I know we are in the midst of inflation, but I’ve never hired a guy to do plotting work until this year. He’s retired and lives next to the property. I like him a lot and told him to figure what his time is worth + small depreciation on equipment+ direct costs. He’s thinking about doing this more in his retirement and I’m trying to give him ( and myself) a realistic expectation of pricing. Anyone done this lately? ( Virginia not California). Thanks in advance.
Ps. (Disking spraying broadcasting spraying)
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I actually do this type of work + brushhogging + gravel + all types of bulldozer work...
For your scenario you described usually spraying is first so I just charge for that at the time it is done and since spraying goes fast I just charge a set rate/acre of $30 with a 2 acre minimum if the property is under 20 miles. If I drive more than 30 miles to get to it I get 3 acre minimum, 40....and so forth. I will carry my own water and whoever I am working for provides what they want sprayed at the site.
For chisel plowing/disking I charge $60 hour with 2 hour minimum out to 20 miles, 30 miles I get 3 hour minimum. My disk is 7’ and my chisel plow is 6’ but I just charge the same and I can haul both of them and my cone spreader at the same time.
Brushhogging $60 hour for 6 foot brushhog, 2 hour min out to 20 miles and then 3 hour min after that up to 50 where I go 4 hour min.
I get $90 hour on the dozer with 3 hour minimum to 20, 4 to 30 and 8 hour minimum after 30. Prices will be going up soon thought because diesel in trucks and equipment.
Things I want to mention that Letmgrow brought up. Spraying only chemical provided to you at the site and with the disclaimer you are their employee and that the property is their property and that you are not near any wells, or waterways...luckily everything I have even been asked to spray has been deep woods food plots not near any water and in middle of properties so not much brain work and measuring needed. I will turn down any job I find questionable.
Lines, property and utilities, know where they are before you even take equipment there...I always drive out in my small pickup and look jobs over before I commit to them. Here in Oklahoma I call 811 with a date I expect to work and property description of where work is to be performed and the utility companies come Mark all of the lines in that area.
I have been doing this type work going on 7 years and have done so well I now do it full time. I deal with 1 boss at a time and no employees. I can fire my boss and move on if required. Be prepared for breakdowns because they will happen and if you aren’t mechanically inclined it may not be for you because shop rates will put a halt to profit pretty quick. Have to have a lot of discipline to get work done ASAP. For plantings and things that require specific dates I schedule for those dates and work everything else around them. I find I don’t really like to use my equipment on my own place for fear of tearing something up before I get my customers taken care of. You don’t need fancy to do this...cabs are a hindrance when you have to do things for people on their terms and property differences, pre emissions equipment tends to not have near the breakdowns that Tier 4 and newer equipment has that requires shop time. Be prepared to fix equipment on the spot with tools, extra hydraulic hoses, fluids, etc...
it is very rewarding work especially for someone who is already retired and wants a little something extra.