Stupid question about proving who owns tractor

jim_wilson · Sep 4, 2005

This might be a stupid question - but - what would actually prove that somebody was the legitimate owner of a tractor? I bought my Kubota BX23 last year and have been making the payments since then - when I finally pay it off is there a title of ownership - like with an automobile - that I will receive? The reason why I ask this is because somebody is selling a tractor locally here that is a pretty good price, but my suspicious mind says there might be something up with it. If the tractor was getting sold with something like a legitimate title I might feel better about it.

beenthere · Sep 4, 2005

No title that I am aware of. Only a receipt that you are the owner.

Getting the serial number and going to a dealer will possibly get you the historical information you are seeking.

ccsial · Sep 4, 2005

No title or registration here either.

jimg · Sep 4, 2005

I recently sold my tractor and NH was holding the note and there was no title involved. NH did send a letter to me indicating that they no longer had an interest in the equipment b/c the note was paid off. This tractor was registered w/ the state b/c I used it on the road occassionally. I believe the new owner was planning to register it under his name. The only bit of info the town clerk needed to register the tractor was a bill of sale. I supplied the buyer w/ one listing each piece of equipment and serial number. Both the buyer and myself signed this and we each got a copy.

Junkman · Sep 4, 2005

You can ask the selling dealer to request Kubota to issue to you a certificate of origin. Some states will take that certificate and issue a title to you in your name, others will not. If you are not certain if there is a lien on the equipment that you are considering, check with the town, county, or state governments to see if there is a UCC lien filing with them.

Slamfire · Sep 4, 2005

There is no title issued here either. Just hang on to your Bill of Sale. If you buy from an individual you'd have to get a copy of his too. I bought from a dealer, and put my Bill of Sale in the safe with the on road vehicle titles.

hayden · Sep 4, 2005

Hi Jim,

Is this person the original owner? If so, you could ask to see the bill of sale which should indicate if there is a lien on it. Also, ask for a bill of sale that warrants that he owns it free and clear of any and all liens. Use the word "warrant" - it gives you max recourse.

Boomerang1 · Sep 4, 2005

When you purchased the unit , you should have signed a loan agreement. The loan agreement will have the serial #s of the unit and all attatchments or implements purchased with the unit. Keep a record of all payments. When you make your last payment, you will recieve a letter from the loan company stating that the loan is paid in full.

rico304 · Sep 4, 2005

Check for sales receipt, get Serial numbers and have Kubota check them to see where they came from, and your local Police Department can run them to see if they were reported as stolen. Even if you can find out where tractor was sold, dealer would have most info. needed.