How much labor (time) should I be charged for replacing two frost plugs and a pilot bearing on a 3000 diesel. The frost plugs were on the rear of the block.
About 1-1/2 to 2X the actual work time. The flat rate formula would start with the raw (actual) time required on a new tractor using hand tools, then add a used allowance (10%), plus time to get parts, a tenth of an hour to move the rig to the work bay, etc. When you consider all the time for these related activities you'll be ballparkish close.
Anyone that splits a 3000 and only changes two frost plugs and a pilot bearing deserves not to get paid at all. He should be kicked in the #** for not changing the third frost plug. There's two in the back of the block and one in the back of the cylinder head.
It's good practice to change the rear main crankshaft seal when the tractor is split, and probably to change the clutch release bearing as well. Soundguy would want the transmission input shaft seal(s) changed.
What about attachments? does it have a FEL, front plow, or other equipment that had to be removed prior to the split and reinstalled after? Did the shop that performed the repair truck the tractor? Did they have to spend an hour with a pressure washer to find the buckle up bolts? I don't like to get into billing disputes knowing half the story. And that's what this sounds like.