Pricing bushog jobs?

[mjncad]

The going rate in my wannabe gentrified neighborhood is $60 per acre for bush hog work. That's what I charge, and since our lots average between 1.5 to 2.5 acres, I tell my customers that rate is rounded up to the nearest 1/4 acre as I have had a couple of smart Alec's try to pay based on 1.42 acres.

Also, for new customers I always take a look see at the job site before I take on the job. Some lots in my neighborhood are flat and easy to mow like ours. Others are down right scary with steep slopes and other obstacles.

If there are numerous obstacles I tell the customer up front that there will be a surcharge based on the amount of gyrating I expect to do to get the job done.

Scary sloped jobs I pass on.

 

[dtd24]

I am still new at this tractor thing. I bought my 99 JD1070 w/ 440 loader and 8b backhoe about 3 months ago for my small horse farm. I have been thinking alot about advertising tractor work for next season. I am lookin for a trailer as I type.

I am a project manager/ Estimator for a residential & commercial builder and I do quite a bit of side jobs. Alot of roofs lately. Yuck. Good money, but sick of being on the roof. Trying to finish a metal roof right now.

I would not bring my tractor anywhere for less than $60 per hour, I would even go higher for backhoe work. I guess per hour charges can vary per person, but you get what you pay for. My moto is: I don't want to be the cheapest guy in town. The guy who has the lowest number missed the most.

 

[JimR]

My freind gets $100hr. for brushwacking with his 60HP tractor. With the high cost to buy tractor parts and just general maintanance, he will not work for free. Other tractor jobs he does is $65.00hr.

 

[HD Labs]

I don't have any experience charging others for work yet but I have been told that the going rate for bush hog work should be by the hour. The hourly rate should be about the same as what you would have to pay someone hourly to work on the tractor. Round here I think that is about $75 at the JD dealership. Hope this helps. Would like to know what you decide to go with.

 

[Spark_man]

A friend of mine up here charges $85 an acre with a $100 minimum.

Consider this - the local Rent-all place charges $325 per day (1 day minimum, delivery included) for a JD 4210 with a 5' BH.

 

[Gatorboy]

A friend of mine up here charges $85 an acre with a $100 minimum.

I need to move to the Eastern Shore -- I can cut about 8 acres and hour. That's $680/hour! Sweet.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I need to move to the Eastern Shore -- I can cut about 8 acres and hour. That's $680/hour! Sweet.

And if you need a help...... WOW! $85 an ACRE? Who's cutting that acre? Haliburton?

I talked to a lawn care operator yesterday that is going to take over my chores at our church. He's going to cut 1-1/2 acres of LAWN every saturday, including trimming for $75.

Now $85 for a ONE ACRE LOT wouldn't be out of line, but large scale mowing at those prices, SHEEEESH!

 

[Soundguy]

I need to move to the Eastern Shore -- I can cut about 8 acres and hour. That's $680/hour! Sweet.

Had to go back and re-do my math. and edit the post. i was thinking 1.5 hr on my last mowing time.. but was 1.25 hr for 10ac.. so that is just about right.. 8ac / hr.

I feel that is pretty much a 'best' time for me.. I have to run in 5th gear to get that. I'm mowing mostly flat pasture with a couple tree clumps to dodge. .. jd 15' mower.

Hows that kubota? what are the specs?

Soundguy

 

[bigdeer2000]

any idea of the going rate for a 15 ft batwing and 90 hp tractor

 

[Farmwithjunk]

any idea of the going rate for a 15 ft batwing and 90 hp tractor

Earlier in this thread, I posted info on a job I'm bidding (to have done). I've been quoted $16.75 per acre for 120HP/20' batwing, on 112 acres. Contractor says 9 to 12 acres per hr depending on conditions. 2 other bids are simular price, 85HP/15', 100HP/15'. North-central Kentucky. Seems to be cheapest area in the country.