How much

[mikeintn]

I would like to here what you have paid or what you or others charge a hour for 350B dozer, I have just finished restoring mine and have some people thats wanting me to do some work for them, just dont know what would be a fair price, what are others are charging? Thanks Mike

[digitup2]

As a contractor I hear this all the time but here is how to bring reality too close for comfort #1insurance 37$ per hour #2 diesel fuel 20$per hour #3 move in charges [Average 1.5 hours per move] a 350 series Dozer job value is around 88$ per hour but contributing factors include ground conditions and weather conditions other contributing factors are as follows absolutely NO!!Working for relatives neighbors and friends they don't pay worth a dam!!.Digitup.

[mikeintn]

digitup2, you just done away with my whole clientel ( [ friend, family and neighbors lol ].

[Jack-the-Ripper]

I charge $100/hr, whether I bring just the dozer, or the truck, backhoe and excavator as well (since I can operate only one at a time). Same rate for move in/out. Plus I add fuel charge (can be $50 - $100 /day). Haven't worked for relatives; no problems with neighbors and referrals, friends usually get a little of the best of me.

I make it a point to thoroughly discuss beforehand the anticipated work and uncertainties. I don't bid jobs. You can always collect some cash upfront if someone concerns you - if they don't want to pay, just walk away.

[mikeintn]

Thanks Jack- the -Ripper for the help, very interesting, that would be great money here I think, I know its different in ever location, here in E. Tn. from what I'm hearing 60 hr for 350B would be more in line, still like to here more

[Paul Buhler]

Very good info shared so far. The wear and tear on your machine is often underrated and when you need to do a major repair these costs come home to roost quickly, so charge enough to cover these eventual needs, Insurance costs are important too. Your friends become less friendly if something goes wrong; for example if you're back filling a foundation, and the wall cracks, who will be expected to cover the repairs?
Don't undervalue your time either - being a nice guy doesn't pay your rent when it comes due.
Lastly, know when a job is too much for your equipment. Breaking a machine mid job is costly, frustrating, and the job still needs to be finished somehow, probably by another person at the expense of your reputation.
Good luck. Paul

[mikeintn]

All very good points.

[Willyr]

I personally dont own any heavy equipment anymore other than my 60. Yet when I work its a flat rate of $50 an hour, competition is stiff around here.

[hydrogeo]

I am good friends with an earth work contractor and a well driller. Both always talk about how frustrating it is dealing with all the fly by night characters that will price at rates far below cost because they don't know any better. Problem is that as fast as one goes under another is just starting up. I see signs around here for a guy with a mini excavator that charges a flat $59/hr with no mobilization fee. I can't see how he can cover his costs.

[77 Ford]

I only work for close friends and family and it's usually for some sort of part I want for the track loader....

Need 8 hours of work, well ok, I need a new seat !

Need some work , well I need some engine side shields!! I'm still waiting on this job.....

I'm in a good position, I get a lot of use out of my little loader and I can afford to maintain it on my own. That being said around here you can hire a really big machine for 90 and hour with no set up charges. From the local contractors , the last I heard smaller machines like my 450 were going for around 60 to 70 an hour total cost with a very good experienced operator.

I for one if I did charge people, I'd have to discount that because I've only got maybe 100 hours in the seat so far and still learning.