Stolen Yanmar 2002 :(

[marcinzk]

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]

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]

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.

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.

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]

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

 

[LMTC]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Underwaterdog]

LMTC,
One more question for you. Does the engine have a unique serial number on it too? On the engine plate?

 

[California]

On mine the engine serial is stamped on the block next to the engine plate.

 

[Underwaterdog]

Very good California. I could not see it because my tractor has been repainted. Thanks for the pic.

 

[LMTC]

Very good California. I could not see it because my tractor has been repainted. Thanks for the pic.

As I read this thread this morning it appears California has answered your questions. All I can say is I would have to ask why a dealer would sell something to an individual without recording that number, as it is the only real identifier you have for your invoice or bill of sale....unless they don't know it's there, and in that case, well....I reckon they become a seller and not a dealer.

Yes, a thief could grind them off, but I for one would never take a unit in trade in that condition. I would also think it would be a tough thing to defend in front of a jury if the "real" owner had paperwork showing the model, etc. and the person possessing the same model with a ground off serial # could not produce documentation of a purchase. With a "hidden" identifier as you reference you are the only witness...with a serial # your dealer should also be a witness for you.

 

[marcinzk]

So far no luck on finding the tractor, I doubt I'll ever find it.

I did get a message from my insurance adjuster. they are going to cut me a check for $4k. $4k for a fully refurbished, mostly be me, YM2002 w/ loader and brush hog just doesn't seem right Oh, and that $4k also includes tools, compressor, brand new chainsaw, a set of wheels plus other crap they stole from my out building

I think I need to give my adjuster a call.

 

[Underwaterdog]

Its certainly not enough. Some policies have a limit on personal property. Some have replacement cost. If there is no limit, or it is below the limit, get a quote from a dealer on the tractor and implements to replace it. Get prices on the other stolen things. If you decide you aren't satisfied with the settlement, don't cash the check.
Also, you can put a free add on Louisiana Classifieds. Free Classified Ads - Louisiana Classified Advertisements .There is a lost and found section or you could put it under Merchandise misc, or automotive misc.A reward for information leading to recovery wouldn't hurt either. I got several calls when I sold my YM2500 from leads from that site. There is tractorhouse.com. You have to register but your first add is free.

 

[greatrandini]

U need a new insurance company if 4k is what u end up with!

 

[tony123]

Definetely present your case for a higher number. I've had two occassions where I simply wrote a letter stating my justification for more money and both times got what I was asking for without any further arguement.

 

[ToadHill]

Check on your state laws, in some states if you and the ins company don't agree on the value you can have them find a replacement tractor that is in the same relative condition.

 

[MrJimi]

Make a visit to your State insurance commissioner and tell them your story.
That works great
Jim

 

[marcinzk]

Thanks for the advice folks, I'm waiting on the official letter, which should come sometime next week, before I present my case for more money. When I heard him say $4k I nearly lost it, I mean geez the mower and loader are $3k alone.

Thieves suck.

 

[kenmac]

Thanks for the advice folks, I'm waiting on the official letter, which should come sometime next week, before I present my case for more money. When I heard him say $4k I nearly lost it, I mean geez the mower and loader are $3k alone.

Thieves suck.

I had a car trailer stolen several years ago. The trailer had a big tool box on it full of tools & a generator. I also had a winch on the trailer. My homeowners ins. had a flat rate that they would pay for a trailer $1000.00 Max. I had replacment coverage homeowners insurance. My other items were covered full replacment cost

 

[marcinzk]

I had a car trailer stolen several years ago. The trailer had a big tool box on it full of tools & a generator. I also had a winch on the trailer. My homeowners ins. had a flat rate that they would pay for a trailer $1000.00 Max. I had replacment coverage homeowners insurance. My other items were covered full replacment cost

Funny you should mention your car trailer, as the moment I found my tractor was stolen I checked the coverage on my enclosed car carrier. It turns out that just like you, I also had a $1k limit on the trailer under my homeowners policy, suffice to say I added it to my auto policy.

Luckily the tractor was covered under the homeowners policy, however, I know that many policies don't cover tractors or farm equipment. So please please read your homeowners policy. If it's not insured add it to your policy. Trust me I live in the last place in the world where I'd think someone would be capable of stealing something, if it can happen to me, it can happen to you.

So moral of the story MAKE SURE YOUR INSURANCE COVERS YOUR TRACTOR!!! Otherwise if some idiot makes off with it you'll be left with nothing but the key, some manuals, and a few filters like me.