Combines driver rates

[Bundy]

The way the mines are picking up guys at the moment, come harvest if he knows his stuff and can prove it I dare say he could nearly name his own price. It varies greatly from crew to crew and what hrs_duties they actually do, but I know of guys that were up around $18 - $20_hr(engine). I think it's a case of at the moment, talk to the employer and sort out a system that works best of both of you. If you are experienced, can follow directions and reasonably self sufficent with servicing and maintainance and good communication skills, with the labour shortage at the moment in rural Aust, you should have no problem at all getting a very reasonable income.

 

[ausfarming]

$18 - 20 seems to be the lower to middle range from what I know. I know of experienced drivers around $26 (engine hour) with board thrown included and know of inexperienced guys getting $25 without board. Shortage of guys is a major factor and trying to get someone to drive your machine without stuffing it is a major concern. All I know is that the rates that are being paid cannot be sustained for much longer.

 

[bundy]

I'm hearing you! Its a lot of money to pay, particularly if they are inexperienced or incompentent (as many backpackers are),but on the flip side, I know of a lot of people that have done a lot of money because they ran into wet weather and the boss would only pay them for hrs harvesting, so I guess it goes both ways. But when the mines are paying the office girl $60K a year to answer phones, and conditions like 2 weeks on two weeks off, is it any wonder people with half a brain in there head are leaving rural_seasonal job for better conditions and money!! Sad part is too many employers have treated drivers pretty badly in the past with poor living conditions and up to 6 months away from home at the other end of the country, particularly if they have a partner or a family, particularly during Nov to Jan in the festive season. I personally would love doing the harvest run again down south and would love to do a season in WA one time, but unfortunatly once our own harvest is cleaned up in QlD, the main front of the harvest is down to Moree or further so your over 7 hrs drive from home before you start the job. And even with the good money paid now, it makes it tricky to justify.

 

[guru]

we are on the same wave length i was one of those young guys that got whacked on a harvest run with wet weather and bad accomadation missed meals and decided right then never to treat staff like that so far its worked firm believer to treat them well and get treated well in return i enjoy watching staff members return for the next season its great.... thanks for the post guys .. we are talking to the guy hoping to take him on board cheers

 

[dakota]

In what parts of Australia is the main custom harvesting done, pleaseIJ

 

[guru]

harvest starts in queensland in late sept and end in victoria dec jan approx western and southern australia and also very big wheat areas has to where is the biggest not sure