The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

I've been asked to do some grass topping, about 2 1/2 acres of mainly dock in a horse paddock does anyone know if there is a going rate for this as I've no idea, but would like to doe it to give "rusty" something to

Not sure on going rates where you are? Back here you can get $75 to $100 US per hour for topping. Dandy Dave!

£15-£20/hour sounds about right for a small topper. Up to you whether you charge for travelling time.

thanks for the replys gives me something to go on, just looking forward to do some thing with "rusty"

Chris
I do slashing and mowing for others (on Norfolk Island) and one of the first things you need to know is 'how much fuel does Rusty use per hour' when 'working'.
I have drained both my tractor fuel tanks, made up a wooden dipstick, put in 5 litres and marked the dipstick, put in another 5 litres etc, etc. I could then read how much fuel I use on each paddock, when needed. The other method is to full the tank up at the end of each job, but not always convenient.

If just a 'one off' job, it is ok to just cover the fuel cost in your charge, but if likely to lead to more work, other things will need to be considered and included in your charge out rate.

I started out just doing the odd paddock, to cover the 'justification for having a tractor' and now I slash/mow a paddock or two nearly every weekend.
Hope this helps.
Kiwi Kev

I have actualy done the same thing with the stick fits in the tool box and is marked in £5 increments paying £1 litre here it'll be interesting to see how much "rusty" uses a day

chriss wrote:I have actualy done the same thing with the stick fits in the tool box and is marked in £5 increments paying £1 litre here it'll be interesting to see how much "rusty" uses a day

Wow, using the google money conversion tells me your price relates to Aust$1.72/litre. Here on Norfolk Island, I'm paying $2.50/litre for diesel.
I know my 5000 uses between 3 and 5 litres/hour depending whether I'm doing light slashing or heavy flail mowing. My Major costs about the same in fuel.
My charge out rate is $50/hr, not including tax, and if I was doing it as a profit or loss business, I would be losing money.
Things that would need to be considered would be(plus others)
regular servicing of tractor and slasher/mower
tyres
wages
insurance
tractor registration

If just a 'one off', then cover your fuel costs(and enjoy the experience with Rusty). If more than just a 'one off' then do your homework.

You probably should think of those increments on your stick as 5 litres, not 5 pounds(don't have the pounds icon on my keyboard) as when the price goes up, the amount of diesel you get will be less.

Kiwi Kev

Kiwi Kev wrote:

chriss wrote: My charge out rate is $50/hr, not including tax, and if I was doing it as a profit or loss business, I would be losing money.

Kiwi Kev

That is why it is between $75 to $100 PHR here. I can get on the higher end with my 7 foot topper. Dandy Dave!

Dandy Dave wrote:That is why it is between $75 to $100 PHR here. I can get on the higher end with my 7 foot topper. Dandy Dave!

And you got cheap diesel - lucky chap!

Chriss, get yourself a copy of PROFI magazine -- they list current contractor price charges per hour in the UK for just about all agri. jobs.
Current diesel prices here in West Oz -- Perth metro, $1.58 litre: south west country, $1.62 litre.

Pavel

job done

Chris
So, what did you charge, and how did Rusty perform?
Rusty does'nt look very rusty!
Kiwi Kev

just £40 but got another field, rusty performed well nice to hear the engine growling at times when it got into the thick stuff on the whole a nice day

What height was your topper set to?

How long did it take and how much fuel did you use??

Tidy job!

the skids about 2 " off the ground took just over three hours fuel was minimal was just pleased to do something apart from me and grandson going for a ride or on the saw bench

Are you insured for contracting - I'm not?

Who are you insured with?

nfu only 3rd party but covers most things except carting lumber

this is why it's called " rusty"

thanks that's all usefull info

chriss wrote:nfu only 3rd party but covers most things except carting lumber

I'm with NFU also.

At first they said I wasn't covered for 'contracting,' then on the phone they said yes I would be covered provided it was no more that 5% of my useage - not sure how that would be measured!?

Quite a few activities are covered under 'farm diversification'.

Chriss, we are in a village south of Wisbech, and have been looking for someone to top our paddock.Can you help?

if it's not to far away i'm in tippsend near welney

Could you call us on 07770835588 Chriss. Thank you.

madworld wrote:Could you call us on 07770835588 Chriss. Thank you.

have rung and left pm