Bush Hogging Cost Calculator
Price pasture clipping and brush cutting with confidence. Enter the area, cutter width, terrain and your hourly rate to get total hours, job price and bush hogging cost per acre.
View formula
How to use the Bush Hogging Cost Calculator
- Enter the acreage to cut.
- Choose your rotary cutter width and a realistic speed.
- Pick the terrain and growth that match the field.
- Enter your hourly rate and any travel fee, then press Calculate.
How to work out bush hogging cost per acre
Bush hogging prices vary because fields vary. Heavy brush, rocks and slopes slow you down, so the fairest way to price is from time: acres per hour sets the hours, and your hourly rate sets the price.
Worked example
A 20 acre pasture, a 6 ft cutter at 4 mph in average conditions (75%), at an example rate of $85 per hour:
- Rate: 6 × 4 × 0.75 ÷ 8.25 = 2.18 acres per hour
- Hours: 20 ÷ 2.18 = 9.2 hours
- Price: 9.17 × $85 = $779, or about $39 per acre
Cost per acre by cutter and terrain
At an example rate of $85 per hour and 4 mph:
| Cutter | Open (80%) | Average (75%) | Rough (65%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft | $44/acre | $47/acre | $54/acre |
| 6 ft | $37/acre | $39/acre | $45/acre |
| 7 ft | $31/acre | $33/acre | $39/acre |
| 10 ft | $22/acre | $23/acre | $27/acre |
| 15 ft | $15/acre | $16/acre | $18/acre |
Tips for quoting bush hogging jobs
- Walk the field first. Hidden stumps, wire and rocks are the biggest risk to time and equipment.
- Quote rough ground per hour. When growth is unknown, an hourly rate protects you.
- Add travel and minimums. Small jobs far away need a travel fee or minimum charge.
- Check local custom rate surveys. Many university extension services publish typical rates for comparison.
FAQ
Bush Hogging Cost Calculator: frequently asked questions
How much does bush hogging cost per acre?
It depends on your hourly rate and how fast you can cut. Divide your hourly rate by your acres per hour. At $85 per hour and 2.2 acres per hour, that is about $39 per acre.
How long does it take to bush hog an acre?
A 6 ft cutter at 4 mph in average pasture covers about 2.2 acres per hour, so one acre takes roughly 27 minutes. Heavy brush can take two to three times longer.
Should I charge per acre or per hour for bush hogging?
Per acre works for open, predictable pasture. For overgrown or unknown ground, an hourly rate is safer.
What affects bush hogging prices?
Vegetation height and thickness, terrain, obstacles, field size, travel distance and the size of your cutter.
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