Mowing houly rates for mowing?

[rbargeron]

I'm hoping to get the current thinking of the membership about an age-old question. How much to charge for mowing the neighbors' land. I use a 59 hp Kubota with a 90" Woods finish mower - with obstacles and tight spots it averages 1 to 2 acres an hour. If I add up all the costs (even without trailering) it seems like $50/hr is low and $100/hr is high. Any comments? Anyone charging by the acre? Thanks, Dick B

 

[design]

I am not sure the going rate, but to rent a 35 Hp tractor, it is $35/hour. What about moving stone for a neighbor???
Design

 

[ejtaylor822]

I have read the rule of thumb for rotary cutting is $1 per horsepower per hour - not sure if that applies to finish mowing - don't see why it wouldn't though.

 

[FamilyFarm]

My only experience was 4 years ago B.O.A.T. (before owning a tractor!), a fellow wanted $200 to cut 4 acres that had grown up around a house we were purchasing. I decided to put the $200 toward buying a rotary cutter for the tractor I was about to purchase. I let the yard grow until I got the tractor. Sure glad I did, as the cutter has been very handy over years, though not used often.

 

[rbargeron]

If a 35 hp rents for $35 but doesn't come with an operator (or a mowing attachment) - maybe another $15 - $20 should be added for mower and operator? That would put the custom-hire rate around $70 for the L5030's and M5040's so many members seem to be moving to. Some adjustment up or down might be needed for mowing conditions - a flat field goes much better than an rock-strewn New England pasture.