what to charge

[Freeman]

Hi all I was wondering if any of you could help me or some advice. I’ve been managing woodlands for the last 4 years I employ 1 feller and own a botex 360 which is pulled by a case 1056lx. I don’t charge for the work I do as I do it for the timber. However this is where my problem starts I received a phone call today from a large estate about 8 miles down the road today wanting me to fell (motor manual) and extract hard wood. I’m not too sure on the volume of timber I’m dealing with yet. But the project is expected to last 2 years. They are wanting to use the timber for the own heating and I’m not too sure on what to charge for the work weather it’s an hourly rate? Day rate? Week? Month? Or tonnage? And also what to charge I have worked out what my weekly running costs are. But any advice you guys have would be much appreciated.

 

Cheers

Tom

[slack ma girdle]

Day rate for felling, and volume for extraction, unless the ground is particularly wet, or steep, then it is up to your negotiation skills. If you put the effort in to start with, then the owners will probably be more flexible if you run into problems.

Good luck

P.S. Keep records of time, fuel, trees felled, volumes extracted etc. You will then get a better idea for future ventures.

Edited March 24, 2011 by slack ma girdle

[Brushcutter]

As above day rate for felling and volume for extraction.

[Freeman]

cheers mates i'll keep you posted

[Quickthorn]

If it's any help, most firewood contracts I've come across are on tonnage for both felling and extraction. They normally want to pay a roadside price and base it on weighbridge tickets or printout from the lorry.

 

The figure I hear a lot is £20/ton at roadside, but that's in Lincs, so it will be pretty low.