djw250
Silver Member
A fellow that I know in the Gonzales, LA area charges $60/hr. from the time he leaves his shop until the time he leaves the job. I believe he has a $200 minimum. He has a business license and insurance. Hope that helps.
What Do I Charge for Tractor Work?
- Thread starter Travis_R
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OP
Travis_R
Veteran Member
Ok, I have to go look at 30 acres to bush hog in the next couple days. I was told there may be some stumps to watch out for. Some of the grass is chest high, but not all of it. What would be a good estimate to give?? Using my 38 hp tractor and 5' Bush Hog... Thanks!
Carykong
Gold Member
- Joined
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- Location
- near Williamsburg ,Virginia
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- TC 35 New Holland and 52 Case VAC,LT25 Woodmizer logmill
With an unknown propertyand an unkown customer, it is really simple. Trailer time plus actual tractor engine time x dollar hourly rate= your bill. I would suggest an hourly rate around $50/hr.
the6shooter
Gold Member
30 acres with a 5' hog ? your looking for a round $1200, buck here in oklahoma, and your looking at around 3 days in the field, and a sore back side if your not used to sitting in the seat for that much time. with the heat and bugs your going to eat. I do some of my estimats at $40.00 hr. If you try and over price yourself, you'll be out of buisiness quick. and I might add with what you discribe here, with the hidden stumps I reccemend using your seatbelt at all times. or you may wind up out on the hood. ben there and done that, and never again.
638
Platinum Member
You are looking for a lot of trouble with chest high weeds and stumps! I don't think I could go slow enough to keep from tearing something up.
Ford tractor
Platinum Member
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- 973
Tall grasses will probably slow you down to 2.5 mph. That means 22 to 25 hours of cutting depending on how much time going around stuff with an average effective width of 4.5' per pass.
The "guess" is how fast you can go and still be effectively cutting. If you are dealing with "grass" and not brush, sharp sharp sharp blades are wanted. If you are dealing with brush, a dull blade that shatters the plant is desired to help kill it.
Your tractor could handle a 7' and probably an 8' cutter depending on what you are cutting. The 5' cutter is not your friend.
The "guess" is how fast you can go and still be effectively cutting. If you are dealing with "grass" and not brush, sharp sharp sharp blades are wanted. If you are dealing with brush, a dull blade that shatters the plant is desired to help kill it.
Your tractor could handle a 7' and probably an 8' cutter depending on what you are cutting. The 5' cutter is not your friend.
OP
Travis_R
Veteran Member
So far, you are thinking exactly what i am thinking... $40 per hour/ $1200... I told the guy $40 per hour... Problem is he said "he only has about $700 to spend on the job"... I told him that he'll be very lucky if he can get it done for $700. I know that I wouldn't do it for that... He still wants me to come look at it and give an estimate and he's aware that I have a 38 hp tractor and a 5' Bush Hog.... I'd like to charge a flat rate... I definately need the job, but will not do it for $700. That's just crazy!
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
I suspect it will take $10/acre for fuel alone in tall grass. When you look at possible repairs and unknown property I would want about $1500 to do the job. Otherwise you are just spending your time and wearing out your equipment without any profit. The fact that the property owner only has about half the money for the job is his problem and shouldn't become your problem. Stick to your guns or you will be the loser.
OP
Travis_R
Veteran Member
I agree...
the6shooter
Gold Member
If you are needing the pay then do up to the $700.oo limit, and come back later to finnish the rest. Your $40 per. hr. will and is part of the price per. hr.
What I would do, I.E. quote him a price for around 1/2 the property, for the $700.00 and include the property perimiter, follow the fence line, and then split the property in 1/2, Mow the front 1/2 first.
I myself have no charge for transport within 15 miles, this I give my customers. the $1.00 per mile after the first 15 miles. but that is why I have repeat customers.
When the customer thinks he's getting something for free, they tend to call you back later on in the yr.
I myself like my customers, and give a little. but you can tell which one will call you back and the ones that won't.
Have fun with you tractor....
david
What I would do, I.E. quote him a price for around 1/2 the property, for the $700.00 and include the property perimiter, follow the fence line, and then split the property in 1/2, Mow the front 1/2 first.
I myself have no charge for transport within 15 miles, this I give my customers. the $1.00 per mile after the first 15 miles. but that is why I have repeat customers.
When the customer thinks he's getting something for free, they tend to call you back later on in the yr.
I myself like my customers, and give a little. but you can tell which one will call you back and the ones that won't.
Have fun with you tractor....
david
