Would You Loan It Out?

[MHarryE]

It's hard to turn a neighbor down but I've learned. Friends and relatives here have horror stories of equipment borrowed and ending up going in somebody's auction when they failed to return. I've loaned my CUT to a relative a few times and once got a call it was sitting with a flat front, $200 cash for me to get it repaired. Second time both fronts knocked off the rims so they only had to be remounted. I fixed him - I sold the tractor. When he wanted to borrow my mini-excavator to dig a hole for his outhouse saying his son, who works for a JD dealer and was the one who damaged the tires on my CUT was going to operate, I said no, but I would come over and dig for him.

 

[Dmacleo]

A neighbor who lives down the road from me, a neighbor who I've only met once or twice, finds out that I have a tiller. I have a Woods RT72.40 6ft tiller. Last spring, he "hired" me to till his garden plot, about a half acre. And by hired, I mean, I drove down the road about 10 minutes, tilled up the sod where he had marked, and drove home unpaid. He suddenly had to leave and never did pay the agreed amount of $50, which, in my opinion, was a steal. I really didn't care about the money, and didn't push for it.

This last weekend he calls me, first time I've spoken to him all year. He asked to borrow the tiller and informed me that he has recently purchased a new tractor.

Being the nice and helpful person I am, and realizing that this wont take much of my time, I reluctantly agreed. The tiller has been sitting all winter, so I brought it up to the shop, checked the gear oil, greased it, and slipped the slip clutch. I checked it all over for damage and set it next to my garage for an easy hook up to his tractor. He shows up in a small Branson 2400 21 HP at the PTO.... and backs up to my 6 foot wide tiller. Upon learning that his new tractor is only 24 engine HP, I advised that his tractor is simply not enough. I offered to use my tractor. He scoffed and said that he knows what he is doing, and he cannot afford my high prices! I left him to his work of hooking up to my tiller, hoping, at this point, that his 3 point wouldn't even lift it. But it did and he drove down the road.

He sends me a text message that afternoon: He said that the tiller worked very well. He was able to till at "15-1800 RPM, 1/1," and he needs to borrow it a bit longer. I needed clarification. Why so low of RPM? What is 1/1? Why does he need it longer?

Apparently, he is running as slow as the tractor could go: first gear, first range (1/1), and had to slow the RPM of the engine down to move slow enough across the ground, to do a good job. He needs it longer because he has decided to not only do the garden, but expand his garden, and also put in a big back yard.

My wife called me an idiot. Am I too nice? Too helpful? Would you have loaned your tiller (or other attachment) out to someone like this? He still has it, and I haven't heard anything back. I drove by his house this morning and I saw his garden is bigger, all tilled up, but couldn't see his back yard.

What kind of damage could I expect on my tiller of running it at low RPM on virgin soil? Its gear driven, so I assume the gears are taking a beating?

hell NO!!
your tiller pto shaft trimmed to meet his tractor??
you don't know.
he suddenly hear knocks causing him to run it so low rpm?
you don't know but I bet you're gonna check your u-joints and shaft the second you get it back.
if shaft not trimmed right (eg too LONG) and it didn't take out his output shaft then its messed with your gearbox/pto shaft.
least woods has 5yr warranty on main gearbox. willing to bet you're gonna need to take advantage of that.
I will loan my GC series tractor ALONE (with bucket) to friends...but no pto item (mower deck, tiller,snow blower,etc) I own never gets hooked to ANY other tractor than mine.
thats just stupid. your wife is right.
and both you and her may pay the price.
pto items are trimmed to match the tractor they are used for.
if my neighbor wants a 4.ft tiller run in a spot I do it. if I need a 5" wide 6" deep tilling done I borrow THEIR tractor.
our pto implements never meet other tractors.
to do otherwise is stupid.

 

[Ed Weber]

I've been working with tools/machines all my life and I never lend anything out to anyone ever for any reason, period. This is why I still have tools.
The OP sounds like a nice guy but needs to learn to say NO in a nice way. JMHO

 

[TKBlanc]

A neighbor who lives down the road from me, a neighbor who I've only met once or twice, finds out that I have a tiller. I have a Woods RT72.40 6ft tiller. Last spring, he "hired" me to till his garden plot, about a half acre. And by hired, I mean, I drove down the road about 10 minutes, tilled up the sod where he had marked, and drove home unpaid. He suddenly had to leave and never did pay the agreed amount of $50, which, in my opinion, was a steal. I really didn't care about the money, and didn't push for it.

