Security & Theft best way to electrically prevent theft?

[bx24]

I am looking for opinions on how best to disable a tractor to prevent (or at least slow down) theft. Since it seems as though all Kubota keys are alike (at least for the small tractors), what is a good way to interrupt the electrical system to prevent a little diesel tractor from starting?

 

[TalonDancer]

...what is a good way to interrupt the electrical system to prevent a little diesel tractor from starting?

Remove the battery and hope the thief is too lazy to bring his own

Talon Dancer

 

[ndnparts]

I would probably put a hidden toggle switch in that cuts power to the fuel solenoid. This would allow the tractor to turn over, but not fire or run. I think they would be perplexed a bit and get frustrated quickly and leave. Otherwise, just park in a shop or garage to reduce the risk. Stan

I am looking for opinions on how best to disable a tractor to prevent (or at least slow down) theft. Since it seems as though all Kubota keys are alike (at least for the small tractors), what is a good way to interrupt the electrical system to prevent a little diesel tractor from starting?

 

[watchdawg]

I am looking for opinions on how best to disable a tractor to prevent (or at least slow down) theft. Since it seems as though all Kubota keys are alike (at least for the small tractors), what is a good way to interrupt the electrical system to prevent a little diesel tractor from starting?

The dealership suggested that I pull the main fuse(50A) under the hood. I think a keyed battery cutoff would be the way to go if you need to do it often.

 

[john_bud]

Can you just unhook the safety switch on the seat? I think pulling the wire will keep the engine from cranking. It's not an obvious thing. Faulty switches have caused many a machine to visit the dealer.

Also, leaving the PTO lever in the engaged position will bring that safety switch into play.

on edit - Just thought that if you can rig a pad lock so it sits under the HST peddle and is large enough to raise the peddle up a bit. That will trigger the HST interlock. That should also keep it from cranking. Additionally, getting a quick disconnect steering wheel tends to confuse the inept crook. You have to take the wheel with you ...

If you have been broken into in the past, have you thought about getting an IR game camera? No flash, no sound, high quality 4mb pictures. You can make a disguise box and have it aimed to where a person on the tractor would be photo'ed. The cost is down around 200 bucks now.

Must sux being in a place where you are in fear of theft. Around here, the neighbors know what cars are supposed to be where at what time. At first it was disconcerting to have someone ask who was at your place with the red truck. Around here, it's not the mountain lions or even the wimpy barkless dogs you have to worry about....

jb

 

[bx24]

John, I like the padlock on the HST as well as the PTO. Both would be quick and would do (slow down the pros and stop the morons) what I would like to do.

Ironically, the first time they broke in the tractor was brand new. They got in the garage through a window (the guy who owned the house before was a window salesman and there were 9 windows in the garage). Since then all have been removed ...

Anyways, I walk in through the door and saw 10 60lb bags of concrete piled up on my new baby! They were on the floor, but they had moved them and a boat load of other stuff to clear a path around the tractor so they could get the ATVs out. They must have spent at least 20 minutes doing all this only to go to unlatch the garage and they got stopped by a simple master lock that could have been cut with a $6 pair of bolt cutters from HF (or pulled the bolts with a pair of pliers). The second time they broke in they left the toys alone and took a bunch of tools that I was lazy and did not carry them with me (the house is under construction). I am not sure if it was the same guys, but now that they know exactly what is in there, it would not be a big deal for them to come better prepared next time.

 

[mswlogo]

Hmmm, sounds like you may not want to put the tractor in arms way. They want those ATVs and they will do what is needec to get them.

I wonder if you could install lojack on an atv.

 

[ToadHill]

I'd put a game cam in a corner and get shots of whoever it is that comes to pick over your stuff. It may not stop them but at least you'd have evidence to take to the police.

 

[bx24]

The one other thing I have going for me is that the way the ATVs are parked (tight up against the wall), with all of the other stuff in front of them, it takes me 15 minutes USING the tractor to move a tandem axle trailer etc that is blocking their exit.

The security routine is a pain in the a-- but you get used to it.

 

[Harvest Moon]

I bet the average locksmith could customize the ignition switch and key or you could find a compatible alternative ignition switch to install. Won't stop a professional but will addresses the one key fits all issue.

 

[rtdiggr]

times 2

Shane

 

[sunnyside360]

I've used a heavy cable and lock to secure my ATV's in a remote barn. The cable/lock is like the one's Tractor Supply uses to lash down their lawn tractors and equipment. Granted, if the thieves have the right tools they can cut the cable but it would sure help to deter and not be all that expensive.

 

[Luremaker]

You could rig a pressure switch under the floor mat or seat which would trigger a very loud horn or alarm. Sure scare the daylights out of the the crooks.

 

[bx24]

I have considered a motion sensor dog bark!

 

[beersngars]

I have a main fuse that is modified not to work. Just have to switch the good fuse for the dummy. Again a pain, but hopefuly my tractor will be where I left it. I also like the trail camera idea.

 

[MrJimi]

Professional alarm with battery back-up with the loudest 2 sirens you can get and flashing lights
Jim