The cost of buying the equipment

(information supplied by Powertrac)

Used 966E loader – US$140,000 (J$8.54M)

New 966E loader – US$304,000 (J$18.54M)

Used D9 bulldozer – US$200,000 upwards (J$12.2M)

New D9 bulldozer – US$650,000 (J$39.6M million).

*Powertrac tyres – $70,000 to $80,000 ($J4.27M to J$4.88M)

*McDonald said he uses specially imported tyres, that last longer, for his 966E loader at a cost of almost J$200,000. He said the tyres cost US$2,400 (J$146.4M) plus freight fees and import duty.

Tyre repair, oil

(based on Sunday Observer checks)

Tyre patch at Cassons Ja Limited for the 966E – $15,000 to $25,000 each time

Gas oil for the D9 – $40,000 per week (four 55-gallon drum of per week, each costing an average of $10,000)

Engine oil per week – $23,000, according to gas stations.

McDonald’s bills from Powertrac

(supplied by Melrose Farms)

Cost to maintain/service vehicles per year $780,000

Average cost of parts per year $3,003,123.61

Total expense for other parts bought overseas (US$136,141.38) $8,304,624.18

Subtotal $12,087,747.79

Additional monthly expenses

Gas oil $1,058,505

Engine oil $88,000

Gear oil $25,569

Electrical parts and work $504,000

Servicemen and mechanics $310,000

Operators cost $151,200

Average welding charges $31,000

Tyres cost $132,666.67

Service cost $65,000

*Total monthly costs $2,365,940.67

*Total costs per year $28,391,288.04

*(Sunday Observer calculations)

Grand total per year $40,479,035.83

McDonald was paid $44.11 million in 2003/2004 and $41.12 million in 2004/2005.

*Calculations based on exchange rate of 61:1