This last weekend he calls me, first time I've spoken to him all year. He asked to borrow the tiller and informed me that he has recently purchased a new tractor.

Being the nice and helpful person I am, and realizing that this wont take much of my time, I reluctantly agreed. The tiller has been sitting all winter, so I brought it up to the shop, checked the gear oil, greased it, and slipped the slip clutch. I checked it all over for damage and set it next to my garage for an easy hook up to his tractor. He shows up in a small Branson 2400 21 HP at the PTO.... and backs up to my 6 foot wide tiller. Upon learning that his new tractor is only 24 engine HP, I advised that his tractor is simply not enough. I offered to use my tractor. He scoffed and said that he knows what he is doing, and he cannot afford my high prices! I left him to his work of hooking up to my tiller, hoping, at this point, that his 3 point wouldn't even lift it. But it did and he drove down the road.

He sends me a text message that afternoon: He said that the tiller worked very well. He was able to till at "15-1800 RPM, 1/1," and he needs to borrow it a bit longer. I needed clarification. Why so low of RPM? What is 1/1? Why does he need it longer?

Apparently, he is running as slow as the tractor could go: first gear, first range (1/1), and had to slow the RPM of the engine down to move slow enough across the ground, to do a good job. He needs it longer because he has decided to not only do the garden, but expand his garden, and also put in a big back yard.

My wife called me an idiot. Am I too nice? Too helpful? Would you have loaned your tiller (or other attachment) out to someone like this? He still has it, and I haven't heard anything back. I drove by his house this morning and I saw his garden is bigger, all tilled up, but couldn't see his back yard.

What kind of damage could I expect on my tiller of running it at low RPM on virgin soil? Its gear driven, so I assume the gears are taking a beating?

Comes a point where you have to say "this isn't what I agreed to. Go rent a tiller."

I'll lend my loader to my neighbor because he has supplied me with a ton of firewood. I'll go move stuff for the older man across the street, and I clear his driveway in the winter. But this guy is just taking advantage of you.

 

[fishdrivel]

A neighbor who lives down the road from me, a neighbor who I've only met once or twice, finds out that I have a tiller. I have a Woods RT72.40 6ft tiller. Last spring, he "hired" me to till his garden plot, about a half acre. And by hired, I mean, I drove down the road about 10 minutes, tilled up the sod where he had marked, and drove home unpaid. He suddenly had to leave and never did pay the agreed amount of $50, which, in my opinion, was a steal. I really didn't care about the money, and didn't push for it.

This last weekend he calls me, first time I've spoken to him all year. He asked to borrow the tiller and informed me that he has recently purchased a new tractor.

Being the nice and helpful person I am, and realizing that this wont take much of my time, I reluctantly agreed. The tiller has been sitting all winter, so I brought it up to the shop, checked the gear oil, greased it, and slipped the slip clutch. I checked it all over for damage and set it next to my garage for an easy hook up to his tractor. He shows up in a small Branson 2400 21 HP at the PTO.... and backs up to my 6 foot wide tiller. Upon learning that his new tractor is only 24 engine HP, I advised that his tractor is simply not enough. I offered to use my tractor. He scoffed and said that he knows what he is doing, and he cannot afford my high prices! I left him to his work of hooking up to my tiller, hoping, at this point, that his 3 point wouldn't even lift it. But it did and he drove down the road.

He sends me a text message that afternoon: He said that the tiller worked very well. He was able to till at "15-1800 RPM, 1/1," and he needs to borrow it a bit longer. I needed clarification. Why so low of RPM? What is 1/1? Why does he need it longer?

Apparently, he is running as slow as the tractor could go: first gear, first range (1/1), and had to slow the RPM of the engine down to move slow enough across the ground, to do a good job. He needs it longer because he has decided to not only do the garden, but expand his garden, and also put in a big back yard.

My wife called me an idiot. Am I too nice? Too helpful? Would you have loaned your tiller (or other attachment) out to someone like this? He still has it, and I haven't heard anything back. I drove by his house this morning and I saw his garden is bigger, all tilled up, but couldn't see his back yard.

