Backhoe work--how much to charge??

[Leaky Boot]

Ford 555D with experienced operator. What's the going rate in your area? Thanks. LB

 

[Luke S]

I'd think at least $80-$100? I could be low though. I know I paid $90 for a Cat 963 high lift four years ago.

 

[big hunter]

65/per hr. for the backhoe. a 963 is a completely different beast then a 555 ford

 

[old]

In this area its about $75 per hour for a smaller machine and around $100 per for one like a 580CK case. Now the track drive jobs that gets real high at around $200 per hour
Hobby farm

 

[Ken Macfarlane]

Paid 50$ an hour last year for a 580B and operator from the time he showed up on site. 100$/hr for a JD120 escavator (track hoe). 55$/hr for a 6 ton big mini escavator. 120$/hr for a 18 ton escavator w grapple thumb.

 

[Midwest redneck]

With insurance about $60/hour, with a minimum of like $300 or so. (be sure you have insurance)
Michigan.

 

[Anonymous-0]

My 210C JD runs for $80 per hr.

 

[kyhayman]

80.00 per hour with a 4 hour minimum.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Prices are similar here if you hire one out.

The insurance thing is something to keep in mind, last I checked, and I don't have my notes in front of me but thought it was $10,000/year general liability - $1 million each occurance, I have forgot the specifics of the policy at the moment, but it is kind of expensive due to the nature of the work and risks, also seems one needs a minimal volume of work to justify the cost of a policy like this. Puts one in a precarious spot if one is just starting out and does not have the volume of work or business capital to afford a policy. I've curtailed any excavation work I'll do for a customer to on the surface, grading, landscaping, road or driveways, light cuts and fills, sites clear of utilities after calling the local safe dig/one call hotline etc, usually easy work, in/out, pays quick, and not too much risk if you use care, ins. coverage from rental house is adequate.

 

[Anonymous-0]

man that must be ins. for new york. i own co. in wi. and do exc. for a living 5 mil. of ins.is just over 1200.00 a year.

 

[Anonymous-0]

2005 Case 590sm first hr. 250.00 100.00 every hr after 36 in hoe bucket

 

[Anonymous-0]

It seems high, could be a regional thing, I did not really shop it and read policies, but just from a couple of phone calls I got the impression it ain't cheap.

I've always enjoyed that work, spent many years in the seat, own a pair of old cats as a hobby, the skills are handy to have, was good experience working as an operator during those years. I maintain a good rep with the rental place, so I can do a fair size job if need be, hire trucks for materials etc., and you can make a buck at it, so I always keep an eye out for easier jobs, in-out, not too big etc.