GPS — General Industry Questions

AMBMike said: Life got a lot more complicated for the dirt guys when every trade started using their own mini ex and skid steer Click to expand... X2 on that. It's the reason why we either have a code on the monitor or a hidden battery switch on all our equipment. If another trade needs a machine for something small and they don't have a rental on site they think they can "borrow" ours.

That was the end for me. I went to retrieve my Cat backhoe and found 200 more hours on it after I finished a particularly difficult new lawn job in TN. I had charged them accordingly for hours worked and it was a very steep grade, down to the Cumberland river and unfortunately my machine was the only one with working brakes. I asked about the hours and the top of the joystick had a broken off piece for a switch, that I didn’t have. Then I just doubled my hours and the GC wasn’t too happy. Then I explained to him, how would he feel if i put 200 hours on one of his machines, without compensation. I knew he didn’t get it when he said “ but we filled the fuel tank for you”. Lol

All our new iron has a screen with a code. If you put the wrong code in too many times it locks the machine out for 15-20 mins. Problem is they treat your equipment like it's a United Rentals unit. My response to a stranger on the job asking if they can use our equipment is - That's akin to asking to sleep with my wife. They usually wander off in bewilderment.

I had the pipeline guy( we got to be friends in the course of the job) call me and ask if he can use my machine to move the steel guys fuel cell, I said you can use it if you like, but do you or your company really want the liability, if you touch it you own and any damage that may have been already on it. I will never ask a guy to use a machine. I might ask them to do something for me but my luck a hose would blow or worse the engine would throw a rod of I was running it HarleyHappy said: That was the end for me. I went to retrieve my Cat backhoe and found 200 more hours on it after I finished a particularly difficult new lawn job in TN. I had charged them accordingly for hours worked and it was a very steep grade, down to the Cumberland river and unfortunately my machine was the only one with working brakes. I asked about the hours and the top of the joystick had a broken off piece for a switch, that I didn’t have. Then I just doubled my hours and the GC wasn’t too happy. Then I explained to him, how would he feel if i put 200 hours on one of his machines, without compensation. I knew he didn’t get it when he said “ but we filled the fuel tank for you”. Lol Click to expand... You are a much calmer and a better business man than I am!

I don't like borrowing other's machines and I don't let others borrow mine. Just not worth the risk IMO. If I'm available I'll happily use my machine to do an occasional 15 minute favor for a sub. It helps move the job along, keeps everyone happy, and they're usually happy to reciprocate if I need a little help.