Stolen Tractor Registry?

Mudfarmer · Dec 31, 2011

I just bought a Kubota B2710 that I found on Craig's List. Although I have no doubts that it is a legitimate purchase from a legitimate former owner it got me thinking about two things.

First, does anyone know if there is a list somewhere of stolen tractor serial numbers that we can refer to when making private buys?

And second, since I am storing this new-to-me tractor on a remote property [in a locked cargo container], what if someone steals it from me? Besides the local police shouldn't there be a database to submit the serial number to?

It was nice buying a "vehicle" with no sales tax and no transfer costs, but unlike a car or truck purchase, there is no paper trail besides my bill of sale. Maybe we all should start a registry of stolen tractors if none exists. If there is such a thing we all ought to promote its use.

Just thinking.
Mf

gengine · Dec 31, 2011

That's not a bad idea...

Kitz · Dec 31, 2011

Good thought:thumbsup:

psvfd · Dec 31, 2011

Good idea!:thumbsup:

DwightD123 · Jan 1, 2012

Excellent Idea! It wouldn't take much to put together a website even seeing that it would not need to be fancy. You have my vote.

BeeferMan · Jan 1, 2012

That is a good idea.

A few years ago I purchased a boat from a neighboring state. I wanted to check that the boat was not stolen, so I made some calls to various law enforcement agencies with the serial number of the boat. After probably 6-8 calls it became clear to me that there was simply no way that I was going to be get any answer. Pretty amazing in this day and age...

Don87 · Jan 1, 2012

National Equipment Register (NER)

Thomas · Jan 1, 2012

If anything give info to your insurance agent/company.
Do you plan register tractor?

imgone52 · Jan 1, 2012

NER looks like a good idea.

A good way to protect what you own now is full records that include serial numbers and current photos. Be sure your pics are up close and show all the little dings and dents that could help distinguish your machine from others. There are a number of national and state crime information data bases that retain this info when a theft occures. As mentioned eariler, it is difficult to get police to do routine checks of this data for private individuals researching a prospective buy. But - if your stuff is taken, and you provide the PD with your records and pics, there is a much better chance you will see your tractor again.

PS: Metal stamp your initials in an out of the way place on your machine and photograph that too.

Denwa · Jan 2, 2012

Mudfarmer said:
I just bought a Kubota B2710 that I found on Craig's List. Although I have no doubts that it is a legitimate purchase from a legitimate former owner it got me thinking about two things.

First, does anyone know if there is a list somewhere of stolen tractor serial numbers that we can refer to when making private buys?

And second, since I am storing this new-to-me tractor on a remote property [in a locked cargo container], what if someone steals it from me? Besides the local police shouldn't there be a database to submit the serial number to?

It was nice buying a "vehicle" with no sales tax and no transfer costs, but unlike a car or truck purchase, there is no paper trail besides my bill of sale. Maybe we all should start a registry of stolen tractors if none exists. If there is such a thing we all ought to promote its use.

Just thinking.
Mf

What better place than right here on TBN! Muhammad? You out there? Just make it another "forum", with appropriate disclaimers of course.

Dennis

Denwa · Jan 2, 2012

Denwa said:
What better place than right here on TBN! Muhammad? You out there? Just make it another "forum", with appropriate disclaimers of course.

Dennis

Another thought is that for the info to be useful it would have to be presented in a searchable format. Something such as; Brand/Model/Serial Number/Location/Description/Police Report#/Contact Info...

The info need be presented in such a way that one could scroll down the posts and see the critical info (Brand/Model) without having to open the post.

FWIW,
Dennis

Jimmy Joe · Jan 3, 2012

I was looking at a motorcycle, owner had no title. stopped at the police station wanted them to check vin number before I bought it. They said they could not use their computer for personal use, wouldn't you think they would be curious if it was stolen or not? I left pretty disappointed in our county law enforcement. I think a place to look up stolen tractor serial numbers would be a great idea.

Gittyup · Jan 3, 2012

My county requires a one-time registration of tractors purchased new. They charge like $25 or so. I complained. they said it's for theft protection.

Willl · Jan 3, 2012

Gittyup said:
My county

Where might that be ?

Mudfarmer · Jan 4, 2012

Don87 said:
National Equipment Register (NER)

Have you any experience with using this?
Mf

Gittyup · Jan 4, 2012

Willl said:
Where might that be ?

maryland

Gator6x4 · Jan 4, 2012

There is more trafficking in something else that Law Enforcement has been wanting a National Data Base on for years but let someone mention one and the uproar starts that the Government is coming to take away our ......

Trafficking in stolen goods or other illegal products is a very very very large and profitable business for some. Each Community or neighborhood has someone who always drives a late model truck or car, lives in a nice home, yet has never worked a day in their life.

Dr_Zinj · Jan 4, 2012

Gittyup said:
My county requires a one-time registration of tractors purchased new. They charge like $25 or so. I complained. they said it's for theft protection.

Well, that's the government for you.

However, this is a free (supposedly) country. Nothing says you can't decide to set up your own service and charge a more competitive rate.

Denwa · Jan 5, 2012

Gittyup said:
maryland

So, in that you're paying for a registry service, can you, as a regular citizen access that registry?

Gittyup · Jan 5, 2012

Denwa said:
So, in that you're paying for a registry service, can you, as a regular citizen access that registry?

Dunno. Never tried. I've always viewed as just another form of taxation. The dealership collected it at time of purchase. I don't have a problem with the fee. Not sure it could be done (right) for less. I have a problem with mandatory participation (payment). If it protects me and I choose not to be protected, that's my perogative.