Two-way Radios an Aid to Landscaping Companies
By Stewart McClintic
Effective communication is key to the success of any business, and landscaping business owners and employees are no exception. Instant and efficient communication creates better job outcomes and allows team members to promptly respond to on-the-job emergencies. One of the best tools for improving on-the-job communication is two-way radios.
Two-way radios allow for quick and clear communication that guarantees you and your team can work with each other even when you are not in close proximity. Here are a few ways two-way radios will be a boon to your landscaping company
Two-way radios are easy to use, last a long time, require no fees, and allow instant push-to-talk communication with your team.
Two-way radios are very helpful for landscapers working large jobs in industrial parks or in a large multifamily complex. When working a large job site, it is important to have constant communication. A multifamily apartment might require two people to do exterior landscaping on the opposite end of the property, and your team needs to inform each other about any successes or issues that come up during a job. Using two-way radios means landscapers only have to push a button to let the team know a what is going on with a job.
Two-way radios are also a safety benefit to landscapers since do not require the constant use of your hands like cell phones do. A landscaper can quickly radio his or her team for an update and get back to work. Workers are always focused on the job.
Radios are also extremely durable tools that are perfect for workers working on tough jobs. Two-way radios are built tough with military specifications so they won’t break.
Standard two-way radios also do not require a fee or monthly payments to use them, which helps landscapers avoid the cost of an expensive business phone plan.
Recommended two-way radios
The best type of two-way radio for landscapers is a standard UHF radio. A majority of workers use UHF radios because they operate at a higher frequency, which makes them better for communicating in large, localized areas. Landscapers also need a more durable radio that meets IP54/55 and military specifications 810 C, D, E and F. These specifications make the two-way radio resistant against shock, rain, humidity, salt, fog, vibrations, sand, dust and temperature.
I would recommend digital UHF radios over analog radios. Digital radios will give you better audio quality and better reception.
Landscapers could also benefit from the use of a shoulder microphone. This puts the microphone at the top of your shoulder meaning you don’t have to reach down to start push-to-talk.
Two-way radios will be most beneficial for landscapers who manage large job sites. However, residential landscapers will benefit from implementing two-way radios. A push-to-talk cellular radio might be the best option for smaller landscaping companies. These services allow you to instantly communicate with your team, share locations, send videos and centralize a lot of work communication.
This is a good middle-ground for landscaping company owners who may want to speak with their employees but not have all their time spent on the phone. This hybrid approach can benefit some landscapers, but this service is subscription-based and comes with monthly fees.
Two-way radios can be a boon to any landscaping company looking to improve its communication processes. They are a simple and reliable tool for your landscapers to go into a job better prepared and ready to collaborate.
Stewart McClintic is owner of HQ98.com, a two-way radio retailer in Phoenix, Aria. HQ98 specializes in supplying contractors with and effective means of communication. For more information, visit https://www.hq98.com/