Stolen Yanmar 2002 :(

marcinzk · Dec 28, 2007

California said:
Here's a Google search on YM2002*.

If that tractor goes on Craigslist (any of their regional versions) this search should see it.

Yanmar YM2002 * -netto -manuals -.hu - Google Search

Notes:

The guy in Arizona has a 4x4 (YM2002D), and the photos prove it. That's not the right one.

Tested in Firefox, IE results unknown.

You might want to also search on 'Yanmar 2002'

It hit on some older pages from legitimate dealers - please don't bother them. Maybe one was the original listing for this tractor when it arrived.

It also hit on some pictures of the overseas 'reconditioners' that some might find interesting.

Thanks for the search string, I'll have to run it every day or so.

Underwaterdog · Dec 29, 2007

Let's let this be a lesson to us all. I looked at my 3110 and the only numbers I can find are on the riveted plate on the engine block. It is 3T84 and 5 arabic numerals. The rest are Japanese. That plate could easily be removed with a hammer and chisel. On motor vehicles, VIN numbers are put all over a vehicle in obscure places. The locations change from year to year, because VIN numbers can be altered or removed. Think about putting a tag or tags somewhere on your tractor with your name, address, phone number, and possibly a DL number. You could take an aluminum tag and put it inside the dash and secure it. You can also take one of those electric etching pens and put identifying information on the oil pan, or on the undercarridge or both. Since our tractors are imported grey market, they don't come with a certificate of origin, or a title. Even if Marc finds his tractor, he will have to prove its his. Does anyone know if and where the serial number for the tractor would be located on a Yanmar? Marc, can you remember if there are any distinguishing marks on it? Have you ever run into a tree or scraped a post leaving a unique scratch or dent? You said you have a lot of pictures. Go over them and see if you can spot anything unique that could be used to identify it if one like it turns up somewhere. This is not something new. Tractors and machinery are stolen all the time. About 15 years ago, 2 new $40K Ford tractors were loaded up and stolen right off the local dealers lot one Friday night. At the time, It was not unusual for tractors to be delivered or picked up after hours. They acted like regular people doing their jobs and no one questioned it. I don't think those tractors were ever found. There has been over 1000 views on this post. If someone sees something, is there a way to contact you quickly? Have you posted an add?

marcinzk · Dec 29, 2007

Underwaterdog said:
Let's let this be a lesson to us all.Think about putting a tag or tags somewhere on your tractor with your name, address, phone number, and possibly a DL number. You could take an aluminum tag and put it inside the dash and secure it. You can also take one of those electric etching pens and put identifying information on the oil pan, or on the undercarridge or both. Since our tractors are imported grey market, they don't come with a certificate of origin, or a title.

What you say is so true, if nothing else comes of this I hope other tractor owners take the time to etch/mark the tractor in a way that makes it readily identifiable.

Underwaterdog said:
Marc, can you remember if there are any distinguishing marks on it? Have you ever run into a tree or scraped a post leaving a unique scratch or dent? You said you have a lot of pictures. Go over them and see if you can spot anything unique that could be used to identify it if one like it turns up somewhere.

There are a few unique, or at least somewhat unique, things on my YM 2002 tractor:
1. It's missing the left rear light at the back of the fender (the hardware fell into the mount)
2. The inside left fender has some pretty hefty scuffs from a mishap with my farm all jack
3. The plastic shift trim was cracked
4. The FEL has holes for loading forks drilled into it
5. The Hydraulic filter and oil filter are both from Hoye and have writing on them (date, and hour of change)
6. The exhaust stack is bent backwards from using it to push aside far to many low lying tree branches
7. The FEL joystick has a white zip tie that holds it to the boot.
8. The white access panels by the engine are missing screws - I could never keep track of those while I was working on the tractor

There are a few other very unique pieces on this tractor that are not discernible upon an exterior inspection. However, I would rather not disclose those as there is a slim chance the tractor will turn up and I might need to fall back on them to prove ownership.

Oh, and finally I found out today that the neighbors young son saw a black truck on our property. Now I know that there are likely thousands of black trucks in the DFW area, however if you see black truck by a Yanmar, give the tractor a second look.

Underwaterdog said:
There has been over 1000 views on this post. If someone sees something, is there a way to contact you quickly? Have you posted an add?

You can email me at martinzjd@gmail.com or call (415) 216-5444 if you have a lead on the tractor.

Thanks to all for their interest in the fate of my poor Yanmar.

California · Dec 29, 2007

On my Yanmar the chassis number is by the operator's left ankle. I thought several models were similar.

LMTC · Dec 29, 2007

California said:
On my Yanmar the chassis number is by the operator's left ankle. I thought several models were similar.

View attachment 92525

Never seen one without it, unless it has been ground off. It's stamped in the housing. Completely irresponsible on a "dealer's" part IMO to not record them and show the customer where they are located. We have a database full of them. Are we that unusual? It's the only real identifier one has.

Without the serial number I don't know how you would prove ownership, even with a Bill of Sale. Our Invoices or Bills of Sale always list the serial number for the customer's records.

sandman2234 · Dec 29, 2007

I know the chances of this helping is slim, but do some research on traffic cameras that the D.O.T. might have on busy roads. You might get lucky if you can pinpoint the time to a reasonable amount of time, and they let you view it. Can't hurt to try. Here there are a few traffic cams that monitor the interstate in the high traffic areas, but I have no idea if that data is saved, and for how long. Might be worth a try, as most of these cameras are reasonably high quality and the data can zoom in to read a tag number if needed. The Sherrif might know of these cameras, just doesn't have time and manpower to watch the replay looking for a tractor. See what he can tell you if your willing to spend the time.
David from jax

Underwaterdog · Dec 29, 2007

LMTC,
In an area close to the place that California posted in the pic, on my tractor, there is a raised surface that is machined flat and has YM3110D , a dash (-), and five numbers. Is that the tractor serial number? The S/N is NOT on my invoice and I'm not going to mention the name of this well known dealer that has had numerous referals and compliments. Maybe it was just an oversight, but at least now my S/N is now recorded. And I'm the one that was jumping up and down for the S/N.

Still a good idea to hide another identifier somewhere just in case.
Marc, there are a lot of eyes looking for your tractor. That's smart not to post everything, the culprit may be reading our post. Remember guys, it may not necessarily look the same as the pictures. It may not have the loader, it may not have the mower, and it may not be red.