How to Charge For Tractor Work. Hour Cost Breakdown

Can you make money with a tractor? In this video, we take you on a job with us and explain how we charge for a job. We were asked to till a small new garden in a grassy yard. First ground tilling plots are always the hardest, but this turned out well I think. Tell me what you charge for a job in the comment section below.
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[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Check out my buddy Hank's video for more/different insights on making money with a tractor! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6WYeqaIfMuXZ68

[@khtractors]

I’ve watched a lot of these tractor money making videos lately. You’ve done by far the best job explaining why to charge what. I started at 12 years old in 1997 using my Dads John Deere 770 for tilling, bush hogging, and driveway maintenance. Now I have 5 tractors and continue to do these jobs plus custom hay baling and a few extras. I just reclaimed a 1/3 acre pond with tractors and bid the job. I was afraid I had messed up at first on the bid but came in one hour shy of what my predicted time was when figuring the bid. These are things that we learn over time. It only takes a few screwups on pricing to really get our attention. I’ve found if you price fair and do a good job people will often give a bonus. Also they will ask you to come back for another job in the future. Take care!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I really enjoyed your comment. Thank you.

[@mattstucker1306]

Great video. Most dirt work, road grading, and moving/hauling gravel packing it down building roads I charge $85.00 and hour mowing/brush cutting $75.00 an hour. Removing fallen timber or clearing up tree lines clear land it's depends on how much I have to saw and haul off etc... If the job is for family and friends I give some discounts to those who pay. I'm not in this hobby farm life style for extra money it's all about Tractor time. That's my relaxing chill out and play like I'm a young boy on a dirt hill with Tonka tractor and trucks again.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you. I appreciate the support. I love working on the tractor too.

[@robbiefrentz9427]

How big of tractor and brushog

[@robbiefrentz9427]

How big is your tractor and brushog

[@orlandoherreraoutdoorstexa7353]

Hola From Texas, Tony I charge by the job. I am usually on the high side but I do the extras like trim around structures, fences, poles and the clients like that. My last job with my little Massey Ferguson GC 1705 earned me about 65.00 an hour for seven hours. Great video. I will subscribe.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Love Texas. I appreciate you.

[@alexandercronin8357]

I’m in Australia and have a 38 hp tractor with 5 foot slasher, I charge $70 per hour. Any less than that and I don’t think it’s viable to operate, I think a two or three hour minimum is important as well (possibly depending on how far away the job is)

[@mattbuettner8520]

Nice video , I read most of the comments and what guys charge per hour is all over the board . But I understand that prices are regional since the cost of living is different in the country . i am in the Washington DC suburbs . I dont touch a job for less than $500 . And thats for half a day . But I dont bid many jobs hourly , I just give a flat price . In my area there are plenty of skid steers , but few tractors . I have an older NH 1925 . I do very well slit seeding sports fields and aerating large properties and brush hogging overgrown lots , and storm water management pits mid summer . I have always done better bidding jobs than working hourly

[@midwestbd7144]

One of the easiest methods to coming up with a price is to call your local rentals business and ask their price per day, divide that by 8 hours then add your labor cost and you have a good estimate of where you should be to make a decent profit. In central WI I charge $50/hr with a 3 hour minimum change and everyone seems to be happy with the price, when I move to eastern WI in a couple weeks I will raise my price to $70-$75/hr due to a better market.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Price varies a great deal from area to area. I appreciate you watching.

[@SteveB2601]

Well I actually did this exercise on paper before watching this video to see if I was going to be close or not. I came out pretty close. I have been changing nothing for a year now just to get how long a job would take and the challenges I’m going to face. I just did my last free job a couple days ago. Now it’s time to get money coming in. For me it’s just side jobs not my main one. Great info.

[@dannydrake7348]

A new thing I’m doing on the sawmill , after watching Nathan Elliot, is using diesel instead of water for the blade lube, a tank last 4 times longer and make a better cut cause you don’t get sap build up and the mill stays cleaner, the blade look new and shiny and you save time not refilling the tank, it only takes a very little drip to work great

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I plan on doing that the next time I cut Pine. I hear it works well.

