Backhoe Backhoe rates
- Thread starter Bob_Young
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Sarge
Bronze Member
It's amazing how different areas of the country/world go about charging people and such a large difference in rates /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. I have my own woods backhoe and have been trying to decide what to charge. I had a water line put in (before I bought the hoe) and they charged by the foot. It was $3.50 a foot for up to 4' deep. Myself I'm not big on paying by the hour, I like to pay per job quote and then extra if something comes up.
JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
Bob,
Make a few calls and get somebody out to your place for a quote or two for the trench and the stump removal. In Vermont it seems every Joe that four years ago bought a a pickup truck and lawnmower to start his mowing service is now buying a dump truck and a small excavator....A guy can find their ads in the backs of all the local papers and tacked to the wall of local hardware stores.
I'm fairly certain it'll be a lot less than 9K. But, then you won't have a backhoe. Can you forsee any other uses for a backhoe in the next five years? If so, get the hoe, if not, sub it out. I think you're over-thinking the situation. You need to get some real quotes, then decide......Unless of course, the ultimate and underlying goal is to aquire a backhoe /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Make a few calls and get somebody out to your place for a quote or two for the trench and the stump removal. In Vermont it seems every Joe that four years ago bought a a pickup truck and lawnmower to start his mowing service is now buying a dump truck and a small excavator....A guy can find their ads in the backs of all the local papers and tacked to the wall of local hardware stores.
I'm fairly certain it'll be a lot less than 9K. But, then you won't have a backhoe. Can you forsee any other uses for a backhoe in the next five years? If so, get the hoe, if not, sub it out. I think you're over-thinking the situation. You need to get some real quotes, then decide......Unless of course, the ultimate and underlying goal is to aquire a backhoe /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
OP
Bob_Young
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2002
- Messages
- 1,244
- Location
- North of the Fingerlakes - NY
- Tractor
- Ford 4000; Ford 2000(both 3cyl.);JD40; 2004 Kubota L4300; 2006 Kubota B7610; new 2007 Kubota MX5000
I've pretty much come to the same conclusion, Jim. Get in contact with the local real-world, get some quotes and let someone else do it. Unless it's exorbitant, the backhoe idea will stay on the shelf. Don't need either the expense or hassle of more equipment at this time.
I let the town supervisor spook me, I guess. He muttered "You've got a long way to go." several times (referring to the trench.......I think /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif) and left here shaking his head.
I've noticed the proliferation of small operators with equipment. No need for me to add to the glut.
Thanks to all for the responses and thoughtful input.
Bob
I let the town supervisor spook me, I guess. He muttered "You've got a long way to go." several times (referring to the trench.......I think /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif) and left here shaking his head.
I've noticed the proliferation of small operators with equipment. No need for me to add to the glut.
Thanks to all for the responses and thoughtful input.
Bob
trlong
Platinum Member
Jim,
I agree with your advise for Bob. Unless things are different in his area, it seems there are plenty of folks willing to take on "small" jobs such as his. I'd be taking them on but can't swing the truck and trailer needed to transport.
A couple of things come to mind that I don't recall being addressed:
I would think the nice neighbor should be granting a "right-of-way" for that line, not just word of mouth. Things get sticky when property changes hands and there's no record of permission in the Town Clerk's Office. Believe me, I have almost all "New" neighbors and I'm the only one who knows where all the property lines really are and all the right-of-ways. I've had to deal with two major line and right-of-way issues just this year.
Does the pipe need to be laid in stone, or sand? Asking as I'm not sure and it could well make a difference in the equipment best suited for the job (maybe excavator or backhoe AND dozer or at least the bucket loader). In either event, I would think an excavator would be faster at the job.
Bob,...are you planning on transporting the tractor (and maybe that new BH /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif), or do you already have means of transport. The BH will require more trailer than just the tractor and FEL.
Now, if I just had that truck and trailer.... Oh well, guess I'll go dig some more stumps and move some more rocks around this place.
