how much is too much on a loaner log splitter

How much work/money would you do to a loaner log splitter?
changed the oil and a fuel line on it before I used it since both needed done.
This splitter is clapped out, it needs attention everywhere
The oil in this thing was mud, the hydro filter is rust.
How far would you go?
Tires were rotted and he asked me to take them off so he could replace them.
Which I did but it got me to wondering how far do you go?
Offer to split the cost of the tires? not a big deal really, which I probably will do
as another thank you to him.
It isn't a big deal to bring mine over to use, so there is that..

 

Wait, I'm confused, who's splitter is it & who's borrow/loaning?

 

Apologies, was trying not to make a long story.
It belongs to the guy who is dropping wood off for me.
He rents land off the company I work for, behind our building. So his equipment is in the back, close to where he is dropping logs off.
He insisted I use his since it was there already.
Which is convenient, mine is in my back 40 and it would be a struggle to drag it up to the house by hand.

 

It all depends, for a really good friend where things work both ways, no problem
Wouldn't completely rebuild it for him but do some basic stuff to keep it going provided it doesn't break the bank

 

I HATE using most stuff that isnt mine.....too many times over the years..luck would prevail n somethin would happen to fail.
Personnally....i heard too many times....wellll it worked the last time i used it.
Maybe not your case...if somethin happens.I always felt guilty. If it were me...i'd drag my own splittern to the site.
Good luck in your endeavor...

 

Never borrow anything with a engine,or electric motor sometimes you get lucky but my luck it always costs me more money than it was really worth and if it does not cost money it causes hard feelings unless its a emergency I avoid at all times JB

 

Tough call IMO. Is the guy just being really nice or taking advantage of you? Seems like your trying to do the right thing. Maybe just explain that while you appreciate his offer you just feel more comfortable using your own stuff. We or at least I don't have the ability to get inside someone's head or their heart.
O and how much wood are we talking? Is it worth your time money and any aggravation for the use of it? Also would you be held responsible if it breaks, sounds like its been neglected.

 

Neither be a borrower nor lender be, Have you ever seen that adage? Well it is a good one to live by I have found.

Would be my luck the pump would stop working after I changed the oil. Would be my luck to loan it and the engine would throw a rod for the borrower who was/is so poor couldn't replace it.

If I had my own I would say thanks but no thanks and use my own no matter how hard to move it.

Al

 

I would find a way to get mine up to the house before paying to help with someone else's. Sure, tires and an oil change are cheap, but if the engine or piston on that clapped out pit let go, you're then gonna feel obligated to pay into that repair too

 

Might be good to get on the same page with the guy. He provides parts & you labor, or whatever arrangement works. If both parties agree then it can work.

 

I disagree, this is a friend, must be he brings you free wood!! I would approach it as you know this tool has been neglected, the filter was Rust, the oil was mud. I'm going to do the work to it and then I'm going to test it for a while to make sure it's Good2Go And reliable.

Do just that, after you express your concerns about previous maintenance. That buys you a couple weeks for weather to improve to get back to yours. Also show him parts so he understands you are helping him.

 

IMO if you can not afford to buy one, you can not afford to borrow one, which is not the case here. You have one go get it and use it.
I lend out very little, yes I have been accused of being a jerk. My 10 year old tools look almost new, why I only use them. I am OCD about this.

 

Appreciate all the feedback. Kind of where I was feeling about it as well.
I appreciate him providing the logs, appreciate the use of the splitter even if it is a pos.
Mine is kind of stuck in a quagmire, was hoping the ground would freeze up to pull it up, but than a foot of snow changed that.
If it crisps up some I think it's doable with a friend.
The only good thing about this splitter is they put a honda engine on it. Which has a bad recoil spring and you have to feed the the rope back in.
Which he claims he is going to get fixed, afraid he is going to ask me if I can take it off next.
The cylinder doesn't leak either but everything else is shot.
The fuel line was leaking fuel when I grabbed it which was why I replaced it, couldn't even run it till that was done.
Hoses are dry rotted/cracked. The guide is barely there on the beam. It twists to the point I feel the bolts will shear off.
I pointed it all out including the broken detent valve that doesn't auto return.
He is aware the splitter was rode hard and put away wet. (it's actually his sons) Told him I wasn't crazy about borrowing/using it.
I don't mind doing some of the work but I don't want to get into replacing parts even if he is supplying them.
Taking the wheels off and putting them back on is about the extent of work I wish to do to this thing.
I have enough work to do. That is time I could be doing work on the pile..
So with everything buried in snow, and not working in the pile. It might buy me time to try and get mine over there.

 

I think that I’d passon using that machine . I always consider what will it costme if a machine I borrow breaks . So, generally ,I either buywhat I need ,or rent it . This splitter you are describing is very much on borrowed time ,so beware !

 

When ever I borrow anything, it has to be in at least the condition it was borrowed in and a little better if possible. If something outright breaks, I'll either fix it or replace it, regardless of cost. I'm not out to rebuild somebody's delapitated old junk just to borrow it though. If I see that something is ready to fall apart, I'm not going to borrow it at all.

 

So everyone does not think I am a total jerk, I do not loan stuff out but if you ASK I will bring my truck, trailer and equipment to you and help you do the job. I just do not let my equipment out of my sight. LOL.

EX: my daughter "borrowed" my floor jack last week to change the tire on my granddaughters car. I brought it over, jacked the car up removed the tire, my daughter says I am going to replace the tire so I am going to run over and get a new one put on. I am now panicking, knowing I have to leave my jack there. I say OK and she says I will bring it back as soon as I get the new tire this afternoon. She calls and says it is raining so I am going to put the tire on tomorrow. OK. 2 days later, 4 days total now, my granddaughter brings my jack back. I say where is the handle??answer.....we can not find it. 1 week later, now, still have a jack with no handle.

 

Any time I borrow a tool,be it a hand tool or motorized,it gets returned in the same or better condition.
More times than not when I've loaned out a tool,Ive got to make a special trip to find out it got broke,used for something other than the tools intended purpose,or after three weeks to find out it never got used and just set outside uncovered all of that time.
Lots of good suggestions mentioned above,if you do repairs save parts and explain why they were replaced

 

technically I didn't really borrow it, since it never left the property, I just used it.
I don't think you're a jerk, I don't like lending stuff out either.
I didn't ask to borrow or use it, I told him I was going to bring mine over and he told me to go ahead use his.
Maybe I'm splitting hairs and to some it's all the same but to me there is a difference.
If someone is at my house and I see they need something I'll let them use it, I don't see it as them borrowing it.
I think when you offer something to someone it isn't like they are borrowing it, you are allowing them to use it.

 

Welcome to the club, Colorado450 !
And thanks for posting!