting a variety of rubber track loaders before they buy and then settle on the machine that gives them the most comfort, productivity and flexibility. Landscapers should want machinery that has high traction and power, but is also gentle on sensitive terrain. Those types of rubber track loaders have superb traction while at the same time being easy on turf and pavement. They also provide a smoother ride, making it much easier to operate. Ground clearance, the ability to work over uneven surfaces and working in tight areas are also maximized with such machinery. Optimal Operation For a new operator, the machine will have capabilities that likely exceed the operator’s skill level. It has such amazing abilities, that a new owner should be careful to follow the owner’s manual, and the operator has to learn to work within his or her own skill level. For example, unlike a skid steer, in which an operator has to ram into a pile of material, you simply drive into the pile with a rubber track loader because of its greater tractive power.

Pavlovicz notes that one of the most important aspects of the design process is spending time on the jobsite. From taking a look at the site, Pavlovicz says that’s where the designers begin to “piece together the puzzle” and begin to let the creative juices flow. From there, they can blend the right structures such as patios and decorative walls with the accompanying plant materials.

With hundreds of projects completed, each represents the company’s ideology and hard work. While JTS has a stuffed portfolio of jobs to choose from, the contractors never really point fingers at which project is their favorite.

“Since we’re in the design-build business, your favorite project is usually the one you’re working on at the moment, and then you move on to the next one and you’re just as pleased with that one. We put as much effort as we can and make each project as special and individual as we can,” says Pavlovicz.

One project labeled the “Andres Project” does, however, stand out in Pavlovicz’s mind. Not only has the company worked on this current project for the past three years, but Pavlovicz has known this particular client since his days of working at the garden center.

“I think one of most important parts of running a business is maintaining clients, as well as employees over the years,” explains Pavlovicz. “Building relationships with clients helps continue the work we receive from them.”

When this particular job landed in Pavlovicz’s hands, it called for a complete renovation of an estate and its grounds. So far, the project has involved designing and creating a 200- by 400-ft manmade stream, a 4-ft waterfall, retaining walls, a stone bridge and gazebo, as well as various lighting schemes and other structures throughout the estate.

“Probably the best part of this project has been the fact that we were able to incorporate everything we do into this one site,” says Pavlovicz. “From selecting plants, to building water features and driveways, we were able to show off everything we can do.”

Once the design process is over and the actual labor begins, the right equipment must be chosen to turn the design blueprints into a homeowner’s reality. From dump trucks to excavators, the precise machine is needed and JTS strives to have a variety of equipment to choose from.

Equipment Essentials

In any project, having the right tools and equipment is essential to get the job done right. For Pavlovicz and his crew at JTS, there are no exceptions to the rule. By building up a powerful taskforce of machines, attachments and other useful products, JTS is ready to tackle projects with quality, brand name equipment.

“People call me iron greedy, because I have one of just about everything,” jokes Pavlovicz. “But having everything you need helps you to do things right the first time and once is always cheapest. Some people will try to cut corners with using just any equipment and never follow up. My father, Joe Sr., taught me that it’s important to always have the right tools for the job.”

JTS Landscaping’s equipment fleet starts off with a variety of small- and mid-size dump trucks to accomplish a wide range of tasks. Pavlovicz explains that the smaller dump trucks, such as a Ford LCS, are generally used to get in and out of tight places and carry small loads around the jobsite. The crew’s larger trucks, including an International 4700 and Ford F-750, are typically assigned to carry around equipment and hefty loads.

To add some extra muscle around the jobsite, JTS uses a Gehl CTL-60 compact track loader, two John Deere skid loaders (the JD 270 and JD 250) and a Gehl 353 compact excavator to get projects done. The machines’ small stature help them maneuver in tight spaces, while lifting and shifting materials.

“The mini excavator provides the biggest benefit in getting in and out and saving on labor hours. It’s unbelievable the amount of time it has saved,” says Pavlovicz. “Tasks that you would normally do manually can be done by the excavator in half the time.”

Other pieces of equipment such as a Kanga compact utility loader, John Deere Gator and Kubota RTV 900 utility vehicle help the crews move loads and tools around space-restricted working areas. JTS also uses a variety of open and enclosed trailers for moving equipment from jobsite to jobsite.

The company has a plethora of attachments to aid in its daily hardscape and landscape duties. For the skid and track loaders, Pavlovicz purchased a Rockhound rake, as well as trenchers and augers. As for the mini excavator, Pavlovicz says that the addition of a hydraulic thumb has been one of the most useful attachments he’s acquired. Not only has the thumb helped utilize the excavator, but it also allows the landscapers to perform a number of different tasks. The thumb enables the landscapers to reach out and pick up materials around the jobsites, build boulder walls and tear out shrubs — all with minimal mess and only using one piece of equipment.