Tom
I agree with your advise for Bob. Unless things are different in his area, it seems there are plenty of folks willing to take on "small" jobs such as his. I'd be taking them on but can't swing the truck and trailer needed to transport.
A couple of things come to mind that I don't recall being addressed:
I would think the nice neighbor should be granting a "right-of-way" for that line, not just word of mouth. Things get sticky when property changes hands and there's no record of permission in the Town Clerk's Office. Believe me, I have almost all "New" neighbors and I'm the only one who knows where all the property lines really are and all the right-of-ways. I've had to deal with two major line and right-of-way issues just this year.
Does the pipe need to be laid in stone, or sand? Asking as I'm not sure and it could well make a difference in the equipment best suited for the job (maybe excavator or backhoe AND dozer or at least the bucket loader). In either event, I would think an excavator would be faster at the job.
Bob,...are you planning on transporting the tractor (and maybe that new BH /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif), or do you already have means of transport. The BH will require more trailer than just the tractor and FEL.
Now, if I just had that truck and trailer.... Oh well, guess I'll go dig some more stumps and move some more rocks around this place.
Tom
AntrimMan
Gold Member
All good advice above.
The easiest way is to have someone else do it, no question about it.
Depending on your local government things can be quite involved.
Several permits may be needed.
You may need additional insurance to work on property other than your own.
Get the DIG-SAFE people to mark the road and the entire path and take photo's when they leave.
If you need a road cut be ready to hire an officer, a pavement sawing company and to post a bond for the resurfacing.
You may need a state licensed plumber, registered with the town, to perform the actual tie in.
If a neighbor has paid to bring in the water line to the current extent, you shoud be prepared to compensate for the previous outlay.
The utility ROW is a must and needs to be recorded on both deeds in detail. Utility easements or ROW's are never grandfathered and must be granted in writing. Even aerial lines that cross another property need a ROW.
Things like this get way out of hand real quick around here.
Think this project all the way through. What kind of problem can you encounter and what you will do to get around it. Have a workable plan and stick to it. If you have to deviate make sure to get an "as built" if needed to protect yourself in the future.
In a case like yours I would be perfectly happy to do all the work on my side of the line. If you work on someone elses property, get insurance, situations can arise ($$$$ happens).
Owning a BH just for home use can rarely be justified. But it provides independance that is invaluable for the DIY type of person.
So here's the real questions... just what type are you and can you deal with all the red tape if you have to?
Have fun with your new BH.
All the best,
Martin
The easiest way is to have someone else do it, no question about it.
Depending on your local government things can be quite involved.
Several permits may be needed.
You may need additional insurance to work on property other than your own.
Get the DIG-SAFE people to mark the road and the entire path and take photo's when they leave.
If you need a road cut be ready to hire an officer, a pavement sawing company and to post a bond for the resurfacing.
You may need a state licensed plumber, registered with the town, to perform the actual tie in.
If a neighbor has paid to bring in the water line to the current extent, you shoud be prepared to compensate for the previous outlay.
The utility ROW is a must and needs to be recorded on both deeds in detail. Utility easements or ROW's are never grandfathered and must be granted in writing. Even aerial lines that cross another property need a ROW.
Things like this get way out of hand real quick around here.
Think this project all the way through. What kind of problem can you encounter and what you will do to get around it. Have a workable plan and stick to it. If you have to deviate make sure to get an "as built" if needed to protect yourself in the future.
In a case like yours I would be perfectly happy to do all the work on my side of the line. If you work on someone elses property, get insurance, situations can arise ($$$$ happens).
Owning a BH just for home use can rarely be justified. But it provides independance that is invaluable for the DIY type of person.
So here's the real questions... just what type are you and can you deal with all the red tape if you have to?
Have fun with your new BH.
All the best,
Martin
ksmmoto
Gold Member
In the two years I have been on this site the rate question always raises more questions than answers.
