Shem Carroll of Pride Gardens has found a mower that works as hard as he does: the Bobcat ZS4000.
Running Pride Gardens has been a journey of growth, challenge, and opportunity for owner Shem Carroll.
Based in the Lake Macquarie region of NSW, Shem’s business services a mix of high-end acreage, luxury Airbnbs and commercial properties. Each job brought its own set of demands, and as Pride Gardens continued to grow, it became clear the equipment on hand couldn’t keep up. To scale up the business while maintaining the level of quality current clients expected, Shem knew a serious upgrade was needed.
Searching
Shem had been searching for the right stand-on mower for quite some time. He tested several big-name brands, weighing up their pros and cons, but none felt like the complete package. Then he saw an advertisement for Bobcat mowers. Until then he hadn’t associated Bobcat with lawn care, or even realised it built mowers. Curious, he began to dig deeper, and it quickly became clear that with the ZS4000, Bobcat had a machine that stood apart from the rest. Its value for money was strong and the build quality was exceptional. From the strength of the deck to the operator interface, every detail felt refined, durable, and designed with contractors in mind.
It wasn’t just an impressive-looking mower. It was a mower engineered to work hard and deliver results.
Support
Purchasing new equipment is a big commitment for any small business, and it was essential Pride Gardens buy from a trusted dealer. Clark Equipment delivered on every level.
The process was seamless, and having senior sales representative Bob Liso personally deliver the mower made it a standout experience. Not only did Bob give a detailed walk-through of the ZS4000, he also shared valuable industry insights and business advice. For Shem, still studying business full-time at university while running Pride Gardens, that support and encouragement meant a great deal and left him inspired.
One tough animal
The ZS4000 transformed the way Shem runs Pride Gardens. Jobs that once took nearly a full day are now completed in just a few hours. The hydrostatic drive is smoother than anything else he tested, backed by exceptional power and torque. Its speed is impressive too, so quick that Shem has found himself running back into his own clippings after a sharp turn. Clients regularly comment on its striking look, often saying, “That thing looks mean,” and the ZS4000’s performance more than lives up to the appearance.
Another feature Shem appreciates is the ZS4000’s design and presentation.
Its signature white-and-orange colourway is unique in the mower industry and pairs nicely with his STIHL equipment. Together they create a cohesive, professional look that reinforces the Pride Gardens brand and reflects the premium service it provides.
Smart investment
The impact on Pride Gardens has been significant. The ZS4000 has enabled the business to take on larger-acreage contracts, complete work more efficiently, and present a sharper, more professional image to clients. It’s not only saved time, but it has also opened doors to new opportunities, helping Pride Gardens stand out in a competitive industry. According to Shem, it’s been the single most talked about piece of equipment with clients.
More to come
Looking ahead, Shem has no doubt this won’t be his last Bobcat mower. The performance of the ZS4000 has already created enough demand to justify adding another to the fleet. Reflecting on the purchasing decision, he said investing in Bobcat has been the best business choice he’s made.
More than just a mower, the Bobcat has been a key step in taking Pride Gardens to the next level.
See the entire Bobcat range at bobcatofaustralia.com.au.