tractor work rates

gumper48 · Nov 10, 2005

have run into some use for a compact tractor-
some holes to dig, stumps that need to be dug up, need fill dirt to fill in vacant mobile home lots-
as a general rule, ball park amounts, how much per hr would you guys charge for tractor work-
with my mowing i have it down to charging by the minute then rounding to the nearest $5.00.
i'm in sw fla, so no snow moving will likely be involved.
with my old kubota L175, no fel or bh just pulling a box blade i charge 50.00 per hr. am thinking that fel and bh work is a little higher.

tia

MrZukerman · Nov 10, 2005

Would also depend on the operators experience. An experienced operator may due a job in an hour or so were an inexperienced operator might take 3 hours. Someone would be money ahead to pay a little more for someone with experience.

billfires · Nov 11, 2005

I charge $40.00/hr for a New Holland 1920 w/FEL & BH. I am in SE Mass. Bill C

tawilson · Nov 11, 2005

Ditto with the $40/hr.

2nstonge · Nov 11, 2005

Also depends on competition in your area - if any. I focus on the small homeowner projects; drainage, gravel drives, rototilling, etc. No one else in my immediate area doea this. I prefer to not disclose an hourly rate to the customer so I'm not pigeon-holed into that rate for future work. I charge by the job (which inlcudes travel time) but I arrive at the figure using a rate of $50-70 per hour depending on the distance from home, terrain, type of work, attachments, etc. I also have an X-ray clause - I can't quote what I can't see so if I run into something flaky once I start digging than I reserve the right to adjust the price accordingly. People have been only too happy to pay when the work is done; 3 reasons:

I return all calls the same day if possible.
I take the small jobs.
I show up when I say I'm going to show up.

Good luck, -Norm

RonR · Nov 11, 2005

I've been doing small jobs with my 22HP Bota for 2 yrs now. When you consider the cost of a trailer, the implements, INSURANCE (you do have good liability insurance that covers doing commercial work OFF your property, right?), use of your tractor and equipment PLUS the travel time and "gettin' ready time", in my case its more than $50 an hour. Especially if you want to get compensated for YOUR TIME..................

Most of the jobs I've done so far, I've underbid and figure I'm doing the labor for free. Not good planning on my part.

Up to now, I've tried to base my bids on what rental places charge for the same equipment and then some extra for my labor. Where I've failed is not figuring enough time to complete the job. Future bids I provide are going to be based on my old method, then I'll either go 1.5 or 2 times what I think. That way, I'll make a few bucks. If the customer doesn't want to pay it--and I know I'm too cheap as no one has grunched on my bids yet--they can go do it themselves....... Not being demeaning to the customer, but I don't need to go do his job and lose money doing it.

My two cents--ooops four cents--see I've got this estimate thing down pat now!

ron

TC18guy · Nov 11, 2005

Nice pic Zuke!

I agree with Norm about the fixed-price. I think people are more comfortable knowing what it will cost up-front. Make up a form for a quick contract you can type out on the computer and make the customer sign in it and don't be afraid to ask for a down payment for larger jobs. A serious paying customer will not have a problem with this. As RONR said, time and experience will help you find your rate to base your price on. If there may be unknowns or extras spell it out in the contract and explain it to the customer.

Louisiana_John · Nov 11, 2005

I sold my Cat d6c a while ago I got done with the big stuff around here. I just got a smaller D4C LGP to replace it. I am going to state taking on side jobs. I was wondering what are some of the rate that y'all see. I told my friends and family 45.00 hour wet with me.
John