How To Make LOTS of Money With Your Tractor

Want to make money with your sub compact tractor? Tractor Time with Tim has some tips to help you and make the customer happy at the same time!
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[@PollardGeorge]

I've found it's best to have a written contract, stating the scope of work to be done and the price. If the customer wants work done outside the original scope, write a change order stating the additional work to be done and the customer cost. If you decide that you don't need to charge for the additional work, write a "no-cost" change order, stating the additional work to be done and that the original price stands. Get the customer's signature on the contract and any change orders. Having things in writing slows problems when it comes time to get paid for your work.

[@danielsharon524]

Always good to let the customer know in writing that they're getting something for nothing. Otherwise, it's forgotten.

[@ronniewilliz153]

The job I'm at now has had so many revisions. Lol there is like 10 years of work lol so revisions are gonna happen. But paper trail is the best old school way imo.

[@bekabeka71]

It’s very popular to do contact tractor work in Ireland and Uk. In fact it’s been like that for generations

[@Arfonfree]

Very true. These days I would add this: before going out to do the estimate, go to google maps (or map website of your choice) and print out an image of the property. Then mark the work on the map to show as accurately as possible exactly what work is going to be done. Anything to make sure you're on the same page as the customer and both parties understand which page it is.

[@dougdorrer4622]

Allways add a no liability and hold harmless provisions for anything underground that is not known by the owner or contractor.

[@justinwright6611]

Under promise. Over deliver.

[@Navigator777777]

100%

[@aaronstestlab]

I'm a CPA who's primary experience has been with several general contractors. I can tell that without a doubt, the biggest thing they struggle with is estimating. So many variable and often low margins means it's really easy to mess up and get yourself underwater.

[@lilredcummins]

Tim, this should be required watching for contracting 101. The concepts and methods you are describing apply to almost any type of work that people are willing to pay for. I use roughly the same principals in repairing small gas equipment, E.g. lawnmowers, snow blowers, string trimmers, etc. It has worked for me for 40+ years.

[@briancarpenter8297]

Good tips Tim! I haven't done tractor work yet, but I've always quoted projects by the project rather than by the hour. Customers always want a fixed price to budget with. It's always best to under promise and over deliver. I used to build a lot of basement/garage storage solutions and I would quote a price per square foot, and I could be half the cost of commercial shelving options and still make a profit, including labor and delivery.

[@mr.gtmsworld2494]

This makes sense ‼️ I’ve been quoting job at $60 per hour and the customer and I are not always happy afterwards. Thanks for the information!👌🏻

[@crazyfarmer2564]

I just did a septic job, tree, and a spring development over the weekend all 3 jobs took less time then I thought but I still charged to quote I priced them. They were happy and didn't complain about it being so expensive but I paid for all the materials out of my pocket before I did the job. Thanks Tim. Great video.

[@thomasstephens4954]

Thanks for the tips. Just yesterday I was asked how much this mowing job would cost. I'm enjoying making money with my tractors.

[@tsmith3928]

Thanks Tim! I considering getting into this type of work as a side gig and wondered about your approach in developing estimates. This makes a lot of sense!

[@joshuabridges315]

Absolute wisdom! I only purchased my gently used 2015 1025R about a week ago. I'd always wanted a small John Deere all the way back to the 455. Recently, I had a shoulder injury that took away my ability to ride my motorcycle safely so I sold it and bought the tractor as my replacement "toy". It's my first very first tractor and me being me, I've sought out all the information and tips I can get my hands on to help my new hobby. I've watched countless TTwT videos and couldn't be happier with your content. It never even occurred to me that I could make money with it working for others. But after watching you, I might give it a shot. Thank you for your informative and very amusing videos!

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

Sharing this video with my neighbour with a backhoe, he needs to see this. Made the same mistakes myself, thanks for the great video.

[@BradMyers]

Good video. I'm enjoying the Q&A with the insurance agent and gaining knowledge on what I should be asking my agent.

[@scottwydra6365]

As a customer in the past not knowing how long the job would take but having full confidence in the person operating the machine I haven’t had issues paying by the hour and a separate trip charge. I felt this gave us both a way out and was fair to the person doing the work.

[@Kcolby47]

Your sound explanation makes great sense, and follows the “Golden Rule” when dealing with folks. “Under promise and over deliver” is not only a satisfying experience for the both parties, it builds trust, promotes future business, and extends positive word-of-mouth advertising. Very well done Tim. (Nice try Katriel :-) Blessings.

