Mowing How much to charge for mowing

NoTrespassing · Aug 7, 2003

I mowed the neighbor's field this week. I'd say it's about 8 or 9 acres. He'd been bugging me to pick up a mower for several weeks and I finally did. The grass and weeds were very tall and combined with the rough disced field it took me over 3 hrs. to mow it. It may have been closer to 4 hrs. but I split it up over 3 evenings when combined with my own 6 acres so it's hard to tell just how much time his took.

I guess my question is how much is mowing 8+ acres of very tall grass and weeds on a very bumpy field worth. The deal is already done but I'll be mowing it 3 times per year in the future. I don't want to rip him off, he is my neighbor, but I don't want to work and put hours on the tractor for free either.

Kevin

JohnMiller3 · Aug 8, 2003

( it took me over 3 hrs. to mow it. It may have been closer to 4 hrs. ) 

Well, ya have to start somewhere... $150-200. (first cut always the longest, most time... will get less as you progress with experience- charge accordingly) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

theboman · Aug 8, 2003

I checked you page out, I hope you mowed it with your Bota and 6' rotary cutter.
No that TroyBuilt, you should really. really get blocks under the front tires if you're gonna lift it with your FEL to change the blades. Those FELs, many things can happen and that mower can break your neck, you have good looking place so be smart.

stvman · Aug 8, 2003

I would say get a price on a 1/2 day rental for the tractor of your size then an hourly rate for yourself.

upgw · Aug 9, 2003

My two neighbors are professional landscapers, the one guy gets $49 an hour mowing, the other guy a bit less.

I passed on a similar opportunity in my neighborhood because I felt guilty charging them anything, even a fair price..

I think $40/hour is quite reasonable.

- Patrick

rbargeron · Aug 9, 2003

The true economic cost of mowing someone's neglected field is actually pretty high. You have experienced that first-hand as you negotiated the bumps, obstacles, and your machinery chopped up all that fiber. But people generally don't have a clue what the true total cost is. Many owners of neglected open land have not themselves invested in what it takes to maintain it, and are not happy about paying anything. Sure they say they'll pay you, but if you hand them a bill for $50/hr they'll resent it. They want the open space feeling, but have not accepted the idea of maintenance cost. If some "dumb farmer" does them a favor and mows it for a low figure - they miss the point and keep hoping it will happen again. I've kept several of my neighbors "opened up" for years now - but I may have just helped create a group of poor stewards of their property. My recommendation is $50/hr to cover your bare cash costs, $75/hr or more as you add acknowledgement of your time and investment. The problem is, if people are accustomed to getting it free, they wont want to pay it.

Knute · Aug 9, 2003

( I would say get a price on a 1/2 day rental for the tractor of your size then an hourly rate for yourself. )

In my area NE of Seattle a 4 hour rental of a NH TC30 goes for $140, plus $40 for delivery/pickup. A Kubota that size goes for $195 / day plus $100 delivery/pickup (different shop)....I can't wait until I buy my tractor....

John