What kind of damage could I expect on my tiller of running it at low RPM on virgin soil? Its gear driven, so I assume the gears are taking a beating?

Your wife is correct!

 

[Alan46]

I loaned my professional power washer to a contractor friend, when he brought it back, he had filled the tank and changed the oil!

 

[Hermio]

A neighbor who lives down the road from me, a neighbor who I've only met once or twice, finds out that I have a tiller. I have a Woods RT72.40 6ft tiller. Last spring, he "hired" me to till his garden plot, about a half acre. And by hired, I mean, I drove down the road about 10 minutes, tilled up the sod where he had marked, and drove home unpaid. He suddenly had to leave and never did pay the agreed amount of $50, which, in my opinion, was a steal. I really didn't care about the money, and didn't push for it.

This last weekend he calls me, first time I've spoken to him all year. He asked to borrow the tiller and informed me that he has recently purchased a new tractor.

Being the nice and helpful person I am, and realizing that this wont take much of my time, I reluctantly agreed. The tiller has been sitting all winter, so I brought it up to the shop, checked the gear oil, greased it, and slipped the slip clutch. I checked it all over for damage and set it next to my garage for an easy hook up to his tractor. He shows up in a small Branson 2400 21 HP at the PTO.... and backs up to my 6 foot wide tiller. Upon learning that his new tractor is only 24 engine HP, I advised that his tractor is simply not enough. I offered to use my tractor. He scoffed and said that he knows what he is doing, and he cannot afford my high prices! I left him to his work of hooking up to my tiller, hoping, at this point, that his 3 point wouldn't even lift it. But it did and he drove down the road.

He sends me a text message that afternoon: He said that the tiller worked very well. He was able to till at "15-1800 RPM, 1/1," and he needs to borrow it a bit longer. I needed clarification. Why so low of RPM? What is 1/1? Why does he need it longer?

Apparently, he is running as slow as the tractor could go: first gear, first range (1/1), and had to slow the RPM of the engine down to move slow enough across the ground, to do a good job. He needs it longer because he has decided to not only do the garden, but expand his garden, and also put in a big back yard.

My wife called me an idiot. Am I too nice? Too helpful? Would you have loaned your tiller (or other attachment) out to someone like this? He still has it, and I haven't heard anything back. I drove by his house this morning and I saw his garden is bigger, all tilled up, but couldn't see his back yard.

What kind of damage could I expect on my tiller of running it at low RPM on virgin soil? Its gear driven, so I assume the gears are taking a beating?

Since "loan" is a noun, not a verb, you can lend it out but you cannot loan it out. But I would not do so unless I knew the person very well. And I would definitely charge for it.

 

[dogbert2521]

I would never have the audacity to try and borrow things from a neighbor that I hardly know, and vice versa. And dangerous items (chainsaw, tiller, tractor) only get lent to trusted people, otherwise I offer to help do the work so I'm in control of safety.

The word "borrow" is a trigger-warning, trust your Spidey-sense .

Glad it worked out, now the hard part will be saying "No" in the future, but you know that its not the right answer for you and if the parasite neighbor doesn't like it, so what....

Maybe he has a boat you could "borrow"?

 

[Gord Baker]

YOU are Enabling a taker, not a neighbour. Just say NO. Go and get your tiller NOW.
The only tool I lend out belongs to my Cat. He always brings it back.

 

[blueman2]

No Way! I have loaned a jd450c dozer to a friend. It came back with antifreeze in the oil. He was running it at a too low rpm. I had to do an in chassis engine rebuild to replace the leaking cylinders from the pistons slapping against them. I loaned the same friend a wood chipper. He chipped 6 inch pines for mulch for his blue berries. It came back with the blades shaped like an arch, so it wouldn't chip 2-4 inch brush. The blades had to be replaced. I borrowed a tiller from the same guy. It didn't work. I spent a day trying to repair his poorly maintained equipment before just returning it unused. Now he has a new bobcat and dump trailer. I can't get him answer my call to let me use it. I loaned a log splitter to another friend. It came back with the fuel shut off valve broke off. If you want to be a friend, do it for them. NEVER loan out any equipment. It will not come back in the same condition.

