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chuck t

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I need some stuff done, maybe 1/2 days work at most. I think a tractor with a backhoe and front end loader will do fine. Neighbor does this stuff, but I really don"t know him. He could drive the tractor about 1/2 mile to the site. How much should I expect to pay? Central Missouri
 
WOW, cheap livin there in MN. Here in IN a rubber tire costs about $75 an hour. Full excavator is $100 plus and hour depending on size. I just bought a Case 880d and am charging $60 to clean fence rows but this is for our benefit too so that is a low price.
 
Depends on size of hoe and qualifications of operator. There's a lot of small "add on" hoes around these days. They fit on the back of a compact tractor. They're OK if you have plenty of time or small jobs. It's not uncommon to find people with them that'll work for $50 an hour. Full sized hoe with good operator (and legitimate business...ie INSURANCE/pays taxes/ect) is $75 to $100 an hour (at least) That combo can do more in a couple hours than the little ones can in a day.
 
Get on the phone tomorrow morning during business hours and ask a few operators how much they charge. I'd call atleast 3 in your area and go with the one you think would be best. Cheapest isn't always the better way, but I shouldn't have to tell you that.

Right now all of those guys are hurting for business real bad. Most of them are paying payments on equipment thats sitting, so any dollars they could get they badly want. You might be able to get a heck of a deal.
 
I see you do believe in Santa. lol

I'd ask the neighbor what he wants to charge an hour. If he does this type of work, he will have his rates set. You might get a bit of a break if he is slow right now and because you are close. Going rate in my area for backhoe/ trackhoe is $80-$150 an hour depending on how big the machine is and how good of an operator.
 
My boss used to rent me and the excavator (490 JD) for $90 an hour. A rubber tire backhoe would be about that these days. If it's a neighbor and you don't know them well just go over and introduce yourself and ask if he would be willing first of all and then ask the price he would charge. If it's more than you are able or willing to pay then you have your answer. If he's willing then ask him to come look at what you want done. If he does this type of work then he'll have a good idea as to the time needed to complete it . Good luck! ...Randy
 
Even if your neighbor has insurance, call diggers hotline or similar to locate all utilities and etc that are underground. One tiny mistake can end up costing thousands if not more. Also take into account the operators skills. Something that would take a seasoned operator 2 hrs @ $150/hr might end up taking a lesser skilled operator 6hrs+ @ $75/hr. First, start out by asking how much your neighbor would charge. If he doesnt know, you probably wouldnt get laughed at if you offered $50-75/hr for a wheeled machine in decent condition (530 or older 580 case for ex.) but expect to pay more. Another thing to consider is what kind of work it is. Digging a hole/trench, uprooting trees, pulling up concrete slabs can all come with different price tags. The same can be said about the soil. I charge more or less per hour depending on the job based upon how much extra wear and tear is put on my machine.
 
I just had a new septic system put in they charged 125.00 hour for operator and new Case hoe. They came back 1 week later and replaced a leaking water line, same operator and same hoe, price was the same.
 
Offering $25.00 plus gas will make a mean neighbor that sends you hate mail real often.

The cheapest I can rent a small utility compact w/ loader/ fwa/backhoe is $50.00 on the hr by the hr meter. Then I addd my wages on top of that. The machine has 100 hrs on it.

Some older units can be almost out done with a good shovel if pump is weak. bushings worn etc.

I know we all have friends and neighbors that we think owe us a discount for some reason or another. I have no idea what you do for a living, how much you have helped the neighbor (before this project), or most details. That being said if you expect him to work for half price, perhaps your next day at work you should work for half price because you and the boss are kinda friends also.

I do construction work, and get numerous invitation to a stress free weekend shingling, instaling windows, dirt work etc. All the fun of a burger / chips dinner on my day off. It resembles the offer to do all the charity work for churches, schools, fire dept, also sports projects for the kids. Gets old fast I must say, however big projects the contracts often go out of town.

I will again take my meds, and a rest.

I personaly refuse to take a discount from my friends, that is how they make their living. Don't get me wrong I do more free work than 99% of the contractors in my town. BUT ONLY when I'm hired as if to get full pay...then after the project is over I give it to them free. If they insist on a discount, I give them my competitions phone numbers.

Just make sure he is qualified to do the project, insurance, etc. Most shade tree operators make for a very expensive project even if it is a free project. This probably would not include digging out stumps, fence rows etc. However tile lines, water lines, escavation requires a expert operator regardless of the cost.

In your case you could ask him to do a small project and see how it goes, before droping big dollars.
 
