Tim bought a stolen tractor.

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

We Bought A Stolen Tractor - YouTube

I’m glad this happened to someone who couldn’t be bullied into just taking the loss.

It’s unfortunate it happened in the first place.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I can't believe any Auctioneer worth his salt would not have noticed the absence of serial numbers, and only grinder marks where they should have been.

 

[TnAndy]

I can't believe any Auctioneer worth his salt would not have noticed the absence of serial numbers, and only grinder marks where they should have been.

Yeah.....how could they fill out a Bill of Sale without serial numbers ?

 

[buckeyefarmer]

When a deal is too good, beware...

 

[Thomas]

Heck of lesson Tim shouldn't have learn hope some dug little deeper auction dealer.

 

[sd455dan]

Well the buyer is a class act... No hesitation on calling the dealer or authorities as soon as it became obvious that there was a real problem.
That auction outfit ought to be ashamed of themselves and the bad publicity will probably hurt them more in the long run than activating their insurance or just paying out the loss.

 

[PILOON]

I often monitor our Canadian Gov't auctions site.
Up for auction was a trailer that my buddy wanted.
He bid and lost but 5-6 days later received a notification that his stolen trailer had been found.
Long and short is that when the winning bidder went to register his auction win he was told that it was stolen property (buddy had reported it).

This is a real life tale as to how different gov't agencies simply don't talk to each other. OK, from being stolen to the gov't auction only 3 months had expired and no gov't agency can work that fast.

The agency had to refund the auction buyer and buddy got his trailer back and graciously they even waivered the storage fees, LOL.

 

[John Fitzgerald]

Auction, if a small operation, will probably simply declare bankruptcy. Cannot get blood out of a turnip. A relative once in good faith bought some stolen cattle like that and was out all his money. He sued the people, and they declared bankruptcy. It's a sad situation, but the honest citizen usually loses. It's not a good incentive for us.

 

[Tractor Time with Tim]

Well the buyer is a class act... No hesitation on calling the dealer or authorities as soon as it became obvious that there was a real problem.
That auction outfit ought to be ashamed of themselves and the bad publicity will probably hurt them more in the long run than activating their insurance or just paying out the loss.

Thanks for the kind words. I just saw this thread today. Still haven’t got our money back. Oh well!

 

[Tractor Time with Tim]

When a deal is too good, beware...

Buying at auction, how are you supposed to know if ‘too good’ as soon as the gavel drops, I was committed by law to purchase. What was I supposed to say, “Hold it, this tractor is sold to cheap..”???

Besides, I wasn’t the only bidder. If I hadn’t bid, the next highest bidder (a local machinery dealer) would have been stuck with it.

I just don’t think the ‘if it is too good to be true’ statement applies to this situation.

Tim

 

[Oldoak]

Buying at auction, how are you supposed to know if ‘too good’ as soon as the gavel drops, I was committed by law to purchase. What was I supposed to say, “Hold it, this tractor is sold to cheap..”???

Besides, I wasn’t the only bidder. If I hadn’t bid, the next highest bidder (a local machinery dealer) would have been stuck with it.

I just don’t think the ‘if it is too good to be true’ statement applies to this situation.

Tim

I agree with you.

The same thing goes for "yard" or "garage" sales. Although I was never one of those few lucky ones to purchase a very valuable antique for a couple of bucks.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Thanks for the kind words. I just saw this thread today. Still haven’t got our money back. Oh well!

Man that’s a bummer! There is a lot of horror stories on here regarding buying stolen tractors.

I have read about quite a few who buy very expensive tractor, finance it, take them into the dealer for service, next thing they know a different bank is repossessing the tractor from a previous bad loan. And they are out a tractor and a lot of money.

These stories seem to be getting more and more frequent.

 

[TractorNH]

Man that’s a bummer! There is a lot of horror stories on here regarding buying stolen tractors.

I have read about quite a few who buy very expensive tractor, finance it, take them into the dealer for service, next thing they know a different bank is repossessing the tractor from a previous bad loan. And they are out a tractor and a lot of money.

These stories seem to be getting more and more frequent.

This issue played into my decision to buy new instead of used. Too many stories out there and I didn't want to take a chance with upwards of $25k. Should never be an issue buying brand new from the dealer who got it from the factory.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Buying at auction, how are you supposed to know if ‘too good’ as soon as the gavel drops, I was committed by law to purchase. What was I supposed to say, “Hold it, this tractor is sold to cheap..”???

Besides, I wasn’t the only bidder. If I hadn’t bid, the next highest bidder (a local machinery dealer) would have been stuck with it.

I just don’t think the ‘if it is too good to be true’ statement applies to this situation.

Tim

Your right, doesnt apply. I bought my first tractor at an auction, i could have been in the same situation.
Hope you get it resolved.

 

[Tractor Time with Tim]

I agree with you.

The same thing goes for "yard" or "garage" sales. Although I was never one of those few lucky ones to purchase a very valuable antique for a couple of bucks.

No, public auction, ran by a licensed Auctioneer is different than a yard sale. The auctioneer is responsible to guarantee 'clear title' (figure of speech of course, which means ownership and no liens).

Check out this article: Auctioneers, auctions and title | Mike Brandly, Auctioneer Blog

Buying from an individual is different. There are no guarantees in that situation.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I have heard a lot of stories about stolen JD tractors. Guy in Enid, friend of a friend, was mowing some right of way near his house; went in for lunch, left his tractor sitting out. After lunch, no tractor. He didn't report it right away, thought friends were playing a joke on him.

 

[John Fitzgerald]

This issue played into my decision to buy new instead of used. Too many stories out there and I didn't want to take a chance with upwards of $25k. Should never be an issue buying brand new from the dealer who got it from the factory.

Even buying from a dealer may not be perfectly safe. Tractors have become so expensive now, they SHOULD have titles just like cars and trucks.

 

[Jstpssng]

Even buying from a dealer may not be perfectly safe. Tractors have become so expensive now, they SHOULD have titles just like cars and trucks.

A 4 thousand dollar tandem axle trailer does, it seems like the tractor you haul it on should too. Barring that a simple serial number database might work, just as CarFax does for your automobile.

 

[Tractor Time with Tim]

I agree to some extent. I just hate to see the government involved. I would prefer it if the manufacturers would step up and manage the "title" concept on their tractors.

 

[Jstpssng]

I agree to some extent. I just hate to see the government involved. I would prefer it if the manufacturers would step up and manage the "title" concept on their tractors.

That's why I suggest a "TractorFax" type of database. Not only would you know that it was stolen, but also other issues that the previous owners might have had.