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I saw one of those 110 TLB's at the dealer, sure is an interesting machine, would have to compare it to others in its class, but at $43,000 it could pay for itself rather quickly. I've been renting equipment and doing jobs lately, trying to see what kind of potential this work has in my area, just did a job that took 4 days with a CAT 420 D and made a nice chunk of change, for a job well done. Subcontracted the paving and it's complete, use it as a marketing tool for other work. I think the smaller residential work in/out has good potential, pays quicker, less liability, does not require mammoth earthmoving equipment, like big jobs I've been on with D-8's and scrapers or expansive pipe jobs. I think with a little marketing, good skills, proper management, attention to safety, there are ways to make a living with some of the machines available today, such as something similar this 110 TLB, which is affordable to own, if you need something bigger, just rent it, have the customer pay it direct like I do, charge a good hourly rate to sit in the seat, owner pays for all material. You have no machine to absorb depreciation on, pay for what you use only. Basically an at cost job, providing a pay check for an operator I do these often, more so for people I know and do make a decent buck doing so. Take it one step further, after getting some experience, do lump sum proposals, include the above + 10% profit & 10% overhead, little extra mark up, make a little more for your time, depends on the job conditions, and situation, but no matter how you slice it, if you are careful, it certainly can provide a paycheck, some better than others. It does undercut the larger contractors, but also keeps them in check. I'm serioulsy considering it, after spending numerous years as a project manager on really complicated building jobs from 10-150 million, high stress, hard deadlines, long hours, have to deal with all kinds of people who can be a real pain in the @SS, constantly push people to get things done, who needs the aggravation, when having a skill that can make you the same good pay or better ( only reason I stayed in it for so long ). Work outdoors, set it up to take it easy in the winter, a good friend does pool work, from April-Oct. then shuts down for the winter, makes plenty during the season, more than enough for a year. Does work sun-up to sundown, but like anything, hardwork is the only thing that pays. I like the idea of doing the hunting food plots, LOL that is a great situation, I have recently created several at my place, I'd love to find a niche doing that kind of work ! It's great to see that whitail clover come up !
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