[@dantabler9301]

Over deliver, only way to fly, I always try to do a little extra, or at least offer to do. Leaves the customers with a good feeling and oftentimes leads to additional billable work

[@in-oq3sx]

I thought the Golden Rule was he has the gold makes the rules.

[@mdrubelhossin9517]

O ok o opp Prospero o

[@Shookmeister]

Great video Tim. I always enjoy hearing your advice, which is usually the correct approach. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@dantabler9301]

Awesome video, thank you. I’ve been very successful utilizing that strategy. I always have a certificate of insurance and my business license on hand, which separates me from the non-professionals. I once ran an add grinding stumps, $30 per stump, 12” max diameter, $100 minimum charge. What a home run that was.Stump grinding is my highest revenue per hour. The other guys all spent 20-30k for a single purpose machine. The only time I quote by the hour is for a job I really don’t want. $100 per hour is an absolute minimum. They often times don’t realize the time it takes to configure the tractor for their project and the huge amount of time maintaining the equipment. Looks like you could start another business detailing tractors 👍👍😀 Please keep up the great work you guys are doing

[@GriffithsFfestiniog]

Very calm clear advice, simply laid out in an honest and profession stance, enjoyed your thoughts!

[@Frontpagefab]

I followed this approach when I had a Landscaping business. Always worked well.

[@bobcatsmith246]

Hello Tim, When I first got my skid steer loader my neighbor wanted too hire me to clean out some old stumps in a fence row. We never talked about price or how long it would take to finish the job. When I was done with the job I printed up an invoice. It had my hourly rate and how many hours of running time for the loader. He would sometimes come too talk to me a few times a day. I added up the time we talked, if it added up to two hours I noted that he was not being charged for any down time. The only time I changed for down time is if it was a machine break down. Love the video's keep up the good work and god bless and stay safe.

[@trosk994]

Couldn’t agree more Tim! I always figure what it’s gonna take, what I wanna make and add 10% I’ve never had a complaint yet. If it takes longer you eat it but most of the time it goes quicker than expected and you make more money and the customer it happy it went well and is done. I started years ago hourly and you just don’t make money like you do with fixed pricing. Couldn’t have said it better myself!

[@tacomafan7488]

Great advice!!! Customers also don’t understand how much maintenance will it cost to tractor or skid loader!!! I knew nothing as well till I bought my tractor!

[@charlesrobinson150]

As a customer of a service provider( such as yard work, carpenter or plumber), I prefer a job quote figure rather than a cost per hour. This allow me to decide if I can afford the work needed or do I need to adjust the scope of the work before we start. As you point out this normally makes the customer happy and the service provider also. No one like surprises when it comes time to pay the bill. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@nohand322]

Good Video Tim. I had a lawyer years ago that told me that " If It wasn't wrote down , It' didn't happen ".. for a contract. From that day on. I write everything down and go over it with the customer before starting projects . It save a lot of Headaches

[@danielslater4602]

Thank you Tim. Have been looking for more of this type of content from you.

[@christopherjilek5467]

You are spot on with this advice Tim. Nice work and I am looking forward to your information on setting rates.

[@kriptick1]

Most definitely a helpful video. As I’m usually doing lawn care or brush removal or occasionally bush hogging for people.

[@rydplrs71]

Tim great video. These are the lessons I’ve been learning the last few years.

[@misterb1080]

Agree 100%. I’ve been on both sides and what you said works.

[@terwilliger1946]

Tim, for me,for future endeavors,this is great! Can't wait to see the next vids.

[@joelhenderson5404]

Hey Tim this about the best advise I've heard in a long time .God bless.

[@steventhomson2042]

Loved the segment and would love to see more!

[@stevek4449]

Great job Tim! Looking forward to more videos along this subject line😀

[@danielsharon524]

Just starting out, I was considering quoting an hourly rate "Not To Exceed (NTE)" which put the risk on me if it took longer or shorter than I'd expected but you have me rethinking that strategy. Thanks!

[@mcd5082]

Great video Tim! Makes a lot of sense! Time and materials versus fixed bid.

[@FloridaDeere]

So true Tim, thinking of it from the customer's point of view. They are buying a service, they need some level of clarity and comfort to move forward, way open-ended prices and time frames will not win them over. But experience is the best teacher and as a new tractor owner, sometimes you just have to take the hit on pricing and call it "Tractor Tuition".

[@philsmock4943]

That was a very informative and down to earth video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas.

[@maxlimit18]

I used this method in my painting business. Spot on. Good video.

