Security & Theft Preventing Theft... Ideas Wanted...

Dave___in___CT · Dec 31, 2003

Hi...

What ways do you folks help protect your tractor and implements from being stolen... ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Especially... if there is no secure building to put 'em in... and you are not near (miles away) where the equipment is...

Thanks...

Dave...

RoyJackson · Dec 31, 2003

First, make sure you're insured against theft and vandalism (I'd worry more about vandals then thieves).

Make sure your machine is not obvious from the road or people passing by.
If you know the neighbors of the property you're keeping the tractor at...can you store it on their property? If not, can they keep an eye on it? Might be worthwhile to let the local law enforcement folks know you're storing your tractor there.

Pull the battery and put a chain (or bicyclist's type cable) through the steering wheel to a fixed part of the tractor. If you can get a locking fuel cap, do that.

None of this will prevent someone who really wants your tractor from taking it. None of this will prevent some lowlife from slashing your tires or other mischief. It might protect it from those "casual" thieves or vandals who don't want to work too hard at their crimes.

As far as the implements..same as for your tractor. Chain them together. That won't stop someone with a bolt cutter, but it might slow them down a bit.

I did have my 670 parked at a house I was selling (my previous abode) about 10 miles from my current residence. Fortunately, one of my former neighbors allowed me to park it in their fenced yard. I wasn't worried about theft, but was concerned one of the neighborhood kids would climb all over it...maybe hurt themselves.

ronjhall · Dec 31, 2003

I have my tractor locked up in a barn. So I can’t help much. But here is a thread that will lead to another thread on this subject.
Click Here

JDgreen227 · Dec 31, 2003

Fortunately for me, I have never had to worry about this as my tractors and other vehicles are stored in secured garages.
It goes without saying that the first line of defense it to have theft and vandalism coverage on your tractor, however, the fine print on most homeowners insurance policies limits your coverage to YOUR RESIDENCE PREMISES. If you are storing your tractor away from your home, check to be sure your equipment is covered.

As we all know ignition keys are very generic and while it will
be a pain to pull the battery in many tractors, doing so will certainly prevent theft of that item as well as reducing the odds of someone starting the tractor. On some models you can limit access to the engine and battery by wrapping a heavy cable around the underside and hood, but on my JD the front grille folds down to permit the battery to be stolen.

If I were really worried about theft I would remove the battery and then block up the front axle and remove one front wheel and take it with me. It would not deter someone who was a real professional but anything that slows down a crook will reduce the odds.

Lazy · Dec 31, 2003

Hi

Removing the distributor cap might help.

Charlie

RoyJackson · Dec 31, 2003

"Removing the distributor cap might help. "

True, if the tractor has a gasoline engine. Diesel engines don't have distributors.

However, that comment does bring up a thought. Someone seriously determined to steal a tractor would, most likely, trailer it out. It would be somewhat conspicuous seeing someone drive a tractor down the road. So, figure a way to make it tough to load the machine on a trailer. One end against a tree...block the other end in some way.

Another post mentioned pulling a wheel (front one would be the easiest). Well, that sure would prevent the tractor from moving under it's own power.

herbenus · Dec 31, 2003

You may not like this suggestion. But I think one of the best you can do is make it invisible. Spend a couple of weekends and build a small polebarn. It doesn't have to be much. In fact, maybe the more dilapidated it looks, the less likely some A%#%hole will break into it. Then add one or more of the many suggestions you will get on this thread.

I remember a guy in high school add a switch plate under his dash. I think the ignition wires, or maybe fuel pump was wired through it. The plate had 5 switches on it that had to be switched in a certain order for contact.

Another idea might be to remove some fuses, or better yet, replace some fuses with burned out ones.

Solar powered alarm to alert neighbors?

Pet rattlesnakes?

Buy a trailer and bring it home with you?

Whatever you choose, good luck.

RonC · Dec 31, 2003

Coming from retired police chief, a thief has as many ways to steal your items as you have of preventing them from being stolen. You can never stop a thief if he or she wants something. All you can do is provide a deterant. If it is trailerable make it as hard to move as possible. If it can be carried make it as difficult to carry as possible. Make a thief work to steal your items. Put yourself in a thiefs position, ask yourself how would I steal this item and what deterrant could prevent it. A good insurance policy helps. Hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

BillG_in_TX · Dec 31, 2003

We keep our tractor and implements at my inlaws' house, which is about 5 miles from our property. We trailer it up to the ridge when we want to use it up there. Maybe a neighbor will let you keep your tractor at his place?

