Anti-theft or security

yellowdogsvc · Jul 16, 2007

How do you all secure your toolcat from theft if you don't have the password protected display? Do you think a "boot" would be a good way to deter theft?

odleefs · Jul 17, 2007

Yellowdogsvc,
Yes, a boot would work well in slowing the bastards down. I use an old fashioned CLUB when my toolcat is left home alone (and leave it in my ADP protected garage!) I feel that these measures only prevent "honest theives" (read also as lazy or unmotivated) from stealing items and that a determined thief can overcome almost any device that secures something.
Steve

yellowdogsvc · Jul 18, 2007

odleefs said:
Yellowdogsvc,
Yes, a boot would work well in slowing the bastards down. I use an old fashioned CLUB when my toolcat is left home alone (and leave it in my ADP protected garage!) I feel that these measures only prevent "honest theives" (read also as lazy or unmotivated) from stealing items and that a determined thief can overcome almost any device that secures something.
Steve

Hi Steve, I lost faith in the club after seeing how easy it is to defeat by cutting the steering wheel. the boot is quite hefty and supposedly won't cut easily with a torch. It also has a lug plate to prevent taking the lugnuts and tire off. I have also seen tracking software that, when activated with a gps, will show where the machine is but I live fairly close to Mexico so by the time I woke up, it would be working in the bean fields.

odleefs · Jul 19, 2007

Hey,
I agree,the club is a joke but it prevents joyriding kids from having too much fun. I do feel that the boot would be a serious obstacle to overcome...hopefully anyone considering would pass you by for easier prey. The GPS is the cats-meow!
Steve

bevery · Jul 19, 2007

You could always chain it to a post, tree or other equipment using a heavy chain and paddle lock. Possibly weld up some mechanism that could use a reciever hitch lock that would fasten it around a post or tree. -Brandon

yellowdogsvc · Jul 19, 2007

bevery said:
You could always chain it to a post, tree or other equipment using a heavy chain and paddle lock. Possibly weld up some mechanism that could use a reciever hitch lock that would fasten it around a post or tree. -Brandon

I wonder what grade chain I would need to keep the bolt cutters from working effectively. I bought a set of 3ft bolt cutters and cut some serious binding chain. Took some muscle but it wasn't that bad. I would need a cut proof lock with protected shackle but I honestly didn't think of chaining. That makes sense if I find the right chain or cable. Cables are very hard to cut.

bevery · Jul 20, 2007

A reciever hitch lock is 5/8" diameter and nearly impossible to cut with a bolt cutters, hacksaw or sawsall. Wrap your chain or cable around something solid sliding both ends of the chain or cable inside the 2" reciever hitch and running the 5/8" locking pin through the end loops of the cable. Just keep in mind, if they want it bad enough they will get it at any cost. Also toolcats are increadibly tough to pull with out the hydros running. You could always put a hidden deadman switch on the ignition wires underneath the tilit bed. ---Brandon

yellowdogsvc · Jul 20, 2007

bevery said:
A reciever hitch lock is 5/8" diameter and nearly impossible to cut with a bolt cutters, hacksaw or sawsall. Wrap your chain or cable around something solid sliding both ends of the chain or cable inside the 2" reciever hitch and running the 5/8" locking pin through the end loops of the cable. Just keep in mind, if they want it bad enough they will get it at any cost. Also toolcats are increadibly tough to pull with out the hydros running. You could always put a hidden deadman switch on the ignition wires underneath the tilit bed. ---Brandon

I like the idea of the deadman. Would have to configure it so that I could get to it when there is no power to the bed. I had a bobcat with a power kill and it worked great. The receiver hitch lock is a good idea also..