Snow removal costs in Saratov: from DIY to hiring workers
So much snow has fallen in Saratov that sculptures are being made right on benches.
Snow is falling today in Saratov Oblast and will continue over the next 24 hours. Due to this, road services have already begun clearing the streets in the city and region. We examined classified ad websites to find out how much it costs to order a mini-tractor and a janitor to clear snow from courtyards.
On average, renting a bobcat for an hour costs 2,500 rubles (approx. $28 at current rates). Additionally, one can find full-fledged excavators with dump trucks. Such ads state that the service price starts from 1,500 rubles (approx. $17), but no detailed tariff is provided.
Renting a KAMAZ truck and a bobcat together in Saratov starts from 3,500 rubles (approx. $39). In this case as well, the tariff is not disclosed, and it is not specified what one gets for the minimum cost. All the ads reviewed indicate that the performers work with both private citizens and companies.
Many city residents are also willing to clear snow manually. Prices for such services vary widely: some performers indicate they start work from 500 rubles (approx. $6), others from 1,000 rubles (approx. $11). Janitors clean parking spaces, adjacent areas, entrance areas, and dig out cars. The most expensive ad we found starts from five thousand rubles (approx. $56) for the service. The performer notes that a team is available, equipped with a mini-loader and a KAMAZ truck with increased side height.
Moreover, in Saratov, there are only 10 ads for selling snow shovels. Prices vary and depend on the type of shovel and its size. For instance, a plastic shovel can be bought for 370 rubles (approx. $4), while polycarbonate and steel shovels cost more — 1,300 rubles (approx. $14) and 1,400 rubles (approx. $16) respectively.
In the Zavodskoy district of Saratov, one of the most expensive shovels on the free ads market is being sold for 3,400 rubles (approx. $38). This is a shovel with a metal bucket and wheels. Moreover, this item has been used. The seller specifies that the tool was used only a couple of times.
In the village of Mikhailovka in Gagarin District, Saratov Oblast, for seven thousand rubles (approx. $78), one can buy a mechanical shovel with a battery. The ad states that this is the last item in stock. On marketplaces, shovels are also not cheap: the price for a tool with a handle starts from a thousand rubles (approx. $11). And one would still have to wait at least a day.
