Can I borrow your........

[tradosaurus]

Another reason to never let someone borrow something, or even use it. Arrogance. The owner paid probably $10-20k for that machine. You have absolutely no right or privilege to use it. You should be humble and do what they ask. Most likely it was a “first time” precaution. Do well and next time it wont be as strict. Just follow their rules if you are using their stuff. It really irks me when people ask to use something but want to use it their way, not they way you ask.

Just go and buy one if you dont like it. As you can probably gather I never, ever let anyone use anything of mine and never ask to borrow anything. However I have helped neighbors many times using my own equipment.

We all have our own ways of living and that is just fine. But to borrow something of someone else’s and add your own terms to it is not right.

I respect a guys equipment and have always stood behind repairing anything I broke. I've met people who value their stuff more than friendship and that's fine. The poster I replied to originally probably shouldn't lend anything of his out if he so worried about it.

I have a $12K UTV and when a family member visits I point out a few operational tips and then don't worry about it. If I thought there was an issue with the person I just wouldn't let them use it. And yes my 14 yo daughter drove my UTV straight into a tree the first week I got it. After repairs the rule is if you only drive it if you have a drivers license.

 

[BigNuge]

I’m in the “I’ll help you with your project” camp. I very much enjoy helping others, but a broken piece of loaned/borrowed equipment (making it in-available to me) would be poorly received.

I’d I break the thing while I’m helping someone else then so be it, I broke it, and wouldn’t even ask for financial help with the repair. If they broke it I would be upset, no getting around it. And then I’d be more upset about how the repair got done. Dealer/mechanic is going to cost 3x what it would cost for me to fix it, but then why should I fix the damn thing when someone else broke it. Putting a tarnish mark on a good relationship isn’t worth it...

 

[tradosaurus]

I’m in the “I’ll help you with your project” camp. I very much enjoy helping others, but a broken piece of loaned/borrowed equipment (making it in-available to me) would be poorly received.

I’d I break the thing while I’m helping someone else then so be it, I broke it, and wouldn’t even ask for financial help with the repair. If they broke it I would be upset, no getting around it. And then I’d be more upset about how the repair got done. Dealer/mechanic is going to cost 3x what it would cost for me to fix it, but then why should I fix the damn thing when someone else broke it. Putting a tarnish mark on a good relationship isn’t worth it...

And you are doing the right thing. If one worries so much about their stuff then just don't lend it out or have someone use it, ever. That would also include, I suppose, letting your kids drive any of your cars.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I loaned my fertilizer spreader to my BIL; when I needed it next spring, I found he had left some ammonium nitrate in it and it was practically eaten up. It was cheap, so I just tossed it out and got a new one. I loaned my air compressor to a co-worker; he turned too fast and it turned over in the bed of his truck, breaking the air filter.

Loaned my hatchet to my SIL about 20 years ago; he still has it.

 

[tradosaurus]

After hearing these stories I'm glad I'm far away from family members. Even my nearest kid is 3 hrs away.

 

[Red_rider]

I typically don't loan anything of value. If you need a hammer or something cheap that's OK, but I'll not loaning out anything that cost more than $10 bucks to replace. My JD and Branson only come with me in the seat. I did loan a walk behind lawn mower to my neighbor (not my Honda) about 12 years ago because his was in the shop. I was a bit skeptical because I had heard him cutting his lawn on several occasions and it sounded like he was cutting stumps or rocks - probably why his was in the shop. He brought my mower back washed with a full tank of gas.

 

[PILOON]

Mea Culpa!
Once borrowed a chainsaw, had laid it down in what I believed a safe spot.
However the digger operator did not see it and damaged the saw.
Can't blame him.

I apologized to the owner, repaired his saw back to the condition it was B4.
LOL, better than new as the old grip was well worn.

 

[Industrial Toys]

They don't care if you spent $100 GRAND. It's "JUST A TRACTOR" and probably why they don't have one. If it's just a tractor, just go get yourself one!

Everything always sounds different when you get it back.

 

[bigtiller]

I loaned a 2 year old equipment trailer to the north neighbor....
It came back with one bent fender.

Loaned a brand new 4" hole saw to the south neighbor...
It came back with all the teeth ground down to nubs.

I set forms and poured a dog run for the east neighbor...
He never reciprocated, not even a thank you.

The west neighbor was about 90 and healthy as a horse...
He never asked for anything. He is gone now, I miss him.

 

[Industrial Toys]

With so many city people moving to the country, it might become interesting for the old country boys. I do notice that MANY of the city people are buying their own tractors, which was never the case before. Hey, only in part because these toys have become "status" symbols it seems. It does cut into this old boys prospects for some easy fuel/beer and pocket money though.