Farmwithjunk
Super Member
Every few months, there's a post where someone wants to know "how much to charge" for various tractor related chores. Quite frequently it's regarding bush hogging. I've replied to a few. Obviously there's a great disparity in pricing from state to state. Here in Kentucky, a person will be LUCKY to get $45 or $50 an hour for 45 to 60 HP/6' to 7' mower under normal conditions.
Well, I got lucky.
During the summer, I started trying to get bids on mowing a large acreage belonging to a family trust (wifes family) It's over 100 miles from home, so I wasn't really interested in doing it myself if there was someone who'd do it at a fair price. We found that. It's now contracted through this time next year.
What followed was unexpected. During the process of bidding the work, the court appointed trustee started "working" me to price mowing properties they manage that are near my home. Most are 10 to 50 acre average, semi-rural to suburban settings, and previously kept mowed. Not tough jobs to speak of.
I was offered $75 an hour, travel time included, $250 per job minimum, and I dictate WHEN they get cut. (Don't let them get over-grown.... Probably cut 4 to 6 times per year) I'm estimating 16 to 20 hours per week at the max based on list of properties now in their control. Should work load increase significantly, I already have 1st employee in line.
Looks like I'm going to take a stab at it. Already have insurance policies, my accountant is onboard, and equipment is ready. Train leaves the station first thing next spring. Probably won't have to add on to the bank vault, but I reasonably expect to make a few bucks.
Well, I got lucky.
During the summer, I started trying to get bids on mowing a large acreage belonging to a family trust (wifes family) It's over 100 miles from home, so I wasn't really interested in doing it myself if there was someone who'd do it at a fair price. We found that. It's now contracted through this time next year.
What followed was unexpected. During the process of bidding the work, the court appointed trustee started "working" me to price mowing properties they manage that are near my home. Most are 10 to 50 acre average, semi-rural to suburban settings, and previously kept mowed. Not tough jobs to speak of.
I was offered $75 an hour, travel time included, $250 per job minimum, and I dictate WHEN they get cut. (Don't let them get over-grown.... Probably cut 4 to 6 times per year) I'm estimating 16 to 20 hours per week at the max based on list of properties now in their control. Should work load increase significantly, I already have 1st employee in line.
Looks like I'm going to take a stab at it. Already have insurance policies, my accountant is onboard, and equipment is ready. Train leaves the station first thing next spring. Probably won't have to add on to the bank vault, but I reasonably expect to make a few bucks.