Renting out my chainsaw?

[Billy_Bob]

A logging company asked me if they could rent my chainsaw (460/32" bar) for one day for some extra work they need to do. They would provide the chains.

I'm not real enthusiastic about doing this, as they say some of these loggers around here can wear out a 460 in a year or two. Though a friend would be the one using it and I trust him with it.

But what should I charge for one day (8 hours) rental?

Anyone here ever do anything like this? Comments?

 

[Scandy14]

I would not rent any of my saws. If they need to rent, they should go to a business that does this. Then there are no hard feelings if your saw comes back not in the way it left. Just my .02

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

A logging company asked me if they could rent my chainsaw (460/32" bar) for one day for some extra work they need to do. They would provide the chains.

I'm not real enthusiastic about doing this, as they say some of these loggers around here can wear out a 460 in a year or two. Though a friend would be the one using it and I trust him with it.

But what should I charge for one day (8 hours) rental?

Anyone here ever do anything like this? Comments?

shoot, thats a tuff one cuz if you dont agree you will seem like a jerk, but loggers are RUFF on saws. . . I would do this, dont charge him a thing, that way he thinks your so nice that he will feel bad putting a hurt on it. Thats really what I would do.

ps, the STIHL store here in Eugene rents saws for the day, and they always have some 44s and 46s. you could send them down here.

 

[asb151]

Living in SE Connecticut I do not have much experience with logging companies but it seems strange they do not have their own saws in that size........but do have chains. What do they plan to use it for?

 

[Tree Sling'r]

shoot, thats a tuff one cuz if you dont agree you will seem like a jerk, but loggers are RUFF on saws. . . I would do this, dont charge him a thing, that way he thinks your so nice that he will feel bad putting a hurt on it. Thats really what I would do.

ps, the STIHL store here in Eugene rents saws for the day, and they always have some 44s and 46s. you could send them down here.

Explain what being Ruff on a saw is. I would think that if you don't know how to properly care and maintain a saw would be Rougher than actually working hard, like it should. I can tell by many of the posts on here that there is more neglect and ignorance of a saw than being Ruff on it.

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

Explain what being Ruff on a saw is. I would think that if you don't know how to properly care and maintain a saw would be Rougher than actually working hard, like it should. I can tell by many of the posts on here that there is more neglect and ignorance of a saw than being Ruff on it.

well, a lot of loggers beat their saws when they dont cut fast enough. some really mean loggers even use whips to keep their saws in line. I once knew a logger who was a real brute and when the saw made a bad cut, he would take it deep into the forest. we would hear that saw screaming for mercy, and ten minutes later he would come out covered in bar oil and gasoline. He even branded it with a sodering iron so that everyone would know it was his saw! Oh, the things he would do!

 

[Butch(OH)]

A logging company without a saw the size a 046? What do they do cut? Christmas trees? LOL. Seriously I wouldnt loan a good saw to my best friend but so I might not be known as the family a-hole I just happen to have some "borrowing" saws, also know as in-law saws. See my list and take a guess which ones.

 

[Tree Sling'r]

well, a lot of loggers beat their saws when they dont cut fast enough. some really mean loggers even use whips to keep their saws in line. I once knew a logger who was a real brute and when the saw made a bad cut, he would take it deep into the forest. we would hear that saw screaming for mercy, and ten minutes later he would come out covered in bar oil and gasoline. He even branded it with a sodering iron so that everyone would know it was his saw! Oh, the things he would do!

Sounds like a few of the riggin' fits I would throw back in my single days when I had the money to fix my temper tantrums.
For instance: Throwing my MS660 down a 20 foot cutbank onto the road because my spark plug blew out while cutting a three foot sugar pine (road tree) and it barber chaired. The little heli-coil ended up costing me a tank, handle bars and a top cover. But I felt better.
Another instance was when my Spencer 50' log tape would not roll back in and I took it off, put it on a stump and chopped it with my falling axe while screaming at the top of of my lungs. The tape died and my partner who thought I was hurt (because of the screaming) ran over and happened to have a disposable camera in his shirt pocket. Thank God the photos did not turn out. Oh boy, I have many such stories.
Anyway, thanks for the laugh Sizzle.

 

[Billy_Bob]

Living in SE Connecticut I do not have much experience with logging companies but it seems strange they do not have their own saws in that size........but do have chains. What do they plan to use it for?

Oh they have plenty of 460's. Just one of them broke and they are down a saw. Plus they have some extra work to do for just one day coming up.

I like the idea of loaning it for free as that is kind of the way things work around here. What comes around goes around.

But if they want to make a regular thing of this, then charge them or tell them about the shop in Eugene where they can rent saws if needed. Good idea.

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

Sounds like a few of the riggin' fits I would throw back in my single days when I had the money to fix my temper tantrums.
For instance: Throwing my MS660 down a 20 foot cutbank onto the road because my spark plug blew out while cutting a three foot sugar pine (road tree) and it barber chaired. The little heli-coil ended up costing me a tank, handle bars and a top cover. But I felt better.
Another instance was when my Spencer 50' log tape would not roll back in and I took it off, put it on a stump and chopped it with my falling axe while screaming at the top of of my lungs. The tape died and my partner who thought I was hurt (because of the screaming) ran over and happened to have a disposable camera in his shirt pocket. Thank God the photos did not turn out. Oh boy, I have many such stories.
Anyway, thanks for the laugh Sizzle.

now thats funny! i was only joking but I got you telling the truth about how a logger treats his saw! I love hearing stories like that. YOu reminded me of a story, on a fire at crater lake some guys on my crew told me that i couldnt possibly hit the same spot on a stump three times using a falling ax one handed without a glove on and with my eyes closed. well, i knew i could, so i took them up on it. well, after three solid chops, i opened my eyes to find my gloves chopped to pieces all over the stump. Ruthless!

