How Much Should I Charge?

[3Lfarms]

I would say start by taking the hp rating of the tractor and that becomes the O&M cost (assuming implements are appropriately sized to your tractor). I.e. 50 hp equals $50 per hour. Then add your time, this is your profit margin...say another $20 per hour. Then if job isn’t close enough to drive the tractor to, then add $100 to put it in the trailer and hitch up the pickup. Then add 30 cents a mile.
Then time starts from the second you turn the key on the tractor until you shut it off.
That should get you in the ballpark.

 

[Industrial Toys]

It's easy though to keep adding up what you think you should get paid and find yourself charging what many guys around with BIG IRON are charging, and they can do infinitely more work in an hour. That's often my point. The man running the SCUT is probably wanting to get paid what the guy running the hundred ton hoe is gettting. It's not usually great value to hire a small machine in my opinion. Some people though, have money, and don't mind I guess. They just want the work done.

 

[NoTrespassing]

I had visions of making a few dollars when I bought my tractor. I figured out it was better to do the favors for free or beer. Beer is preferable. Watch out bush hogging unknown ground, you're asking for trouble. If you decide to charge, get as much as you can without making enemies out of your neighbors. I agree with getting some liability insurance.

Kevin

 

[oosik]

I've plowed the neighbors driveway two times. Once dirt - once snow. I received one huckleberry pie. She owes me one strawberry/rhubarb pie. I'll get the second pie as soon as the rhubarb & strawberries are ready in her garden. I definitely consider myself ahead on this deal.

 

[snymat68]

I've plowed the neighbors driveway two times. Once dirt - once snow. I received one huckleberry pie. She owes me one strawberry/rhubarb pie. I'll get the second pie as soon as the rhubarb & strawberries are ready in her garden. I definitely consider myself ahead on this deal.

I plow my elderly neighbor's drive every winter. She lets me use her fuel perks year round. Gave me her little card. She buys lots of groceries but doesn't need much gas. I do the work without expecting anything, but I won't turn down free gas! Occasionally there are cookies also. :-o

 

[Doofy]

I've plowed the neighbors driveway two times. Once dirt - once snow. I received one huckleberry pie. She owes me one strawberry/rhubarb pie. I'll get the second pie as soon as the rhubarb & strawberries are ready in her garden. I definitely consider myself ahead on this deal.

Hard to beat Pie and playing on the Tractor!

 

[jeff9366]

Except for fueling and greasing I have my nearby Kubota dealer perform all service.

I have six years of maintenance and fuel records. It costs $25/hour to operate my tractor without implements.

Imputing a reasonable rent to my stable of implements, tractor cost with an implement is at least $35/hour.
My Kubota L3560 has 37-horsepower.

Commercial insurance would increase tractor cost. You cannot work for pay without liability insurance.

 

[jeff9366]

I would say start by taking the hp rating of the tractor and that becomes the O&M cost (assuming implements are appropriately sized to your tractor). I.e. 50 hp equals $50 per hour.

Brilliant!

 

[MossRoad]

I can't recall where I read it (maybe here on TBN), that if you dig, like with your backhoe, and go down more than something like 3' (can't be sure on the depth), that insurance goes way up. Something to do with hitting utilities and people dying in holes, cave-ins, etc...

I've never worked my machine for money. As others have mentioned, though, I have worked for beer, root beer, dinner, fresh produce, trade labor, etc... :laughing:

 

[Shaneard]

Except for fueling and greasing I have my nearby Kubota dealer perform all service.

I have six years of maintenance and fuel records. It costs $25/hour to operate my tractor without implements.

Imputing a reasonable rent to my stable of implements, tractor cost with an implement is at least $35/hour.
My Kubota L3560 has 37-horsepower.

Commercial insurance would increase tractor cost. You cannot work for pay without liability insurance.

Why pay a dealer to do something you can do? That's taking money out of your own pocket.

You mean I have to get liability insurance to charge someone to do work with my tractor?