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tbutman

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Question: Hypothetically say I just sent in a deposit on a firewood processor. The company is out of New York and I live in Maine.I'm buying it for my home use and it probably will never be moved off my property once I get it home. Whats the BEST way to tow it home and at the same time protect my investment(ins) and not pay property taxes on it?
 
I can't say about Maine, but here in Ma. I would use a dealer or transport plate.
Or pay someone to haul it home for you. Gust make sure they have ins.
 
Well, if I go that rout, shipping will indeed be
over $1000 and if I go haul it back myself it will
cost me under $350
 

Did you check with your town clerk? Years ago here in NH they changed the law so that anyone could get a temporary plate.
 
This thing is a road-worthy trailer, right?

I would simply borrow a license plate off another trailer, and tow it home.
 
It is road worthy, but don't you think towing that
through the mass turnpike warrants putting ins. on
it? I wonder if I can insure it without registering
it? And besides, No plate at all is way preferable
to illegal attachments of plates. Right?
 
In NY, non-commercial trailers don't require separate insurance. As long as it is attached to the tow vehicle, it is covered by the tow vehicle insurance.

The only time an illegal plate might be worse is if you get pulled over. The key to that is don't get pulled over.

Highway patrol won't know that the plate is illegal unless they run it, and even then they may not notice because the registrations for trailers are pretty vague.

With no plate at all, highway patrol will DEFINITELY notice. In fact that may be the reason you get pulled over.

Of course, this all hinges on the processor having proper lights and a place for a license plate. If it doesn't have a place for a plate, you may want to hire it hauled.
 
Is this a trailer or just a piece of equipment with wheels on it? In Mo I don't have to put a license on my wood splitter, but if I put a box on it to put gas can, oil bottle or anything else in then it becomes a trailer and has to have a tag. Now if it is a piece of equipment it may not have a title and not need registered.
 
Exactly. If it is a woodsplitter on wheels then it is not a trailer. No plate should be required.

I see big air compressors being towed all the time without plates on them. I also have a 4 cylinder engine permanently mounted on wheels. I did not put a license plate on it and I tow it all the time.

It may be best to ask your state if plates should be required.

Also, here you are allowed 10-15 days to get a plate on a car or trailer. As long as you are carrying a DATED receipt that shows you just bought it, there shouldn't be any problems. Generally, your insurance also gives you a day or two to get it added to your policy. I wouldn't worry about it at all.
 
Interesting, It isn't merely a Woodsplitter though it might fall under the same category as one.youtube turner firewood processor. $13,800.00 base price and with a two strand live deck $15,700.00 $5000 deposit to get the ball rolling and about a 6 week build time.
 
Certainly doesn't sound like something that requires a license plate. Throw the magnetic lights on it and go!
 
its a machine, not a vehicle, just go get it, we pull machinery around here with no tag, the cops say if its not a vehicle or it cant be used to transport anything for hire it doesnt need a plate, it does however need to have proper lites, ie turn signals, brake lites and running lites u-haul style magnetic lites cover that requirement nicely 1 set will transport any machinery you have
 
You need to ask the manufacturer some questions about transporting your new firewood processor.

1. Does it have a VIN? - If no, then it is not a road-legal trailer, but it may fall under the "equipment, doesn't need a license" classification.
2. If yes to #1, does it have lights and a place to mount a license plate?
3. Are the tires and wheel bearings high-speed DOT approved for transport at highway speeds?

A piece of equipment only needs lights if the tow vehicle lights are not clearly visible from behind AFAIK.

If it is indeed a piece of equipment, not a trailer, DO NOT put ANY license plate on it at all.

From the looks of the thing on the website, I would want to transport it on a flatbed to get it home. It does not appear to be designed for long-distance travel. Those are only 12" wheels and tires, very light-duty.
 
Thanks, You can see it for yourself if you do a
search for Turner firewood processor. Also YouTube
has a video of it. I'm QUITE sure it has no VIN
Number and I have a new magnetic light kit I have
only used like twice and have most all the adapters
to use it with most any plug receptacle.
 

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