[@ghostridergale]

Thanks for the tip! My Grandfather was killed in a pro accident many years ago back in Indianapolis

[@whitetailcartel80]

Liked the video. I figured the guys in my area must know how to make money with a tractor because it’s usually sitting on a $10k trailer and pulled with an $80k truck!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Most are retired like me. Many bought all of the equipment, thinking they would use it for extra income but never planned. Many are losing money and don't even know.

[@whitetailcartel80]

That’s why I loved your cost breakdown. Recently retired and had thoughts of tractor upgrade...until I priced new ones. The old 1100 started looking a lot better! Thanks for informative content!

[@Press1for]

Yup same goes here in Central FL. 90k truck,18k Big Tex trailer, Home Depot Huks Verna.I just have a mid 1980's case skid steer,not selling it ever. And 2 older Hustler 72 in ZTR and One RK 25 just bought new. Truck is 1992 Furd F250 351W 4x4 manual. A decent 18ft deck over trailer bumper pull.. I don't talk prices online no need to.. Yet I do just fine,get some work from builders,real estate brokers,some small stuff from word of mouth,bandit signs,nextdoor app. Love the videos Tony,hope you and yours get well sooner.

[@Tonnsfabrication]

My 574 burnt up the PTO solenoid in the first 45 minutes of using it mowing grass. When the solenoid shorted it burnt up the controller under the dash which blew the fuse and caused a no start after I shut it down. I'm glad it has a warranty but it sure don't say a lot about the electric components in these tractors. 23 hours on it and I'm already waiting on parts to ship from Korea. In defense of TYM they did not mess around getting my stuff ordered. As for making money, I've got a $30,000 tractor and I just hired the neighbor to come till my garden with his LS.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

That is funny you said that. Many tractor companies use that same solenoid from the same maker. LS had several thousand bad ones about 2 years ago. This is actually is the first one I heard about on a TYM. Please don't think I am taking your troubles lightly. I know it has to be a pain. This stupid virus has everything slowed down.

[@Tonnsfabrication]

@@TonysTractorAdventure I actually had the solenoid at my door in under 4 days, there is not a controller to be had in the US though it seems. The engineers at TYM said that there has been a few issues with wires getting pinched in the pedals so that must be looked at as well, I did not have that issue. For any TYM owners that may run across this same issue and wind up with a dead tractor .... The controller must function to start the tractor with the key as it powers the dash and works the clutch safety switch. It is not needed to run the tractor though and the engine will still run then shut down with the key which IMHO is the beauty of the Kukje engine) So you simply just disconnect the shorted PTO solenoid and you can then insert a good controller fuse and still use the tractor minus the PTO. Basically what happens is the controller sticks on sending voltage to the shorted solenoid which blows the fuse as soon as you turn on the key, so the tractor is dead in the water until you remove the short circut.

[@Beartrap70]

Yea I agree with that formula Tony That one area for charging for my time I always have a hard time with (Setting price to low= not enough to keep doing projects for others And Setting price to high= The person goes looking else where)

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I sometimes set a minimum, but I have to know my break-even point.

[@lisachavez6085]

$75:00 per hour. I bought a Kubota 3901 with loader and with root grapple included. I now have a 6 ft brush hog, landscape rake and a Big Tex 14 ft dump trailer. I do charge 50 for transport with in 10 to 15 mile radius.

[@butch7384]

I love that little 264 you got there. Dreamin' of the day I can get one.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

It has been rock solid and I have worked it hard.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning Tony. Thanks for taking the time to break it down for folks. Very helpful video I think for folks who are considering it but were not sure what the model might look like. Good stuff! All the best to you and your family.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you, my friend. I am sure there is room for improvement, but it is a starting point. God bless

[@kimyoung1093]

A big part of what I do is spraying pastures, fence rows and the like , I charge $40 per hour with a discount if I get in a set amount of time in on a given job

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Do they provide the chemicals? I would loose money at that rate.

[@kimyoung1093]

@@TonysTractorAdventure No, I charge for the chemicals I use on top of the 40

[@chickenhawkfarmstead8478]

This video was worth watching just for the tip about the Grease fitting on the PTO shaft.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you, my friend. I appreciate that. I plan on sharing little tips along the way.

[@BeingMe23]

Graphite works great on the PTO spline shaft and doesn't attract dirt.

