Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Got 41 cm of snow Friday here in Montreal. Took out the toro 8 - 26  and did 4 driveways all with heavy  end of drive ways . The toro is 25 years old and did the job. Today , a neighour came to my door and asked me  "whether he could rent my snowblower" to which I responded NO my machine is not for rent , its 25 years old and that I will never be able to purchase a machine of that quality again if it breaks , the snow is harder and more compact, moreover If it breaks no one will pay to fix it but me.

So gents  do you get the same proposals ??

How would you respond??

If he asked nicely I would do his driveway, but no way would I give my machine to someone else to use...whether he offered to rent or not. There are just too many things that could go wrong with this scenario, and all of them BAD. I would eagerly demonstrate the machine's usefulness and strongly suggest he buy one for himself. BTW, I've never had the opportunity to use a 25 year old Toro so I can't compare but the new Toros are still built pretty well, IMHO (and that includes the plastic pieces which some find so easy to ricidule).

AZ

For me it depends on the neighbour.

I've been in the situation of having to borrow a machine and my neighbour was kind enough to lend it too me. I returned it clean and full of gas. I also checked to make sure it was in proper operating condition before using it and he was aware that I had extensive experience with blowers. On the other hand I have another neighbour who I've helped get his blower going a couple of time. He doesn't even drain the gas at the end of the year. Him I would have to think carefully about before lending mine out. I don't know if hard snow makes that much difference on the wear and tear of the machine. If it too hard for the augers I break it up with a flat edge shovel and then let the beast grind it up and spit it out.

I would say that whatever decision you are comfortable with is the best for you. I'd make sure anyone I lend the machine to demonstrates proper operating procedure and is briefed on a proper attitude towards safety.

I allways say this, "This is my piece of equipment, I love my equipment, please don't ask to borrow it, then we can be friends."

Once the lending starts it never stops. If it breaks, who pays? Everytime I lend, I end up with spending money, plus having my stuff bummed from me when I need it.  I hate being negitave but I had a $1200 blower runied by one of my relatives.

 " NO, you can't rent it -  but I'd be happy to do your dirve myself, with the understanding that if there're any objects in the way that may damage it, you will be liable to the point of having to buy me a new machine,and then you can fix this one and keep it. "

Treat it like your wife! DON'T ABUSE IT AND DON'T LEND IT

My response....

No, I can't rent you or loan you my machine.... but I'll do your driveway THIS time for the price of the gas.   If you haven't purchased a machine for yourself by the next snowfall, I'd be more than  happy to clear your driveway for $xx.00 the next time.  And I'd be more than pleased to help you decide which machine might be most appropriate for you to purchase.  

*(:>)* 

See if hes got anything worth while that he would lend to you as well. If hes got a nice sports car youve always wanted to drive, make a deal that when its warm out you get it for a day. Sounds fair no? That way if he wreaks your blower, you can be extra hard on his precious auto

A simple "its not for rent" should do it. If they persist, give them the number of a tool rental business - many of them rent snowblowers, so NOW THEY CAN RENT ONE!!!  I don't like people that try to be "cute" by masquerading their wants with a question such as that - they just flat out want to USE YOUR MACHINE! 

Marty

A neighbor borrowed my snowblower one time and brought it back a broken cable.  He never even metnioned that it had broke.  He just handed it back and said thanks.  I didn't make a big deal out of it because I couldn't tell if he had abused it or if had broken from normal use but I learned never to lend out an expensive tool.

I do the sidewalks ONLY of my surrounding neighbors. The only requirement by law in NJ is to have yoursidewalks done in 24 hours. I do the walks of the seniors first.

I NEVER do paths as I can clearly see problems such as toys left out, 12v path decor lights, Christmas light perils, newspapers and scraping up someones new pavers or new concrete driveway with my skids. There is nothing like doing someone a favor and wrecking  their property after they spent  5 months building their $800,000 house.  I have a neighbor like that. Heck, if they can afford to pay the $14,000/yr tax bill, they can afford to buy a quality snowblower or hire someone.

I do all my neighbors sidewalks.. eod.....  but if someone would want to borrow the blower, or a saw... I tell them I'm not sure if my insurance would cover an accident off my property...so sorry...can't.