TCowner
Platinum Member
I started the post last evening regarding the issue of lending tractors/equipment to friends, relatives, neighbors. etc. The responses were fairly consistant and that most of us agreed we would rather do the job for them rather than lend out the equipment. Of course there were exceptions such as for a limited number who could be trusted to return the equipment in as good or better condition and those with some experience using the equipment. I mentioned in my post that I had "stretched the truth" a bit to the neighbor who wanted to borrow my post hole auger. I told him that the pto shaft was broken and that I had not repaired it yet due to the cost. The pto shaft was broken but I had it fixed. The neighbor returned today asking if I had any immediate plans to repair the shaft. He offered to install the shaft if I purchased it. Wow, what a guy. I told him I was a little short of cash and would have to wait. He didn't seem to happy with my response. Then I offered to sell him the unit with 12" and 18" auger for $450.00 which is about half the price of a new one. I thought that maybe I could borrow it from him and take my cash and by something else. He quickly dismissed the purchase idea and said, "I would never use it enough to justify the cost." This is the same guy who has used it twice before and needed it again. I also reminded him that there is a rental yard only 5 miles down the road that will rent a JD 31C auger for about $75.00 a day. He thought that was too much money. My neighbor probably represents the extreme when it come to being cheap and inconsiderate. But after today my policy is not open to negotiation. Either I do the work when it is convenient for me (October seems about right) or everything stays in my yard.