Bush Hogging job estimates.

rutwad · Jul 26, 2015

I had a job to bush hog 40 acres with my >100 tractor and 15ft. batwing. I did it yesterday, but wonder if it was a lesson learned. With the 3 separate fields and numerous tree obstacles and unseen fell timber, it took longer than it should have. Do you charge hourly or acreage? Prices?

Ed of all trades · Jul 26, 2015

I used to bush hog for people but I learned the hard way that you have to work by the hr and you have to cover yourself from damage. If they told me that the field was clean and I hit something and broke something they paid. If they showed me something in the field it was on me. I have run over horse drawn plows, logs, and even a pitchfork with the tines bent so that all 4 went in the rear tire of my tractor. Those are the things that were the worst, I could not count the little things. I learned the hard way have it on paper, and have them sign.

Complete Turf Care · Jul 26, 2015

Bushhogging is a difficult job to price. You just never know whats out there.

And I find there are lots of 'part timers' who will price it cheaper than I can.

I don't have any good advice for you, but just look at the job carefully, get online and look at a satellite view, walk around the property as best you can, and price it where you are comfortable.

Sawyer Rob · Jul 26, 2015

I rotary cut by the hour... IF I don't know the field, I go slow, where I can't see what's ahead...

I tell the customer all of this ahead of time, and then be as fair as I can with the price...

SR