$$ tractor hourly rate ?

[bcbull378]

What's everyone charging an hour for grading and brush hogging ? I have a L3830 and have been asked to do some grading and brush hogging for a new neighbor the soil has no rock will be leveling an area to put up some round pens for horses and the brush hogging will consist of cutting green brush, grass about 2 1\2' tall maybe 6 acres . The job site is only 1/2 mile down the road.

 

[Diydave]

around here, I charge $65/hr. I also charge a minimum of $250. If there is also travel time, I charge $95/hr for that...

 

[85Hokie]

As much as I agree with the making of $$$$ - be careful, if you cut grass, dig up something that should not be dug up......who's ass is in the ringer? ( Clint Eastwood - Dirty Harry)

I think something like 50+ an hour is a fair price....just be careful - Have something that basically says - you are working under his guidance and any "problems" that may occur will fall back on him.

 

[Tooljunkie]

Dont forget to mention flat tires extra....

 

[alansz400]

I would do the brush hogging first and get a feel for the guy and see how willing he is to pay you. Based on that you can go back and do the dirt moving or not.

 

[LDowney]

Dont forget to mention flat tires extra....

Does anyone have an example of what they get signed by the land owner prior to service? I like the part of flat tires extra. I had one last weekend at a job. Front tire, not rear thank God.

I typically charge $60 per hour. Time starts when I leave the house until the tractor is loaded. 2 hr minimum. $30 additional charge for shoulder high/small trees brush hogging. I've stayed pretty busy lately bush hogging and tilling. Good luck.

 

[D2Cat]

There was a thread a while back that you might look up on insurance. Definitely need liability and an umbrella policy to cover catastrophes.

If your digging be sure to follow the rules of locates in your state. Would be good to contact the DigSafe phone number and ask to go to an area meeting to get a background for proper business responsibilities.

If you have your hinnie covered you don't need any release in writing, unless you have a major project requiring a contract to spell things out.

If you're contracting a lot of work you need to set aside a factor 15%-20%, something, for your upkeep and unexpected repairs.

 

[bcbull378]

Well I worked for 3 1/2 hrs today grading for a new round pen ( horse pen) and when I was done I asked for $250 the lady was so happy with the job she gave me $300 and wants me back next week to mow 5 to 6 acres of mustard.

 

[D2Cat]

When both parties are happy, that's about as good as it can get. Be thankful!

 

[thedevilyoulove]

Wow, you guys work cheap. I wish one of you lived near me, I would not have purchased a $25,000 worth of tractor and equipment if I can hire one of y'all for $65/hr!

 

[D2Cat]

"Wow, you guys work cheap. I wish one of you lived near me..."

If you would have put an ad in your local paper, Craig's List, or probably Face Book you would have found someone to do the work!

Folks with various tractors are found everywhere. Many owners would do work at much less then contractor's rate because they own the machine, enjoy running it, and don't factor in wear and tear and depreciation. It's a form of relaxation, not a full time occupation.

 

[Diydave]

Wow, you guys work cheap. I wish one of you lived near me, I would not have purchased a $25,000 worth of tractor and equipment if I can hire one of y'all for $65/hr!

I'll work in woodbine, if you pay the travel time...

 

[thedevilyoulove]

"Wow, you guys work cheap. I wish one of you lived near me..."

If you would have put an ad in your local paper, Craig's List, or probably Face Book you would have found someone to do the work!

Folks with various tractors are found everywhere. Many owners would do work at much less then contractor's rate because they own the machine, enjoy running it, and don't factor in wear and tear and depreciation. It's a form of relaxation, not a full time occupation.

I think that is the crux of the $65/hr rate. That might cover my personal time, but does not consider the machine cost at all. Kind of like driving for Uber. I'm sure none of those people make any money after factoring in the wear and tear on their car.

I did ask a neighbor about doing some field mowing for me. He seemed flaky and I wanted a pretty new orange tractor

 

[thedevilyoulove]

This got me thinking, we need an app like Uber but for people willing to do tractor work, LOL

 

[Diydave]

This got me thinking, we need an app like Uber but for people willing to do tractor work, LOL

Actually there is such an app. The providers wanted me to join their list, but My idea would be a list of non paying deadbeats who try to screw hard working contractors, and that shut them right up, and I haven't heard from them since.

Sorry, can't remember the name of the app, but it also had a snowplow app, too...