Loaning out tractor/implements

[scesnick]

I will let SOME friends borrow anything I own. tractor, truck, backhoe, attachments, Whatever they need, I am happy to help. I know they will take good care of my stuff and replace anything that happens to be damaged. I also know they would do the same for me. As a matter of fact my 12k dump trailer is at a friends house right now.

Other friends I would'nt let borrow squat. Although they are still good friends. It just all depends on who it is.

 

[beenthere]

As most have said,
No, it comes with me as the operator. I will let others try it out but only if I am there at the time. My sons will operate my tractor here at home.

 

[mcd176]

I loan to trusted close friends and family only, those trusted will fix or replace if they break it.

 

[radioman]

HECK NO ! nothing gets borrowed from me unless I go with it. The only exception is my father. he gets to use my stuff and I get to use his stuff. HE borrows my tiller yearly to get his garden going before i do mine since his tends to dry out faster then mine.

 

[kn6md]

Several years ago, a poster IIRC named cowboy doc spoke to the subject of loaning equipment. Based on that post and subsequent threads, I decided to not loan anything to anyone IF they needed to use it off of my property. A terrible way to live and to treat neighbors, friends, or just about anyone.
Here is why: If I loan something to my neighbor and friend Fulano, who takes it home and Beltrano (who could be anyone from anywhere known or unknown, related or unrelated, to me or to Fulano) injures himself/herself with the loaned article, I pay. WHAT??? Fulano does not sue me, and Beltrano does not sue me. The insurance company (or entity that put Beltrano back together) sues me. Big time. Of course, if Fulano hurts himself, I would also pay. Again, Fulano may or may not sue me, but his insurance company will. They want their money back and they will take everything I have to get it. My homeowners' policy does not apply -- well, maybe the first $5k.
Even after reading the posts I could not believe it. So I asked my State Farm agent about it. He confirmed it. I quit loaning anything to anyone. I could loan something and hope that my umbrella policy was large enough, but why go there?
I did a quick search for those threads, but didn't find them. If they can be found, they are really worth reading very carefully.

 

[Ford tractor]

I would only loan out a tractor to a person that is qualified*.


*defined by:
a) able to pay for the tractor with a check or cash if they damage it
b) will pay for the tractor (full retail) if they damage it - that day
c) returns it full of fuel, fresh oil, fresh hydraulic fluid, new filters and washed clean with an envelope stuffed full of $100 bills on the seat
d) actually knows how to run it like a pro (or at least as good as me).


If they can't do a, b, c AND d they don't get it. I do however go over with the tractor and do stuff for people that need the help.

Kn6md has a good point and one that I sort of knew (but didn't remember that I knew it, if you know what I mean...). 5-10 years back I got the jury duty letter. Case was an insurance company suing a man because his FATHER while helping his SON, at his son's house, had the ladder he was on lean over and fall with him on it. Broke his shoulder. Yep, the insurance company had the father and son testify against each other. Dad's insurance company sued the son's insurance company and they BOTH sued the son because the ladder had a missing or damaged rubber boot on the leg allowing it to sink in the ground and fall. I think the son had to pay 10-12K (1/2 the medical bills) because of the missing rubber deal.

I'll have to add category e to my requirements;

e) signs waiver accepting total accountability, liability and fully indemnifies against any and all damages from use of equipment -- even if due to owners negligence.

 

[picker77]

Never. I'll go over with my equipment at the drop of a hat, and help them do anything they want, but I'll drive. Bad karma from a neighbor breaking loaned stuff never goes away on either side, and is just not worth it. If I break something helping a neighbor that's my problem, and no hard feelings, ever.

I don't loan out guns, power tools, truck, tractor, or wife. :laughing:

 

[Hawghauler]

Borrowing and loaning is a good way to turn a friend into an enemy. If I need a tool I buy it or pay someone to perform the work. Good friends don't need to ask, I'd offer my assistance but not the loan of my tools, I also would not burden a friend with the obligations associated with lending and borrowing. Rental companies are perfect for these occasional needs and it helps the economy in your community. I have no need to find out which neighbor is bum in disguise by risking the stuff I have worked hard for.

 

[Mousefield]

It is best not to loan or borrow. I agree with Hawghauler, it is a good way to turn a friend into an enemy Having said that we have one good neighbor that I have borrowed their truck a couple of times. In turn they have borrowed my gas wood splitter a few times. He has his brother coming out from England next week and they like to split wood so I'l be taking my splitter to him. Always comes back full of gas and very clean. :thumbsup:
When they have needed some tractor work done I do it for them.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'll help them, but the equipment doesn't leave my property without me.
Fortunately, the only neighbors I've ever had to help (I actually volunteered) just needed their drive cleared of snow.
Most folks around here are prepared and have their own equipment.