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