Security & Theft Chain or Wire Rope for Security ?

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...


What do you recommend for security purposes to help prevent theft... for a tractor... loader... backhoe... and a few implements...

chain ?
wire rope ? (steel cable)
type? size ? grade ?
type of locks ?
techniques?
cost?

Thanks...


Dave...

 

[tawilson]

Someone here recently suggested going to combination padlocks and I think that's a wonderful idea. I gots way too many keys. They're more expensive, but I'm going to start picking some up and swapping them out.

 

[Glenn9643]

I feel that the best deterrent would be to keep it locked in an enclosed area and out of sight when not being used but that's not always practical or possible. We lock our JD 455 mower with a cable sling around one of the 6x6 posts and a long shank padlock under the shed where it is stored. This isn't much security really, but makes it a little more difficult. Never leaving keys readily available will also help. The tractor is just stored under a shed where it's not visible from the road. Most security measures will just buy a little time. If a thief has his mind set on it he can eventually get it. If it's not visible maybe it won't become a temptation... I keep my boxblade, dirt scoop, and forks/bucket in a small clearing in a pine thicket where they aren't visible to passersby.

 

[JDgreen227]

How much do you want to spend.....?? A good chain for security purposes is System 7 transport chain, hardened and the 3/8" size costs about $95 for 20 feet. Wire rope is much less expensive but is easily cut with tools. Most crooks will attack the lock first so purchasing a quality lock is a smart step for security.
Get a high quality case hardened lock, both Kryptonite and Master Lock make good ones. Whatever lock you buy, try to position that lock so it's difficult to attack with any type of cutting or prying tool. Don't put it someplace near the ground or by a flat metal surface where leverage for a pair of bolt cutters is easy, and if it's near a flat metal surface that also provides a place to swing a sledge hammer at it. A good lock will cost at least $35 to $40. The shielded shackle type are the most resistant to forcing open.

If you are seriously concerned about security, don't try to cut corners...I found that out the hard way myself once at work.

 

[mahlers]

Another thing to consider are the wheel clamps that they use to immobilize parking violators. I've seen them for sale for tractors - but I can't remember where. It might have been at Northern Tool.

Here's a link to one example: Vehicle Immobilizer

In my neck of the woods, we have a 'neighborhood watch' of sorts. A thief would be suicidal to go onto anyone's property around here - everyone knows everyone, and strangers can definitely feel the watchful eyes. Hearing 'Dueling Banjos' echoing through the woods seems to help add to the effect.

 

[OhioTC18]

Here's one type at Northern Tool

Wheel immoblizer

 

[snowbound]

Mine's in a shed. I suppose you don't have the shed.

What I have seen done when a shed isn't available is locking up the batteries for the tractors in a box and putting a lock on the remaining terminals.

I don't know how sensible that was but the guy's tractors were never stolen.

The approach my family has traditionally used was to have the cheapest oldest most worked out tractors in the valley. That might not work any more given all the "vintage tractor" collectors. But we've never had a tractor stolen yet. Never had any draft animals stolen back in those days either.

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Thanks for the tips & ideas...

I already posted about overall security... and got good info. like here...

At this point... I'm mostly concerned about the topics I mentioned... chain... cable.. locks...


Thanks...

 

[JDgreen227]

I tried to answer your post, is there anything else I can clarify for you? Feel free to inquire.

Bill

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Thanks for your help... especially on the locks... !


"A good chain for security purposes is System 7 transport chain, hardened and the 3/8" size costs about $95 for 20 feet."

If I only needed 20'... maybe...
I have to figure out exactly how feet I'll need... to secure the tractor... and 3-4 detached implements... and a trailer... a lot more than 20'...

Seems I'll go with steel cable... more cost effective... just need to determine a good thickness... not too heavy or stiff...

Thanks...


Dave...