Updated August 16, 2023
A farm tractor bill of sale is a document used between a buyer and seller to prove the legal sale and purchase of a tractor or farming vehicle. The buyer must be aware that, unless otherwise stated, the item will be sold “as-is” with no other expense or obligation to the former owner(s). If the buyer wishes to have the tractor mechanically inspected, the buyer should make the request for inspection prior to the completed sale of the equipment.
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What is a Tractor Bill of Sale?
A tractor bill of sale allows the transfer of ownership of a tractor to a buyer for cash or trade. A bill of sale is a legally binding document that requires the buyer to pay the specified purchase price in exchange for the ownership and possession of a tractor. The bill of sale is commonly signed after the payment has been made by the buyer. Immediately afterward, the tractor will change possession along with the title.
How to Sell a Tractor
When selling any type of farm equipment, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a niche or smaller industry than selling a vehicle or boat. Therefore, to meet the asking price the seller may have to wait 4 to 6 months before finding a buyer.
Step 1 – Clean & Fix Your Tractor
You need to make sure your tractor looks good for photos and showing to buyers. And the less work the buyer has to do to get the tractor working its best, the better chance you have of selling it for a decent price.
Step 2 – Gather Necessary Paperwork
Find the title, owner’s manual, specs, and other relevant information that the new owner will need to register and operate the tractor before listing your heavy machinery.
Step 3 – Include Attachments You No Longer Need
The tractor is only the engine powering the tools you use out on the field. So you’ll attract more buyers if you include attachments and equipment that go with the tractor that you no longer need.
Step 4 – Advertise Everywhere You Can
Put up ads on farm-specific websites and dealers to make it easier for buyers to find your tractor. Also be sure to advertise in the newspaper, local swap sheets, and wherever else buyers might be looking.
Popular Websites to Sell a Tractor
Step 5 – Negotiate a Fair Price
It’s important to have a fair asking price for your tractor. The buyer may try to sell you down a bit, but that’s why it’s important to know the market value of your machine by researching online and having it appraised.
Step 6 – Fill Out the Tractor Bill of Sale
Once you have brought in a serious buyer and have come to terms with a final sale price, you will need to fill out the tractor bill of sale form. All you need to do to finish it is complete the following information:
- Date of Sale
- Buyer’s Name & Address
- Seller’s Name & Address
- Purchase Price
- Tractor Information
- Make
- Model
- Registration Number
- Serial Number
- Condition
- Other relevant information
- Signatures & Dates from the Buyer, Seller, and any Witnesses
You will also need to get a Certificate of Acknowledgment from your public notary. This will complete the sale and leave the transaction in the public record. Then once this is done and the price is paid, the sale is finalized.
How to Find a Tractor Serial Number
Unfortunately, there is no 1 place to find a tractor’s serial number. In order to find the number, enter the brand of the tractor into TractorData.com and you should get the first 4 or 6 digits of the serial number. Use that number to then search the tractor and find the remaining serial numbers.