Trying to find L3400 serial number, it's like it doesn't exist.

[ratsnakeboogy]

I'm at a loss at this point. I've found engine serial number, that number/letter combo in the side of the transmission, a number/letter combo on front axel but no serial plate or 5 digit number anywhere else. The guy will write me a bill of sale but I'm not sure what to do now. I've been looking for a tractor for 3 years and finally found what I need and this happens.

 

[George2615]

It's possible as James mentioned that someone removed the tag for whatever reason. Its also possible that it was stolen from the original owner. A thief would have removed the tag and then could have sold it to the current owner for cash. The current owner would be unaware if it was stolen if he didn't check. Have you asked the current owner where he bought it. If he bought from a dealer that dealer should be able to help you locate or come up with a VIN from his paperwork. If there is no tag with ser.# or VIN you won't get the financing as you already know. I'm not saying it is or is not stolen but its possible because not everyone checks VIN#s on equipment.

An Example: A friend of mine bought a used skid steer from an acquaintance. He got a written bill of sale with the VIN #. Six months later he had State Troopers at his door asking to check the skid steer. They did and found it had been stolen 6 years prior to his purchase. Troopers checked back with the previous four owners. All of the last 5 owners knew each other. Each one used it for about a year and then sold it to another friend. Each one thought they bought it legally from a friend and still had their receipt from the person they bought it from. Turns out it was the first guy who bought the stolen SS. He never checked and didn't get a receipt. He trusted that the guy selling to him was the actual owner. The only reason my friend got caught was because he lived less than a mile away from the original owner who saw it on his property and asked the troopers to investigate.

 

[gwdixon]

My M7040 had a paper tag glued to the frame. When I had a warranty issue the dealer could not find the tag. He said he had complained to Kubota in the past about the issue.

Fortunately, I purchased the tractor from that dealer so he had the data on file.

If you power wash your tractors then the tag may have been blown off. My power washer (3000 psi) took off most of the warning ("nanny") labels and apparently the serial number as well.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

The place where it should be looks completely unmolested, paint matches the paint on the rest of the frame rail and is smooth with no overspray. Surely there is another place with the serial number besides a paper tag glued on the tractor, that's just insane.

 

[oregunbota]

I have an L3400 DT and my manual shows that there should be an identification plate on the left hand frame rail just ahead of the front axle. My manual also shows the serial number stamped into the transmission on the right side directly inboard of the three point control lever.

 

[s219]

Definitely left side, and it's a plastic/foil sticker that should be fairly durable. There are also paper stickers on the tractors when they are new, but those are just for inventory purposes and not meant to last long.

There should also be a separate (and different) serial number tag on the front loader, if this tractor has one. If both the chassis and loader serial tags are missing, I'd start to get suspicious.

I know that when I applied for KTAC insurance, they wanted serial numbers for both the tractor and the loader.

Good luck!

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I will look at the transmission behind the 3pt lever.

Loader is a Bushhog 2045, so I don't think that will help any.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I have an L3400 DT and my manual shows that there should be an identification plate on the left hand frame rail just ahead of the front axle. My manual also shows the serial number stamped into the transmission on the right side directly inboard of the three point control lever.

What year is yours? Anyway you might be able to visually verify that the serial number is stamped behind the lever?

 

[oregunbota]

Mine is a 2005. I just went out and looked for the location shown in my operators manual and did not see it. However there is a large piece of sheet metal just below the front part of the seat that hides part of the area. As s219 pointed out the identification tag on the left hand frame rail would not come off very easily.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

Thanks for looking man, I appreciate it. I just got off the phone with the owner and asked him if ever pressure washed the tractor, and he said 5 or 6 times a year after tilling. I'm thinking he blasted it off, the tractor is very clean.

The search continues I guess.