[@marksheaffer1336]

Great Episode! Looking to start doing some jobs for hire and this video and all your insurance videos have been extremely helpful. Very interested in how you handle pricing on garden tilling. Also super sad that Country Financial doesn't do policies in PA, b/c they were very helpful with my questions.

[@ChristopherFarms]

Thanks for the umbrella insurance info. I have an umbrella policy and remember it being that way but it was great to hear the reminder of how it works!

[@asigmaslife]

Appreciate these type of videos. This is great. Thanks Tim.

[@HankinsExcavating]

Tim you are spot on!! I might add in our area for instance most of the customers that ask for a quote have already decided for us to do the work. The "word of mouth" has normally preceded the appointment with the customer. Weather a blessing or a curse 90% of my buisness stems from that. We live in a small community . Nice vid Tim!!!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, I have had same experience.

[@lcee6592]

Great information Mr. Tim! Thank you for sharing valuable insight on the business side of using a tractor for income. 👍

[@billweaver3114]

Thanks for the tips loved the video as always very informative looking forward to seeing more on that subject God bless you and your family and stay safe

[@drbrickner]

I did consulting work for many years. Estimating and communicating with the customer was problematic. I hated “time and materials (cost plus) contracts. These contracts demonstrate that the customer really doesn’t know what they want. In such cases, I would formulate a “statement of work” verbal for small jobs and formal for big jobs. The customer agrees and work begins and we avoid all the insufferable meetings while the customer, or agent, stews about the project content. A clear understanding of work scope is key to customer relations.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I agree that it’s better to bid the entire job rather than giving an hourly rate. Look forward to future videos on the topic

[@steventhomson2042]

Really good video, great information! You Explained everything very well.

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Very helpful tips. I bid professionally for my own work all the time, but when we get specs, the customer assumes accuracy of specs ;) I assume you remember this from your software days - and NOT fondly - LOL ;)

[@ranger6x660]

Thanks for sharing Tim. Much appreciated.

[@jasonmckee5030]

Well said Tim! I own a small excavation business and I don't like to price most jobs by the hour. Now, some, yes I do price per hour such as land clearing and as you know, there is a list. This is an awesome video for someone trying to get started and "they" should consider your advice. I also do some tractor work as well and I agree with your thoughts. Thanks 👍

[@jodyuo22]

@jasonMcKee How did you get started ? I have a tractor at home just sitting idle I don’t know how to use it personally But I wanna start to rent/lease it Can you give me some suggestions or advice?

[@madtater5948]

thanks for sharing this video this is a great topic I think what you're saying makes great sense, the bottom line is people want to know what exactly is going to cost. I always try to whittle down the contractor's price sometimes sometimes it works

[@k6outdoors]

Well explained Tim and I think you are spot on. Take Care!

[@cjwebb454]

Very helpful tips. I used to help my dad do tractor work with a 1070 john deere then we later upgraded to a 5325 utility style. I've started out cutting wood with my old skidder and I'm looking into buying a brand new 5055e to do tractor work with all this information is good to know

[@judyhildebrant8803]

I do 50-70 tilling only jobs per year and have never quoted an hourly rate to the customer. You have provided excellent reasons for not doing so. The hourly rate does not answer the basic customer question of “how much will it cost?” -Larry in Salem, OR

[@1989Falkor]

How do you charge for tilling? Sq feet?

[@scottfeatherstone7156]

Very helpful, thanks Tim

[@DanielTorres-hu1zq]

Tim, Thank you. Very good advice. I look forward to your other videos of this type. Good to see Katriel too!

[@tonysantana1493]

That was an awesome explanation Tim, you have come a long way in your Journey. God bless you and your family 🙏

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks Tom.

[@garytyler4382]

Excellent video. Explained a lot and made easy to follow. Thank you

[@louiedavis3138]

You are blessed with wisdom ,gracious manner and exceptional knowledge. I thank God for your advice.

[@freddypatterson8653]

O-My, it's like you read my brain when giving tips on doing bidding here. Before retiring from my backhoe business I did the same as you to the letter. Some jobs must be done by the hour and I hated this for the same reasons as you. I would also suggest when working by the job, study the customers, cover your rear and be careful of those who seem never to be happy no matter how well you work.

[@littleblue4x4]

Great video! After doing a few jobs this year I was realizing quoting the job left a much happier customer than when I gave an hourly rate, and this helped identify those factors and will improve future bids and customer satisfaction. Thanks for making these videos!