[@aaronburford5701]

Thanks for sharing. Love the tiller demo in the video. Great information and content!

[@michaelc9128]

Great video and basic information on how to make money with a tractor.. Yes you are right it's all about supply and demand plus what the open market will pay. And I see many comments on here telling you ,that you are doing it to cheap.. You do what you do for your needs... Have a great day

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you, my friend. Some people can only see it from their perspective. Refreshing!

[@howardthemechanicbubba5376]

I have a 50 Hp tractor in Austin Tex area. Charge $60-$75 per hour for a couple of years. No profit below $40 per hour, $200 minimum. After 3-yrs of hard knocks

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I don't do much outside work, but it has to be profitable when I do.

[@iandungan6196]

Howard, how much are you currently charging per acre in this area? Would pricing be different if it were a commercial area and not rural?

[@howardthemechanicbubba5376]

@@iandungan6196 not currently doing tractor work RN. But last year I try to average 60-75 a hr. Iv mowed acres literally 4-5 feet tall that takes a hour per acre. And sometimes just pasture I can do 2-3 acres a hour. When I had commercial accounts that are solid mailbox money I’d cut the rate a little. Never below $50 a hour. Not a fan per acre.

[@iandungan6196]

@@howardthemechanicbubba5376thank you for the insight I appreciate it. I’m located about a hour away from Austin I run a commercial lawn care business and looking to expand into shredding.

[@troyweyerstrass7312]

Great break down Tony. For those that may see this, it’s creating a business plan. Making sure you compensate yourself AND your equipment. In the process of business planning myself. Best wishes!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

We do it as much for fun as for the money, but without a plan we would loose money fast.

[@w7jhb]

Excellent video. Very well presented & easy to follow.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wheelgun5102]

I really like your cost break down per hr. Now I know why many charge a minimum fee. Doing a 1.5hr job isn’t worth it. Don’t forget prep time for a job. My last guy kept the engine running and billed by engine hour. He did the greasing and daily upkeep with the engine running. At first I thought that bastard, but really when you think about it that’s what it took to keep the excavator running right so yeah that’s the customer paying for the total days work.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I really don't do it much, but when I do, I make a round tilling 3 or 4 gardens in one day. This small tractor is great for these type jobs. It is easy to haul around and easy to work with.

[@wheelgun5102]

@@TonysTractorAdventure have you thought about a 3 hr minimum or so? Like you said you do a few in a day. It might be a good way to get neighbors to talk to each other and sell them on getting projects done at the same time. I do like that little tractor I’ve looked at it and the Kubota LX series, but I might go bigger as I’ll have more land clearing to do. Maybe a Grand L or a MF 1800 m series.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I am retired and making a very good living for the area I live in.

[@TriggerTravels]

Yea there's no one I'm going anywhere unless it's a 200 minimum job

[@joebob7344]

The thing to do is figure out a way to work for people who can afford to pay you well for a job well done. Work for bargain rates and those customers will go out of their way to tell all their friends and relatives how little they got the job done for. Or, Do a first class job and charge an amount that you make good money on and your customers will go out of their way to line up more work for you with their friends and relatives who also can afford to pay a decent wage . It’s you choice , work for people who have little expendable income or who for those who do. Never work for people looking for a bargain, even friends and relatives.I’ve been self employed for 45 years and this has always been my philosophy. You want to donate your time and equipment to a friend fine, but keep business , business.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Great points

[@andybayliss2020]

around Northern NY, an average cost is $75 - $100 per hour per piece of equipment. Some are over $125 per hour. Most people also have a minimum charge ($300 - $500) otherwise a small job like whats in your video isn't worth doing. Your time starts when you start the machine at your house, hook up the trailer, load it and tie it down etc. When figuring out your tractor cost, you want to have profit there too. Nobody buys a piece of equipment just to break even when the machine is worn out.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate your feedback

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I always line up at least two jobs while out.

[@andrewanderson1436]

That was a very good layout. I've never broken it down like that. Looks like I maybe leaving a few bucks laying on the ground.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you very much for the feedback.

