Tractor work: what to charge

One Sock · Oct 31, 2023

I have a Massey Ferguson 30B diesel, and a neighbor has asked if I could do some tractor work for him. What would be a fair price to charge per hour for tractor work?

DRussell · Oct 31, 2023

I think it depends on what the work is exactly. For
example, plowing will take more fuel than raking hay.

It also depends on your relationship with your neighbor
and why he wants it done. It might be worth it in the
long run to help him out for nothing. It might also be
worth it to charge so much that he'll either do it
himself or get someone else to do it. A lot of variables
to consider.

BarnyardEngineering · Oct 31, 2023

These questions come up quite frequently and there is no good answer. You're not doing it for a living. You're not depending on this job to make a payment on the machine.

What's the commitment here? An hour? A week? If it's just a small job, a couple of hours, do it for at most a 5-gallon can of fuel. Be neighborly.

Hoofer B · Oct 31, 2023

too many variables. I would probably do it for free if you like the guy or trade him for something
like an apple pie. Bill

grandpa Love · Oct 31, 2023

I cut my neighbor's grass several times
this summer. He is a home builder and is building his personal house on
the lot, maybe 2 acres.I didn't charge anything, I
actually enjoy cutting grass on an old
Farmall Cub. He did have 2 triple axle
truck loads of asphalt millings delivered
to my place as a thank you.... life is
good when you help a neighbor.

redforlife · Oct 31, 2023

Like others have said, lots of variables.

If it's just somebody you know, and kind of
a one time deal, and you want to put some
sort of a price on it so neither you nor
him get the feeling that your doing it for
free, just charge a fair hourly wage for
yourself X 2. If your allowing $15 an hour
for your time, charge $30 an hour with the
tractor.

Not sure if this is the right or wrong way
to do it, but if it's just a one time deal
that your needing to put a price on, it's
close enough. Your not going to get rich,
and he's not going to go broke.

If you were doing this for a living, making
payments on the machine, and insuring
yourself, etc., you'd have to figure things
differently and likely be charging premium
dollars.

tomturkey · Oct 31, 2023

Remember, some people become dependent once you have done a project for them. Returning time and time again. Even if you are charging money. It is always nice
to be neighborly, but you have your own projects that you would rather work on, so it is ok to tell them you better take it to a shop for fixin. I know you
know this but thought I would share how it went with my neighbor. gobble

timcasbolt · Oct 31, 2023

On a big project you probably need to think about what it costs you. On a small project you might want to inquire if there's a baker in the house. I work harder for pie.

Mike Groom · Oct 31, 2023

I just finished a 860 Ford for a lady about 5 miles away, rewire and carb work. I charged her $25 per hour plus parts and she was very happy with the price and results. Compare that to a dealer and it is like
free. I also charged her $20 for pickup and delivery. I think you have to charge or they will expect it for nothing, of course if you hunt their property or exchange labor that's a different story.

rustyfarmall · Oct 31, 2023

Fill the fuel tank before going to the neighbor, and have HIM refill the tank when the job is done and then go have some coffee.

Hoofer B · Oct 31, 2023

Pie, Our northern buddy Bruce built a farming empire for pie. It took him a lifetime.

flying belgian · Oct 31, 2023

$75/hour. That's what I charge and I've
never had any complaints.

Vito · Oct 31, 2023

Bruce is in semi retirement. Was more like a normal working career. I got to keep going.

Vito

Tony in SD · Oct 31, 2023

At this point in my life, my work time is not as valuable as it ones was. On the other hand, now that I am mostly retired, my play time has become more valuable. If it is something you like to do and you like your neighbor that you
are doing the work for, have him fill your tank and trade him some other work.

ss55 · Oct 31, 2023

Your state extension service should have some guidelines for rates and ranges in your area. The 2023 survey of custom rates in Iowa is: file:///C:/Users/swsib/Downloads/FM1698-1.pdf

Operator's labor per hour, plus fuel used, plus around $0.25 per HP-Hr is an estimate of what you might pay to hire the same work done.
I.E.
$20/hr for the operator
plus 40 HP x $0.25/ HP-HR = $10 per hour for the tractor
plus fuel used (2 Gallons per Hour x $4.50 per Gallon diesel = $9 per hour for fuel.
Total $39 per hour for 40 HP tractor, fuel, and operator

You can adjust what you want to charge once you know your actual costs.

Geo-TH,In · Nov 1, 2023

I've never charged a neighbor. A good neighbor is
priceless. My dad helped neighbors and so does my
son, neither charge. The man who lives across the street
from my son can't understand someone working for
free. He does give my boy's dog a beer.

I should charge a friend, so he doesn't ask me to
fix his junk anymore. lol

I helped a man fix the wiring on his old tractor
in exchange for some flowers. Another man gave me
sweet corn.

If people insist on paying me, I tell them to give what they think it is worth.

gene bender · Nov 1, 2023

just a reasonable price for the whole job unless he understands you work by the hr

Geo-TH,In · Nov 1, 2023

GP
That is how good old country boys work. Pay it forward and you will get paid back.

Farmers will help neighbors that fell on bad health or died.
Many times farmers will use their equipment, tractors, trucks and fuel to harvest crops for a widow and never ask for a penny.

I saw my dad help others, I do the same.
My son's neighbor complimented me on how I raised my boy. They can't understand why he helps anyone and doesn't ask for money. They pay him back with his favorite adult beverages.

Bonnan · Nov 1, 2023

x2 Geo, Neighbor has stored 2 to 3000 small bales in our two barns for 25 years; we never charged him a penny. And we think we got the better of the deal as he provides top notch security plus other support. We've never had problems with theft or damage.

chuck machinist · Nov 2, 2023

X-2 CM

Tractor work: what to charge

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