 

[CaptFerd]

Get it back as quick as you can. He will end up using it more than you ever will. He also has his eyes on everything you own. When ever he needs something you will be the first place he will come. 30 years ago I lent a relative a wheelbarrow I had just bought brand new. A few weeks went by and of course I had to go get it (these people will never willfully bring stuff back). My wheel barrow was crushed with a V8 motor setting in it. He said it was my fault for not telling him it was rusted all out. I informed him that the brand new wheelbarrow was for moving dirt not car engines. He got mad at me over the whole ordeal. Ended up costing me a high dollar wheelbarrow. Ive never loaned it out and still have it to this day. my other one went to trash. This is the mentality of these kind of people. I stay away and dont create friendships with BUMS.

 

[tjus77]

I tell everyone if you break it I would be more upset than if I break it doing something for you. So,no I don’t let anyone borrow anything (just had to replace a chainsaw my wife let someone borrow). And I usually just ask for diesel, because I always told myself if I got a tractor, I would help others who do not have.

 

[FarmerRancher]

A neighbor who lives down the road from me, a neighbor who I've only met once or twice, finds out that I have a tiller. I have a Woods RT72.40 6ft tiller. Last spring, he "hired" me to till his garden plot, about a half acre. And by hired, I mean, I drove down the road about 10 minutes, tilled up the sod where he had marked, and drove home unpaid. He suddenly had to leave and never did pay the agreed amount of $50, which, in my opinion, was a steal. I really didn't care about the money, and didn't push for it.

This last weekend he calls me, first time I've spoken to him all year. He asked to borrow the tiller and informed me that he has recently purchased a new tractor.

Being the nice and helpful person I am, and realizing that this wont take much of my time, I reluctantly agreed. The tiller has been sitting all winter, so I brought it up to the shop, checked the gear oil, greased it, and slipped the slip clutch. I checked it all over for damage and set it next to my garage for an easy hook up to his tractor. He shows up in a small Branson 2400 21 HP at the PTO.... and backs up to my 6 foot wide tiller. Upon learning that his new tractor is only 24 engine HP, I advised that his tractor is simply not enough. I offered to use my tractor. He scoffed and said that he knows what he is doing, and he cannot afford my high prices! I left him to his work of hooking up to my tiller, hoping, at this point, that his 3 point wouldn't even lift it. But it did and he drove down the road.

He sends me a text message that afternoon: He said that the tiller worked very well. He was able to till at "15-1800 RPM, 1/1," and he needs to borrow it a bit longer. I needed clarification. Why so low of RPM? What is 1/1? Why does he need it longer?

Apparently, he is running as slow as the tractor could go: first gear, first range (1/1), and had to slow the RPM of the engine down to move slow enough across the ground, to do a good job. He needs it longer because he has decided to not only do the garden, but expand his garden, and also put in a big back yard.

My wife called me an idiot. Am I too nice? Too helpful? Would you have loaned your tiller (or other attachment) out to someone like this? He still has it, and I haven't heard anything back. I drove by his house this morning and I saw his garden is bigger, all tilled up, but couldn't see his back yard.

What kind of damage could I expect on my tiller of running it at low RPM on virgin soil? Its gear driven, so I assume the gears are taking a beating?

If a man cant be trusted to pay 50 dollars for a job well done, what are the chances he'll pay the damage to your equipment, that is almost certainly going to cost much more?

I have a neighbor down the road that collects equipment and I have sometimes borrowed it if I believed I could operate the machine. I have also hired him if I didn't. Sometimes it was for pay, other times for barter. But, we have remained friends for 12 years because we are both trustworthy. I have always paid for and helped with repairs that I felt responsible for. He loaned a big piece of equipment to a mutual acquaintance and loaded it on the guys trailer and the guy didn't strap it down. He didn't have far to go, but he took a corner too fast and dumped it in the ditch. My friend had to go retrieve it with another piece of equipment and then had to repair it with no help and no offer of reimbursement. It didn't cost a lot, I don't believe, but it was the principle. Anyway, he hasn't tried to borrow anything else and that is good, since my friend doesn't have to say no.

You have to use your own best judgment, but since you're asking for advice, I'm thinking you kind of wish you hadn't loaned it out. If that's the case and you get your equipment back in good order, count yourself blessed and put a lot of serious thought into it if you're asked again. If it comes back damaged and he doesn't offer to pay for repairs, that will be more expensive, but make it very easy to say no next time.

