Two Australian names built on hard work are joining forces. Bushranger Power Equipment and Jim's Mowing have partnered to bring professional-grade gear to one of the country's largest networks of lawn care franchisees.
It's a fitting match. Bushranger Power Equipment has been part of the Australian outdoor power equipment landscape since 2009, born from Roy Gripske and Sons' decades of experience in the local market. 100% Australian owned and run, every Bushranger product is tested right here at home to handle the conditions Aussie contractors actually work in, which is exactly why it's trusted by professionals nationwide.
From Franchisee to Franchisor
We sat down with Dan Cahill, Divisional Franchisor for Jim's Mowing in Australia and New Zealand, to talk through how the Jim's model works, the industry insights that come from running a network of over 2,000 franchisees, and the must-have tools he'd hand any first-time landscaper. We even find out what fuels this Jim’s mowing legend!
Dan's story is the kind that makes this partnership feel like a natural fit. He started out as a Jim's Mowing franchisee looking for a simple, scalable business model and within six months he'd hit full capacity and started hiring. Three years in, he was running a team of six full-time staff. To hear his full story and how he enables others to build thriving businesses check out the full podcast.
From there, Dan built and sold successful mowing businesses before moving into coaching other franchisees on how to do the same. Today, he's partnered with Jim Penman to own regional rights across Australia and serves as Divisional Franchisor for Jim's Mowing overseeing a network of over 2,000 franchisees.
In other words: when Dan talks gear and business strategy, he's speaking from genuine, large-scale experience across the entire industry, not just his own backyard.
The inside scoop
1. The "must-have" tool almost nobody uses.
Dan rates a hedge trimmer catcher plate as one of the most underrated tools in the country – a simple add-on that can save serious time on cleanup, yet barely anyone in Australia uses one.
2. Battery vs. petrol - the real industry split.
Only around 10% of Jim's franchisees run battery-only setups, with about half using a mix of both. Dan thinks battery power is inevitable for the industry, but he's candid about why he still reaches for petrol on the job.
3. The strategy that sets contractors apart.
When grass growth slows down, smart operators don't sit idle: they pivot to add-on services like gutter cleaning and pressure washing to keep cash flow steady year-round.
Check out the podcast to find out Dan’s go-to mower setup (a 21-inch Bushranger Mower with the Loncin engine), his take on walk-behinds vs. zero-turns, and why he'll always choose a ute over a trailer.
Building a Business That Lasts
Whether you're just starting out or running an established crew, the throughline from Dan's experience is this: success in lawn care isn't just about the gear you use, it's about discipline and never standing still.
Beat the heat with an early start, build demand before you compete on price, and don't go it alone: a mentor or franchise network can fast-track the lessons that would otherwise take years to learn the hard way.
And when it comes to equipment, having the right core kit – a reliable mower, line trimmer, blower, and hedge trimmer – sets the foundation for everything else.
Want all the nuts and bolts? There's a lot more to catch up on in our chat with Dan, including his mower setup and a rapid-fire round you won't want to miss. Watch the full podcast on the Bushranger YouTube channel.
Ready to gear up? Find your local Bushranger dealer, or connect with your local Jim's Mowing Franchisee, and keep your lawn looking top notch.
