mowing for cash!

First one · Oct 26, 2011

I have never mowed anyone's fields with my 17hp DR Mower before and really don't know how to come up with what to charge for my mower for a hourly rate , anyone have a clue?
I'm getting $25hr for just me.
Would $25 sound about right an hr for my mower? Thanks Scott

AGGIE00 · Nov 2, 2011

Are you saying $25 for you plus $25 for the mower? If so $50 an hour for 17hp seems quite high. I'd say you need to do it by the job or acre. Keep in mind what the customer calls finished and what obstacles you will encounter.

texastremors · Nov 2, 2011

for my JD 3120 with a 5 ft shredder I charge 25 to 45 an hour

Team_Green · Nov 13, 2011

For my 60 hp JD4520 and 6 foot brush mower i get 55 bucks.. If you can get 50 go for it but i would be supprised. At those rates they will want a bill for tax reasons.

WilliamBos · Nov 13, 2011

AGGIE00 said:
Are you saying $25 for you plus $25 for the mower? If so $50 an hour for 17hp seems quite high. I'd say you need to do it by the job or acre. Keep in mind what the customer calls finished and what obstacles you will encounter.

Why should it be given away?? What is your time worth?? What is your equipment worth??

Charge by acre, or the hour.

scesnick · Nov 13, 2011

Do a search, this subject has been debated and beaten to death. I think the conclusion was that no one price per acre will fit every mowing job..

whistlepig · Nov 13, 2011

You are going to have to calculate this out for yourself. How many hours a year you are using the mower and it's lifetime to wear out. Fuel and maintenance is the burden of the buyer of your services. And you have to price your time. Best to start out a little low and see the demand.

AGGIE00 · Nov 14, 2011

WilliamBos said:
Why should it be given away?? What is your time worth?? What is your equipment worth??

Charge by acre, or the hour.

It doesn't matter what I think my time and equipment are worth, it is what the market will bear for the service. I can justify my prices all I want, but the customer is only going to pay what it is worth. What I have found is that many times it is easier for the customer to swallow a lump sum price than an hourly rate. With hourly rates the customer is able to break down operating cost and will often feel he can do the job himself for cheaper.

WilliamBos · Nov 14, 2011

AGGIE00 said:
It doesn't matter what I think my time and equipment are worth, it is what the market will bear for the service. I can justify my prices all I want, but the customer is only going to pay what it is worth. What I have found is that many times it is easier for the customer to swallow a lump sum price than an hourly rate. With hourly rates the customer is able to break down operating cost and will often feel he can do the job himself for cheaper.

Right, but it is a cut throat industry. I too have thought about it, but every time I factor in potential expenses like a blown tire (which will happen) things ddo break, and will need to be repaired.I change my mind. I will not work for fuel money, and good HD Equipment is not free. You also have to pay yourself.

Even for cash, will not be free, will be what I want, and will not budge off of it.

Search out Farmeithjunk's or Soundguy's posts on. This subject.