When I rent a machine from a custom hiring centre, how is the price decided? Is it per hour, per acre, and what about diesel and operator?
2 Answers
Rental is usually charged per hour or per acre, depending on the machine and local custom. Tractor work and rotavators are often charged per hour or per acre, while harvesters are commonly per acre. The two big questions to settle before the job are: who pays for diesel, and is an operator included. In many areas the renter pays diesel and the operator is included or charged separately. Rates vary a lot by area, season and demand, so they rise in peak sowing or harvest. To avoid disputes, agree in advance on the unit (per hour or per acre), the rate, who bears diesel, operator charge, and what happens if the machine breaks down mid job. Get the rate confirmed by the centre before booking and compare two nearby options if you can.
Always fix per acre for harvesting in writing. Per hour can balloon if the operator goes slow.