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

[BillyP]

Good insurance and take the right fuse out.

If they are serious about stealing it, they will. All you can do is slow them down and insure it.

 

[gordon]

Another option is a switch going to the fuel solinoid. That way the tractor will turn over until the battery is dead but not start. Or a battery disconnect switch. Even better both.

If a thief really wants it there is nothing you can do to stop them only slow them.

Gordon

 

[frank_f15]

not sure u can toatally protect your tractor from being stolen, the same as u can not protect your home totally. the best u can do is to make sure u are insured, and do all that u can to protect. but alas, the theives are out there! make it a difficult for them as u can, but u can not stop a determined thief.

 

[Soundguy]

This is one of those.. 'if they want it bad enough.. the'll get it.'. There was a discussion on this a while back, and it was pointed out that there isn't really anything that a set of torches, or a bolt cutter won't remove in time... that is the key.. time. Short of dismantling major components of the tractor.. it is still able to be towed off.. even if they use a forklift... etc.

Generally though.. just make it so the casual thief can't get it... ie remove battery.. or a tire.. etc.. chain it up.. etc. remove fuel.. etc.
Armed guard...

Soundguy

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Removing/replacing a "key" fuse is a good one too...

Probably will cable the implements to the tractor too...

Recommend any "top-end" security locks (besides Kryptonite) to secure the cable ends ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif


Thanks...

Dave...

 

[keeney]

Dogs are a good deterrent to theives.

Not sure it would work in your situation, but parking the tractor in a fenced area with a couple of big dogs would keep most casual and even some amatuer theives from messing with it.

- Rick

 

[normde2001]

As Roy Jackson said "I'd worry more about vandals then thieves".
I would concentrate more on keeping people away from it than keeping them from making off with it. If they can get to it, but find out they can't steal it, they will try their best to destroy it. Your insurance may pay for repairs, but, trust me, your tractor will never be the same. ( high chainlink fence, barbwire around top, heavily chained and padlocked gate), then put a tent or shack around that to hide it.

 

[Eagle1]

My theft deterrents have not lost anything in 5 years. They even deter the Alarm Co salesmen /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Now if I could just keep them in the fence.....

 

[Bob_S]

My tractor is garaged but when I leave for any length of time I sometimes think about putting up the ROPS and placing a padlock in its pin holes. Only way out then would be to knock out the front of the garage. That may get some attention from the neighbors!

 

[JDgreen227]

That is a REALLY original idea, putting the ROPS up and locking it. I keep my JD in a 110 year old barn that has a solid oak 10 inch square header over the exit door, set into 12 inch square upright posts. Would be interesting to learn which would give first, the header or the ROPS. My money would be on the header !!

 

[BillyP]

As long as you just think about it, you'll be alright. Thieves don't care what they tear up, in the process of their occupation.

 

[slowrev]

Good idea on locking up the ROPS, as long as you don't forget about it and get the neighbors attention yourself /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[slowrev]

I changed the ignition switch in my old IH to something with a unique key. The major brands of tractors seem to use the same keys. Your neighbors JD, NH, etc... key may well fit your tractor. This will not theft proof your tractor but will help with casual thievery and vandalism + unauthorized "borrowing" by relatives you don't want to loan your toy to.

 

[surfran]

Dave,

This isn't necessarily a source, but might be adaptable for use. It also wouldn't deter serious thiefs, but might keep someone from putting something in the tank.

I don't know how many companies offer these, but this picture is from Swagelok.

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Thanks surfran...

Hope I can track it down... have any other info. source for this ?
Looks like it might work !

Can't find a replacement lockable cap for the tractor.


Thanks...

Dave...

 

[RoyJackson]

"Can't find a replacement lockable cap for the tractor."

I know you won't want to do this...depends on how serious you are to prevent vandalism...

Find a hasp that you can modify (may have to do some welding to lengthen it). The modified hasp be formed to cross over the top of your fuel filler cap.

Bolt it to your tractor hood using self locking nuts on the inside. One can only loosen self locking nuts so much without needing a wrench. Well, there are ways to remove it from one side (prying up on the screw or bolt head), but that's an extremely unlikely scenerio).

Hasp goes over the cap and you use a padlock to keep it secure.

Since you've got a brand new tractor, I really doubt you want to do this...but is it so different then drilling holes to mount a tilt meter?

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...

Yeah... maybe somethin' like that... good thinkin' !

Want to prevent vandalism of stuff in the fuel... & maybe hydraulic system...

Maybe expoxy the stuff instead of bolts... ?
...maybe use a thin braided wire expoxied to the cap... then locked to someplace so it can't be fully opened... ?

I found & checked out the lockout cap from the post... they are made for valves... don't appear to be deep enough for a thick fuel cap... depth not given at web sites...
It's a good lead though !


Thanks...

Dave...

 

[surfran]

Dave,

One other source is Grainger, another may be McMaster Carr although I don't have a chance to look. Just search for valve lockout, or even round valve lockout. Here is the link.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/start.shtml

What size cap do you have on your unit? I know we have some of the Swagelok ones at work, I could possibly measure one for thickness next week if you like.

Good luck,

 

[40Kchicks]

We use hundreds of these valve lockout clamps at work. They are made for gas valve lock out tag out, like you said, not for security. I think someone could just rip one of these apart by hand or at most any screw driver would do the trick. Also they are only about an 1 ½ inch tall so they would only cover the lowest profile gas cap.

Eric

 

[Dave___in___CT]

The current plastic fuel cap is 2 7/8" diameter and 1" thick...

It's a screw on type... screws over the filler neck...
When on... there's 1/2" space between the cap's bottom on the fuel tank...
The filler neck is slightly smaller diameter than the cap (1/4" - 1/2" ?)

Just looking to prevent "mischief"...

Thanks...

Dave...