It seems prices vary greatly in the USA. Northeast, Colorado and West Coast being very high. Midwest in the middle and the south much lower.
For example, brush hogging here in Central Michigan is $45.00 to $65.00 per hour. Backhoe work with a TLB is $80.00 to $110.00 per hour.
I always look at the location when judging a reply. What is needed is a country wide rate chart with a complete list by area and operation. Maybe it already exists?
ksmmoto
It seems prices vary greatly in the USA. Northeast, Colorado and West Coast being very high. Midwest in the middle and the south much lower.
For example, brush hogging here in Central Michigan is $45.00 to $65.00 per hour. Backhoe work with a TLB is $80.00 to $110.00 per hour.
I always look at the location when judging a reply. What is needed is a country wide rate chart with a complete list by area and operation. Maybe it already exists?
ksmmoto
OP
Bob_Young
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2002
- Messages
- 1,244
- Location
- North of the Fingerlakes - NY
- Tractor
- Ford 4000; Ford 2000(both 3cyl.);JD40; 2004 Kubota L4300; 2006 Kubota B7610; new 2007 Kubota MX5000
Hi tr,
Truck and trailer are covered. Got a 10,000lb GCW 20' Big Tex pipe trailer. Pull it with an old, low mileage '94 Cummins Dodge that gets 18mpg /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif whan hauling. Not pretty, but it works.
Your points about what to lay the pipe in and getting "right-of-way" permissions in writing are well taken. Issues I'll bring up with whoever I get to do the job.
Thanks.
Bob
Truck and trailer are covered. Got a 10,000lb GCW 20' Big Tex pipe trailer. Pull it with an old, low mileage '94 Cummins Dodge that gets 18mpg /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif whan hauling. Not pretty, but it works.
Your points about what to lay the pipe in and getting "right-of-way" permissions in writing are well taken. Issues I'll bring up with whoever I get to do the job.
Thanks.
Bob
trlong
Platinum Member
Bob,
If you ever run out of places to park your truck and trailer, feel free to leave them here. Just don't pay close attention to the odometer /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
Hope all goes well with the job.
Tom
If you ever run out of places to park your truck and trailer, feel free to leave them here. Just don't pay close attention to the odometer /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
Hope all goes well with the job.
Tom
Cityboyfarmer
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 13, 2005
- Messages
- 371
- Location
- Macon, Ga.
- Tractor
- Kubota B8200D; JD 5205 MFWD w/522 Loader
Bob,
I saw a ride-on type trencher with a backhoe at a rental yard today. Have you considered that route? BIG trencher blade, looked like it could trench 4' easily. The backhoe had a narrow bucket the width of the trencher blade. That sounds perfect for your situation. The BH would come in handy if you hit a large rock. I'm guessing it couldn't be more than $300-400 for the weekend. I've also seen the big ride-on trenchers with a front blade for covering the trench when you're done. The power company uses those to bury service laterals. They did mine in no time a few years ago.
I would NOT use a walk-behind trencher. They will rattle your teeth and work you till you're sore in muscles you didn't know you had /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Yep, learned that the hard way.
Remember to call your local utilites protection center before you dig!
I saw a ride-on type trencher with a backhoe at a rental yard today. Have you considered that route? BIG trencher blade, looked like it could trench 4' easily. The backhoe had a narrow bucket the width of the trencher blade. That sounds perfect for your situation. The BH would come in handy if you hit a large rock. I'm guessing it couldn't be more than $300-400 for the weekend. I've also seen the big ride-on trenchers with a front blade for covering the trench when you're done. The power company uses those to bury service laterals. They did mine in no time a few years ago.
I would NOT use a walk-behind trencher. They will rattle your teeth and work you till you're sore in muscles you didn't know you had /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Yep, learned that the hard way.
Remember to call your local utilites protection center before you dig!
