Buying Advice Steps to take on buying a used tractor

[varmint]

It was titled and registered in Massachusetts for SMV road use, one of the few legal ways you can legally drive on a public road in my state.

Which reminds me that in much of Europe, the UK and Ireland, especially, tractors have license plates like cars and trucks. But then, you share the roads with them, so I guess its appropriate. Don't see roaded tractor plates much in the US, though.

 

[ishiboo]

Tractors have serial numbers, not VINs. This is the reason tractors are frequently stolen. There is no quick way for law enforcement to trace serial numbers.

Tractors do not have titles. All you get is a receipt/bill-of-sale when your factory new tractor arrives and you pay.

If tractor was purchased from a dealer for cash, get a copy of the receipt.

If tractor was purchased on credit, and seller claims it is paid off, get of copy of final payment letter.

If tractor is not paid off BUYER BEWARE.

Serial numbers are easy for the police to trace, and there are databases they can access. They are not as hidden as the multiple VIN locations on vehicles though. Feel free to call the local police/sheriffs in the location you are buying the item from and ask them to verify it has not been reported stolen... they should be more than happy to assist.

If there is a lien on it, it should show up in UCC search unless the lender is a moron. If they don't have a UCC lien on it, it's almost as a good as free and clear... at least for the buyer.

 

[dwitt]

Thanks good info on the ucc. Didn't know that.