So, do you still cut timber? i checked the map for Ft. Jones, and it looks up nere the oregon california border. is that where you were cutting sugar pine?

 

[pitkas]

If you don't mind your saw being used as a springboard. What company would ask a private person if they could use their saw? Something does not sound right.

 

[spike60]

There is a constant parade of saws coming into the shop that were "borrowed". The funny ones are the borrowers who want to have the saw fixed without telling the owner that it was broken.

The question to ask yourself is: If something goes wrong, how would it be handled? It could create an awkward situation and tarnish a good friendship.

I agree that something doesn't sound right about a "logging Company" needing your saw. They don't have a spare saw? Something's not right there.

Just say "I'd really rather not let my saw out".

 

[spike60]

Forgot to guess on the inlaw saws. ( I love that concept!!!)

The mac 610 and the poulan 2050? What do I win?

 

[16gauge]

Ask for $100 for the day!

Billy Bob, You sound like a really nice guy...if you posted this you're probably willing to rent this 460. Well, IF that is so ,then I personally approve. Just make the price worth your while. If you think the saw is worth 700 in excellent used condition then ask $100 a day. See how this works for you. The worst that could happen is it comes back in small pieces. If that happens it is only a chainsaw after all. Just think of all the posts you could start here if they wreck it. :Eye: :Eye: Then you could go to small claims court!

As an afterthought, I really can't think of a reason you would ask that question on this site (where people seem to "love" their saws of choice so much). Pros will use this saw like a borrowed mule...friends or not...but let us know what you decide in any event.

 

[Billy_Bob]

That’s interesting about people having the broken saws fixed, etc!

I'm not really concerned about them breaking anything. They know what they are doing much more than I do. One of their guys even gave me lessons.

What I am concerned about is expedited normal "wear and tear". The way I look at it, this saw costs xx amount of dollars and can be used xx amount of hours before it needs maintenance and eventually replacement.

So basically a chainsaw has a limited useful life. Each time it is used extensively, the time for maintenance or replacement grows nearer.

I don't mind loaning it for a day because they are in a jamb. But if they need it on a regular basis, I would want to be reimbursed for the portion of the "life of the saw" they are using.

And this is not a "big corporation" logging company. It is a small gyppo outfit. Just a few guys working there who need to watch their pennies and can't be going out and buying new equipment. So their stuff breaks down more frequently.

 

[Sprig]

ROFLMAO Sizzlechest, ow, my sides hurt, thanks! BB, personally I wouldn't have a problem letting my friend use the saw but agree that it comes back un-bent (etc. ie bar) on pain of shop time $, case or two of beer and leave their chain on (that way you get a chain & can also use it to judge if there was any abuse, um, maybe give it to them without your chain just 'cause). I am guessing that if it is a bud of yours and he is responsible type people he'll not be running it into the ground as many do to rentals, really your judgement call. Who knows, might be good for the future if you ever need a favour. Just my .02$ worthless.

 

[John Ellison]

Sizzle, that is the "Woodsmans test". Did you know that you can wring the water out of your wet gloves by putting them in the face before you fall a tree?

John

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

And this is not a "big corporation" logging company. It is a small gyppo outfit. Just a few guys working there who need to watch their pennies and can't be going out and buying new equipment. So their stuff breaks down more frequently.

Perfect!! I was going to recommend this, but it likely wouldn't fly with a company, but with a gypo, your chances are better-
Offer to let them borrow the saw...but you come with it and get to run it. Tell them you'll work where ever they want you to for that one day, but that they can have the saw as long as you come with it, and get to cut. That's how I got my start with my gypo buddy. He wanted to borrow my 361 as it was brand new and he wanted to try it as he might want to buy his own. I said, "Yeah, sure Randy...but how about I come out with you that day and get to cut a little?" It went from there.

Jeff

 

[stihltech]

Rent

DO NOT lend or rent your saw out. I get 1 to 2 saws a month lean seized due to the brother in law, neighbor, friend borrowed it.
Nope, don't do it.

Besides, what logging company would not get another new saw when one breaks? I would have to wonder about finances. Offer to make the trip to pick up the new one for them. Checkbook please?

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

Sizzle, that is the "Woodsmans test". Did you know that you can wring the water out of your wet gloves by putting them in the face before you fall a tree?

John

um, if you didnt figure out from my story, im a little slow. what happens when someone tells you to put a wet glove on your face and fall a tree?

Here's another one: i was clearing an old logging unit with an 046 while working for the FS and I threw my chain. well, i was really new with saws so i was having trouble putting it back on. my boss came up and said that he would help out, and I could just take my lunch. Okay, so after lunch i take my saw and head back over to finish bucking a log. I notice that everyone is looking at me, but i cant figure out why. I start up the saw and go to cut but the dang thing wont even get through the bark! I look over again and everyone is still looking at me, so I give it more gas and really dig in to cut that log. Still nothing and I'm getting embarrassed, so i turn off the saw and call over to them. "Dang thing wont cut! I think the chains dull or something!"

"No, you just have to push harder. Put some muscle in it!" My boss replied. Now everyone is snickering, but I figure its because i cant make a simple cut. SO i fire up the saw again and really lay into it, mean I was jamming that saw into the wood, but i was only scrapping the surface of the bark. I got pissed and shut off the saw and noticed everyone was busting up laughing at me, not even tryin to hide it, but i still didnt know why. My boss told me to bring the saw over so he could look at it.

"Well here's your problem, you put the chain on backwards!" Everyones laughing at me and there's no point in saying that it was him that put it on that way because they all know and it wasnt hte point. Oh man. I guess i can play that trick on someone later on, right.