How can I repossess my property?

I loaned a spray pump to an indivual and he refuses to return it.Made a police report and the states attorney refuses to act because I loaned it to him.Sent registered demand letters and he refused to accept them.Went to his local police department and was told it is a civil matter.Went to his house and he threatened me. Lawyer wants 1500.00 retainer. My thug friends want a few beers and a pizza.The pump weighs about 400lbs.My plan is to greet him on a worksite and repossess my $ 6000.00 pump.I just know this could get real ugly.I really don!t want anyone to get hurt especially me. That is why I am bringing a baseball bat.Does anyone know of a more peacful way to resolve this situation.Deception or trickery vs strong armed or controlled tatics.The thief has made about 30,000.00 using my equipment.Let there be peace.

THE NERVE! Yes small claims court is likely the best route to go. The 5 guys and pizza is pretty risky and smells like jail. What about Judge Judy, she's a tough cookie! Bring your sales slip to court though.
I feel your pain! My husband & I moved out of my inlaws house (they were in a nursing home) and we had a garage sale the day after we moved. My brother in law who had manipulated the law and got POA came over to the house early the next morning and changed the locks so we could not get our equipment (for our business) and the remaining items that were ours, besides that he stole some of our daughter's art work (professionally done and saleable)! The cops sided with him because he had POA!
There are an aweful lot of skeevie people in this world, Thank God for the good ones though!

Best Wishes & don't get in trouble with the law!!!
Remember: What goes around, comes around!
You reap what you sow- plant corn, reap corn. Plant stealing, you get things stolen from you! Hide and Watch his day will come! I guarantee it!!!

Sue in small claims court, which does not require an attorney.

Sadly, the police and States attornies wont touch these things when they smell civil, which every criminal knows and abuses to the max.

If its yours, he hasnt paid you for it, and you want it back, fork up a few beers and pizzas and take 5 friends with and simply repossess it. If need be, video tape the whole thing to protect yourself.

Its yours and unfortunately, he has every intention of abusing the possession is 9/10s of the law, law. Go get him!!

Small clames court is your only legal option that doesn't require an attorney.