Neighbors and favors.

[zombie]

When I was first starting out in a shop, my leadman told me I could borrow tools from him that I needed, but after 3 times you need to buy your own. Worked out great. I found out what would be used a lot and what wouldn't. Needless to say, I carried that on and tell our apprentices the same thing. 3 x's you buy your own.

 

[sixdogs]

The only guys you want to loan tools to are the guys that would never ask to borrow them in the first place. Think about it...when was the last time you wanted to borrow something and then returned it low on gas or damaged? What kind of friend is someone that borrows from you and stiffs you on a couple dollars worth of gas? Fast forward to the same guy when he twists your loader on your $40,000 tractor and feels no obligation to even mention it. No thanks.

I don't borrow and I don't loan, UNLESS you are old or disadvantaged. Then I'll do the work for free and expect nothing in return.

Among close friends who understand the drill, there is the "honor among thieves" credo. You borrow something and it must be returned in better condition than loaned. Break it and you are obligated to either repair or REPLACE the item, whatever is demanded of you. Those terms take the cheapskates and non-friends out of the mix from the start.

I sure wish I could find a real nice guy to live next door to me that has a fairly good sized backhoe. It would save me a lot of work. Oh, wait, I do. Trouble is, I would never ask to borrow it.

 

[pat32rf]

My Dad was a tradesman of many skills and he made sure that I followed his lead. When I had to retire at 48 I didn't have any pension but did have savings and time to put them to use.
We finally wound up in the country with most of the toys I need but 90% of our neighbours are just as self sufficient as me so when I see a chance to help I jump on it. After all, with cardiac trouble, cancer, new hip, and no pension, sooner or later I might have to ask for help on this 100 acres of bush....Seems to be a contest of who can do the most with hunting rights the only reward...

 

[ultrarunner]

It does seem the folks living on even a few acres in the country tend to be more self sufficient and older... one of the most self sufficient people I knew was 80 and she was sharp and self sufficient... when her eyes go bad where she could no longer drive I did her banking... never once looked at the balances.

She was always so grateful and never missed an opportunity to express it... kind of how it is for people that are used to doing for themselves.

I have gotten much better at saying no... especially for casual acquaintances... the last I need is to damage something with my tractor working off property...

 

[zing]

The last issue I had with a "borrower" was when my buddy needed to haul something with a gooseneck trailer and his truck doesn't have rails so he needed to borrow my truck. He was supposed to come by to get it on Thursday night, but he came by during the day while I was at work before I got a chance to fill it up. My wife gave him the truck, but I knew it only had 1/4 tank of fuel. He returned it a few days later with a full tank and a dozen beer in the back.

I told him it was a loan not a rental.
He told me to piss off and handed me a beer.

Too bad everyone is not like him I guess. :thumbsup:

 

[Industrial Toys]

Be kind to your friends, but you don't owe neighbors anything, unless they too are your friends.

Too many people are just users and will never reciprocate. Two winters ago, I started my stone cold tractor, something I would never do for myself, went out in a blizzard and pulled out a stuck farmer, ploughing a field. Broke two of my chains and got my previously clean tractor all muddy. Just a thanks and nothing more!

There is merit in generosity and kindness, but thee is also something to be said for looking out for numero uno, because often times, no one else will.!

 

[Garycw]

Be kind to your friends, but you don't owe neighbors anything, unless they too are your friends. Too many people are just users and will never reciprocate. Two winters ago, I started my stone cold tractor, something I would never do for myself, went out in a blizzard and pulled out a stuck farmer, ploughing a field. Broke two of my chains and got my previously clean tractor all muddy. Just a thanks and nothing more! There is merit in generosity and kindness, but thee is also something to be said for looking out for numero uno, because often times, no one else will.!

Wouldn't he have done that for you? Next time it may be you that's stuck. Too bad about your chains. I think he should have gotten you some new ones though. Maybe he just wasn't thinking.
In the country, neighbors need to help each other if they have the means and physically able. Maybe you can borrow some chains from him when needed

 

[Industrial Toys]

Some token would have been nice. A gift card for a coffee shop. It's sometimes the problem when you are the guy that tends to be prepared and has resourses. As far as farmers go though. Isn't that a business, more then ever? I don't go around asking for free help to make money in my business. Whats the difference?

 

[windy acers]

If I can save neighbor 10 hours and it takes me 1 hour because I have the experience or a tractor with a bucket or backhoe-snow plow or some other reason. I don't charge or accept money.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Be kind to your friends, but you don't owe neighbors anything, unless they too are your friends.

Too many people are just users and will never reciprocate. Two winters ago, I started my stone cold tractor, something I would never do for myself, went out in a blizzard and pulled out a stuck farmer, ploughing a field. Broke two of my chains and got my previously clean tractor all muddy. Just a thanks and nothing more!

There is merit in generosity and kindness, but thee is also something to be said for looking out for numero uno, because often times, no one else will.!

IT, just out of curiosity did the plowing farmer come to you for help or did you see him struggling and go out to help?