Three contractors, three quote styles, three very different sets of fine print. Here’s how to read them like someone who’s seen a few.
Hourly (what we run)
You pay for machine time — $250/hr · 4-hr min here, meter runs only while the machine works. Transparent, but ask: does the clock run during fuel-ups and breakdowns? (Ours doesn’t — you pay when the machine is running, not when it’s cold.)
Per-acre
One price per acre. Sounds simple, but density decides everything — a light acre and a jungle acre cost the contractor wildly different hours, so per-acre quotes get padded for the worst case. You often pay jungle rates for light ground.
Day rate
Flat price per machine-day. Fine for big jobs; wasteful when your job is really five hours.
Mobilization
The get-there fee. Ask if it’s included, and whether it’s disclosed before or after the quote. Ours is discussed up front, always.
“Cleanup included?”
The question that separates quotes. Mulching includes it by nature; dozer quotes often leave burn piles or haul fees hiding at the bottom.
Related: Cost Guide · How to Choose a Contractor · FAQ
Skip the guesswork — get a straight answer free
$250/hr · 4-hr min, no hidden fees · Facebook · Email · Quote form