Skidmark25
Silver Member
I bought my B7610HST with only a few projects in mind then once I had it more uses came up. You will grow into the tractor and its uses. Worst case scenario use it for two years and once all your projects are done you will have a good condition low hours tractor to re-sell. You will probably get more $$ back when you re-sell then will make up the difference of paying someone else to dig for you.
Remember to call the local utilitiy co's & dig safe, especially on someonelse's property.
Remember to call the local utilitiy co's & dig safe, especially on someonelse's property.
JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
Bob,
The person who does the actual work will have absolutely nothing to do with the legal end of things (rights of way / easement). They will dig wherever you paint the line. They could care less whos property it goes over and for how far. That's to be all in hand prior to unloading the machine.
It sounds like you're on to something good here.....town water and it's very close. You have permission to get the water, you now need to make it official. Good advice from TR. This will likely become a very imporant part of your existance there and you need to get it in writing. I'd say talk to a lawyer and have him draft up something simple that can be signed by your neighbor and recorded. It'll be worth the $ to not have to deal with it if your neighbor sells or dies or something like that. It will also create big problems if you need to sell or your heirs want to sell in the future. It doesn't have to be fancy, just needs to be recorded, so when the next mortgage company, or potential buyer does a title search on your neighbor's property they know what they're getting and vice versa.
The person who does the actual work will have absolutely nothing to do with the legal end of things (rights of way / easement). They will dig wherever you paint the line. They could care less whos property it goes over and for how far. That's to be all in hand prior to unloading the machine.
It sounds like you're on to something good here.....town water and it's very close. You have permission to get the water, you now need to make it official. Good advice from TR. This will likely become a very imporant part of your existance there and you need to get it in writing. I'd say talk to a lawyer and have him draft up something simple that can be signed by your neighbor and recorded. It'll be worth the $ to not have to deal with it if your neighbor sells or dies or something like that. It will also create big problems if you need to sell or your heirs want to sell in the future. It doesn't have to be fancy, just needs to be recorded, so when the next mortgage company, or potential buyer does a title search on your neighbor's property they know what they're getting and vice versa.
JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
Bob,
125 yards in reasonable soil is not bad at all. It might take you two days max, but I guess the ultimate question is: Do you have a long term need for the hoe? AND, what are your quotes for the trench and the stumps? I see you are retired, so time won't be a major issue or you would't be considering the job /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I've got a hoe on my Kubota and love having it for all kinds of things, big and small....dig a trench or pull an old overgrown shrub by reaching over a fence with a chain. They are very nice to have, but $$. As stated by AntrimMan....the convenience of owning something you can use at will is hard to quantify. I don't think you'll be able to make a true decision until you get your quotes back.
Whoever does the work should lay down some 2" foam insulation over the pipe before you backfill.
You'll not likely have a lot of red tape since the pipe will be on private land. You should just be able to do it without much town involvement, just get something (anything) in writing that you can record to CYA. I'd do it sooner than later so it's fresh on her mind and she doesn't have too much time to talk it over with everybody and her brother telling her to charge you for the easement /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
125 yards in reasonable soil is not bad at all. It might take you two days max, but I guess the ultimate question is: Do you have a long term need for the hoe? AND, what are your quotes for the trench and the stumps? I see you are retired, so time won't be a major issue or you would't be considering the job /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I've got a hoe on my Kubota and love having it for all kinds of things, big and small....dig a trench or pull an old overgrown shrub by reaching over a fence with a chain. They are very nice to have, but $$. As stated by AntrimMan....the convenience of owning something you can use at will is hard to quantify. I don't think you'll be able to make a true decision until you get your quotes back.
Whoever does the work should lay down some 2" foam insulation over the pipe before you backfill.
You'll not likely have a lot of red tape since the pipe will be on private land. You should just be able to do it without much town involvement, just get something (anything) in writing that you can record to CYA. I'd do it sooner than later so it's fresh on her mind and she doesn't have too much time to talk it over with everybody and her brother telling her to charge you for the easement /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
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