[@jodyuo22]

Hey @Maine-ly Tractors can you please tell me what steps should I take for starting up a tractor leasing/renting company I have a tractor at home just sitting idle and I’ve been thinking of putting it to work but I don’t know how since i have no knowledge in that field and also I should mention that I personally don’t know how to work the tractor (so I’m I was just thinking of Lessing or renting it) but have no idea how to start! Can you please suggest or give me some advice as to how I should go about starting it small? Thank you

[@kenjett2434]

@@jodyuo22 that is a very bad idea renting or leasing your machine will not end well. The person renting it will never respect your machine and often abuse and trash it. Sure you can charge a customer for any damages but you lose time while getting it fixed. This also devalues the machine for any resale. It's best to learn to operate it yourself and make more money doing so. Start small learning basic operations and just increase your ability as you feel comfortable. I started as a teenager operating a dozer working part time for a oil company. I said one day I would like to learn to run it and boss said there it sits. So I jumped on it figured out what all the levers and button did and started grading road. It wasn't pretty at first but over time I got pretty good with it and from that became a heavy equipment operator.

[@Ianduncanqld1]

Fantastic episode, so useful to have some objective and helpful advice

[@glumpy10]

Spot on Tim, basic Sales. What so FEW people in small business just don't get is that price for MOST people is NOT the most important thing. They think it is, customer don't. They want someone they can trust, someone that they believe will do a quality Job and most importantly, someone they LIKE! If they are dead set price Conscious, YOU don't want them as a customer because they will want their pound of flesh, Bitch about every single detail and then probably try to short pay you anyway. First thing I learnt even before I got into my own business was you DO NOT want every customer that comes along. Some the best thing you can do with is run as fast as you can from. Everyone in my industry had price lists for certain packages. First thing I stopped. When people rang me for a Price I said sure, let me find out the details of what you want so I can give you an accurate estimate. Might talk to them for 20 Min. building rapport and showing I was interested. I'd ask about details they never even thought of that showed them I knew my stuff because no one else ever spoke to them long enough to find out or ask. Others in my game said I was talking to them way too long. My booking rate was around 74% of people I spoke to. People that said I was talking to them too long were lucky to get a 1/4 of that. I asked the customer what they wanted, not what I wanted to give them. When I gave them a price, they couldn't run off and compare it to someone else hourly rate or Package because the estimate they got was exactly what they wanted. Plus, I was the guy that really seemed interested in helping them and giving them what they wanted, not just taking their money. SO many people when we got together would tell me, they were just there to pay the money. They had already made the purchasing decision on the phone when they spoke to me and that was it. I REGULARLY over quoted and then under charged. You know what sort of customer satisfaction that Builds? You know how many paid me the Full price AND tips because they thought I deserved the full quote amount? You have any idea how many referrals I got? I was THE guy for entire extended families. They told me the job, was I available , Booked and then asked how much? Best thing anyone can do going into business of their own is learn sales and marketing as well as advertising. Plenty of info on the net, plenty of basic seminars. Best investment of time and money a person going into their own business can make.

[@bartonmd]

I've found this to be the case with most anything, not just tractor work. Sometimes you eat a little bit of time, but you also don't have mad customers because of what they see as overcharging, and if you do a good job quickly, you don't have a mad customer who feels cheated if you don't charge them less. You just have to be very clear when the inevitable "scope creep" happens, that "I can do that, but that wasn't in my original quote and it'll cost extra."

[@daves2960]

Sure don't what to get caught piddling! Very good information presented here that needs consideration. Well organized and understandable. Looking forward to continuing this topic.

[@gwolf7716]

Pretty much my best case for not quoting an hourly rate. If I need to take a break for a call or to get a drink that’s what I’ll do. Plus, I’ll nearly always do a little purposeful piddling that may look like lollygagging to a customer.

[@simpleman4196]

I agree I have always done work the same way I know my hourly rate and I just figured how long it will take to do the job. I have never given my hourly rate out

[@chuckman2219]

In my field (automotive repair) most places have gotten away from a posted hourly "door rate" or shop rate" that was always on a sign somewhere in the customer areas. Although some states still require this... Menu pricing and variable labor rates are now the norm, although tech pay is still hourly and based on "flat rate" for his income. Flat rate pays 3.8 hours to do a water pump and he can do it in 2.6, then he still gets paid the 3.8.

[@dirthog2185]

There is sound advice in this video. I too, stopped offering by the hour work to the customer. I found the more you have to explain the less likely you are to land the job. I pretty much know what it takes for me to make a profit for the routine services I offer and charge accordingly.

[@kdeckster]

Great stuff Tim! Boy I sure a lot of this with out recent project!

[@douglasmorton6121]

Great advice Tim! Thanks folks!