I rented a mini trackhoe to dig a small foundation this spring. I had never used any kind of hoe before but after an hour it was easy and after 4 it became instinctive. I'm in northern NY. Paid $240 for one day=8 hours on the clock. Dug a footer trench 4' down and 3' wide 100 feet long and did a couple of other holes. Got several big rocks out-biggest was over 5' long, 2' wide and 8"thick, right on the bottom of the hole. Just getting that one rock out took over an hour, and had to drag it over the side because the hydraulics couldn't pick it up. Only took 3 gallons of diesel to top off the tank, and I got some good experience.
Zach
 
If you hire some one with a back hoe here in my area of Missouri it will cost $75-125 an hour and most have a 10 hour min. Depending on where you are you can rent for for less then that but then you have to be the one sitting on it. I know in my area you can rent a track hoe which is small for around $100-150 per day plus fuel
Hobby farm
 
Might be a good way to build community relations. Go talk to the neighbor, offer a holiday wish, bs a little, tell him your thinking of having some work done and what did he think it would cost. There is always the "Ask the real boss if I can" excuse, then shop around if he is in line ask him to do it even if he might be higher than some; he is a neighbor and nothing makes enemies faster than someone else working your job in your backyard.
 
I'm charging 75 and hour now, including the off season discounts. In season last year was 85. 4 hours minimum, starts when I start the machine to come to your place, stops when I shut it off at your place finished with the job.
 
I had some work doen at my place(digging a 4 Ft trench for a water line and it was $80/hr + fuel surcharge of $50. I imagine with diesel around $2.00 the surcharge would be removed.
 
Hi Chuck,

I don't know where these guys have been but sure not reality in todays world.

I've been retired for 15yrs and was getting close too $50hr then, just for my body, no machines. I just took a look last month and I could easy go back too work for $100hr today. It sure makes me think of working for one more year.

I would think a cheap man & machine that knew what they were doing would be $150hr on the cheap and would not be shocked to be quoted $200hr. But that $200hr guy will out dig your $75hr neighbor by 10 times over. So who's the lowest cost now???

T_Bone
 
I'd talk to the neighbor and see what he says. Then you could get a good idea if you like him or not. Some people don't like to do work for family or friends because it can cause big problems. Maybe he's too busy, maybe he needs something done that you do. If he says he can do it and gives you a reasonable price, I'd probably just hire him. The odd time a neighbor can over charge though but you can get a good idea when talking to him if he sounds like he knows what he's doing. Offering to pay him $25/hr. or asking for any kind of deal is an insult. In most cases(not all)a neighbor will give you a discount. Make sure to outline everything! you want done so you both are clear. Adding a bunch of other work or changing your mind after he's started will tick him off unless it's just something that takes about 30 seconds. I used to run a skid steer so I've got a little experience dealing with different situations. When my dad bought are acreage, we had the neighbor dig us a big drainage channel. My dad said that some of the hours he charged, he was sitting having coffee. My dad still thought the price was reasonable and never said anything, even though he paid some money up front for diesel because the neighbor was really hurting for work. When we put in a new cistern, my dad asked the manufacturer who installs them and hired a guy who lives about 4 miles away. The neighbor said he could have done it, after it was started, but my dad just said he asked the manufacturer. There were no hard feelings and we got along well as neighbors for the most part. There were some rough times but that's another story. Dave
 
I would first approach him with a letter or go to his house and say "how much would you charge me for doing X, Y and Z" and let him look the work over and give you price. You should expect to pay minimum of $35/hour or as high as $60-70/hour. I cant hurt to ask. (of course pay in cash)
 

Ask the neighbor what he charges.. I am in the back hoe and dozer business and the last time some one told me what they would give me, i politely told them what I charge and to leave my property..

It's like going for a job interview and telling the employer what you are going to work for them for.. You will most likely get laughed out of their office...

Around here I charge 95.00 an hour for my back hoe and operator.. I only give discounts to the older people on fixed income.. I'll go broke sitting on my lake fishing before i go broke working my butt off..
 
Keep it simple, just get in the car and go over and ask what he charges. Get to know your neighbors and maybe you could work together on some projects. This can benifit all.

Jim WJ
N.E. MN.
 
Hey you guys, MN Joe can get you a spot in heaven right to him. He can't be too far wrong. And getting a neighbor to work for nothing is about as godly as anybody gets.
 
They charged my nephew $300.00 to dig out a leaking water line and repair it. Then refill the ditch. It probably took 2 hours and he and I both thought that was reasonable. Sure beats using a shovel. Hal
 
Hire a backhoe and operator get the job done and you will be money ahead. Jawing running and jewing won't get the job done.
 
Don't be a buzzard. Find out what the rate is and take or leave it. You may make some adjustment based on travel time and back work on your part, but don't take advantage of slow times to rape him (not saying YOU would, but a couple folks have suggested it. If the guy usually charges 100 bucks /hr and you talk him into 50, you'll probably get a half a$$ job.

Dave
 
Think the guys around here go about 65 hr pluse delivery. Most guys just stop buy, and ask to use mine. As long as it comes back with fuel in it an not broke. I don't worry to much. It sits most of the time otherwise. Usualy hay shows up or critters are taken care of. When I need help
 
You believe in Satan, and it's OK. If I follow him, are we talking god, satan, or santa? I'm in trouble. Are you going to tell on me? PS - Santa checks his list twice. lol

You remind me of my step grandpa. Always had an arguement and it was easy to get him to arguing against himself. You have too much time on your hands Joe. Merry Christmas!
 
Shop around most construction types guys are hungry for business these days and getting more hungry by the day.
 
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