Sincerely,

Ann Landers and Abby... lol

 

[dzoller]

The older I get, the less patience I have for stupidity.

Ain't that the truth! Though I'd also add, "and bull$..t"

 

[Black Dog 2]

A neighbor who lives down the road from me, a neighbor who I've only met once or twice, finds out that I have a tiller. I have a Woods RT72.40 6ft tiller. Last spring, he "hired" me to till his garden plot, about a half acre. And by hired, I mean, I drove down the road about 10 minutes, tilled up the sod where he had marked, and drove home unpaid. He suddenly had to leave and never did pay the agreed amount of $50, which, in my opinion, was a steal. I really didn't care about the money, and didn't push for it.

This last weekend he calls me, first time I've spoken to him all year. He asked to borrow the tiller and informed me that he has recently purchased a new tractor.

Being the nice and helpful person I am, and realizing that this wont take much of my time, I reluctantly agreed. The tiller has been sitting all winter, so I brought it up to the shop, checked the gear oil, greased it, and slipped the slip clutch. I checked it all over for damage and set it next to my garage for an easy hook up to his tractor. He shows up in a small Branson 2400 21 HP at the PTO.... and backs up to my 6 foot wide tiller. Upon learning that his new tractor is only 24 engine HP, I advised that his tractor is simply not enough. I offered to use my tractor. He scoffed and said that he knows what he is doing, and he cannot afford my high prices! I left him to his work of hooking up to my tiller, hoping, at this point, that his 3 point wouldn't even lift it. But it did and he drove down the road.

He sends me a text message that afternoon: He said that the tiller worked very well. He was able to till at "15-1800 RPM, 1/1," and he needs to borrow it a bit longer. I needed clarification. Why so low of RPM? What is 1/1? Why does he need it longer?

Apparently, he is running as slow as the tractor could go: first gear, first range (1/1), and had to slow the RPM of the engine down to move slow enough across the ground, to do a good job. He needs it longer because he has decided to not only do the garden, but expand his garden, and also put in a big back yard.

My wife called me an idiot. Am I too nice? Too helpful? Would you have loaned your tiller (or other attachment) out to someone like this? He still has it, and I haven't heard anything back. I drove by his house this morning and I saw his garden is bigger, all tilled up, but couldn't see his back yard.

What kind of damage could I expect on my tiller of running it at low RPM on virgin soil? Its gear driven, so I assume the gears are taking a beating?

Your neighbor not paying you the $50 should have been a clue about dealing with him

 

[TMBRWLF]

Last thing l loaned out was a grinder. Came back locked up. Took it in to be repaired, paid $18. This was in the 90s. I like to help people out if l can but sometimes saying no is probably the best. This same guy had a set of climbing spikes l borrowed from him. I returned them with all new leather strap work done. He got the better deal l think...

 

[Brianczaw]

A neighbor who lives down the road from me, a neighbor who I've only met once or twice, finds out that I have a tiller. I have a Woods RT72.40 6ft tiller. Last spring, he "hired" me to till his garden plot, about a half acre. And by hired, I mean, I drove down the road about 10 minutes, tilled up the sod where he had marked, and drove home unpaid. He suddenly had to leave and never did pay the agreed amount of $50, which, in my opinion, was a steal. I really didn't care about the money, and didn't push for it.

This last weekend he calls me, first time I've spoken to him all year. He asked to borrow the tiller and informed me that he has recently purchased a new tractor.

Being the nice and helpful person I am, and realizing that this wont take much of my time, I reluctantly agreed. The tiller has been sitting all winter, so I brought it up to the shop, checked the gear oil, greased it, and slipped the slip clutch. I checked it all over for damage and set it next to my garage for an easy hook up to his tractor. He shows up in a small Branson 2400 21 HP at the PTO.... and backs up to my 6 foot wide tiller. Upon learning that his new tractor is only 24 engine HP, I advised that his tractor is simply not enough. I offered to use my tractor. He scoffed and said that he knows what he is doing, and he cannot afford my high prices! I left him to his work of hooking up to my tiller, hoping, at this point, that his 3 point wouldn't even lift it. But it did and he drove down the road.

