Contracting Rules

[FarmyStu]

I'm sub contracting this summer. I'm supplying tractor and driver to another contractor. They are providing the implement. We've agreed an hourly charge.

If his implement breaks down, do I still charge full rate for the time I'm waiting for it to be repaired (or repairing it myself)? If I break down, do I instantly stop charging until I get going again?

If my tractor isn't running for reasons beyond my control (waiting for fuel, waiting for directions etc etc) what do I charge?

Fairness and common sense will cover most scenarios. But if I'm parked up waiting for fuel for 3 hours who's loss is it? His or mine?

 

[multi power]

it depends on what you agree but if you are waiting n not your fault you need to cover your time at least

 

[saly123]

I agree. If your waiting for them/fuel etc... You should charge. If their kit breaks down, maybe a labour charge as your still there waiting but the tractors not working if your taking hours that is. And if you break down, can't see how you can charge if your not supplying tractor & driver.

 

[d williams]

I'm sub contracting this summer. I'm supplying tractor and driver to another contractor. They are providing the implement. We've agreed an hourly charge.

If his implement breaks down, do I still charge full rate for the time I'm waiting for it to be repaired (or repairing it myself)? If I break down, do I instantly stop charging until I get going again?

If my tractor isn't running for reasons beyond my control (waiting for fuel, waiting for directions etc etc) what do I charge?

Fairness and common sense will cover most scenarios. But if I'm parked up waiting for fuel for 3 hours who's loss is it? His or mine?

When hireing out hourly rate min 8 hrs week day min 4 hrs weekend if stopped for a reason 2/3 rate applied untill off hired or not needed

 

[B R C]

What aver you agree, put it in writing and signed against so less chance of getting your leg pulled.

 

[FarmyStu]

When hireing out hourly rate min 8 hrs week day min 4 hrs weekend if stopped for a reason 2/3 rate applied untill off hired or not needed

Interesting figures there. But would I get away with a minimum daily charge? If we get rained off for 3 days can I expect him to pay me for doing nothing?

 

[FarmyStu]

What aver you agree, put it in writing and signed against so less chance of getting your leg pulled.

I agree this is the best way forward. But I'm also acutely aware that trust still counts for a lot in farming. If I start waving written contracts under his nose he might not take to kindly to it.

 

[RolyD8K]

when rained off we charge £ 18hr to cover driver,we have several agency drivers on & that's what were charged,if were stood waiting for fuel or held up for no fault of our own then its 2/3rd machine rate,in the end try and be fair
your customer will then hire you again

 

[S J H]

Will the owner of the cultivator charge you for hire of the machine if your tractor breaks down?

 

[Thick Farmer]

I'd just charge a fixed hourly rate regardless of what I was doing.

I don't think you can expect to get paid if you break down though. If its your tractor that breaks then you can't charge, if you have broken his kit then I'd say it would be taking the pee to charge whilst you stand around smoking fags watching someone else fix it!

 

[d williams]

Interesting figures there. But would I get away with a minimum daily charge? If we get rained off for 3 days can I expect him to pay me for doing nothing?

Depends on the rate your getting
You still need to make a living he need someone when drys out workload how much work he has need to be fair for both parties
He'd still have to pay for self drive tractor if raining and pay his employe so should be a compromise somewhere

 

[slaney]

If their kit I'd good and so is yours and unlikely to break down I would just let it go if something did break because it could happen to you just the same but if they were to go get a part and pee'd about for ages and then went and got it then I would charge. And as long as you give them fair notice about when you'll be needing fuel refills if your not refilled on time I would charge them even if stopped

 

[Lewis821]

£20 per engine hour for tractor then £12 for yourself from when you start till you leave for home

 

[balerman]

£20 per engine hour for tractor then £12 for yourself from when you start till you leave for home

Most sensible reply to date.

 

[multi power]

£20 per engine hour for tractor then £12 for yourself from when you start till you leave for home

you would be lucky to get half that around here

 

[FarmyStu]

Will the owner of the cultivator charge you for hire of the machine if your tractor breaks down?

I'm not sure this is really relevant. I'm using the machine to do his work. I don't want or need the machine for myself. He needs my tractor. I don't need his implement. Although it's not lost on me that I need his money!

 

[FarmyStu]

£20 per engine hour for tractor then £12 for yourself from when you start till you leave for home

Excellent reply. My figures don't match yours but I'll put something to him along similar lines. Cheers for that

 

[S J H]

I'm not sure this is really relevant. I'm using the machine to do his work. I don't want or need the machine for myself. He needs my tractor. I don't need his implement. Although it's not lost on me that I need his money!

But if your tractor breaks down, his implements not earning it's money. The same way as your tractor wouldn't be if the implement broke down. You need his machine in the first place to have a job.

 

[Zetor]

Just charge for the hours worked but build in a contingency in your hourly rate for downtime, this gives you an incentive not to break his kit and he only gets charged for productive work.

On the other hand if you have no downtime you win.