Who Should Pay?

[Industrial Toys]

I think if you don't want to incurr expenses or leave yourself open to them, leave your equipment at home. If someone comes over with a half million dollar machine to do me a favor and breaks something that costs a hundred grand, am I getting the bill?

And if you lend your stuff out, you better have a written contract that they are to pay for all damages. ALL damages including cosmetic, because some people (who usually don't have anything that works) don't think that matters. And then you get into the squabling. That dent was already there. You almost have to handle it like a car rental company, so you know what, just forget about lending stuff.

 

[4570Man]

I think the best way is to pay someone for their work and charge for your work is the best solution. Doing work for a fraction of market value isn’t a good idea either because it’s pretty much the same deal.

 

[crashz]

I've done a few things for my neighbors with my equipment. Thinking about it again, I would always err on Option 2, I pay. My neigbors would likely try to help/pay, but the equipment is my responsibility.

 

[sea2summit]

Let me clarify a point. The break down is neither operator error or simple wear and tear. It just happened, and would happen to anyone. No one is at fault. Think of something like a hose blowing or sheer pin breaking, etc. But bigger.
So this did happen to me this last Saturday. The tractor catastrophically broke down while mowing brush for my neighbor. It broke in a way that the tractor cannot move on its own. The repair is simple and will cost about $250 for the broken part.
My neighbor immediately told me that he was very sorry and would cover the cost of repair, and assist me in repairing it. Should only take about 30 minutes when the new part comes in. I suggested option 2, since its my tractor. We agreed to split it. I am just curious about your opinions. This whole thing is resolved.
The break is nothing anyone could have foreseen.

I think you both handled that the way it should have been handled as neighbors.

 

[Avenger]

I think you both handled that the way it should have been handled as neighbors.

I think so too. I believe that if people would talk more, be friendly, open, and honest, that many issues would not be issues at all.

Though we are neighbors, we are also friends. We have been that way for years. If he trusts me with his house and shop, his tools (remember he is a machinist) when he goes on vacation, I can trust him with my equipment.

That's what it takes to be good neighbors. You work together.

I am currently thinning my forest, he is getting all the tops and dead standing for firewood. I dont need it, he does. He is paying me for that. He doesnt want to take advantage of me. Thats his call. I want it off my property and it could go where it is needed. But, he insists on paying me fair market prices because that is what friends and neighbors do to keep good relationships.

 

[oosik]

It was YOUR decision to go over and help the neighbor. Not a difficult decision - YOU pay. Several times I've gone across the road to help my new neighbor. Should something break - it's on me.

Besides - they are in no position, financially, to get involved in the costs that could be incurred in repairs to a tractor.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Option 2 unless the neighbor backs into it. If you're operating your tractor it's on you.

If you're foolish enough let your neighbor use your tractor, then Option 1 if he does something stupid, or option 3 if there's a doubt.

MY thoughts EXACTLY!

SR

 

[paulfun9]

Let me clarify a point. The break down is neither operator error or simple wear and tear. It just happened, and would happen to anyone. No one is at fault. Think of something like a hose blowing or sheer pin breaking, etc. But bigger.
So this did happen to me this last Saturday. The tractor catastrophically broke down while mowing brush for my neighbor. It broke in a way that the tractor cannot move on its own. The repair is simple and will cost about $250 for the broken part.
My neighbor immediately told me that he was very sorry and would cover the cost of repair, and assist me in repairing it. Should only take about 30 minutes when the new part comes in. I suggested option 2, since its my tractor. We agreed to split it. I am just curious about your opinions. This whole thing is resolved.
The break is nothing anyone could have foreseen.

For most friends it would be discussed far in advance of me showing up to perform the work in question.

If an actual break would occur I would adjust the they pay to a split or even I pay depending on the friend and the break.

I make no apologies for discussing possible breaks or damage when doing favors and the few friends I have without machines as well as those with do understand the cost and risks associated.

In your case depending on the friend (as I read it) seems upstanding and I get the impression they don稚 want it to cost you for helping them. One of my friends in particular would not sleep right at night knowing that helping him cost me more than some wear and tear on the tires. To help him keep his sanity I would let him pay but then give him a real good deal the next time he was interested in something I had for sale.

I am also the type that will discus almost every realist possible cost before letting a friend help me but for the unforeseen break like I imagine you describe, would have me also offering to cover the cost and help do the repair. If you refused somehow down he line the cost would be covered weather it be a free dinner, beer, help in an other way.

Good friends and neighbors are few and far between so look at both sides and be up front from the start!

 

[Industrial Toys]

I can't even think of something that might happen that is specifically the fault of the guy you might be doing something for. Everything is generally something that may break on his property or anywhere else. If you are doing something beyond the capability of your equipment, then, again, that's your own fault, not his.

If his truck rolls down a hill and smashed into your equipment, that's about the only kind of thing I can think of where he should pay. Or I guess insurance, but not yours.

 

[Jstpssng]

Without reading pages 2,3,&4 I would say that you have a very good neighbor.