i have a new JD 3520 with 300CX and a frontier bb2060. i realize i bought more ******* than i need.. i would like to try and generate some side income to help justify/pay for the purchase. i was thinking of adding a used tiller and brushhog and running an ad in the local paper. seems like i could earn several hundred dollars a month to offset the purchase price. anyone see any problems with doing this say each saturday in the garden season. problems to watch out for, etc... any other ideas to help make some side cash with my(sweet) tool?
side income with my 3520JD
- Thread starter jmt1271
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JoeinTX
Platinum Member
There's nothing wrong with the idea considering you've got the time and equipment (trailer, etc?), but you'll probably want to get a little insurance in case of the little "oopsies" that are likely to happen.
I took on a $100,000 business liability policy (maybe not enough) and even though I don't do much custom work, when I do at least I have it. I pay around $35-40/month for it. Imagine flinging a rock into someone's car or running over a shallow line and then they expect you to make good for it. There are worse scenarios to be sure, but, these are worrisome enough for a decent, honest fella looking to make a little extra scratch and help people out.
I took on a $100,000 business liability policy (maybe not enough) and even though I don't do much custom work, when I do at least I have it. I pay around $35-40/month for it. Imagine flinging a rock into someone's car or running over a shallow line and then they expect you to make good for it. There are worse scenarios to be sure, but, these are worrisome enough for a decent, honest fella looking to make a little extra scratch and help people out.
Highbeam
Super Member
I also have a Frontier BB2060 and do some side jobs with my tractor. Be very selective to reduce risk. I removed 30 yards of old gravel and spread 11 yards of new gravel on a buddy's driveway this last weekend. Spreading gravel is very low risk, digging up old gravel is higher since phone lines are shallow. Now mowing fields is also pretty low risk IF you are in an open field away from roads, people, and houses.
I recently smashed a few fingers at home in my garage. My medical insurance would not pay my hospital bills until their investigation showed that it happened at my home and not with an automobile. I was burdoned with proving it. If I was making money working on someone else's property I would have been hosed.
Side work might not be worth the risk to you except under ideal risk free situations. Even trailering your tractor to the job, your auto liability insurance won't pay if they find out you were operating commercialy.
I recently smashed a few fingers at home in my garage. My medical insurance would not pay my hospital bills until their investigation showed that it happened at my home and not with an automobile. I was burdoned with proving it. If I was making money working on someone else's property I would have been hosed.
Side work might not be worth the risk to you except under ideal risk free situations. Even trailering your tractor to the job, your auto liability insurance won't pay if they find out you were operating commercialy.
NoMo
Gold Member
In addition to the insurance factor, if you financed, working commercially may violate the terms of your loan.
You can make the money that you want to offset your cost. That is how I gotstarted in business. Had tractor and alot of people that wanted favors. And then their friends wanted favors. Next thing I know a couple ofcontractors called and I was in business. Cost me to sell my 770 JD and I bought 3720 to get a little more HP. But like the others said, you need insurance and also a business license. One other thought is that if you are trailering your machine to a "job" your auto or home owners insurance will not cover it if you have an accident. It will be covered by your business insurance. Good luck!
Redneck_Randy
Platinum Member
JoeinTX said:
Very good suggestion!
