Muggs
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Canuckistan
Same thing here, homeowners just don't want to pay for a crane. And no tree services around here own their own crane, everyone just hires a crane service when they need one
2023 Contract Climber Rates?
- Thread starter Chief
- Start date
Sfoppema
Branched out member
- Location
- Central MA
Generally a crane is only used if it makes the job cheaper for the client. Usually leaves the site in better condition than if traditional means were used. Also way easier for everyone performing the work. Cleanup is way faster. You can rent a fully counterweighted 110t crane here for 3500 us per day. Takes awhile to set up and that includes travel. 60t all terrain 2000 maybe 1800. Can get a 30t from local company for 1400 per day, but I would almost never want smaller than 60
southsoundtree
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Olympia, WA
Does not want to pay for a crane mean that they would rather have more impact at a lower price?
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Sfoppema
Branched out member
- Location
- Central MA
People rarely care whether or not a crane is used. They want the lowest price. I'll use a crane when it is the cheapest option. It's quite often. The majority of companies here that do lots of removals have at least one crane. Those that don't have many options of companies and different size machines to rent
Serf Life
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Maine Island
We haven’t used a crane since being self employed as we can do just about anything without one, it just takes longer. I’d prefer to spend two days on a job and keep all the $ then bust it out in a day or less but lose $$ to a sub.
Same. Only time I'd really consider a crane around here is during storm work where sometimes it just makes sense from a safety standpoint.
data farm 26
Been here a while
- Location
- Casablanca
Yep, that's our approach. No overhead, all the money goes in our pockets. Not to machines or interest payments to banks, people think we're crazy
Treetopflyer
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Coastal N.J
I agree if your work flow allows that
Treetopflyer
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Coastal N.J
Today we did a job that just because our crane was onsite we were able to bid the add on work asked about from nieghbor turning a modest 2500 day unto 3750 which good winter time tree work rate round here with 2 trucks and 3 man crew With other nieghbors in suit calling in to receive work proposals based on witnessing us work utilizing the crane. We were originally just there to take out long time dead oak in a back yard with spider lift. Before I had any of this stuff I climbed and rigged for many companies as contract killer while building my own business clients along the way.. now I sub to some of the same I climbed for with lift or crane and I enjoy it alll!!
climbhightree
Branched out member
- Location
- Lebanon, Pa USA
So on a big 110t crane I kinda agree with you. I only did one job with a crane that size, had no real choice due to the tree and location. The crane had a 8 hour min, and was done with it by lunch. It cost me around 6k for the crane, and had to pay on the spot. My take on the job was about 2k, and we were there all day...plus we used my smaller crane to load/haul the wood.
But in a more normal crane job I somewhat disagree with you. If you can do 2-3 jobs a day with a crane versus 2 days on one job, which way are you really making $?
In general I've found that crane takes about half the time, or less, than rigging. So a 2 day job becomes at minimum a 1 day. So a 40t here costs 1,300 for an 8 hour day (usually they are out before 8 hours...my guy only has a 4 hour min). Then let's say you 8 hour rate is 1500. So job total is 2,800. After the crane day you go do another job the next day (versus going to finishing the removal). That second day you work another 8 hours at $1500. So in a 2 day period you end up making and additional 300...and that is only doing 1 job with the crane, not the 2-3 that might be possible in a day. Yes you are paying out, but you are not necessarily loosing money. On top of that you are often doing less property damage, and less physical, plus often safer.
Now if you are slow, and trying to keep your guys busy (get their hours), that is a reason I understand.
climbhightree
Branched out member
- Location
- Lebanon, Pa USA
I should say even on that 110t crane job, without the crane we would have probably been there 3-4 days to get out all the debris and wood...if it was even possible to do it safely without damage. So even there I did not really lose money, because I made 500 more in that day than a normal dag, and it freed up 2-3 days for other work.
It is a bad example because the customer hasn't fully paid me yet, so so far I paid to have the tree removed.
It is a bad example because the customer hasn't fully paid me yet, so so far I paid to have the tree removed.
Treetopflyer
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Coastal N.J
I would never pay a a climber 1400 a day because I do it myself. I know working with companies back in day where I was getting 1k for a day just rigging on rope knowing they were slamming out 5k based on size of the job. Point being if they can't do themselves or have alot alot of work they don't care and will or could likely pay. I'll add that wasn't an everyday pay contract climbing I think 7 or 8 for a real rigga could work if I didn't have to go to work that day and my register rung 4 to 5..
Daily I run 3 normally myself included and were I'd say pretty heavily equipped at this point . I don't pull that 5k figure regularly, but I'm not asking for it too often either lol
Sfoppema
Branched out member
- Location
- Central MA
I was of this very same opinion until a few years back. Once I got into a groove with the crane sub I didn't go back. Don't get me wrong, we still do lots of climbing/rigging etc. It's a skill/service that will never lose value.
So long as you have the right jobs to get a proper 8 hour day in (around here everyone is 8 hour minimum) and you've got them bid correctly you will make more money and generally provide a neater service, and generally won't be beating on yourself/guys quite as much. Sometimes crane days are brutal on the body/crew for sure, but less than long climbing/rigging days... As Treetop said, homeowners seem to be attracted to it as well.
Another benefit would be getting through jobs quicker if you have the work coming in. If you are short on work or only can reasonably expect a certain amount of potential revenue in a year I agree with the concern of sharing the spoils. For me it seems like we can do the work cheaper for the client, it's easier on me, and I make more money. Depends on your workload and what cranes are available/operators. Also need at least an 18 inch chipper preferably larger IMO.
I can do the work myself also. I only hire subs on bigger pruning jobs when it makes sense to pay a sub and get the work done sooner generally shaving off a day which increases my profit margin. $400 -$600 is my abosolute ceiling though. Above that it doesnt make sense to pay that much. These outragous day rates are being paid by owners who cant do the work which these days is the majority of owners. I would love to hear from an owner here who pays $1400 a day for a climber. Reg or Rico piling up 200ft west coast monsters is a different story, but thats not what we are talking about here.
Treetopflyer
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Coastal N.J
I hear that, you raise a really good point about pruning. I doubt many if any on this thread would pay exxess for subs.. I'd like to hear of owners paying that fee as well, doubt it especially this day in age.. But to your post a point , pruning is where good climbers probably provide the best value by far. In my Market you could sub a grapple saw all day with 100 foot plus of reach for 2k or under on 8 hours that would beat any climber on production on they're best day in a good operators hand. But we very tight with obstacles and wide trees rarely removing very tall trees so k booms work well here.
Jackohh1412
New member
- Location
- Bay Area
In the private sector!!!
Jackohh1412
New member
- Location
- Bay Area
I haven’t lurked in awhile this thread is interesting thank you all who’ve contributed.
