we have a new advertiser

[wdfifteen]

This guy makes a heavy cad plated guard for the serial number on John Deere tractors. There were a few of these tractors painted to order made for county highway crews. The only difference is the paint color and the serial number - and the current value. Apparently there is a problem with people popping the Serial Number plate off a $15,000 highway tractor, painting a common $2000 green and yellow tractor the correct county highway colors, and switching the serial number plates. Go figure.



serial number plate on a John Deere 330




serial plate guard installed

[Neilk]

So are you saying the county basically paid $15k for $2k tractor painted in yellow?

[aigel]

So now you need a wrench to get to the serial #? Is that really a deterrent?

I don't get tractor collectors. Talk about boring.

G

[A930Rocket]

I'm sure it's the angle, but it appears the guard could be bent back, exposing the vin.

[wdfifteen]

Already planning how to steal one?
It's 3/16 steel so it isn't going to bend easy. Without some kind of cover you can back your ass up to the tractor and pop off a $10,000 serial number plate with a pocket knife without even looking, so it's a big improvement over nothing.

[vash]

are there any pics of the desirable tractor versus the contraband one? i dont get it..

it is just color and this tag?

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by vash

are there any pics of the desirable tractor versus the contraband one? i dont get it..

it is just color and this tag?

Yes, it's just the color and the serial number on the tag. John Deere keeps build cards on all its tractors just like Porsche keeps build cards on its cars. It's really no different. It's a bunch of rich folk trying to corral something rare and crooks who want to exploit them.

[vash]

damn..i've now heard it all!! crazy.

[mossguy]

Originally Posted by Jrboulder

Why would anyone want an all yellow Deere?

Different Strokes.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by vash

are there any pics of the desirable tractor versus the contraband one? i dont get it.. it is just color and this tag?

I think the highway tractors were ordered without some otherwise standard things like the 3-point hitch, but no other difference.

[Neilk]

Better yet, why doesn't the state/county sell all of their desirable yellow tractors for a huge profit and buy new green ones?

[vash]

both of those colors are kick butt.

[gtc]

We've sold a few Cats in Cummins/Onan green to match a customers other machines. There is much grumbling around the office/shop when that happens.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Neilk

Better yet, why doesn't the state/county sell all of their desirable yellow tractors for a huge profit and buy new green ones?

The counties probably sold them 40 years ago. These were made in 1958-59.

[tcar]

You haven't explained the RED tractor with the guard.

[EarlyPorsche]

IF what you say happens...wouldn't the rebadged Deere be numbered a stolen number? Would the guard even stop a guy that is in the 1950's tractor falsification trade?

[lendaddy]

"Damn it, this one requires turning a 13/16" wrench..."

WTF?

[Nostril Cheese]

They really think that little plate is gonna stop a determined redneck?

[lendaddy]

You wouldn't even need a wrench. Just bend the ***** back.

[Racerbvd]

Locks only keep honest people honest, these plates deflect an attractive nuisance.