I was thinking about digging a couple pretty simple hole in the backyard for compost and dumping grass in. The only problem is that I am thirteen and my Dad doesnt' want to do do the digging. I've had past experience doing stuff with backhoes and even those big excavators. Could my Dad legally rent one and have me do the digging, or do I need to teach him how to drive it? :)
Once on private property, I'm sure you could operate it. Since your Dad is renting it, it will be his responsibility.
I doubt that any place is going to rent a backhoe to a minor.
Ya sure I'm 13 and I do that stuff I have even drove his 18 wheeler into the docking station but just be sure your dad don't mention to the rebuttal place that you will be doing that stuff
There are a couple sources of law to consider. The first is state law. I do not know what state you are in. In my state, it would be permissible for you to operate the device on private land but not on the highway. The second is the contract with the rental company. It is likely that the contract will provide that dad is to be the only operator. If the machine is damaged, (or someone is hurt) while you are operating, the consequences could be very dramatic.
You sound like you're a pretty smart kid and have it together, so it shouldn't be a problem as long as you follow all safety and operating directions. Go with your dad to the rental place and listen to the instructions he's given without indicating that you're going to be the one doing the actual digging. What you're planning on doing isn't legal because you're a minor that will be operating heavy machinery and you won't be able to rent it under your own name. The others are right, if you damage the machine, your dad will be on the hook for any repairs, as he will if you cause any damage to your or your neighbor's property, structures, or vehicles. In most municipalities and counties, permission has to be gotten prior to digging, even on private property. Check with your local utilities to find out if there are any power, sewer, phone, or other cables running through your dig site.
