Please Critique This Device

[aczlan]

I see 2 issues with this:
1. On smaller equipment (like the Kubota in the demo the video), you could hotwire the keyswitch in under a minute as there is easy access to the back of the switch
2. With heavy equipment, each operator has a keyring with a half dozen keys which will start any of the 20 machines they may need in that day. With this system, each person would need 20 keys.

Personally I think that heavy equipment will go to something like the Bobcat "keyless" system which requires an operator code to run.
That could be tied into a cellphone to provide a "lojack" type system that complained when you tried to run it outside of business hours, could instantly lockout a fired employee, couls report when it was stolen, could be remotely be shut down in such a case and could do other useful things.

But that's just my $0.02 as an IT guy who is interested in heavy equipment and thinks of security.

Aaron Z

 

[melchior]

Thanks for all the feedback! Keep it coming! If this device goes to market, we want to address every concern

 

[hosspuller]

Depending on the equipment, the extra length of the lockdown could be a problem. The piece used in the video looks like my knee would preclude its use.

 

[MasseyWV]

I think it's an interesting concept.

However, considering the ease of hotwiring most heavy equipment, a better approach might be to create a locking valve for the fuel line(s). A potential thief might get it started, but it wouldn't run for long.

 

[CowwFace]

I agree with hoss ... The length of the device would get it busted off by the operators legs.

 

[aczlan]

I agree with hoss ... The length of the device would get it busted off by the operators legs.

Agreed, I have a hard enough time with the key on our B7500 and L3830, that key+barrel would make it dangerous to the switch and my knees.

Aaron Z

 

[jmc]

One of the best things about TBN is seeing peoples' inventiveness.

If those locks are typical pin and tumbler locks, why not just take the lock to a locksmith and have him interchange two pins (and cut the new key)? Seems like a $25 job. There's thousands of possible combinations on a 5 pin lock. Or replace the original lock with one like in your prototype?

Please take this as constructive: with our short attention spans on the Internet, you should show the video earlier. Cut out some of the product rationale or show it later for those who are interested after seeing the video.

Good luck with your project.

 

[slowzuki]

My first thought looking at the barrel was that with the extra leverage the cylinder adds, a small hammer or cheater pipe could be used to pop the barrel off the modified lock. I'm not sure if that would damage the base lock.

My second thought was the same as above, rekeying the locks, but that would preclude the original master key.

Most older equipment the locks hardly qualify as locks, they are like a filing cabinet, inserting a screwdriver such that all the pins are lifted you can turn the lock or even pop the cylinder out if you wanted. Some newer ones are at least a 4 or more pin tumbler I suppose, cheap and easy to recut.

My last concern is using it on doors. Here if the kid or whoever can't just open the door, they throw a rock through it. Not a big deal on old stuff but with 1000$+ multi-plane curved glass, its a real cost. Besides engine imobilizers I'm not sure what better options there are.

 

[rhett]

Would you buy it if it was on the market?

No.
Most all Heavy equipment is diesel powered. Meaning the only function of the electric keyed switch is to turn on and off electrical power for accessories, also the momentary use to activate the starters solenoid.

Locks are to keep honest people Honest. Thieves will find a way to circumvent any security device, especially with heavy equipment. Heavy equipment thieves have to show up with heavy equipment for theft. Even a young vandal with minimal knowledge could find the starter and jump start the equipment.

As mentioned, a fuel lockout would be a good deterrent if well hidden.

A good alternative for security in isolated locations is to remove one or two key components. Such as the linkage to key functions (clutch, throttle, etc...). Electrical locks are pretty much pointless for equipment that needs no electricity to run.

Just my thoughts
Good Luck

EDIT: In the video it does show the equipment shutdown with the key. I do not have a newer model tractor so I do not know what is electrically controlled for the shutdown, Electric fuel injectors or electric fuel shut off? Not so sure I like that feature on the newer equipment, electronics are so prone to failure for a number of reasons. More things to troubleshoot when the equipment fails to start, then again it could be viewed as an assist component for Electrical Theft deterrent. If it is Electronic Fuel Injection, I would have to consider that as a Negative before purchasing a newer model.

 

[melchior]

Something else for you to think about: I have had many people express concerns who have large fleets of tractors, and often not all tractors are of the same brand. They say "I'm not carrying around 30 keys for all of these tractors when I could have only 5 or 6". But here is where they are wrong - they could have each tractor equipped with a Universal Lockdown device that is keyed the same, just like you would have done on your door locks at home. Then they would only need one key for all the tractors, no matter the brand.

Thanks a lot, keep the feedback coming!