Snow removal

[Kurtee]

I am considering doing some snow removal. I have been out of the game for 30+ years due to other work. Things have changed a bit and now I can find the time to do some. My question is how to charge. In the past I charged per time. I am using a BX2680 with 48" front blower. Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Price a liability policy, that will probably change your mind on wanting to do snow removal for extra money.

If your still not swayed away, call a couple local companies and get bids on your place, that will give you a good idea what the going rate in your area is.

 

[ctfjr]

Every commercial plow guy I used over the last 30 years, for a building I owned in another town, had a rate sheet based on the number of inches in the storm. I did change providers a couple of times when their snow depth seemed really out of whack for some storms.

 

[RCW]

While I do my neighbors driveways on occasion when we have big storms, I don’t charge anything.

Mowed a one acre lawn at vacant house 6 years or so. Owners next door appreciated it.

Not sure what/if insurance you have on your tractor, but many policies don’t apply if off your own property.

My own tractor is not covered off my property but I’ve made the decision to help neighbors first over the risk to tractor damage.

If you’re looking to remove snow for a business, there’s many other liabilities for other people’s property to be concerned with.

 

[Kurtee]

Price a liability policy, that will probably change your mind on wanting to do snow removal for extra money.

If your still not swayed away, call a couple local companies and get bids on your place, that will give you a good idea what the going rate in your area is.

Good advice here. I do have a contractors policy in effect already and an inland marine policy as part of it. Just trying to figure an appropriate rate. Just looking at something to do when retirement hits in the near future. I have stayed away from snow removal as I was doing some part time truck driving that required not being around when needed. That has ended and now I can do some different things. Just want to figure appropriate rates to see if it is worthwhile. Thanks for the responses so far.

OK now I gotta back water. I contacted my insurance agent and learned that I have no coverage for snow removal. Thinking best to leave well enough alone.

 

[RCW]

Good advice here. I do have a contractors policy in effect already and an inland marine policy as part of it. Just trying to figure an appropriate rate. Just looking at something to do when retirement hits in the near future. I have stayed away from snow removal as I was doing some part time truck driving that required not being around when needed. That has ended and now I can do some different things. Just want to figure appropriate rates to see if it is worthwhile. Thanks for the responses so far.

From an insurance standpoint, does sound like you're better prepared than most to do it. Maybe doublecheck with your agent/carrier just make sure you're in good shape - just a thought?

Can you drive the tractor to customers, or have to load/unload?

What are the driveways like? Long/short/wide/paved/gravel? Will you need to shovel or back blade in front of overhead doors (not a problem with a back blade)?

What would the expectations be? Every 2-6" or each snow event (e.g., after snow stops), or on-call?

I'm just spitballing, but come up with something like $120-150 per hour. Like I said before, I've never charged so take that with a grain of salt.

My neighbor's drives are two-lane and houses set back a little, so maybe 100-150 feet long.

For a "normal" snowfall (<12"), I can do them easily in 15-20 minutes with my BX. Equates to about $30-50 each trip for my neighbor's places.

 

[DustyRusty]

If you want to make money plowing, check with your town to see if they need any extra drivers.