Price for a job

[Manvito]

Might look on you local Craig's List to see what guys are asking. I've noticed a few ads like this one in various areas within 200 miles of me.

"Tractor work $40 per hour - $40 (Bartlesville)
Tractor work $40 per hour 1 hour minimum large jobs negotiable brush hog tilling dirt gravel and snow work call David."

I will check on Craigslist and see. Thanks.

 

[st8yd]

Sight contractors around here are charging about 65/hr for an EXPERIENCED box blade operator, the box blade is at least 5' probably 6'.

One potential problem I see with giving them a set price is how good is good enough when it comes to grading, you may get done and satisfactory to most, but he may have something different in mind.

Doing it by the hour he may not be as particular.

I am not saying this from your perspective but his, as I would be saying hey, you need to cut some more here or add a little there, etc. and that fine tuning can really add some time.

 

[Bulldog777]

Just reading thru this, I haven't heard what kind of material and what kind of compaction it has. Your amount of time will be greatly affected by the material. If it's compacted tight, it will take longer with a smaller piece of equipment to get it loosened up to work it. You could reduce some time by adding weight to the box blade to make it easier to rip.
Also, are the potholes caused by poor subgrade conditions? If so, he would be better hauling in another load of material and filling the holes. As far as price goes, location determines some of it and how hungry you are determines some of it. [emoji16]
In my opinion, if you're unsure, it's better to under price until you get a "feel" for it. It's easier to increase your price after you've worked for someone, than to lose the business to over pricing. Even at $40/hr you can learn a lot, secure some business, and increase your price.
Just my opinion.

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[Manvito]

Just reading thru this, I haven't heard what kind of material and what kind of compaction it has. Your amount of time will be greatly affected by the material. If it's compacted tight, it will take longer with a smaller piece of equipment to get it loosened up to work it. You could reduce some time by adding weight to the box blade to make it easier to rip.
Also, are the potholes caused by poor subgrade conditions? If so, he would be better hauling in another load of material and filling the holes. As far as price goes, location determines some of it and how hungry you are determines some of it. [emoji16]
In my opinion, if you're unsure, it's better to under price until you get a "feel" for it. It's easier to increase your price after you've worked for someone, than to lose the business to over pricing. Even at $40/hr you can learn a lot, secure some business, and increase your price.
Just my opinion.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

It’s a gravel lot. I’m not really sure what the gravel is called but it’s the same stuff everyone uses around here. I’m not sure about the pot holes but they are right where the most traffic is. I think he’s trying to avoid bringing in more material as he said he’s pretty sick of spending a ton of money on the parking lot. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet but when I do, I’m going to have an honest conversation with him and see what we can come up with. If I can get the job to do this lot, and do a good job on it, I’m sure there will be more jobs that come my way from others who see my work.