Starting a Tractor, Sand & Gravel, Road Repair, Brush Clearing Business

[crashz]

This year I amped up my side business. I've had insurance for a few years as I've rolled my professional license into a general liability policy that covers multiple tasks. This year I began advertising on Craigslist with just a few posts. I picked up enough work that my already busy summer was packed full. I covered all costs and then some. I advertised as Bobcat and tractor work, got a lot of "bobcat" work. But I wouldn't worry about defining the work by the machine. Use your equipment to to the job. I could have done everything with the tractor, even my gear drive with tiny loader.

Around my area, seems like there could be a market for a decent 6 wheel dump truck with the material yards. I have a tough time (at my day job) getting small loads delivered to job sites without using our own truck. Most guys use try-axle dumps or trailer because a lot of large contracts are paid by the ton, but sometimes you only need a few ton. Just make sure that you are paid by the load with that truck!

 

[Thall303]

How much should I pay for Bulldozer work ? By the job or by the hour?
Clearing brush and old fence lines in Texas?

 

[airbiscuit]

Hi Rich,

I am happy to discuss my limited experience with you. I live in an extreme fire danger zone, so, like you, I will expect to be doing a fair amount of "defensible space" work.

Warmly,

Ben

So what is "defensible space" - a fire lane, or something more? Pics would be nice.

 

[ericm979]

Fire clearance around rural buildings. CAL FIRE - Why 1 Feet?
It's remarkable seeing air photos after fires where the houses with good clearance survived and the others didn't.