TC40D with no Markings

FarmerChip · Sep 8, 2003

I recently purchased a 2001 TC40D from a my local NH dealer who said it was a reposession. It has super steer, skid steer type FEL, R4s with no wear and 3 remotes in the rear. It is very clean and runs great. But there is something odd about it. The hour meter read 90101 when I bought it but the 9 was not all the way down and the tractor sure doesn't look like it had over 90000 hours. The dealer said it had 101 so I guess I'll go with that. But stranger yet is the fact there are no markings on it at all, just the warning lables. The serial number plates have been taken off of the both the tractor and the loader but the engine plate is still there. The dealer gave me the serial number but he can't tell me where it is located. He said he would call NH to find out. He doesn't know the loader number. Should I be worried? Something doesn't seem right. The dealer has a good reputation so I don't think he's up to anything. Or should I just accept the good deal. I've put 40 hours on it already and no problems. By the way, the dealer sent me a new set of decals if I wanted to put them on.

mountain_man · Sep 8, 2003

Since the S/N plates were removed, I'd bet the hour meter was tampered with as well. Sounds like it might have been stolen and recovered. I'd use other signs of wear (seat, pedels, foot rest, rubber part aging, bushing wear, etc.) to gauge the time on the tractor.

Also since you have a valid engine S/N, suggest contacting NH directly, to see if the manufacturer can determine what the tractor's actual S/N used to be.

I'm not trying to worry you, but once you find out the S/N, I'd also check with your state to see if there are any leins/claims against it. Most states don't use titles for tractors, however some states use ICC (Commercial Credit) filings to keep track of leins.

tc35dforme · Sep 8, 2003

The dealer gave me the serial number but he can't tell me where it is located HMMMM ???

On one hand, since you bought it from a dealer you should have some paperwork to verify that its yours and that the sale was completed with the unusual identification manner.

On the other hand, why wouldn't the dealer have worked with New Holland to retag the unit ??

fivestring · Sep 8, 2003

Don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but...

if the tractor is stolen, it can be taken from you and you will be out the money you paid for it.
I would not buy any vehicle where the VIN plates and/or serial numbers have been removed or altered. Stay on the dealer's back about getting a replacement VIN for that tractor.

FarmerChip · Sep 8, 2003

Thanks to all for your concern. I checked the serial number given to me by the dealer with NH directly and they confirmed it was good. Since the engine number was still on the machine, I gave it to NH as well and they said it was the right match with the tractor number. They also told me where and when it was originally sold and that they had no record of liens or theft; and it's still under warranty. I'll contact the original selling dealer to find out more and I'll get on the dealer who sold it to me to have it rebadged. The hour meter is still a mystery, but there is no indication of any wear at all over 100 hours. I'll let you all know what I find out.

markie61 · Sep 9, 2003

( The hour meter is still a mystery )
( and it's still under warranty)

Sounds like the proofmeter is a warranty issue. Get the dealer to replace it BEFORE you take it home! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mark

Mark_in_NH · Sep 9, 2003

( I recently purchased a 2001 TC40D from a my local NH dealer )
( I've put 40 hours on it already and no problems. )

( Get the dealer to replace it BEFORE you take it home! )

I think it's to late for that.
I also think that a little more research into the history of the tractor is necessary before I would be getting to worried if worried at all.

PitbullMidwest · Sep 9, 2003

Sounds like the previous owner may have tampered with the hour meter and removed the badges and ID plates in an attempt to fool the repo men. There was a story here on TBN a few years ago about a father and son who stole a Kubota (I think) and repainted it JD green in an attempt to hide it in plain sight.

If you've contacted NH to confirm the ID and the dealer is aware that it is a repo, I'm sure that getting it back to like new appeareance won't be too difficult. My biggest concern would be getting the serial number plates replaced, future trade -in or resale could get pretty ugly without them.

FarmerChip · Sep 9, 2003

Re: TC40D with no Markings (A Repo)

Well it seems Pitbull is probably right about someone trying to avoid the repo man, at least according to NH. Unfortunately the original selling dealer is out of business. But NH is going to have the warranty transfered and doulble check that there are no thefts or liens. I don't care about the decals but I'll definately have the hour meter fixed and the tractor rebadged.