Burned tractor salvage value??......

Kow Farmer

Well-known Member
Hello all,
I recently lost a tractor of mine to a building fire. It was a 1959 Case 611B (600). The tractor was in an old family friend's repair shop slowly being worked on as it was affordable for me. This was not a daily use tractor, nor was it a family heirloom tractor for me. Just a tractor I wanted to own because it reminded me of a neighbor's tractor back in the 70's when I was younger. I always like the 100 series Case tractors. This had the Case-o-matic in it. The tires were shot on the back. I think the value would have been about $1500-$2000.00 before the fire. Anyway, the tractor is charred badly. Is there any salvage yard or anyone that thinks there is much value left in this tractor? The building owner is an older gentleman that has no phone, no electricity, no home. This fire happened in a small town close to me recently. I have no idea if the building owner had/has insurance as I can't contact him anyway other than by chance he happens to be eating at the only establishment in this little town. Do I try to talk to my homeowners insurance about it, or just forget about it and walk away? My wife doesn't even know I own this good old iron tractor. She would be VERY pizzed at me.. She is not the farm type gal anyway.... Any thoughts out there? Or words of advice for me please? Thank you everyone. I am from Southern Minnesota by the way, if that helps at all.
Kow Farmer Kurt
 
I wouldn't count on getting anything for it.

Probably wouldn't meet the deductible, even if homeowners did cover it, which I doubt they would.

If you can locate the shop owner, might let him know you are not interested in recouping the value from him, just to ease his mind. I'm sure he has enough problems, maybe even ask if there is anything you could do to help.
 
Depending on how hot it got, it may be only good as scrap salvage. Father-in-law had one in a barn fire that got so hot that metal was damaged. No value except as scrap. You may well find that replacing burned parts will be prohibited.
 
Since I don't know what deductible you have on your HO policy it may not be worth the effort. I spent 47 years as an insurance adjuster but not all policies are the same. If you had this tractor to maintain your property-non farm and non business-it technically would be covered just as a riding mower would be. If it was not to be used for that purpose then no coverage. The policy will have some exclusionary language against land motor vehicles. A word of advice check this out with your company without filing a claim for no reason to have a claim against your policy if is not covered. Stress you don't want to file a claim but are just making an inquiry.

As to your neighbor he would be liable only if his negligence caused the damage. He would likely not be considered a bailee if what he was doing was more or less for your benefit and the degree of care he owed to you would be less. There is also the possibility, not sure in this case, that a third party could be responsible. This is usually seen if an electrician perform some faulty wiring and IF that was the cause of the fire.

Perhaps if you could post a picture of the tractor post fire a more accurate evaluation as to value and possible cost to repair could be made.
 
Hi kurt, I would walk away because your wife will certainly find out. She'll be mad from you not telling her. Women don't like the 'behind the back' thing'. I don't think the value of the tractor would be worth the wrath. btdt. Ed Will Oliver BC
 
(quoted from post at 09:39:03 11/11/17) Hi kurt, I would walk away because your wife will certainly find out. She'll be mad from you not telling her. Women don't like the 'behind the back' thing'. I don't think the value of the tractor would be worth the wrath. btdt. Ed Will Oliver BC
I guess it's time to ask yourself. What's more important,your wife or tractors. Personally I get along better with tractors. Lol. Maybe that's why I'm single.
 
It's possible that if you file a claim for your loss that your insurance will sue the old man to recoup their loss after settling with you.
 
Thank you everyone for the comments. I am going to just walk away from this situation. It just isn't worth all the headaches that could later come from it. Kow Farmer Kurt
 
Being a small town where everybody probably know every body why don't you talk to people in the town, they probably know the owner of the building and where he lives. Then go talk to him and see if he had insurance. More than likely he's going to be around the building doing clean up. That's where I would start.
 
Wife situation trumps everything else (says the guy who has been married for 46 years- LOL). You're wise to walk away.
 
if the tires burned off its only scrap metal value.ive been told that if the tires burned off it was hot enough to ruin everything.years ago sold a tractor and got married.TWO BIG mistakes
 

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