Cemetery mowing

[NY 986]

Don't discount the possibility of somebody coming in at cost because they more or less want to donate time and materials to what they feel is a charitable cause. Can we assume that you are doing this to make money on the job? From what I have heard it is hard to make money on cemetery jobs.

 

[Naaguy]

Make sure you have plenty of insurance!

 

[Welding man]

When I was a young man, many years ago, I mowed one about the same size you described. We didn't have weed eaters then. We trimmed everything with hand clippers. Did it every 2 weeks in the summer for a whopping $500.00 for the whole year. The cemetery furnished everything but the labor. Pretty good money for a kid used to making 50 cents an hour pitching square bales.

 

[ASEguy]

Since they are asking for bids, I'm sure they put out a list of what needs to be done when you are doing the job (Pick up trash, dispose of arrangements, pick up branches/limbs). I would have all expectations listed in writing. If not, They will be there showing you what they want done for what they are paying you.

 

[Jim.ME]

Did the cemetery management put out a Request for Bids (a document of the specs and conditions for all bidders to comply with)? That should give mowing and trimming requirements, moving things to mow, trash disposal, Insurance requirements, etc. Have you looked into insurance? Not just for headstone damage but personal injury and/or property damage as well. Mower blades can throw things and could strike a person or vehicle that happened to be in the area when you are mowing.

Have you allowed for increased maintenance of your equipment due to increased usage? Have you considered backup equipment if you have a breakdown? How about a backup, for you, if you are unable to mow it at some of the required times? What if you find it takes you more than just one day? Can you cover extra help if needed to meet a schedule due to weather delays, etc.? What if some plots require use of a push mower, not your lawn tractor?

I am not saying don't put a bid in but to sit down and study things. Get real cost estimates. Write things down to review in total, not just use what you think in your head. You are looking into starting a commercial venture, treat it as such.

 

[parisspringstom]

I am on cemetery board and we provide
equipment and pay $300.00 a month.

 

[buickanddeere]

(quoted from post at 13:37:15 03/25/23) Hi there everyone,

I am looking at placing a bid for mowing a cemetery this summer. It is 3.09 acres, and I would be doing both mowing and weedeating. Looks like about 250-300 stones (quite a few of the plots are empty). I would be mowing with my 2020 Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 lawn tractor and doing the weed eating with my Stihl FS56 (straight shaft). I am located in Mo. I think this would be an all day job, and I was thinking about bidding somewhere in the neighborhood of 225$ a job , is this a reasonable bid? Anyway, I would appreciate any thoughts and deffintly advice. Thanks!

Would not touch it for less than $600. Amortization of mower , trimmer , insurance , fuel , your vehicle and your time .

 

[1948CaseVAI]

Using your equipment and consumables I wouldn't think you should accept anything less than a thousand dollars per mow. In Wichita KS the mowers for out commons areas of our HOA get about $3000 per mow and they mow twice a month since the commons are not irrigated. It is a 6 hour job for two mowers.

 

[E.B. Haymakin']

look up the Iowa State farm custom rate survey 2023. On page 3 lawn mowing is about $50 an hour. Look at that information, and consider it. It's to expensive to subsidize someone else's responsibility. I havent taken any side jobs in years now as the cost of fuel, parts, and everything in between make every job a loser. Best of luck.