Equipment sharing Cancel The title field is required!

1. Jason Boyce

   

   0 posts
   
   8/24/2011 11:08 AM

   We are thinking about sharing some of our equipment with another property (aerators, dethatch equipment). Does anyone have any suggestions or comments on this issue? Do any of you sign a contract regarding damage to equipment or have a sheet determining if something breaks during usage.
   
   Any thoughts or suggestions on this topic would be appreciated.
   
   Jason Boyce
   Smuggler's Glen Golf Course
   Gananoque, Ontario

   
   
   
   
2. Homme David R

   
   8/24/2011 12:08 PM

   I wouldn't do it unless the courses or properties are owned by the same company.
   
   Even if the manager at the other place is your best pal, somewhere down the line there will be a discrepancy re: who broke this, what happened here, I didn't do it, huh, that's odd and so on and so forth.
   
   It just doesn't work. Plus we all need the same stuff at the same time.
   
   Just my opinion,
   
   Dave Homme
   Falls Resort

   
   
   
   
3. Daniel Mausolf

   

   0 posts
   
   8/24/2011 1:08 PM

   I would agree. We have shared larger pieces of equip in the past it created the "who broke it" and "who'll fix it problem"
   
   Dan

   
   
   
   
4. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   8/24/2011 2:08 PM

   We do that now at our 3 city courses and even though it is the same pot of money so to speak, it does come up as to who broke what and trying to schedule use can sometimes be difficult.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
5. Baker Daniel

   
   8/24/2011 3:08 PM

   I've shared and borrowed on several occasions. I always had to sign or make the borrower sign a short statemtent that if it breaks on your property, you fix it. I've been both the fixer and the guy who had other courses fix my machine.
   
   I think it all depends on your course, management, and how comfortable you are with the other person involved in the deal

   
   
   
   
6. Wahlin Scott B

   
   8/24/2011 4:08 PM

   I have done it and just split repair bills if it was not operator error.

   
   
   
   
7. Robert Shetter

   

   3 posts
   
   8/24/2011 11:08 PM

   Shared an fairway aerifier with another course. The relationship was good. We would switch each year who would use it first. The problem is that everyone has a short window to get things accomplished. Timing is critical. You will find you want to use it the exact same week you don't have it!

   
   
   
   
8. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   8/25/2011 7:08 AM

   I have been doing this for about 10 years now with no problems. Since they do not take as good care of there equipment as we do we do have some fixes from time to time but my thoughts on that is if I need it that bad I will borrow it, if it breaks I will fix it (My only other option is renting one and I would still be responsible for it anyway) . I know we cannot afford the note on our own piece of equipment so we will pay for the repairs since it will still be cheaper in the long run. The only time I did not fix one we borrowed was when it broke within the first 10 minutes of using it because of them not cleaning it properly (lely spreader), I simply sent it back and told them it was their problem.
   
   If you want to borrow someones equipment you need to be willing to step up if it breaks. If you are doing it long term (over 3-7 years) you have to expect to pay something for the rent of the machine, so you need to help take care of it.
   
   Knowing the person you are borrowing it from helps.
   
   If the cost to fix it is too expensive for your club, tell them that the other alternative is to buy one.

   
   
   
   
9. ONeil Crouch

   

   0 posts
   
   9/1/2011 5:09 AM

   Sharing equipment is a useful tool, especially on special use items. We have limited our use to only the equipment we both have. We will share aerifiers, topdressers, etc. Person borrowing must pickup, clean, and return with full tank. I suggest starting small, with courses you have a strong relationship with. We are fortunate to have 3 courses where the relationship is good, and we pretty much know everyones inventory. Our goal is to send equipment back better then when we borrow it. (cleaner). I would explore the idea, and start small.

   
   
   
   
10. James Smith

    

    112 posts
    
    9/1/2011 10:09 AM

    I have also made it a point to change oil in whatever I borrow that has an engine. I prefer to know I am doing what is right rather then just using their equipment.

    
    
    
    
11. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    9/1/2011 2:09 PM

    It strikes me as a bit odd that there are people who own golf courses who are unwilling to purchase the tools needed to take care of them and expect their employees to beg from other properties in order to do their jobs.
    
    This amounts to buying a car and trying to borrow the insurance.
    
    Regardless of how often a piece of equipment gets used, it is still needed and the less it is used, the longer it will last.
    
    I would hazard a guess that they don't expect the pro shop or the kitchen to share with other properties......
    
    
    Regards,
    
    Steve

    
    
    
    
12. Keith Lamb

    

    3 posts
    
    9/1/2011 2:09 PM

    Welcome back Huff. Can I borrow a shovel?

    
    
    
    
13. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    9/1/2011 3:09 PM

    That's funny, man....and no, you can't.

    
    
    
    
14. Keith Pegg

    

    0 posts
    
    9/4/2011 5:09 PM

    I have, but not often and it has almost never worked well. Over the years it has made friendship hardships.
    
    Keith
    Japan