[@deanbarr5740]

All Sounds fair to me Tony. You have to take all these things into consideration. Especially the repair/insurance costs. If you have a breakdown on your equipment I guarantee you dealerships aren't cheap. I just got mine back from the shop, even with a warranty of 6 years, my cost was still 375.00 smackaroos and I was 4 weeks without my tractor. Ouchee.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Yes sir, it can be costly. I just do this as a little extra income so I am not dependent on the work. The extra money is nice to have after everything has went up in price.

[@cwcweldingfabricationandrepair]

Thank you so much for this breakdown Tony!!! This is helping me setup a cost analysis to figure out my startup rates. I truly appreciate your time💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@steveshelby2465]

Great video! Easy to overlook so many cost. My tractor is slightly larger than yours Tony, but I’m going to cheat and use your formula plus the changing cost of fuel for both my tractor and transport truck. THANKS SO MUCH. I just subscribed. Paducah, Kentucky

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I hear you on the fuel cost. I filled my diesel up a few days ago and it was $200!

[@BrandonHaynes13]

Great video Tony! This helped me a lot! Keep the videos coming.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you

[@KUBBI7488]

clearing land in iowa i charge around $80 in hour! mowing and moving heavy logs plus another hour for loading and unloading!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

My tractor is small, so I charge 1/2 hour to load and unload. Many people around here are charging $50 to till a garden. They are losing money and don't realize it.

[@KUBBI7488]

@@TonysTractorAdventure yep! we need to stay about same rates nation wide!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Enjoyed it, Tony.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you my friend.

[@billweaver3114]

Been watching your videos for quite awhile now and I really enjoy them always very informative I'm hoping one day I can get one myself funny the way I learned about the tym tractor I'm a truck driver and picked up a load of them and thought they were just awesome and like you I have a soft spot for the 264 I'll get one someday in the meantime keep doing what you do God bless

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate that. God bless you too.

[@billweaver3114]

When I do get one yer gonna be a one of the first too know

[@ianmackie5503]

In Europe and the UK, the regulation is that the plastic outer of the Prop shaft has a small chain and hook that both ends are chains to the equipment end stop the rotating.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Here too, but it is the first thing to get ripped off.

[@chuckgehring376]

Great Video. I would have expected your costs to be higher. I don't think it would be unreasonable to charge $150 to $200 per hour

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Our market will not support it. Too many people are only charging a dollar. 😁

[@oldNavyJZ]

I am $250/hour. I do good work and my customers think I'm worth it.

[@MrDerek19871987derek]

Put some jack stands on either end of your trailer backend when you unload tractor to stop the downward tilt of trailer and upward pull of the back of your truck

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I just started building ramps with legs.

[@mrtaktiks]

Not necessary, just use ramp stands. Slide them under.

[@chrisnash2154]

Great video and I loved how you broke down the cost in a logical way

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you. I appreciate the comment.

[@fromhere4063]

Great video! Thank you

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Glad you liked it!

[@russudvp]

This made my day. Great educational. I just bought a new tractor a a few implements. Now I need to prove to my wife I can make the monthly payments. What's a good way to get the word out.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Through word of mouth and a good name, we get all the work we could ever want. Congratulation.

[@Weasel84x]

I'm buying a new tractor very soon, plus found a amazing deal on some attachments. I'd like to earn enough to make my payments myself.

[@buildingalegacypa]

Thanks for the video.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you. 👍

[@johnhundt5179]

Hey Tony, great video like always and nice tractor, but I got to be honest I miss the old ls mt125 videos I have one and dug up tree stumps today with the backhoe, 8 in total, we thought there was only going to be 3 but we were in the woods, and they were hidden. Keep the great videos coming 👍

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate you. I actually enjoy digging up stumps. It is kind of rewarding. See you around.

[@63m37]

I have been using my New Holland 4x4 TC33 for years. I always charged $50 per hour with a 2 hour minimum. The time starts when I load up to leave my place. If it takes me 30 minutes to get there then I still have 1 1/2 hours to work for the flat fee of $100 Then it’s $50 per hour after that. I went up to $75 per hour 4 years ago. This keeps people from running me around for $50. Just not worth it. Doesn’t matter what implement I’m using, I charge the same. I do tell them to ask around and get work from the neighbors to make it worth their while. They can split to minimum cost$

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I like your system.

