11-12-2014, 08:40 AM
You are talking about 36 cubic feet of material to remove.
You have a choice of heavy machinery or hand labor. Personally I think the costs may be about the same. Its not a huge trench so the minimal cost of mobilizing a backhoe or small excavator plus an hourly minimum may equal or exceed hand labor.
For small jobs like this it may be just as or more economical to hire a couple strong young men, rent a demo hammer and buy a couple six packs of beer for when the job is done. A couple O'o bars would be useful too. The electric demo hammer isn't expensive and can bust up
light pahoehoe rather well. If you have blue stone that is another matter.
Some factors to consider:
1. A backhoe or excavator can really tear up the ground as it unloads and positions itself... that makes more work to repair. If you consider heavy equipment think if there are other tasks they can do on site because an 18' shallow trench won't take very long.
2. If you choose man power then it is advisable to be on site to supervise the whole operation. Your average strong young man is generally good for heavy digging an hour at a stretch, then take a break before continuing. You should provide water and gloves. They should not be wearing flip flops. Over the past twenty years I have always succeeded in finding good hand labor in and around Pahoa. I would not pay less than $10/hr. $12 is more reasonable for supervised digging.
Good luck.
You have a choice of heavy machinery or hand labor. Personally I think the costs may be about the same. Its not a huge trench so the minimal cost of mobilizing a backhoe or small excavator plus an hourly minimum may equal or exceed hand labor.
For small jobs like this it may be just as or more economical to hire a couple strong young men, rent a demo hammer and buy a couple six packs of beer for when the job is done. A couple O'o bars would be useful too. The electric demo hammer isn't expensive and can bust up
light pahoehoe rather well. If you have blue stone that is another matter.
Some factors to consider:
1. A backhoe or excavator can really tear up the ground as it unloads and positions itself... that makes more work to repair. If you consider heavy equipment think if there are other tasks they can do on site because an 18' shallow trench won't take very long.
2. If you choose man power then it is advisable to be on site to supervise the whole operation. Your average strong young man is generally good for heavy digging an hour at a stretch, then take a break before continuing. You should provide water and gloves. They should not be wearing flip flops. Over the past twenty years I have always succeeded in finding good hand labor in and around Pahoa. I would not pay less than $10/hr. $12 is more reasonable for supervised digging.
Good luck.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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