The latest tractor hire rates are available in the information provided by the UK-based National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), which includes 2022 guide fees for agricultural contracting services.
Operator and tractor hire rates
– Tractor + post knocker + man – 52.77
– Ditching using 180 degree digger – 42.14
– Ditching using 360 degree digger – 50.10
– Drain jetting – 62.33
– Tractor + operator 100 – 150 hp tractor – 47.36
– 150 – 220 hp tractor + operator – 50.13
– 220 – 300 hp tractor + operator – 64.60
– 300 hp + tractor + operator – 79.89
– Additional charge for trailer – 11.14
– Forklift/telehandler + man 49.17
The commentary includes that, “Contractors may also have individual arrangements with customers regarding diesel (for example, separate fuel surcharge and fuel used on-farm). The prices do not reflect this market trend. This may make a significant difference to contracting charges.”
The National Association of Agricultural Contractors has warned farmers to anticipate an increase in charges in 2022, due to ongoing “record high” fuel prices and escalating labour and machinery costs.
NAAC’s research is founded on a pound per litre for fuel, and notes that fuel surcharges may be necessary if prices continue to fluctuate. It is expected that prices may differ as input costs change. It urges contractors to add a fuel surcharge if diesel prices are over £1.00/L to cover their costs.
The body indicates that their figures are average prices surveyed from NAAC members, and that the actual price may vary considerably between regions, soil types, distance travelled, size of contract undertaken, size and type of equipment used, amount of product applied.