He sends me a text message that afternoon: He said that the tiller worked very well. He was able to till at "15-1800 RPM, 1/1," and he needs to borrow it a bit longer. I needed clarification. Why so low of RPM? What is 1/1? Why does he need it longer?

Apparently, he is running as slow as the tractor could go: first gear, first range (1/1), and had to slow the RPM of the engine down to move slow enough across the ground, to do a good job. He needs it longer because he has decided to not only do the garden, but expand his garden, and also put in a big back yard.

My wife called me an idiot. Am I too nice? Too helpful? Would you have loaned your tiller (or other attachment) out to someone like this? He still has it, and I haven't heard anything back. I drove by his house this morning and I saw his garden is bigger, all tilled up, but couldn't see his back yard.

What kind of damage could I expect on my tiller of running it at low RPM on virgin soil? Its gear driven, so I assume the gears are taking a beating?

AT the point where he said, "your prices are too high." I would have said jokingly, " Dude, you didn't even pay me for last year." and "By the way, You don't have enough RPM to run this implement." He wouldn't have known otherwise... I'm worried it's coming back in worse shape than it left.

 

[Tony H]

A neighbor who lives down the road from me, a neighbor who I've only met once or twice, finds out that I have a tiller. I have a Woods RT72.40 6ft tiller. Last spring, he "hired" me to till his garden plot, about a half acre. And by hired, I mean, I drove down the road about 10 minutes, tilled up the sod where he had marked, and drove home unpaid. He suddenly had to leave and never did pay the agreed amount of $50, which, in my opinion, was a steal. I really didn't care about the money, and didn't push for it.

This last weekend he calls me, first time I've spoken to him all year. He asked to borrow the tiller and informed me that he has recently purchased a new tractor.

Being the nice and helpful person I am, and realizing that this wont take much of my time, I reluctantly agreed. The tiller has been sitting all winter, so I brought it up to the shop, checked the gear oil, greased it, and slipped the slip clutch. I checked it all over for damage and set it next to my garage for an easy hook up to his tractor. He shows up in a small Branson 2400 21 HP at the PTO.... and backs up to my 6 foot wide tiller. Upon learning that his new tractor is only 24 engine HP, I advised that his tractor is simply not enough. I offered to use my tractor. He scoffed and said that he knows what he is doing, and he cannot afford my high prices! I left him to his work of hooking up to my tiller, hoping, at this point, that his 3 point wouldn't even lift it. But it did and he drove down the road.

He sends me a text message that afternoon: He said that the tiller worked very well. He was able to till at "15-1800 RPM, 1/1," and he needs to borrow it a bit longer. I needed clarification. Why so low of RPM? What is 1/1? Why does he need it longer?

Apparently, he is running as slow as the tractor could go: first gear, first range (1/1), and had to slow the RPM of the engine down to move slow enough across the ground, to do a good job. He needs it longer because he has decided to not only do the garden, but expand his garden, and also put in a big back yard.

My wife called me an idiot. Am I too nice? Too helpful? Would you have loaned your tiller (or other attachment) out to someone like this? He still has it, and I haven't heard anything back. I drove by his house this morning and I saw his garden is bigger, all tilled up, but couldn't see his back yard.

What kind of damage could I expect on my tiller of running it at low RPM on virgin soil? Its gear driven, so I assume the gears are taking a beating?

He can't afford your high prices? He didn't pay you!
I'd get the Unit back. Tilling last year's ground is bad enough, cutting virgin soil... I would want to do it so I can feel it out and not abuse my equipment. Hopefully his 24hp won't work on virgin soil.
Tools like this I do not lend out. I almost always volunteer my time if I'm asked to borrow tools. It's peace of mind. I never 'push' my equipment.

 

[Brianczaw]

Yeah, When he dropped that bomb, I was a bit dumbfounded. He caught me off guard and I was speechless. I think I said something like "Ok... whatever." and walked away, leaving him to hook it up himself (I was actually going to help, but decided to go back to my other task.)

In the end, you must trust him a little bit; if you didn't supervise the hookup. Maybe it will turn out ok..

 

[grsthegreat]

Your neighbor not paying you the $50 should have been a clue about dealing with him

My black dog agrees