[@cbrookb]

Most tractor folks charge $50.00 per hour here. I've messaged about 6 of them saying we shouldn't charge less than $75.00. Only one responded. I charge $85.00 service fee in 25 mile radius. Then I try by the job if I know how long it will take. So if I know it only takes 2-3 hours I might say I'll do it for 500.00. that way maximize profit. If it's something I haven't done I'll Do a base price plus hourly.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Sounds fair. I appreciate you watching. Tony

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Great video I’ve been doing a lot of paid tractor work lately I’m making money and I enjoy doing it

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

That's awesome.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Yes Sir, Faith does moves mountains 😇👍😊 Yes grease maintenance is a vital factor on these PTO SHAFT 👍😊 Finance budget formula is also vital factor too 👍 THE BEST INFORMATIVE VIDEO EVER AND THANK BOTH OF YOU FOR THAT 😊😊😊👍👍👍👌👌👌 CHEERS 🍻👍😊

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you. A plan is the best course of action almost every time.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@TonysTractorAdventure And when a plan come a long it is OUTSTANDING 💪👌👍😊 CHeers 🍻

[@Hfoutdoorsyt]

Good video Tony

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you

[@markhampton3599]

Thanks Tony !!! You covered alot of stuff that you have to look at !!!! Great video

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate sir. Always room for improvement, but I am just doing it for fun. 😁

[@lamontpowell6235]

Like the cap, Blade Tech has great products.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

That is TYM's new Logo.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Nice video Tony.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Hey, Thank you my friend.

[@4schitzangiggles]

Depending on the job, my per he charge is between $125 hr and $275 per hr. Your labor costs are way too cheap. Look up what an experienced equipment operator costs per hr, then x2.3 because you have to cover your taxes and insurance. At my real job I'm billed out at $195 hr( just me, no laborers or equipment costs). You also need to cover the cost on the back end, the time you take to pay taxes, run the equipment to the dealer/shop, the time picking it up. The before job maintenance, the during job maintenance, washing the equipment. Maintaining the truck that hauls it, the trailer that hauls it, buying new binders, straps and tarps, buying the grease and tools to maintain it. Suddenly you begin to understand why the car dealer/repair shops labor rates are over $125 hr. The biggest cost you will have to pay is known as "the opportunity cost". By doing a job for less than you should, you lose out on your most valuable resource, TIME. You can spend it, but never get it back. You want me to rotortill your garden this Saturday, I could be playing with my kids, or working for a customer that gets quality costs a bit more. The scabs that don't charge enough and do work with a value that's even less than what they are charging (shoddy work, damages to customers property, spills fuel, hydraulic fluid everywhere, doesn't know how to grade properly) do two things. Make it harder for honest quality people to make a livable wage doing this and result in the customer paying someone like me or you to come in and spend more time and money fixing the crap work, than it would have to do it right the first time. There only two ways to do ANYTHING, right the first time or again, and again, and again and again until you do it right. Seems like there's never enough time or money to do it right the first time, but plenty of time and money to do it again...

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate your situation, but it is not possible to charge as much in rural West Tennessee. Every other person has a tractor around here charging $50. The only reason I can get jobs at my current rates is that I am on time. I also do what I say. Cost of living around here is much cheaper.

[@cliffmartin729]

@@TonysTractorAdventure great day and blessed... you did one hell of a job tilling, and according to the union worker, saved the customer at least fifty dollars and you will most likely have a repeat customer... stay safe and be blessed...

[@tonygough8713]

Good explanation Tony.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you.

[@henryhenry5897]

Great video nice Break down i would agree only thing I would factor higher In is surprise cost and inflation as u won’t get the tractor for that money but it’s minor… I also feel 40$ for Labour is min I’d actually tend To say 60$ an hour if u claim that as income u pay tax if u ever want to retire gotta do something for that if u ever get hurt can’t work or buy income insurance on and on … ok if u just do 10h a month on the side cash ok but even then I’d want 40$ this is Canadian too anyhow ur right it’s a diff rate everywhere But up here I wouldn’t even walk out the door for 20$ an hour lol no critisism it easy to type stuff in here you did a great video with great content!! I rather want to encourage to charge more. The problem I would have to make some extra here with my tractor is we have a older gentleman in his 70 and he charges just about fuel cost he’s in it for the play not for money he has enough of it. So I’d still Charge more he can only do so much in a week. Nice channel happy to find it! God bless

[@crichter2623]

It's easy to forget about the cost of money when making equipment cost factors. You can get a new tractor for about 4.5% interest right now, or Zero but you're paying a higher price for the tractor. If you paid for the equipment outright, did you have the money paying you interest? You can get 3 to 4% in a mutual fund without a lot of risk. The interest is a cost.

