Fair Rate for Tractor Usage

lablovers · Apr 12, 2004

Rather than money, I tend to think that a dinner at one of the finer resturants, would be a nice gift. If no money was discussed prior, I doubt he will accept. I know I wouldn't. In my opinion, you did what I would expect. That is a full tank and a clean tractor. Based on the fact he has given your wife reason to believe you need a tractor, a cruise might be in order. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

AndyMA · Apr 12, 2004

Bill

I know you came up with this number later, but I was going to suggest the $100 number. Just tell him it's to cover sharpening a set of chipper blades (or new blades) and to go to tractor maintaince. If you figure it out the $100 would just about cover his out of pocket expenses for 1.5 days use w/ blade dulling. And besides when he thinks of it he'll be inclined to let you use it again.

Andy

smilingreen · Apr 12, 2004

Hey, if he still declines the money, and it is really burning a hole in your pocket, here's my mailing address.......... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

JimR · Apr 12, 2004

You should not need to ask this question. Take the couple out to eat at your expense to the finest restaurant around. It would be much cheaper than what it would have cost you to rent a tractor for that amount of time. If your neighbor fusses about the check, let him pay the tip. I always repaid my neighbor for his tractor lending one way or another. Now I miss him as he has moved back to his home state.

SCDolphin · Apr 13, 2004

It cost me 225/day to rent a kubota 3130 with fel, box blade and trailer to haul it in SC

ljh2 · Apr 14, 2004

I like Gatorboy's thinking... hmmm I just may have to lend him something. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

( If he is your friend, I'm sure he loaned it to you not expecting anything in return. So, what I would do to show my gratitude would be to get him a gift. Depending on what kind of a guy he is, here is some suggestions:

- Bottle of Booker's Whiskey
- Box of cigars
- Some steaks from Omaha Steaks
- Gift certificate to a nice local restaurant

I think a gift instead of cash shows your appreciation for his kindness much better. )

keeney · Apr 14, 2004

I find it is much more valuable if the person who borrows the tool actually does something to maintain the equipment. The cash is nice, but I am still the one who (theoretically in the above example) would have to take the time to go get the chipper sharpened, buy new blades, whatever.

A buddy of mine recently borrowed my utlity trailer. When he came to pick it up, I noticed/remembered that the lighting connector had a broken pin that I had neglected to fix for a while.

He said "no problem, I can put a new connector on". I think the part was worth about $12. I think his actually taking the time to repair my stuff for me was priceless.

Beer is acceptable payment for borrowing most of my stuff. I would think it would have to be a very nice piece of equipment to get up into the fine Whisky, Cigar, or Steak dinner level.

- Rick

frank_f15 · Apr 14, 2004

Why not just get him a gift cert. to a nice restaurant or something like that? makes him know u are grateful, but he won't feel like he is taking $$$$. makes folks feel good to know their good deeds are appreciated.

bcarter · Apr 15, 2004

Why not just get him a gift cert. to a nice restaurant or something like that? 

A friend of mine did exactly that...

I did some excavating work for him (he rented the equipment and I ran it for him). Took about 2 and a half days of time and he wanted to pay me but I had way to much fun to take any money from him. He ended up giving me a gift certificate for dinner, which made him feel better about the time I spent and I appreciated the gesture (although I still insist that the fun I had was compensation enough /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif).