15 Year Old Got His First Brush Hogging Job!!

[deere4320]

Hi All,
I finally got my first brush hogging job!! I am so happy, i will be able to get alot of seat time and make some money:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: I just need a little advice about how much to charge:

Should i Charge by the hour or the acres

Here is some information about the field if is necessary to calculate the price.

A: It is very over grown.

B: It is one somewhat hilly terrain

C: It is about 11 Acres.


The picture that is a attached is not the field, i found it on google, But the grass length is about equivalent to the one i will be brush hogging

 

[Johndeere3720]

I usually go by hour, not by acre. I'd say $50-$75 per hour. I have done some brush mowing jobs myself. I know that the 4320 will go right through the brush with ease as I have mowed brush that tall with a 3720 with ease. I mowed 50 some acres with an MX6. Does the 4320 have cruise control? That was probably one of the best features i've found when mowing since you dont have to constantly hold down the hydro pedal.

 

[deere4320]

I usually go by hour, not by acre. I'd say $50-$75 per hour. I have done some brush mowing jobs myself. I know that the 4320 will go right through the brush with ease as I have mowed brush that tall with a 3720 with ease. I mowed 50 some acres with an MX6. Does the 4320 have cruise control? That was probably one of the best features i've found when mowing since you dont have to constantly hold down the hydro pedal.

Yes i have the 'automotive' style cruise control

 

[myyaz33]

Some advice- be cautious of what may be lying in the field. Those fun things found can get expensive and/or time consuming. Good luck.

 

[deere4320]

Some advice- be cautious of what may be lying in the field. Those fun things found can get expensive and/or time consuming. Good luck.

Ahhhhhh, good to know thanx!!!

 

[smstonypoint]

<snip>

Should i Charge by the hour or the acres

Here is some information about the field if is necessary to calculate the price.

A: It is very over grown.

B: It is one somewhat hilly terrain

C: It is about 11 Acres.


<snip>

I think you need to determine your costs (variable and fixed) before trying to make a pricing decision.

Steve

 

[ModMech]

Yes! Ask if the owner knows of stumps, rocks or other objects that might damage the equipment.

You might consider a clause in your agreement that it's one (higher) price for the first cutting and a second reduced price for the next cuttings (per hour) to offset the risk of damage your first time thru.

 

[dex3361]

I agree with the previous poster and would say that you should take the time to walk the fields and see if there are surprises in the grass/weds.I would ask if there is any junk in the field and if the answer is I don't know I wold go much slower. I would start out at the low end of my pricing to start out with and I would charge by the hour after you know how much time it takes to cut it then you can do it by the job. Do a great job and the word will spread. Have fun and be safe. Do not take chances especially in unfamiliar territory.

 

[Johndeere3720]

On some of my jobs, i walk out an area to locate sticks, stumps, rocks, etc. I usually remove the rocks and sticks from the area before mowing. i also have to do this at home since the dogs leave large sticks and limbs around from playing fetch.

 

[beenthere]

I would second the $50-75 per hour. And I'd suggest you have an idea what liability you (or your father) have if you damage something on someone else's property.

Or know what your own insurance policy covers if you damage your tractor or cutter (say you cave in an old cistern or the septic system ).
Things happen, and you should know a bit about where you stand ahead of time.

For example, say you cross a hidden swamp, get hopelessly stuck, and make a big mess of some wetland. Your tractor is mired in mud, the landowner is upset as well as the local natural resources people, and you have to hire a rig to come in and extricate your machine. :confused3:

Very likely, everything will go just fine.