[@scrotiemcbogerballs8286]

Hello tony hope you guys are having a wonderful day god bless

[@jp1563]

I never charge by the hour, I charge by the job.

[@802louis]

Here in Vermont I charge 45 an hour plus delivery fee for my tractor and implement

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I can't start my truck for that. Good luck.

[@therealbony2245]

I’ve been charging 125-150 per hr for mowing grading and storm clean up

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I have stopped working for others right now. We are trying to get our land right.

[@peterd9940]

What kind of tractor is that? Looks like a decent size whT i am in a market for

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

TYM tractor

[@modernwest100]

Licensing and Bonding is so expensive in my state. I Charge $150 per hour or $1500 per day. My equipment expenses are nearly 5k a month..

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I don't disagree.

[@jamminjimmy3848]

I think people expect to pay more for a licensed contractor and for those who place value on that? I've found the extra expense is worth it to that sort of clientele. Was a pool contractor for 41 years and just retired.... Looking to supplement my social security with a tractor side hustle as I really enjoy working the tractor on my little 3 acres.

[@michaelmccullar2982]

Very good video if you don't mind will you please tell me how much you charge to brush hog... Google tells me to charge anywhere from $50 to $100 an acre..

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Michael, you will have to figure that out on your own. That was kind of what the whole video was about. Everybody's overhead is different.

[@threepointservices-tractor4832]

The plastic safety sleeve is supposed to be kept from spinning with the PTO shaft. Lightweight chains are typically attached to the plastic sleeve, and to a stationary point near the shaft.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

You are one hundred percent correct.

[@mrtaktiks]

Chains are typically flimsy so be careful relying on them.

[@forry100]

Times are tough? Prices are up, but no lack of work for those willing to work. Per hour personal rate is too low for a self-employed person. Equipment cost needs to consider inflation. Then what can make you a little gravy is having a minimum job rate. Your example was cost near $79, but maybe a $100 or $200 minimum? But the minimum can cost you jobs, depending on your market. Per PTO accidents/other farm accidents, great guy to check out is Harmless Farmer, as a child he lost his arms in a farm accident (think auger, might have been PTO... getting old and forgetting is no fun). Andy aka Harmless Farmer shows that you can overcome accidents. Sadly he currently fighting cancer, but still with his positive kick butt attitude.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I am all for the PTO shielding. I just put on an adapter which makes putting on the PTO a breeze.

[@jabocat]

I’m trying to start doing work with my 1025R TLB but the ads I’m placing haven’t been very effective. Where /how did you advertise in the beginning before having a robust referral method to getting jobs?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Market Place and word of mouth will get more work than you can do.

[@terrymangum7635]

Enjoyed this video Tony. A good overview of the costs. Who is the artist? Really like the drawings during the videos.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you. I use a computer program to help with the art.

[@terrymangum7635]

@@TonysTractorAdventure It certainly adds to your videos.

[@Sam-pw8zh]

Good info, but there's 1 thing I always overlook is tires on tractor on the truck on the trailer. I'm always buying tires.

[@ryanpope9977]

Do you have a formula for implement hourly charge ?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

To be honest, I have stopped working for the public. There are so many people with small tractors now, They are undercutting the market to the point it is not profitable in my area. So many of them are working for free and don't even know it.

[@ryanpope9977]

@@TonysTractorAdventure I completely understand. Thanks for the video. I’m going to make an attempt to make a side hustle in south Alabama!

[@mrtaktiks]

How do you like your tiller? If so so, can you suggest another for residential use? 22hp @ PTO.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I would go with a four-foot tiller. There are so many good brands.

[@frankiea6482]

Great video and information 👌👍💥😉

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you, my friend.

