paperwork buying a used tractor

maxwell99 · Apr 17, 2014

Need some valued opinions:

When buying a used tractor from an individual, should you write out a bill of sale and have both you and the seller sign?

Information like date, price, description of tractor, serial number.

Do not know if that would help you if the tractor was later determined to be stolen.

Another one I looked at, mechanic was selling it be caused the owner would not pay for the repairs, I did not buy (was a reasonable price) but again I was concerned, the original owner might show up someday with the cops and demand his property.

Guess if I have these concerns I better just look at established dealerships.

s19438 · Apr 17, 2014

when I have sold a tractor I ask the buyer to sign a receipt for me. I list price, who I sold it to and "as is condition" and date of sale. if the buyer wants a receipt it is up to him.
when I buy a tractor I ask the seller to sign a receipt. some will others have refused. a paper trail is a good thing I think.

Jason S. · Apr 17, 2014

Mechanics can put a lean against the equipment for repairs that they haven't been paid for.Most shops have a sign stating that. Same thing with a car that gets impounded. If you can not pay the storage bill then the vehicle will be sold to cover the cost of the storage bill. If the bank has a lein against the vehicle that has been impounded and sold that becomes a problem between the bank and the prior owner. The new owner that bought it at the sale or auction gets a free and clear title to the vehicle. If it was bought under those cicumstances I wouldn't worry too much, but if it was bought off an individual who isn't a mechanic or owns a storage facility then yes I would recomend getting signatures and etc... even though it wouldn't do no good here. Even if you unknowingly bought stolen property here... you lose what you bought and the money you paid for it.

Tony in Mass. · Apr 17, 2014

I always ask for a receipt, if they don't like it, but I like the machine, I keep the seller's name address and phone on file. If you can, take a picture of the tractor and his house in the background.
One fella said he was giving me a receipt, but when he came out of the house it was one from when he bought it... how he could have done so much damage to lose 4/5's o what he paid 2 years earlier was beyond me. So I was happy enough.
If they ask why, I say I might bring it to my place in Canada, and I'll need a receipt at the border... that usually works.
In 50 or 60 years, who knows what shady deals went on with this stuff. Back then most tractors were worth more than most cars!

maxwell99 · Apr 17, 2014

I just ask because the faintest piece of documentation is worth a thousand words.

I know it's not quite the same,but my friend bought an old 1946 Chevy pickup, paid for it with the promise of a title to be sent. He worked and worked on the old truck, then as he was about to put put it back on the road he remembered he had not received the paperwork.

That was years ago and the old truck is still sitting in one of his storage sheds, after much work with seller and TN state officials they have never been able to restore the title. Previous owner just thought he had it, but now my buddy has all that work, money and time invested in a piece of scrap metal.

Richard L · Apr 17, 2014

Not sure but I think he should be able to go to Dept. of Motor Vehicles and ask for a Abandoned Title. If he bought it in the same state that will make it a little easier. I have heard it does not cost much to do it this way. I do know I would not buy a vehicle unless they show me the title and I get it when I pay for it.

maxwell99 · Apr 17, 2014

I am not sure of all the particulars in the title situation. But my friend is a computer nerd and he said he just finally gave up. TN must have some tough title laws. my state of KY all car dealers used to bring the cars to KY to get a title, fix them up and push them down south.

at one time he was going to buy another old truck that had a title and maybe change the plates, but guess that ran into a dead end.

he has plenty of other tractors and vehicles to play with.

2tractors · Apr 17, 2014

Of all the 7 no six fergy/ MF and one scorned red headed stepchild I've owned I can't remember the sellers and if it comes down to us having to fetch up paperwork then that about blows!!

s19438 · Apr 18, 2014

I also try to memorize then write down the license plate number of the vehicle used in the transaction.

paperwork buying a used tractor

maxwell99

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s19438

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Jason S.

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Tony in Mass.

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maxwell99

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Richard L

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maxwell99

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2tractors

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s19438

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