Balzer MacHinery Co. v. Klineline Sand & Gravel Co.

Does the holder of a nonpossessory artisan’s lien have priority over the holder of a prior perfected security interest? That is the principal issue.

Plaintiff, Balzer Machinery Co., brought this suit to foreclose its nonpossessory lien. The lien arose out of repairs made to certain rock crushing equipment which was being operated by defendant Klineline Sand & Gravel Co. under a lease-purchase agreement. The defendant Clark Leasing Corp. was the assignee of the lessor-vendor’s interest. Clark subsequently repossessed the rock crusher and sold it to the defendant Spencer. Klineline is not…