=13.= In estimating the cost of =ditch work=, there are several factors
that influence the price. A narrow ditch costs more to dig per cubic
yard than a wide one; likewise, a deep ditch costs more than a shallow
one. Following are given prices for laying agricultural drain tiling.
While these figures do not include builder’s profit, they are based
on the actual cost of work, the wages for a day of 8 hours being $2
for laborers, $2.50 for the foreman, and $4 for a horse and driver.
In sections of the country where higher wages are paid, it will be
necessary to increase the figures at a proportional rate when making
estimates.
For trenches 3 feet deep and 18 inches wide, in very hard, clay soil
with about 10 inches of loam on top, the cost of excavating is about
12 cents per linear foot, or 72 cents per cubic yard. For filling in
the trench with the aid of a team and a scraper, it costs ¾ cent per
linear foot. For laying a 4-inch tile, including distributing along the
trench, the cost is ¾ cent per linear foot. For picking stones off of
the ground and placing them over the pipe to a depth of about 8 inches,
it costs 2¼ cents per linear foot. Each outlet built of field stones
laid in cement costs from $5 to $8.