Tractor work prices in and around Houston, Tx

[JoeinTX]

Yes, a "shredder" here is a rotary mower.

A mower is something you use to cut your lawn and a "brush hog" is a generic variation of the Bush Hog brand......kind of like drinking a "coke" even though it may be a Pepsi or Dr. Pepper or making "xeroxes" when your just making paper copies.

As for the insurance, I started years ago thinking I wanted to tackle larger commercial properties especially empty lots/tracts owned by real estate companies. I learned a little about the insurance requirements then, but, ultimately decided against these large jobs because of money and time and the out-and-out hassle I ran into trying to actually get in touch with someone who could okay the deal. Maybe there's a secret, I dont' know, but it was mre more baloney that I wanted for a side business. I utlimately decided to just work as I wanted and get a smaller policy more reflective of what physical damage I might do on a private lot, i.e. tearing up a fence or slinging the odd rock/wood chunk through a window or similar and it was easy as pie.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I'm not anywhere near Texas, so I don't know the "going rates" down your way. I've taken on mowing quite a bit of property this coming summer for an "asset managment group" that handles estate property and/or properties owned by elderly who are stuck in a nursing home. By doing it this way, I'm only dealing with one "customer". We've already done some business. I finish the job, call in my time, and a check appears in my mailbox in 2 to 3 days. Can't beat it with a stick

My insurance is written as a rider on my farm policy. 1 mil liability coverage cost is right at $350 a year that way. In todays sue-happy environment, I wonder if that's enough.

Any time I've ever done side work with my equipment, the biggest drain on my intended profits has usually been hauling/transportation cost. Your time must include something to cover that.

I've ran in to a few people that want "fixed price" numbers, but most will go with the hourly rates.

Don't try to get EVERY job you look at. Some will throw up a red flag on first sight. Stay away from those. ("Bad karma" with the customer, junked up property that will damage your equipment, and/or conditions you just don't like.) Let your competitor have them. People that tend to gripe and complain before you even start automatically get bumped off my short list. Make certain of what your lien rights are should you get someone who won't pay. (That happens more nowdays than ever before)

In time, you'll be able to build a client list that will keep you busy and will pay on time.

Here in rural Kentucky, should you ask $50 an acre for mowing weeds, you'll spend a LOT of time waiting for the phone to ring. $50 to $55 PER HOUR is acceptable. (assuming you can mow 2 or 3 acres per hour)

 

[JoeinTX]

"I'm not anywhere near Texas, so I don't know the "going rates" down your way. I've taken on mowing quite a bit of property this coming summer for an "asset managment group" that handles estate property and/or properties owned by elderly who are stuck in a nursing home. By doing it this way, I'm only dealing with one "customer". We've already done some business. I finish the job, call in my time, and a check appears in my mailbox in 2 to 3 days. Can't beat it with a stick..."


That does sound great and similar to what I was looking to do. How did you go about actually speaking with the property manager or ?-ever handled making such an agreement? That was a problem I had when I could never speak to anyone who was "the guy" to see.....

 

[Farmwithjunk]

"I'm not anywhere near Texas, so I don't know the "going rates" down your way. I've taken on mowing quite a bit of property this coming summer for an "asset managment group" that handles estate property and/or properties owned by elderly who are stuck in a nursing home. By doing it this way, I'm only dealing with one "customer". We've already done some business. I finish the job, call in my time, and a check appears in my mailbox in 2 to 3 days. Can't beat it with a stick..."


That does sound great and similar to what I was looking to do. How did you go about actually speaking with the property manager or ?-ever handled making such an agreement? That was a problem I had when I could never speak to anyone who was "the guy" to see.....

It all came about quite by accident. I wasn't looking for business. A friend came to me, looking for someone to recommend for mowing her mothers property. The mother is in an assisted living home. She had to sign over her property and holdings to the managment group because of an internal squabble in the family. (court ordered) I agreed to mow this place. (less than 60 acres) My friend passed along my name . When the managment group contacted me, they asked about doing more work. At that point, we sat down and thrashed out an agreement. My son and I will split the work. This one just fell in my lap.

 

[JoeinTX]

Nice......