Buying Advice anyone looked at how much per hour it costs to own a cut?

[/pine]

The surest way to ruin something is to determine what it's costing you. It's like a truck; if mpg is important to you, don't get a truck. Once you get it, figure out if the gas gauge is relatively accurate and be done with the subject.

Sort of like buying a boat and telling the better half ...just think of what we'll save on buying fish...!

 

[JMER817]

When I was running a landscaping business part time on the side with mine I came up with $14 hr if I remember correctly. This was based on an estimated total life (hrs) of the tractor, interest, insurance, fuel / maintenance. I also added a couple bucks for a higher priced attachment like a harley rake.

 

[Tomtint]

I want to see the spreadsheet when someone adds in the cost savings of not blowing out your back. That alone is worth having a tractor at your disposal. I don't care how much it costs.

 

[k0ua]

I want to see the spreadsheet when someone adds in the cost savings of not blowing out your back. That alone is worth having a tractor at your disposal. I don't care how much it costs.

Whoa!, now that puts a different slant on the ole cost factor doesn't it!

 

[RoyJackson]

If I was using a tractor commercially, I'd calculate those numbers. But since it's toy/tool, I really don't care...

 

[whiskywizard]

Based on 400 hours of annual use, the estimated total cost (fixed + variable) is $11.66/hour.

Steve

or 1/10 the cost of operating a snowmobile. :laughing:

 

[Jtschnel]

However, this calculation ignores the convenience of having the tractor on hand when you need it.

It also ignores the "fun" of owning your own tractor! I'm not sure I could justify it mathematically, but I know **** well I can justify it in my own mind 'cause its mine, its fun, and I like it! ;-)

Oh ... and I sure wouldn't want the misses see what the "real" cost is versus the alternative of renting!

 

[MHarryE]

Before I retired and got into partnership on a farm, I had a Kubota L3710 for 9 years. Figuring the original purchase price less true trade in value, fuel, filters, oil changes, and excluding insurance because it was covered under my homeowners for no additional charge, my cost was $28.18 per hour for the 400 hours I used it before trading. I had no repair parts and only included the cost of the tractor w/loader when purchased and same tractor/loader combination traded in - meaning no cost for any of the attachments that I added and disposed of or retained.

 

[Marveltone]

My head hurts.

Joe

 

[California]

Yanmar YM240 24 hp 2wd with loader.

$4k cost
$1k costs that don't add to resale value. Added a ROPS, and misc minor replacements on 30 year old tractor - starter, injectors, loader control valve, small stuff.
$1k fuel & fluids. (50 hours/year @ 2 hrs/gallon)

$6k total cost for 10 years use.
$4k resale estimate (similar on Craigslist)

$2k loss/500 hours = $4/hour cost to operate ten years.

Direct operating cost for fuel, fluids, minor repairs about $3 per hour.

Well worth it!