What would you do?

My wife showed me a picture in the news today. A very sad story. A farmer was unloading a tractor off a trailer in Western Ky when it came off the trailer and crushed him. I looked at the picture it was a tractor that we owned about 45 years ago. I have been hunting for it it for many years.Now I know where it is at. I would still like to have it but?

Thanks

You will get some good advise from all of us. But it all gets down the to fine line. You'll have to ask them what they plan to do with the tractor. Maybe sending them a letter for starters or a phone call would cushion the shock of what's happened and they can get back with you when they're ready.

I would contact them and explain that you have been looking for it and saw it in the paper.

I'm sure they're not going to want to keep it (although my cousin has the Farmall Super C that rolled into the creek and killed his wife's grandfather)- but as noted, tread very softly- Perhaps a letter, first giving sincere condolences, then easing into it. Be sure to talk about the history, so they don't just think you're some tractor jockey trying to catch them at a weak moment- don't make an offer, just say that they certainly have more important things on their minds right now, but if they do want to sell the tractor at some point in the future, please contact you.

And be prepared to pay a fair price.

How could you tell it was the same exact tractor? Was there something that made it unusual?

A I am right at the KY line in west Tenn. Where did the accident happen? I have investigated farm tractor death for the last twenty five years. Just retired the first of the year. Most deaths I have been around in the years have been on units NOT equipped with ROPS.

If it's that important, I think it would be worth a trip there.
What I never am sure about is the right amount of time to wait.

Here is a news story about the accident. It appears he was unloading a narrow front end tractor and flipped it over on himself.

I would wait until the services and all are over an then try to contact a family member about the tractor. They very well could have gotten someone already to haul the tractor off.

One fellow I sold a tractor to on Thursday rolled it over on himself on Sunday. He was killed in the accident. His wife wanted the tractor off the farm. So I went and picked it up that night. I just gave her the money back he had paid for the tractor. IT was not damaged very much and she needed it worse than I did. He had two kids in grade school.
Livingston County tractor accident

The news story doesn't give the guy's name. You may have to do a little investigating. Read the obits, maybe call the the sheriff and see if you can find the guy's name.
Write them a letter as Mike suggested. I would do that ASAP.
Be very clear you want to buy the tractor at a fair price but understand they have more important things on their minds right now and ask that they contact you if and when they are ready to sell the tractor.

MAYBE follow up with a phone call, but not right away. Maybe in a few months.
Also, watch the classifieds, craigs list, and auction listings for that area.

Getting a hold of local law enforcement is a good idea. That's something that could be done right away without irritating the family. Maybe they even know or would help with finding out the disposition of the tractor.

In a letter to the family:
With heart felt condolences and understanding the circumstances and dangers of working around tractors, it is with respect that I discuss the disposition of the tractor involved. For 45 years I have been looking for the tractor that was sold from our farm when I was a youngster. It meant a great deal to me as it was the first tractor I drove, and the sentimental value is great. I am not trying to take advantage of the situation, but I would like to offer fair value, and provide assurances that the tractor will be restored and cared for, not resold. As a distant neighbor, I am willing to be responsible for moving the tractor. It is with sincere regret that I have found the tractor under circumstances are difficult. I am certain the tractor is the same one due to the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx clearly shown on the xxxxxxxxxxxx.
If this letter finds your family too soon after the accident I apologize for intruding.
I post this inquiry this soon only to hope for a positive response. If the tractor is already sold or disposed of, would it be possible for me to contact the person who has it now, as I am very determined to reunite it with my farm.
Again with condolences, xxxxx


Put it in envelope with a condolences card, and contact information.
That is the best I have. Jim

Must be something special on the tractor if you can tell by a picture it was a tractor you had 45 years ago.

It makes me wonder too, how can you tell it's yours? If it hasn't been seen in 45 years it would be hard to remember much about it without a picture I'd think.

Still a bad situation...

Donovan from Wisconsin

I work in Livingston county and I sent you and email. Let me know if I can assist you with gaining information on this tractor.

Wonderful letter.Says what needs to be said.