I would like to hear some of you folks opinions on this. I just can't imagine why any one would remove a serial number plate except for one reason, stolen. Is there any other location that the serial number would be located on the machine? I am familiar with the engine serial numbers. Matter of fact he called on another machine and that was his first question, 'does it have a tag' and same response as the other guy bill of sale etc.etc. Of course the seller has every excuse in the world as to why the tag is missing and he has a notorized bill of sale etc. While looking over the machine I noticed the serial number data plate is missing and upon closer examination it had one of the rivets still in the hole that was obiviously drilled for removal. I have been trying to help a friend buy a machine, we found a couple and looked at one that was a decent machine at a fair price.