Pro Vigil

First off, the NER reports these two vehicles as recently stolen in Texas:

Terex TX-55-19 Telescopic Forklift TX551911789
Caterpillar 420-D Backhoe Loader FDP27111

So if someone offered you a good deal on either, be sure to contact your local authorities and call NER’s 24-hour, national tip line at 1-866 NER TIPS (866-637-8477).

And here are 5 “red flags” to remember the next time you’re buying heavy machinery:

1) The deal is too good to be true - this is the first and most important red flag, especially in Texas. The NER reported that Texas was #1 for stolen equipment in 2004.

2) The seller’s name doesn’t match the vehicle records, the seller doesn’t have a fixed address, a place of employment or a phone number. Further, there seller can offer no information about past financing on the vehicle.

3) The VIN plate is missing or scratched… OR does not match the number as listed in the owner manual or other locations on the machine.

4) Loose ignition and/or chisel or other tamper marks around the vehicle ignition switch.

5) Non-manufacturer keys for a relatively new vehicle.

Resources:
National Equipment Register