I'm looking to get some work done in my front yard, which is about 400 square feet. I want to remove the top 6 inches of dirt, and I think using a backhoe would make the job much quicker. However, I've never operated one before and I'm concerned about potentially damaging something. Can anyone give me an idea of how much it would cost to hire someone to do this job for me? Thanks!
3 Answers
I would estimate a job like this to take about 0.75 hours. If they’re charging $350-$400 hourly, you should factor in those rates along with any additional costs for hauling the dirt away and grading the area afterward.
You should definitely look into getting quotes from local companies. It's hard to give a ballpark figure without seeing your yard. But honestly, for a job like this, I’d guess costs could be around $5,000 depending on the specifics.
Typically, you pay based on what the operator charges. If you're considering a smaller job, you might be looking at around $350-$400 per hour. Just keep in mind that if the company usually deals with bigger projects, they might have a higher minimum charge for smaller jobs.
That helps a lot, thanks! I’m still trying to wrap my head around whether this will be a $500 job or if I should budget more like $2,000.

Appreciate the insight! I'll definitely start reaching out for some quotes soon.