[@dave.lawrence.3894]

Nice video.... keep track of your time, and what you did... small tractors can do some wonderful things, they will save your back....

[@BobsOutdoorActivities]

Very helpful. Especially when dealing with family or friends that want to pay you.....

[@ccswede]

Who cleans and polishes the equipment? That John Deere behind you is spotless and sparkling. Good job Tim and Christi .

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Christy and Katriel spent a few minutes on it.

[@ATR-42]

Awesome series Tim!! great video

[@jameszink4957]

Thanks...doing a little research for my retirement in a few years with my BX 23s

[@FD-E-St-Fire]

You have to show confidence in your estimating while talking to the customer that goes a long way, and yes stick with the estimate given. If the project turns less profit it will be a lesson learned

[@googlreviews7813]

Great tips, I will definitely try this approach. 👍

[@robertesposito9871]

I don’t know where your at but I love your work ethic

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Nice job, Tim. Good info. Thanks much. -Ed

[@duncanobrien694]

Good advice for a lot of different contractors!

[@thomasyerbey337]

Hey Tim 🚜 I really enjoyed this video 🇺🇲 thanks for sharing this information 🇺🇲

[@tinachambers4887]

Great information Tim have a day love from TEXAS.

[@jakem.6359]

Great advice.....also when you write up your bill(or estimate)....kind of "minimize" itemizing everything.

[@TriggerTravels]

Having worked in he diesel repair field...This is absolutely the way to go about things. The customer will hear the lowest number you say. Quote by the job, not the hour. This isn't like working at Wal-Mart. Great video Tim

[@benjaminstockton3917]

Thanks for sharing Tim

[@DeeplyDrivenOutdoors]

Great explanation. I almost never quote by the hour. On top of what you said, the customer may feel like they have to micromanage your time if they are paying you by the hour and an hourly rate leaves room for people to doubt that you're using the time efficiently. Quoting a lump sum eliminates that doubt.

[@michaelmccaffrey2731]

That's a great point. If a machine needs a minor on site repair, some customers may be counting the minutes

[@debbieschmidt9316]

I’d be the one hiring someone and I really appreciate your explanation of how to set your pricing. If someone tried to give me an hourly rate, I’ll listen closely and ask for a realistic job cost, plus what problems might come up and possible cost. Thanks!!

[@Mitalayeka]

This has been very helpful guys, thank u Husband and Wife.

[@brandondubon5602]

great video with lots of information would like to see some more on the same type of topic inspires me

[@victorfile3342]

I tilled gardens back in 80' and 90', I charged by Square Foot. This really work good then fall till was Free.

[@vincent08vac]

You're the gift that keeps in giving

[@oklahomachris6298]

I’m not sure on this outlook, I understand it but I’m a bit on the fence myself. Still helpful no doubt.

[@jontewipf7802]

Excellent method on pricing your worth. Thank you

[@joenotosr.2649]

Thank you so much for this helpful information. I found it to be very educational. Joe, Lindley, Ny.

[@zachwiz4709]

Thanks Tim! Also Christy does a nice job editing. Nice transitions. I hope you have a great day! :)

[@linnjensen7469]

Excellent info thanks so much

[@malcolmcavalier7849]

Happy customers are your best advertisement.

[@kenjett2434]

This is sound advice but back when I use to do commercial dozer work I had a slightly different way. I had a small JD 350 and did mostly driveways, road building and some land scaping. When a customer called me or in most cases show up at one of my jobs. First question always asked how much you charge an hour? Well at that time I got $35 hrs for me and my dozer that counted my time if I was operating dozer or doing something off the machine. That often got me more work because from that my goal was to get asked to do an estimate. I spent my life on heavy equipment and I was very good at knowing how long it would take me to do a job. This is the most important part of being a professional and get you more noticed than the things mentioned. The one thing I did have was a minimum hire time that was 5 hours and I had a equipment moving charge if I had to travel more than 20 miles. So for those small jobs if it only took 3 hours they know up front they had to pay for 5. This often meant they would find another little something to do to get their value and that made them and me happy. If a job was only 5 hours that was enough to make me profitable for a full day. That was good seasonal work and when I didn't have any dozer work I ran my own timber business to keep busy.

[@ramchillarege1658]

Tim this was very good. I am your new fan. I think this talk applies not only to tractor work, but any contracting work. There are messages here that a broad swath of contract workers can benefit from.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks! Welcome to our channel!

[@Deskpilot57]

Great video and sage advice!

[@palwjohnson]

Great info! Thanks