Dave___in___CT · Dec 31, 2003

Thanks for all the great useful advice... !

I do have physical loss/damage insurance on the tractor & implements...

...and they will be under cover of a soft sided structure...

I'll use the "disconnect a safety switch" idea...
...and a locked steel cable... maybe around the axle and connected to a buried concrete pier as my son suggested...

Also, ask the neighbor to keep an eye out... and maybe the police...

Removing a wheel or battery is too much work for me... ...maybe a battery disconnect or removing the battery ground (1 bolt) is a good idea so no one turns on the work lights...

Anyone have a source for a lockable gas cap ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
This is an excellent idea...

It's a screw on plastic one now... Kubota dosen't list one as an option...

Thanks...

Dave...

JerryG · Dec 31, 2003

Pull the ignition fuse and put in a blown one.

Bob_Skurka · Dec 31, 2003

Have you considered putting a Camoflague Tarp over the soft sided structure to conceal it from some of the casual viewers? This might help a lot if the structure is in/near a tree line. If they don't see the tractor/structure they are not likely to steal anything.

As far as a locking gas cap, try auto parts stores, or some of the discount auto parts cataloge companies.

aloha · Dec 31, 2003

My tractor won't be delivered for a couple more weeks, so these comments are theory, not practice, but I, too, am concerned and want to make a thief work for his loot.

Take a look at Kryptonite locks and accessories. A check of the Kryptonite web site shows lots of products that, while not specifically designed for tractors, may be of some benefit:

Kryptonite Locks

Check out the "Super StrongHold" for a buried attachment point to be used with a cable, but folds flat so you won't trip over it. I'm thinking that some of the U locks, such as the "New York 3000 MC" or "Adjustable Padlock" might be useable to restrain movement of hydraulic rams or to attach the backhoe to a stabilizer making movement awkward at best. A thief with a cutting torch can get through them, but you will slow him down.

If there is anyone nearby, consider attaching a battery operated door knob alarm. They probably will not do much good, but they don't cost much and if it starts making noise it might make a thief look for something easier.

normde2001 · Dec 31, 2003

Not sure what your soft sided structure is , but if it's one of those storage tents, you might consider erecting it over a lockable chainlink fence enclosure. They are pretty cheap. Of course, the only sure thing is a 24hr. armed guard.

Junkman · Dec 31, 2003

Have you considered the Denver boot? It will stop most casual thieves, but more determined ones, might trash your tractor and set it on fire. Don't leave any filled gas cans near the tractor... Denver boot web page

Egon · Dec 31, 2003

Only one sure way. Set Arrnie out at the site with a lawn chair.

Egon

RalphVa · Dec 31, 2003

I like trip wires rigged to hair trigger 12 gauge, sawed-off shot guns rigged at about groin height.

Just be sure YOU know where the trip wires are.

Ralph

OhioTC18 · Dec 31, 2003

And that would be illegal in most states

RoyJackson · Dec 31, 2003

And leave one very liable in a law suit!

That happened to a farmer in the Mid West many years ago. He rigged a 12 gauge booby trap. The guy (who had a lengthy criminal record) who was shot sued him and won a healthy settlement. Sure sounds tempting, but not a good idea...

Junkman · Dec 31, 2003

Do you really believe that the Ralph, the naked gardener actually meant that in all seriousness???? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

On the serious side..... using a letter & number punch, mark the tractor in a place that only you know about with information that will have some meaning to only you. That way, if it is stolen, and the paper serial plate is pealed off, you can prove that it is your tractor if it is found. I don't believe that the tractor manufacturers mark the frames in any permanent way for identification. Do this on all of your equipment that uses removable serial plates. I know of a car that was stolen and the serial number plate was replaced with another. The owner was able to identify the car because of a "defect" when it was manufactured. It had different trim nameplates on each side. When he saw his car in a parking lot, he was able to prove it was his by this. Further investigation revealed the changed serial plate and he got his car back.