Somebody "borrowed" my tractor

[AGGIE00]

Before you get too hasty, think about it a bit. When we were kids and working on the farm we would often find ourselves stuck in a hayfield or broke down. Tractors were everywhere and we would help ourselves to remedy the problem. Cell phones didn't exist back then so calling for permission wasn't an option. We would always put it back how we found it just a little lighter in fuel. No harm intended.

 

[beppington]

Man that would be infuriating Time for a fence/gate? (even if only across the roadside section of your property; looks from your maps like that's not too long of a distance?)

I'd definitely take the keys from now on; no need to make it easy for them ... & probably install a hidden ignition kill switch, too.

 

[DefEddie]

I would make a report and confront the neighbor.
Not accusingly,but ask if they used it.

The repo'd tractor really gets me.
I would have told the sheriff it was stolen,because it was.
Repo companies have to do their due diligence just for reasons like this.
I would have told the repo company to get the tractor back in under an hour or press charges for theft,trespassing,vandalism,attempted theft of the other tractor.
I would have the bank charged with being an accessory since they were the ones that ordered it,as well as conspiracy to commit a theft with the other tractor.

Repo companies have a job to do,I understand that-I pay cash for everything so as not to be in that situation.
But they also must walk a very fine line,because theft and property ownership is subjective to state law.

They did not do their due diligence,and have broken more than a few laws because of it. This causes a hardship on you not having your equipment.
They,as well as the contracting bank responsible for the actions should be bending over backwards right now for you.
The repo co. Could lose their license pretty sure and all parties are more than likely susceptible to a lawsuit from you right now.
Local authorities should be within their rights to arrest them,mistake or not.

Sorry for the book,but that floored me.
Any updates on either situation?

 

[Ozykioti]

That sucks jinman, it's crap that you can't leave things out in the open anymore. Some people think it's theirs for the taking? Good luck finding them & keep that 4x4 handy so you can give em a"pat"on the back(of the head) when you catch up with them. I like the idea of another poster with 12 volts hooked up to the seat, although I'd be using an electric fence controller or two! What's next, bio-metric thumbprint recognition to keep our tractors OURS?

 

[CurlyDave]

I would drive down to the sheriff's office tell them about the incident and then ask what kind of proof they would need to arrest if it happens again. Movie, Game Camera, eyewitness, etc.

That way you know what to do to get the proof they need.

A night in jail will change a lot of folks behavior.

 

[jmurray01]

What I'd do is never leave the keys in it again and if somebody does try to take it again and uses force, you'll have more than enough justification to call the police.

 

[ronjhall]

Time to lock things up in a barn. :thumbsup:

 

[YesDeere]

Doesn't your grandson still live with you? I know I used tractors without asking when I was a kid. But it was usually for something useful so I never got in trouble.

 

[newbury]

Chain the wheel.
Set up a gamecam if your sure it won't be seen & stolen.
I do like the idea of disconnecting a hydraulic line and aiming it at the seat.

 

[Ken]

I also like the hydro hose pointed toward the seat. could use a elec.valve and connect to the power steering seperate key to shut off.
A year ago son in law lost his Finn T-90 Hydro seeder and Dodge 1-ton truck. Sherriff wasn't much use in locating. Had other things to do than look for a "sprayer"
Insurance said could rent from Home Depot for 25 bucks a day.
Hide the keys. The local Kubota dealer remembered some one came in and purchased a
key that would work. After all the replacement cost was $50,000.00
Insurance coverage says replacement value. except deduction for number of hours used age of unit and unit only. not the tools, hoses, water pump to fill the tank. water meter to record the water purchased from fire hydrant only $1000.00 not part of coverage.
So a year later they are still nit picking and deducting every item claimed.
Will be decided in legal wrangle in the future.
Hide your tractor key the dealer will sell anyone a key to it.
Spend hours to chain to stump. or remove wheels, disable the machine when not using.
Why does the owner have to go this length when some one freely going around with theft on there mind gets a free ride .
ken