Security & Theft Master keys

[MHarryE]

It’s been mentioned Cat keys are common. Reason - own a large construction company, driver takes off with key, job site disabled. More equipment is getting electronic code enabling option. So common key has been industry practice due to customer demand. Many use the “master key” as a kind of “I’ve got the power” statement. I have probably a dozen Cat keys at home because when I’ve had to leave from home to go to wherever in the world to check a customer’s machine, it’s often lucky to find the machine where the crew claimed it was left so having a key to be able to run it is required. So if theft is a concern add your own protection.

 

[Diggin It]

Another thread the victim of drift.

OP was talking about our personal machines, not major jobsites or farms with fleets of machines and staff.

I would prefer a unique key on mine, but not sure it's possible.

 

[Industrial Toys]

If the keyway can be removed, then a locksmith should be able to alter it. He might not be able to get the proper blank for the key, but may be able to alter an existing key. It would be an interesting project.

 

[Chewwy]

Not that long ago, maybe 20 years or so, that keys for farm tractors and even some industrials were not really needed. It was pretty easy to hot wire gas engines, open mechanical fuel shutoff for diesels, jumper the starter, and away you go.

 

[MossRoad]

Kubota came to pick up my tractor yesterday to add third function hydraulics. I had it ready for them when they arrived, including my spare key in the ignition switch. Well, the driver came over, I pointed to the tractor, he jumped into the cab and grabbed my spare key. He gave it back to me and then showed me all of his master keys for tractors. He said I don't need your key and besides, it could get lost over there. Do all company's have master keys for their tractors? If so, are all of these master keys secure all of the time?

Do tractors ever get stolen?

I stood there somewhat stunned as he went back, cranked it up and put it on the trailer with his master key and then left with my new tractor.

Since the topic is "Security and Theft", should I get a locksmith out here to change the locks?

What would you do?

You should do nothing. If someone really wants your tractor, they'll show up with a roll-back truck, drag it on with the winch (and dollies if necessary), and be gone in minutes.

 

[Smokeydog]

Recently while using the M59 the seat operator presents switch broke from the plastic holder from underneath the seat. The tractor would run but die if trying to use the HST pedal to move. I have a love/hate relationship with this switch. Does offer some safety of being in the seat while operating. Some frustration if I stand to better see hazards while bush hogging or using grapple or pallet forks placement. Or over bumpy ground it thinks I’m not there. Cut the OEM switch off and wired in a small water resistant rubber encased push button switch. The wiring allows it to be out of sight when the seat is tilted forward. Now a security switch. One of two hidden thief deterrent switches now on that tractor. Don’t think thieves are going to spend much time trying to search for what’s wrong.

Another poster awhile back installed a monetary switch and a relay which would bypass the seat safety switch to allow standing. Then reset when switched off. Very clever. A feature that should come that way.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Stupid little things can make a big difference. To avoid being a target, you need to make things as difficult to steal as possible.

How about a hidden switch that disconnects your starter but sounds the horn. Stuff like that rattles thieves.

 

[MossRoad]

On my gas IH2500b that I use to leave at our remote property, I used to pull my rotor from under the distributor every evening.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Did you ever leave it in another pair of pants, the next morning?

 

[grsthegreat]

I think puting in a hidden kill switch that interrupts power is a good idea for remotely stored equipment, but mine is in plain site and now that im retired, the property is hardly ever clear of people. I i had this tractor on remote property.....id have disabled equipment before leaving. I worked for an electrical contractor that had his dump truck, flatbed trailer and backhoe stollen while driver stopped to take a pee at rest station. Operator had his keys on him when police arrived. Theres no stopping a determined thief.

 

[JethroB]

On my gas IH2500b that I use to leave at our remote property, I used to pull my rotor from under the distributor every evening.

I used to pull the rotor on my Willys jeep too. It did not have a keyed switch only an On switch on the dash and a floor starter button. There was an contortionist art to starting it though which deterred most. They would likely drain the 6 volt battery first.

 

[Industrial Toys]

When my parents were in the midst of their seperation/divorce, I remember my Dad once removed the rotor of her VW BUG! Take that you #$%#$ Funny, I only remembered that now.

I guess in the "old" days. If a woman wanted to leave you, what could you do? Take her Rotor! What woman carries a SPARE rotor?

 

[Fallon]

I think puting in a hidden kill switch that interrupts power is a good idea for remotely stored equipment, but mine is in plain site and now that im retired, the property is hardly ever clear of people. I i had this tractor on remote property.....id have disabled equipment before leaving. I worked for an electrical contractor that had his dump truck, flatbed trailer and backhoe stollen while driver stopped to take a pee at rest station. Operator had his keys on him when police arrived. Theres no stopping a determined thief.

Ya, that's on of the better reasons for insurance. Cameras & DVRs may let you know when it was stolen or possibly by who. But they dont necessarily help you get your stuff back. Thieves can bypass locks with a grinder. Security switches can slow them down. But if they really want something in the size most of us here on TBN have a wrecker or trailer can winch it onto a truck or trailer pretty quick. Making it harder to steal may make them move on to an easier target, or maybe not.

 

[k0ua]

You should do nothing. If someone really wants your tractor, they'll show up with a roll-back truck, drag it on with the winch (and dollies if necessary), and be gone in minutes.

Exactly. If you are concerned about theft, you should take other measures. (locked barn etc.) Changing out the key to something unique ain't gonna fix it anyway. All tractor brands use the same brand specific key. Sometimes there are changes in the model lines or after a few decades. But be assured that my Kioti and the neighbors Kioti are the same. And someones in the next state are the same too.

If you do make a locksmith change your tractor to a unique key, then it will just be a PITA for the mechanics to keep up with your key. They are not used to doing that.

 

[k0ua]

On a tractor the easiest way to disable it is to have a hidden switch to the fuel shut off solenoid. No fuel, no run. But the tractor can still be stolen as Moss points out by putting it in Neutral, and use the winch on a rollback. Easy peasy. Even an old trailer and a come-a-long would do the job.

 

[LouNY]

Are those keys removable :tractor:

 

[JWR]

I used to pull the rotor on my Willys jeep too. It did not have a keyed switch only an On switch on the dash and a floor starter button. There was an contortionist art to starting it though which deterred most. They would likely drain the 6 volt battery first.

Alright, since this thread is wandering anyway I will add my wandering: First, many of you recall the Sound of Music and the laughs and cheers going up when the Nun's revealed they had removed the ignition cap and a few wires from the **** chase car allowing the Van Trapp's to get away. Second, I believe most, if not all, tractor brands have "one key fits all" as several guys have said. All keys are master keys. I found out during aggravating with Kubota when I had to pay $12 for 2 replacement keys at a dealer. My Massey Ferg is the same way -- one key fits all. By now people should realize the purpose of the key is not primarily theft prevention but other things like preventing small children from starting the tractor, etc.

 

[MagicMM]

I got 6 spare keys for my "new to me" Kubota M4900 from eBay. 10 bucks with free shipping.

 

[Alan W.]

Before the 08 crash there was a company that advertised in Rock & Dirt. They sold replacement key switches and door locks for equipment so you could have a non standard key. Dont know if they are still in business.

 

[dragoneggs]

I heard early in my ownership that the keys were all the same for most Kubota tractors.

I have two keys for my BX. One stays in the kitchen 'key and everything else small' drawer. The other stays in my ignition at all times. Not even sure I have ever removed it. Maybe not smart but I have only old trustworthy neighbors and zero kids around. When the grandkids get to walking age or start showing some curiosity, I suppose I will have to remove the key until they are 'checked out' on it.