Do you charge your friends for tractor work?

[JJT]

I don't charge friends, but neighbors and acquaintances are another story. With a friend you know the favor is going into the bank and will be repaid. With some neighbors it's all take and no give, they get charged after a few freebies. I'm old enough that I refuse to let people take advantage..... Good friends and good neighbors are priceless.

 

[RjCorazza]

It depends if it is helping a friend or doing work IMHO. Since you cleared the land with your equipment you should be paid for the effort. If he had asked you to do it for free he would be trying to take advantage of you. You have to watch out for those type of folks that always take and never give.

So true. Unfortunately there are those that consistently bring nothing to the table, and can't be counted on for anything. I don't know how they sleep at night.

 

[MH8675309]

It depends - if its just putting out a round bale for my Amish friend or dragging a dead horse or beef I dont. Its just a favor that may or may not be returned. Im not keeping track

 

[jk96]

Immediate family and true friends no, although I can count my true friend list on one hand. Anyone else yes for the most part. As I get older the value I place on time for myself and family has greatly increased. Also every hour I put on a machine for someone else is one less I get to use for myself. And we all know nothing is getting cheaper.

 

[ssgp2]

Your friend got a DEAL considering the situation. I use my tractor as a side job, and my regular customers pay my going rate. Friends, I don't charge, but tell them they can make a fuel/insurance donation if they so wish.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Just out of curiosity what is your going rate?

 

[dstig1]

You wouldn't get a contractor to do it for less than $500 and more likely $1000 (or more). Heck, $2k wouldn't really surprise me. Given the relationship and the fact that it was for profit for him, I'd say you were both very reasonable and fair to both of you.

I occasionally plow out a neighbor or two with my tractor as while my driveway is 600'+, theirs are small and only take a few minutes when I am down at the bottom of my driveway. I'll do it when we get a big dump or when someone is out of town. It's quick and no big deal so just a favor/goodwill on my part. Now if they wanted me to do it like a contractor and plow them out every snowfall, then I would be charging. So it depends on the circumstances, I'd say.

 

[Dftodd]

It depends on the "Friend"

 

[RobertN]

I don't charge. Sometimes I've been given money for fuel but that's about it. But, generally I don't take on others large projects.

Years back I would hire out, but we had a small mom/pop landscape company, and were insured. Since we stopped that, I haven't had time for others big projects, don't want the liability, and don't want to beat up my tractor and implements.

Need a hand, I'll happily lend a hand. But for bigger stuff just can't commit to right now.

 

[Jstpssng]

I'm on the other side of the coin. I've been trying to get a tractor hauled from the family homestead to my house all summer. Today I asked a coworker who does tractorwork on the side, if he would be interested in hauling it for me. The going rate seems to be $4.00/ loaded mile so that's what I expect to pay him.