[@johnburk7787]

I use a TYM 450, with 22 different attachments, it does a great job in a reasonable time. I have been charging $50.00 for a trip charge and $50.00 per hour with a 2 hour minimum and am about to go to $60.00 simply because the expense cost of everything has went up. You forgot to add in your trailer expenses.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate your comments. I do need to add in the trailer cost.

[@inspectorsj]

I never realized there were actually 22 attachments available

[@donniebargo964]

Tony I have a subcompact tractor I have a $200 minimum that's what it cost he's to Holley fuel it and use it and anything over that 4 hours is $50 an hour on the subcompact. The larger tractors I have like the mt2 series I get $75 an hour for it with a two-hour minimum and then I get on the large tractors $100 an hour and I have to turn people away all the time I I couldn't Farm if I did everything that I wanted to or that people wanted me to

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I do it on the side for a little fun and extra cash after retirement. I do it less now that I have the sawmill up and running. Markets are so different from county to county and state to state. I appreciate you and keep on tractoring.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Nice job, Tony. Lots of great info here - worth watching again for sure! I love the animation you’ve been using! How do you do that?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you, brother. I use a program called Doodly for the art.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate that my friend.

[@thegreenerthemeaner]

I have a 6 ft tiller I use to till gardens. 2 passes opposite directions if possible, 30ft x 30ft for $40. Takes about 25 minutes. Larger plots are $5 more per 6 ft, i.e. 40x40 would be $60. Not making much but about all the market will handle here.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I understand, but in my case, I would keep the tractor home. I can not afford to pay people to let me till their garden.

[@wheelgun5102]

The only other thing I’d add is double tractor cost. Reason being while paying off your current tractor your putting money aside for a replacement. So if total tractor cost per hour is 14 charge 28. Build the fund for the replacement cost. It doesn’t add much per job, but if done right and you save that money there is a brand née paid for tractor at the end.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

The $14 has a replacement fund built in the formula in the video. These small tractors are built like tanks and cost very little to operate.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I made the assumption the tractor is paid for. I bought mine outright.

[@kyg4115]

Panhandel of Florida, I charge $100 an hour flat rate. No drive time, loading or unloading counted. I have happy customers and turn down more work th an i take because of my schedule. I make my payment every month and add enough cash in my wallet to make it worth it.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Sounds good. I like getting out there on the tractor.

[@user-oe7jh1ee4o]

I know the time to drum up customer it's got to be added to the formula ?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Time is money.

[@thermitegrenade]

Just me but I would add in cost for maintenance on implements down the road.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

You are on point. Thank you

[@Bodhranarama]

Usefull Tony, thanks for posting. 👍

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Glad to be of help. I appreciate that.

[@rowestreefarm5721]

You got a new subscriber.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Welcome aboard. Tony

[@MrRyanlipp1980]

I got my llc. Not sure what’s next . Not sure about insurance?????

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Two things to be concerned about. Loss/damage to equipment and damagee to properly on a job. These are generally two different policies.

[@MrRyanlipp1980]

@@TonysTractorAdventure u have both ?

[@davida.p.9911]

Excellent tips!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you. With the high price of things, I may have to raise my prices.

[@waynejones5239]

I had tried to do extra work with my tractor but every time someone under bids me so I usually don't get much work 15$to mow and trim a large lot with house and flower beds not worth it and 20$for tilling any size garden I told them to have them do it no profit if I give them a price and they say I can get it done cheaper go for it because if you have a flat tire they not responsible and want it moved right away money when I pull up to do the work if you don't know that person gotten well I don't have the money right now never got paid

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Definitely better to leave the tractor home than do a job and loose money.

[@kennethboyer2338]

Nice video, got a sub off this one.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you

[@sslandservices7860]

I brush hog with mine. 50 horse LS MT3E. If using my 6 foot cutter I charge $60 per hour. If using my heavy 7 footer I charge $75.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

As long as you are making money, it is good.

[@daylanlacoste1443]

I have a brand new DR walk behind mower that I only use a couple times on my deer lease a year. I was thinking about using it for side jobs while I’m not offshore. Any ideas on how I could charge per job or hour? Thanks

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I would use the same formula as in the video, but I would charge a minimum.