“On one jobsite, there was a storm and about 2 ½ in. of rain came down. I was able to ride around in the mini excavator and pull shrubs out and I didn’t get wet or anything,” says Pavlovicz. “It just goes to show that having the right equipment makes it possible to keep you working when others can’t.”

Practical Purchases

Although Pavlovicz prefers to own all of the equipment JTS uses, he rents machines and attachments to see if it would be beneficial for the company to have.

“We’ll test equipment to see if we could use it, to see if it’ll pay for itself. If it’s just sitting around, it’s not making any money,” says Pavlovicz.

For the upcoming season, JTS recently purchased a set of Alturnamats after testing them on a previous project. With the Alturnamats, which are 1/2-in. thick, 100-percent polyethylene mats designed to protect turf from vehicle damage, Pavlovicz feels that the new addition will help keep his crew working despite poor weather conditions.

“In the past, we’ve used plywood but it gets heavy and waterlogged pretty quickly. We tried a set of Alturnamats and were able to get in and out of places when guys may be sitting at home waiting for it to dry out.”

When purchasing new equipment, Pavlovicz suggests finding continuity between the new and the old. For example, when an equipment fleet has multiple skid steers, try to have the same controls so the crew will not have to take as much time becoming accustomed to the machine. The same goes for equipment such as plate tampers. Pavlovicz recommends purchasing the same brand, so when servicing the pieces the regimen is similar and you can swap parts back and forth. As for 2008, Pavlovicz plans to purchase a new skid loader, pickup and dump truck and other smaller equipment and attachments.

In order to keep its equipment in top-notch condition, JTS makes sure to perform thorough maintenance checks. Throughout January and February, the company conducts its winter maintenance where all the equipment is carefully inspected. During this time, the crew looks at the equipment and fixes and replaces any parts on the machines. Weekly checks during the season include greasing parts and checking the oil. Halfway through the 10-month season, the equipment is checked over again to ensure it’s in proper working condition. At this time, the oil and air filters are changed and small repair work is completed.

Although Pavlovicz is proud of his durable fleet of machines and attachments, he’s especially glad when the pieces are out of sight. “I absolutely love a big empty barn all summer long,” says Pavlovicz. “It means all the equipment is out on a jobsite somewhere being used. It’s a good feeling.”

The Client Connection

Besides having the right equipment to get the job done, Pavlovicz believes the image the company projects to its clients, as well as strong communication, is crucial to running a successful landscaping company.

Attracting new clients is important to keep continuous projects scheduled throughout the year. Besides investing time and money into advertisements and trade shows, Pavlovicz notes that the company also attracts clients through word of mouth. Whether it is through satisfied customers or potential clients seeing finished products, Pavlovicz says about 65 to 75 percent of business comes from word of mouth.

“We look at every satisfied client as recruiting a sales person. We try to market ourselves with quality trucks and equipment while out on a jobsite,” says Pavlovicz. “We’re in the image business, so keeping our image looking good is important. When people see we have good equipment and can do good work, we get calls.”

JTS employees also adhere to a dress code, so the crews can project a good image while out working on a site. With cohesion between the employees’ dress, as well as clean, quality equipment, Pavlovicz believes that the company promotes a solid image to potential and current cliental.

When it comes to bidding for certain jobs, Pavlovicz explains that the majority of work the company performs does not involve bidding. However, when working with private businesses, they do attempt to bid on projects and generate prices for places that are interested.

“When we bid, we bid according to quality and aesthetics,” says Pavlovicz. “We’re in the aesthetics business, so we only bid on projects willing to pay enough so they don’t sacrifice the quality and the look of the project. If the client doesn’t show an interest in using quality equipment or investing time into the project, then we don’t show an interest. We only want to put our name and time into a project that we can be proud of. When your name is on something, you can’t take any shortcuts.”

Pavlovicz also suggests that before bidding a project, to carefully estimate the costs and labor involved. For example JTS took on a job to fill in some downtime between projects, however, the amount of labor that was involved with the project was not adequately reflected in the cost.

“We agreed to do the project but once we started it, we were doing about three times the labor that was expected. The crew couldn’t consciously cut corners and take shortcuts on the work, so they took the time to do it the right way,” says Pavlovicz. “Don’t get me wrong, the client was tickled pink, but we had to invest much more time than what was expected.”

As more and more green begins to emerge this spring, companies like JTS can stroll onto the jobsite ready to design and construct landscapes fit to become the envy of any neighborhood. With the right equipment and industry know-how, a client’s wants and needs can both be met through a beautiful and functional landscape.

Pam Stask is assistant editor of Compact Equipment, based in Peninsula, Ohio.