Basic theft prevention

[Santa Craig Cringle]

I'm looking to be able to leave my tractor at my property. I want to do some basic theft prevention stuff including replacing the key ignition to a non-common key and installing a kill switch. Anyone have any specific ignition switch or kill switch recommendations? CX2510HST. Not sure what will work best for my tractor. Already looking into ACV insurance.

Also, any recommendations for a locking gas cap that will fit my tank?

UPDATE 23Jun2025, 7:39AM: I should have mentioned this property is an hour from my house. There are no structures on it, and it is very secluded. Have 2-3 neighbors around me who also don't live on their empty lots either. However, there are also several properties around me for sale that folks have to go by my place to get to.

 

[mikester]

Thieves are less likely to steal something if they don't know it exists. Park indoors in a locked building.

Insurance is your best bet.

Serious thieves show up with a tilt-and-load trailer because its faster to drag your machine onto the deck than to try to start and drive anything.

 

[sandman2234]

Got to make it harder for them, so they go looking for an easier target. Now if your tractor is the one they want, good luck!
I used to think that out in the open in plain view of the world passing by would be best, but nowadays that doesn't work. People just don't want to get involved when they see something wrong.
Removal of a major part of the tractor might discourage it, like removal of the rear tires, but that makes it a royal pain for you.
A shipping container for you to store it in, but with todays battery powered tools, that won't slow them down much if noise and activity don't draw any attention.
Anywhere you can store it closer to a home, or a neighbors so that it doesn't disapear?
David from jax

 

[Tinhack]

I used to think that out in the open in plain view of the world passing by would be best, but nowadays that doesn't work. People just don't want to get involved when they see something wrong.

That's for sure. But what are people going to do if they do get involved? It's not like they have the weight of the law on their side. Most laws forbid any action. If they want the tractor, they just drag it up on a flat bed as already mentioned. The others are just plain destructive. They'll break glass and plastic and hammer on the metal with a rock without taking anything.

Insurance may not work either if no one lives on the property. Perhaps drive your tractor to a neighbor's place. On agreement, of course.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

When we eventually go south for the winter, or any part of it, my plan is to move tractor into the garage, in the spot the vehicle we take usually is, and hope for the best. If a thief wants something, they will get it.

 

[FriendwithTractor]

Do you have a grapple? Placing a large log close in front of the tractor with it and then removing the battery when you leave might offer a solution. But with serious thieves you're kinda hosed no matter what you do.

 

[Santa Craig Cringle]

Do you have a grapple? Placing a large log close in front of the tractor with it and then removing the battery when you leave might offer a solution. But with serious thieves you're kinda hosed no matter what you do.

I do not but that's a great idea for when I finally get one.

 

[grsthegreat]

I had a client that built a shop on empty lot to store his building supplies, tractor, generator, etc.

No one lived there full time. Nearly everything was stolen after several breakins.

Even his hidden cameras were stolen. He thinks it was the lowlife neighbors but could not prove it.

Insurance not an option in non inhabitant building i was told. He never did move there. Sold the lot.

But i have also been told a commercial insurance policy would cover the items. I know i have one for my business, and anything i leave on a jobsite was covered less deductible. Not sure how youd set this up as an individual though.

 

[Equatorial Malaise]

Apple Air Tags and Samsung equivalent hidden on the machine.

Keep machine hidden from view.

Cameras.

 

[orezok]

Paint it pink

 

[tacticalturnip]

Paint it pink

Air tags might be cheaper, and less emasculating.

 

[scootr]

Hide a kill switch on it, take the battery and a wheel. Leave a sign that says my stuff ain't worth your life.
Out of sight is out of mind...dig a ditch and leave it in it.

We had an old Kubota in a cargo container stolen. Thieves just chained a truck to the door and pulled them open.

 

[ultrarunner]

Nice 9900 pound Dump trailer stolen on property… bolt cutters as the lock on the gate cut and the lock on the chained wheels cut plus it had a ball lock in the hitch.

A tag transponder might have led to a recovery… but it’s been a couple years and vanished without a trace.

Not rural location but could not be seen from county highway so either someone who knew the Christmas Tree operation or someone cut the gate lock and got lucky?

 

[Drstrangeglove]

Inland marine insurance. I don't worry about them stealing the tractors now. They are insured for what I paid for them.

 

[hube2]

I have a steering ram lock that I put on my tractor when there will be no one around. Nothing is a guarantee, but you either need to lift the front wheels off the ground or cut the steering ram to bypass the lock. Also, they are not cheap and must be shipped in from the UK.

Ultimate Anti Theft Device

A low-cost solution to the on going problem of machinery theft is available in the UK

www.ramlock.co.uk

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I like the airtag idea. Two on each tractor in case they look for and find one.
I also thought of another possible stall tactic. My entrance to 20x20 "barn" has a 10' opening. If I park the two tractors parallel to the opening, with newer tractor in the back, it'll at least make it more trouble and time consuming.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I had a client that built a shop on empty lot to store his building supplies, tractor, generator, etc.

No one lived there full time. Nearly everything was stolen after several breakins.

Even his hidden cameras were stolen. He thinks it was the lowlife neighbors but could not prove it.

Insurance not an option in non inhabitant building i was told. He never did move there. Sold the lot.

But i have also been told a commercial insurance policy would cover the items. I know i have one for my business, and anything i leave on a jobsite was covered less deductible. Not sure how youd set this up as an individual though.

Take out an inland marine insurance on your equipment through CNH Industrial 866-559-6814

 

[grsthegreat]

Take out an inland marine insurance on your equipment through CNH Industrial 866-559-6814

Inland marine is the carrier i use for commercial policy including tractor.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I have a steering ram lock that I put on my tractor when there will be no one around. Nothing is a guarantee, but you either need to lift the front wheels off the ground or cut the steering ram to bypass the lock. Also, they are not cheap and must be shipped in from the UK.

Ultimate Anti Theft Device

A low-cost solution to the on going problem of machinery theft is available in the UK

www.ramlock.co.uk

You're right about them not being cheap, but what an excellent idea.

 

[scootr]

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