[@aus71383]

25% of one day burnt up in exchange for $80. At this rate you can make $320/day. If you can stay busy enough to do that 3 days a week on average, and you work 48 weeks per year (allowing for sickness or injuries), that's $46k per year - right at the federal poverty level. You are worth more than $20 per hour, and your tractor replacement cost doesn't include inflation. Good deal for your friend that needed some tilling done though.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate your feedback. We have people running around here tilling for $50. Our market will not support much more.

[@donnellestoney5459]

We all need that slow down fix it day

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

That is a fact.

[@coronaviruspandemic7548]

I have the same tractor. I charge $30 per hour with two hour minimum.

[@roostercoggburn7436]

What size/brand tiller is that? Seems like it works really nice with that 25horse.

[@michaelmccullar2982]

Good video.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Hey, I appreciate you.

[@johnburk9157]

You forgot to add for your trailer and tires on it. That seems to be one of my common expenses

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

This was a starting point. Everyone's business is a little different. Good luck.

[@genewileyopa]

And you can also make money from your great drawing skills. Thanks for sharing. Iowa cares :)

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate you. We do make a little extra money from time to time.

[@davesilvia9711]

i have a used bobcat track machine, cost me 35,000. 1986 gmc 7000 dump truck and trailer, so about 45,000$ worth of equipment to do a job. if im not making a 100$ hr ill go broke and not be able to afford to fix it to do the next job.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Sometimes the small equipment is the right fit.

[@davesilvia9711]

@@TonysTractorAdventure i was thinking mabey a troy built horse would be a good tool for tilling a garden. the machine i have is compact, smaller than most tractors, it will out preform by a long shot becouse of the zero turn, does the job much quicker but cost more.

[@georgeyoung2990]

I agree 75.00. To 85.00

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I don't think I would move my equipment for less than $125 now. The price of fuel has when through the roof.

[@robbiefrentz9427]

I charge 40.00 hour regardless what i do. If i have a far away job i charge travel time min 2 hrs

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I can't do that with today's fuel prices.

[@robbiefrentz9427]

@@TonysTractorAdventure i know im dying. Hate to pass that along to my customers because they are dying also. But for note im doing it for a side job so i can take a little hit but if gas prices don’t change I’ll have to go up

[@ovritphew9675]

What happened to your LS tractor?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I sold them

[@AP-xq3jm]

When you say, "per hour" does that mean per clock hour or per hour on the tractor hour meter?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Clock hour. Most homeowners don't understand meter hours.

[@2fish345]

People mow little small lawns for 100 bucks in 30 minutes there’s a disconnect on tractor work I have found out people think tractor work is some kind of free hobby sport

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I agree. I have not taken a job in over a year now. When I talk about price, people freak out.

[@2fish345]

I just bought a new tractor for my personal use I like working tractor for people this isn’t my first tractor from past experiences I got to where if the job was under 300 I would turn it down not loading unloading loading so i guess you just weed out the cheaper jobs what I’m saying is bid by the job not the hour you know what money you have invested into everything you know what you have to have to make it worth your time and money to work your equipment but if you do it by the hour you can say first hour is 300 bucks 100 for coming 100 for going back 100 for fuel truck & tractor then 75 bucks hour 50 for tractor 25 for an operator if they don’t like that well I can’t help you I understand that it’s hard for somebody to pay that to till a garden but at the end of the day you wasted time you could be fishing

[@seanbrown7954]

I charge 75$ a hour 150$ min. Bush hog box blade etc. Stump grinder on tractor I charge 4$ a diameter inch. If the person don't want to pay it they can go pay 30k or rent a tractor.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Sounds about right on price.

[@andrewbrenneman9592]

I'm definitely not changing enough. And since my machine is now 9 yrs old with 1100 hrs (orginal), too high of hourly rate might offend clients/customers and scare them off. The hourly rates DIFFER FROM REGION.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

It is better to stay home and not make money than go to work and lose money.😃The hourly rate is an individual choice. I am retired in a lower-income area. Our cost of living is much cheaper than other locations, and I do it as much for fun helping my neighbors as I do for the money.

[@joshuadunn882]

@@TonysTractorAdventure Very true. You end up busy fool charging too little......