Rates for Self Employed Handcutters

[Stephen Blair]

I give up!

 

Also so many historical references and a vehicle with tree surgery says it all.

 

Cheers,

James.

 

What does it say to you James?

[Jimbo 76]

Stephen,

 

I guess many years ago, as per your previous posts, you decided forestry was not for you and diversified into arb and gardening.

 

But really not sure... I think we just differ. I believe forestry hand cutting can provide a good living and you don't.

 

Cheers,

James.

[steve collins]

Get as much as you can!! always on tonnage/volume/meter/acre rate. If felling for a machine its day rate.

 

Unfortunately your only worth what your skill/production rate is and whoever is paying you will always try to lower it somehow so dont give them an excuse to!!

 

You can earn a decent living at it you just have to do the hours and enjoy it!!

[Luckyeleven]

You are doing a dangerous, skilled, job. Often in terrible weather conditions and one which will undoubtedly lead to excess wear and tear on your body.

 

Anyone working for less than £150 is onto a hiding IMO

[Stephen Blair]

Stephen,

 

I guess many years ago, as per your previous posts, you decided forestry was not for you and diversified into arb and gardening.

 

But really not sure... I think we just differ. I believe forestry hand cutting can provide a good living and you don't.

 

Cheers,

James.

 

 

Pretty much, apart from the gardening part.

What do you guys charge on your day rate and do you have enough work within an hours travelling?

[luftwaffe]

at the end of the day cutters are just subbies working for the main harvesting contractors, doing the edge trees that they cant do with the harvester, I have done a lot of this work over the years and I often think to myself why do I do it if they cant be arsed to do it themselves, they are in air conditioned cabs with the radio on and me soaked to the skin wedging a 3 ton rough sitka over that's 800 metre walk from the van over brash stumps and ruts etc, I do it to fill in when my own work is quiet.

 

the worst parts are walking with all the clobber over long distances and eating out in the winter all cold and wet sheltering behind a upturned root plate from the elements, anyone that's done this knows whats its like.

[Stephen Blair]

Have to agree, walking in to site with everything is brutal!

[Stubby]

Have to agree, walking in to site with everything is brutal!

 

Grim .

[eggsarascal]

Look on the bright side though....... You could do it 7 days a week for £100/day....

[Jimbo 76]

Stephen and Luftwaffe

 

Walk to site can be tough. The job is tough. But some of us do enjoy it! I've always said the apprenticeship can be tough...i.e chestnut copice etc.

 

But to answer your questions directly. My furthest drive last year was 45min. But up on road at 6am helps especially in south east. Most around 30min.

 

We specialise in SSSi sites. Day rates on our team are £150-£180 for basic felling except our apprentice who is now on £100.

 

Significantly more for windblown and emergency work o.e on a pipeline we help manage.

 

Also and here is the real money point. We buy timber standing. Fell, forward and sell. And this is where the real money can be.

 

We the work approximately 50/50 day rate and standing and this helps the cash flow.

 

It's not for all there is a degree of vocation. But I think most of us in this industry don't do it because it's the most money we could make.

 

Cheers,

James.