How do you prove you own a tractor in the state of Ohio?

[Looking4new]

Bill of Sale is all we have here as well. Agri-credit holds the paper on mine so there will be a paper trail. I also have taken pictures of the serial numbers on all the equipment that is with it.

 

[LD1]

If you have a tractor stolen, I think the burden is on the thief to prove that he purchased the tractor from you. Either bank statements, check, notarized or un-notarized receipt from you, etc.

So if you are buying a used tractor, (assuming we are talking something of significant value and not a $1200 "N" series ford), make sure you get something in writing and signed by the seller, and pay with a cashiers check.

Its in the best interest of both the buyer and seller to do a "bill of sale" and cashiers check route so there is a paper trail. The seller cannot then claim it was stolen so that protects the buyer. The seller is protected by not carrying a wad of cash to a deal, and terms of the deal are clearly spelled out in the BOS, like exact model, serial #, Attachemnts, etc. So it releases the seller of all liability and ties to the tractor (assuming they have paid off their loan.)

 

[rd_macgregor]

I'd guess that there should be a police report of the theft filed somewhere, too. If something as valuable as a tractor is stolen and not reported, that might be taken as evidence (well, suggestive, anyway) that it wasn't really stolen at all. For folks on the other end, ie, being accused of tractor theft, having a BOS or evidence of payment (eg, check stub)...a paper trail... is vital. Nobody honest should be insulted to be asked to create this paper trail; it is a lot better than a simple handshake and good faith...especially given that some (too many!) folks can come across as sincere and honest while acting in bad faith.
Bob

 

[davesl708]

I photo my equipment and id plates, record the serial number in the manual and keep a BOS.
Photos are good for insurance claims as well.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I bought a tractor from a guy in Ohio. We did a bill of sale including the serial number and he sent me a copy of the loan payoff from the loaner including the serial number.

I paid cash but I think we took a picture of the cash sitting on the hood. Probably not the best proof of payment around but he did sign the bill of sale.

 

[varmint]

Same here in Maryland... other than a business's receipt, there are only handwritten BOS's. I keep my paperwork, manuals, etc. in a safe place, so if someone were to grab the tractor, I would still have a trail of possession. Of course, they would have to break and enter the barn, and the neighbors would be quick to notice anyone on our private lane who didn't seem to belong here. I think buying a used tractor that potentially could still belong to Kubota or Deere credit might be a bigger problem?

 

[williaty]

Thanks guys, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing paperwork that JD Financial had never mailed to us or something.

 

[Threepoint]

Thanks guys, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing paperwork that JD Financial had never mailed to us or something.

JD Financial is involved? Your original post didn't mention that the tractor had been financed. That may change the analysis. JD Financial would have filed a UCC-1, signed by the borrower, at the time of the loan. Anyone buying the tractor from the borrower is deemed to be on record notice of the prior ownership rights of the lender. If the loan has been paid off, there would typically be a UCC-3 Termination Statement filed by the lender, releasing the lien.

 

[Zebrafive]

Thanks guys, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing paperwork that JD Financial had never mailed to us or something.

Have John Dealer "run" the serial number. If JD Financial has an interest in it, a red flag should come up when the serial number is run.

 

[Zebrafive]

Thanks guys, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing paperwork that JD Financial had never mailed to us or something.

Have John Dealer "run" the serial number. If JD Financial has an interest in it, a red flag should come up when the serial number is run.