Brush, pasture and fence-line mowing

Farmers, ranchers, horse owners, rural homeowners with acreage and landowners who need to keep land tidy or clear of brush.

Hourly rate or price per acre, often with a minimum charge per job. Repeat seasonal mowing for the same properties builds steady work.

• Operating a tractor and attachments safely
• Basic equipment maintenance and repair
• Estimating job time from a property visit
• Customer communication

• General liability insurance, since thrown rocks or debris can damage property or injure people
• Hidden hazards in overgrown ground such as rocks, old wire, stumps and buried lines, so walk the site first
• Rollover and PTO safety on slopes and rough ground
• Check your state rules for trailer weights and hauling equipment on public roads
• Work is seasonal and weather-dependent, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the tractor, brush cutter or flail mower, and trailer you need, and whether you already own any of it. Treat these as estimates and price your own setup.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how much acreage you cut and how many customers you have. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Work is seasonal and weather-dependent, so plan your cash flow.

Check general liability insurance, since thrown rocks or debris can damage property or injure people. Also check your state's rules for trailer weights and hauling equipment on public roads, and walk each site first for hidden hazards like old wire, stumps and buried lines.