Are tractors titled?

[Mark_G]

I am getting a used tractor this weekend. Are tractors titled? What do I need to show ownership/transfer of ownership? Bill of sale?

Thanks

Mark

 

[Bird]

That question comes up from time to time, and so far, I don't think any state titles tractors. You just get a bill of sale, if that.

 

[IXLR8]

I just bought a used tractor from a dealer, I got a bill of sale and I filled out an ownership form that the dealer sent to manufacturer as there is still some time left on the warrenty, no title.

 

[slewisma]

No titles here in MA. At least not for garden and SCUT which I sold and bought recently.

A lot of states are starting to draw a distinction between farm trucks and farm tractors. They are requiring the registration of farm trucks but not farm tractors for on-road use. Registration usually requires a title or bill of sale but as long as it doesn't apply to tractors I think you're probably still okay without one.

It looks like in VA you don't need to do anything that would require a title if you're just using a tractor on your own land or to travel between two plots of land without hauling goods for sale: http://dmvnow.com/webdoc/pdf/dmv28.pdf

 

[sasquatcher]

This is a little off topic, but useful nonetheless. Two of the dealers I work with in my area have given me history of tractor ownership based on serial number and service history of a given tractor. I've used this information a couple of times to confirm that the history the seller had given me was indeed correct. What was interesting was that the dealers had service history information that crossed over to other dealers in other regions of the country, and it was also nice to know that the previous owners had well documented service performed.

 

[Mark_G]

Thanks all, this forum is great. With luck and experience I'll be able to contribute in the future.

Mark

 

[crabjoe]

Mine has a title. It's "Sir Dirt Hauler of Port."

 

[JoelD]

Be certain to ensure the tractor does not have a lien, if so, be certain that it's cleared. This is a tough one. Not certain on best course of action.
You had over cash, they give you machine, if it's got a lien and the prior owner keeps your money and does not payoff, I'm thinking lender may come and take your machine.

Option would be to make check out directly to lender for balance owed to lender and mail directly to lender???

Joel

 

[Gittyup]

Some counties require that you "register" your tractor. The argument goes that it's helpful in the event of theft. But, really it's just a pretty thin vail covering up what is just a plain old tax. My county requires it, and if you buy from a dealer in the county they register it at time of sale and collect the county's fee. I think it was like $50, one time only.
So, last time I bought.... I bought out of county

 

[flusher]

I am getting a used tractor this weekend. Are tractors titled? What do I need to show ownership/transfer of ownership? Bill of sale?

Thanks

Mark

No tractor titles here in CA.

I traded my 2005 Kubota B7510HST for a new Mahindra 5525 last March. I paid the balance on the 7510 note and received a letter from Kubota's finance company stating that my loan was paid in full and the I own the tractor free and clear. I gave a copy of that letter to the Mahindra dealer to establish his ownership rights.