In search of contractor for Brush mulching

Grindleslough · Feb 26, 2015

Hey guys, I am new to the forum. I am in search of someone willing to do mulching with a skid steer in a hardwood thicket. I am located near Forrest City Arkansas. Also what are some of the hourly rates around the south?

Thanks

mddorange · Feb 27, 2015

:welcome:
To TBN from Northwest Alabama.

woodchipper · Feb 27, 2015

Welcome to the T.B.N. forum from Québec, Canada.
Around here, basic tractor work is $50/hr. Therefore, Skidsteer mulching work would be around $70-$80/hr.

GreensForestryMulching · Feb 27, 2015

woodchipper said:
Welcome to the T.B.N. forum from Québec, Canada.
Around here, basic tractor work is $50/hr. Therefore, Skidsteer mulching work would be around $70-$80/hr.

Shew I'd be one broke individual if I only charged $70-$80 an hour to run my skidsteer mulcher.

fishfactor · Feb 27, 2015

GreensForestryMulching said:
Shew I'd be one broke individual if I only charged $70-$80 an hour to run my skidsteer mulcher.

+1. I have never heard of anyone running for that rate, so don't use that for comparison. That wouldn't even come close to covering the expenses to operate the machine. Woodchipper must get a 50% discount.

lumberjack1986 · Feb 28, 2015

Usually you would be around $150/hr, plus or minus $30/hr.

What matters more than hourly rates is production. Going for the lowest rate is an exercise in futility.

yellowdogsvc · Feb 28, 2015

GreensForestryMulching said:
Shew I'd be one broke individual if I only charged $70-$80 an hour to run my skidsteer mulcher.

I second that. Around here there are quite a few contractors and I've seen rates for as low as $100/hr (looks like crap and they never seem to finish the job) to rates near $200/hr. I'm at the upper end of the spectrum and every penny is earned.

Don't go for the cheap guy and ask what their experience is. If they are worth a hoot, they will be able to direct you to a job they did in your area where you can see the quality. You really have to watch some of these guys. The quality of work really is all over the place just like the rates. Make sure they have workman's comp and liability if they are charging $150/hr plus.. They can afford it.
I get on a soap box about that because I know contractors who aren't insured and have even known of some that ran off when a fire started.