How to keep a tractor from getting stolen?

[TomSeller]

I do wonder how much of a concern it is. What would someone do with a stolen tractor? If they try to sell it, there is a fairly small market in a given community. Small time thieves don't have the resources to truck it somewhere and sell it. The guy near one of my places that is in jail now had burglarized a place and stole a vehicle. It was later found on a back road 10 miles away stripped. Maybe he would drive a tractor 10 miles to a back road. Scrap cast iron and steel don't bring that much relatively. I don't see the parts market for tractors like there is for cars. I might do the GPS thing for peace of mind, I see some services are coming down in price now that I research it.

 

[KenB2920]

I do wonder how much of a concern it is. What would someone do with a stolen tractor? If they try to sell it, there is a fairly small market in a given community. Small time thieves don't have the resources to truck it somewhere and sell it. The guy near one of my places that is in jail now had burglarized a place and stole a vehicle. It was later found on a back road 10 miles away stripped. Maybe he would drive a tractor 10 miles to a back road. Scrap cast iron and steel don't bring that much relatively. I don't see the parts market for tractors like there is for cars. I might do the GPS thing for peace of mind, I see some services are coming down in price now that I research it.

I definitely think you're spot on.

But in the mere chance it was stolen, parting out a tractor is possible but my first thought is a shady person just stealing it and actually using it. (Outside of the joyrider)

I trust my neighbors and would never think they'd steal a tractor but looking out my front window there are three Kubota's and a john deer. In my immediate area there are lots of tractors like any rural area. I doubt any one of them have been run by the local police to see if their stolen. Best way to hide one is in plain site. Out in the open where it's seen being used. After all, that's how construction equipment is stolen / hidden on main roads with lots of traffic.

 

[Hill Farmer]

Mines a Belarus, so I never really worried about anyone else wanting it.

 

[jeff9366]

Take the key out :confused3:

BRILLIANT !!

 

[Thomas]

Out of sight out of mind so they say,know fellow who aims game cam at tractor if need to leave it.

 

[jeff9366]

I do wonder how much of a concern it is. What would someone do with a stolen tractor? If they try to sell it, there is a fairly small market in a given community. Small time thieves don't have the resources to truck it somewhere and sell it. The guy near one of my places that is in jail now had burglarized a place and stole a vehicle. It was later found on a back road 10 miles away stripped. Maybe he would drive a tractor 10 miles to a back road. Scrap cast iron and steel don't bring that much relatively. I don't see the parts market for tractors like there is for cars. I might do the GPS thing for peace of mind, I see some services are coming down in price now that I research it.

No VIN numbes on tractors. Just cross any state line and sell it. The FBI will not get involved.

Mexico is a huge market for stolen US tractors.

 

[varmint]

I've heard about thieves being caught on game cameras, and the cops not expressing much interest in following up, even though images are available. I really like the idea of a shipping container- 8' x 8' x whatever should hold about any CUT and some tools as well. Locking it would be the challenge, as battery grinders can do guick damage to pretty much anything. From time to time, I see adds on Craig's list seeking stolen tractors. Bummer.

 

[williaty]

Locking it would be the challenge, as battery grinders can do guick damage to pretty much anything.

If the thief is well prepared enough to show up with a battery powered angle grinder, there's really nothing you can do to stop them short of having active security (meaning armed guards) on the property. Your shipping container, your barn, your house, anything you can reasonably do is going to fall to a battery powered angle grinder in a matter of a few minutes if the thief feels he has the time to stand around making noise for those few minutes. Frankly, since the commercial release of battery powered angle grinders, that's been my realistic security goal: force the thief to resort to using one. If I can get to the point where one is required, I've done everything I can do in terms of improving physical security and it's not worth spending any more money trying to further harden things.

 

[Sprinklerman]

If a professional wants your tractor , its gone . All you can do is slow them down . Chains , locks , taking tires off , will slow down a pro but not stop them . You cant steal something that isnt there . Find a neighbor close by and ask to leave the tractor there .

 

[aczlan]

If the thief is well prepared enough to show up with a battery powered angle grinder, there's really nothing you can do to stop them short of having active security (meaning armed guards) on the property. Your shipping container, your barn, your house, anything you can reasonably do is going to fall to a battery powered angle grinder in a matter of a few minutes if the thief feels he has the time to stand around making noise for those few minutes. Frankly, since the commercial release of battery powered angle grinders, that's been my realistic security goal: force the thief to resort to using one. If I can get to the point where one is required, I've done everything I can do in terms of improving physical security and it's not worth spending any more money trying to further harden things.

All you can do is to stop the casual thief/joyrider and insure it against someone who really wants it.

Aaron Z