What’s the best machine to buy when starting a landscaping business?

Starting your own landscaping business is exciting, but if you’re just getting started, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is which machinery to invest in first. The right equipment can make a huge difference: it can save you time, help you tackle more jobs, and give your business a professional edge right from the start. 

For small landscaping businesses, WesTrac offers everything a start-up needs—from financing and expert advice to a wide range of Cat machinery. In this guide, we’ll look at the best first machine to buy, the types of jobs it can help you tackle, and how WesTrac can support your growth as your business takes off.

Why a Compact Excavator Is a Smart First Purchase 

If you’re starting out, a compact excavator is often the most practical and cost-effective first machine. The Cat 301.7 CR mini excavator is compact, versatile, and built to handle all sorts of landscaping tasks, from small residential jobs to light commercial projects.

What Makes the Cat 301.7 CR Great 

• Small but mighty: Easy to manoeuvre in tight backyards or tricky access areas. 

• Powerful digging: Handles small-to-medium excavation jobs quickly and efficiently. 

• Supports attachments: Add tools like buckets, augers, or hammers for even more versatility. 

• Dealer support: WesTrac can provide local servicing, maintenance, and training guidance for operators of all experience levels. 

Why This Works for Start-Ups 

• Lets you do more jobs yourself without relying on subcontractors. 

• Gives your business a professional edge, building trust with clients. 

• With WesTrac support, you can feel confident that your machine will keep running smoothly. 

Jobs You Can Offer with a Compact Excavator 

Even just one mini excavator can open up a surprising number of services that homeowners and small businesses need. 

Popular Landscaping Services 

• Garden bed excavation and soil removal – prep the land quickly and efficiently. 

• Trenching – perfect for irrigation, drainage, or outdoor electrical systems. 

• Retaining walls and hardscape prep – dig footings for patios, driveways, or paving. 

• Tree and stump removal – handle small stumps or clear debris fast. 

• Land grading and levelling – make sure water drains correctly and surfaces are smooth. 

• Site clearance – remove rocks, vegetation, or old structures to make way for new landscaping. 

WesTrac can advise which attachments make sense for your business, like digging buckets, hydraulic thumbs, augers, or tilt buckets. They can help you get the most out of every job. 

Motocross superstar Josh Green chose the Cat 301.7 Mini Excavator as his first machine and used it to successfully launch a trail building business called OA Trail. Watch his video below!

Why Buying Through WesTrac Makes Life Easier 

Buying your first machine is a big step, and WesTrac makes it easier with more than just equipment, they offer support, flexibility, and peace of mind. 

1. Flexible Financing 

• WesTrac has start-up friendly finance options that make investing in machinery easier. 

• Flexible repayments can help you manage cash flow as you grow your business. 

2. Training and Support 

• Operator training ensures you use the machine safely and efficiently. 

• Expert guidance helps you get the most out of your investment. 

3. Service and Maintenance 

• Local servicing means less downtime. 

• Genuine Cat parts and professional maintenance keep your machine running smoothly for years. 

4. Attachments for Versatility 

• Digging buckets for general excavation 

• Hydraulic thumbs to handle rocks and debris 

• Augers for drilling post holes 

• Tilt buckets for precise grading 

•  Hammers for breaking concrete and rocky grounds  

With WesTrac’s advice, even a start-up can offer a wide range of services without overextending itself. 

Growing Your Business with a Cat 255 Compact Track Loader 

Once your business is up and running, a second machine can make a huge difference. The Cat 255 Compact Track Loader is a perfect partner for a mini excavator. 

Why the Cat 255 Works 

• Move materials easily: Soil, mulch, gravel, rocks—no problem. 

• Grade bigger areas: Level sites faster and more accurately. 

• Clear debris quickly: Keep your job sites tidy after excavation or tree work. 

Attachments That Boost Your Capability 

• Landscape rake – prep garden beds and remove debris. 

• Box blade / grader blade – precise levelling and shaping. 

• Auger – drill post holes for trees, fences, or garden structures. 

• Stump/root rake – get rid of stubborn roots quickly. 

• Pallet forks – move pavers, soil bags, and other materials. 

• Hammer – break apart old paths, driveways, rocks, and retaining walls.

WesTrac can guide you on which attachments will give the best return for your business as it grows. 

Why WesTrac Is a Great Partner for Start-Ups 

Starting your own business is a challenge, but WesTrac makes it a little easier. They provide: 

• Equipment expertise: Advice on which Cat machinery suits your business best. 

• Local support: Parts, servicing, and maintenance help when you need it. 

• Operator training: Get up to speed safely and efficiently. 

• Flexible financing: Options that work for new businesses. 

• Attachment advice: Guidance to expand services efficiently and profitably. 

Partnering with WesTrac means you’re not just buying a machine, you’re getting support, guidance, and peace of mind. 

Picking the right machinery is key to launching a successful landscaping business. A Cat 301.7 CR compact excavator is a fantastic first investment, versatile enough to handle a variety of high-demand landscaping jobs. 

As your business grows, adding a Cat 255 Compact Track Loader with the right attachments boosts productivity, opens up new services, and lets you take on bigger or more complex projects. 

With WesTrac, you get not just machinery, but support, financing, training, and expert advice, helping you build a landscaping business that’s efficient, capable, and profitable from the start. 

Ready to get started? Contact us using the form below or visit one of our branch locations.