Please Critique This Device

[melchior]

Hi everyone,

I don't want to appear as a spammer and I am not trying to sell this to anyone (it isn't even on the market), just want to get your thoughts on this device...

what do you like about it?
what don't you like about it?
how could it be improved?
Would you buy it if it was on the market?

A small note about the device - It can be used on most any lock assembly, a tractor cab door, side panels, etc. not just the ignition switch as shown on the video. The idea is to deter theft. I could explain in more detail but it'd be better if you just take a look at the video on the site.

I am trying to get this device licensed by any or all of the major equipment manufacturers.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[Don87]

I did not click on your link, but in doing a search, Yahoo does not bring up the site.

 

[magicheater]

As I see on your video the original lock set needs to be modified. How costly is that to do?

 

[Groo]

oops double tap.

 

[Groo]

seams like a padlock and a short piece of chain would be as secure and much cheaper to implement. I've never had a reason to try, but I am guessing heavy equipment is pretty easy to hot-wire.

ps. your outer lock looks just like the locks I've seen some on exposed spare tire (like on a Jeep Wrangler) lug nuts.

 

[melchior]

@Don - Yes the site is new and currently has minimal traffic so I wouldn't expect it to be at the top of any search engines.

@magicheater - You are correct, it will need to be replaced with a slightly modified version. This isn't really difficult to do in most cases, and I would not expect it to be very expensive. The cost will be inevitably be up to whoever decides to license the device and put it on the market.

Thank you both for your responses!

 

[RandyBell]

Yes that would address alot of issues since the key for caterpillar hasn't changed in 40 years. If you keep your price down and make it on volume you stand a chance,but if you price it thinking that your product is a total theft protection you won't stand a chance. The equiptment is to easy to bypass and start anyways.

 

[melchior]

@Groo - Interesting, I've never seen the spare tire locks that you mention, I'll have to check them out.

As for the hot-wiring, I can't attest to its ease. It may very easy, but I think you are missing the point. Do people hot wire cars? Sure. Is that a reason to give every Chevy Tahoe the same key? Of course not.

 

[melchior]

@RandyBell - Thanks for your input. I agree with you that this isn't by any means an end-all solution for equipment security. It is becoming apparent that this device will be more valuable to persons with equipment that has enclosed cabs. By equipping the tractor's doors & compartments with the device will mimic the security of a personal vehicle.

 

[Groo]

actually, now that I think of it, the key lock lug nut I had to use was on a Geo Tracker.

While I agree unique keys would be better, I think the likely great ease of hot-wiring would limit the use of an ignition locker like that. how easy is it to reach the back of the ignition switch?

Snowmobiles do the same things as heavy equipment. maybe even worse, because you'd need nowhere near 31 keys. Skidoo actually started putting chips in their keys but still kept the generic universal key cut. I assume they went that route because the machines are so simple to hot-wire. It would take about 5 seconds and require no tools on my old Arctic Cat. good if you lose the key out in the middle of nowhere. not so great if someone drives off with your sled.