Looking to make some extra cash with my tractor

Cranedaddy · May 21, 2016

So work has been slow and I've had a lot more time off than I can easily financially manage. I've got a 35hp TYM tractor with a 5' rotary cutter, 5' box blade, FEL, and 66" tiller. I've been thinking about posting a ad on craigslist looking for people that need some brush hogging done or tilling or minor dirt work. I'm not necessarily looking to start a business. I think I would just look for a here and there tractor job to bring in a few hundred extra bucks during my off time from my normal full time job. I don't have any insurance, should I get some before taking a job? What are the wise words of wisdom from my friends here on tractorbynet?

Parkanzky · May 21, 2016

There is no way I'd do paid work on another person's property without insurance. $10k worth of damage can happen very, very quickly during a few hundred dollar job.

Cranedaddy · May 21, 2016

That's what I was thinking. Do you or anyone else have a recommendation for insurance quotes?

Code54 · May 21, 2016

Yes- I would certainly get insurance. Check whoever insures your home/property/cars/etc to start.
Good chance you never need it but one freak accident could easily ruin you for life.
Good luck

bdog · May 21, 2016

No way I would do it without insurance. I don't know exactly what it would cost but I am guessing north of 1k per year. If you are running a business that isn't bad but if not and you are just doing odd jobs here and there it is pretty expensive.

Deere Dude · May 22, 2016

Insurance for other peoples things you might break, but think about insurance for your own tractor.

I would double check if your own tractor is insured if it is off your property,

Kubota 2350 · May 23, 2016

Deere Dude said:
Insurance for other peoples things you might break, but think about insurance for your own tractor.

I would double check if your own tractor is insured if it is off your property,

I agree, most homeowners policy's won't cover your tractor off your property.
Also the way things are now a days, I wouldn't even think about doing anything without insurance.

People will sue at the drop of a hat.

kthompson · May 23, 2016

You will want to check with Independent Insurance Agents for this insurance most likely. The big names such as State Farm, Allstate and such do not normally sell it.

Get the pricing and info all lined up but wait till you have work lined up.

Running rough cut mower is one of the most dangerous jobs you can do for hire for the lowest income. Not saying do not do it but they will often call you on land that has been ignored for years and expect you to have no issue putting your equipment in there with no idea what is in there. Rocks, stumps, old car engines, get the idea? I saw a rough cut mower throw a chuck of wood that was heavy enough to damage a car door that was driving by over 40 feet. Good it hit the door and not through window and a person.

Cranedaddy · May 24, 2016

kthompson said:
You will want to check with Independent Insurance Agents for this insurance most likely. The big names such as State Farm, Allstate and such do not normally sell it.

Get the pricing and info all lined up but wait till you have work lined up.

Running rough cut mower is one of the most dangerous jobs you can do for hire for the lowest income. Not saying do not do it but they will often call you on land that has been ignored for years and expect you to have no issue putting your equipment in there with no idea what is in there. Rocks, stumps, old car engines, get the idea? I saw a rough cut mower throw a chuck of wood that was heavy enough to damage a car door that was driving by over 40 feet. Good it hit the door and not through window and a person.

Yes, I kind of expected situations like this. I just called my insurance company a few minutes ago but couldn't get a hold of anybody.

What should be a average ball park rate for insurance that covers me and a customer?