start prevent switch

masprong · Jun 28, 2000

Can anyone go into more detail about how to wire and install a starter cutoff switch to use a theft deterent?
I have a L3010 and currently remove the fuseable link whenever I have to leave the tractor unattended for longer periods of time. I 've thought about adding a switch, but don't know where to start.

DaleW · Jun 28, 2000

There a number of cutoff switches on the market for RV's. They install on the battery and use a manual disconnect to remove the battery from the starting circuit.
If you have a Campers World store near you I know they have 2 or 3. Also Northern Equipment carries them.
Dale

MChalkley · Jun 28, 2000

masprong - There are a number of ways you could go about it. I've chosen to do two things. See this link for some more details: http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=owning&Number=3472&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5.

Basically, what I'm doing is 1) putting an alarm-system type round-key switch in series with the safety switches on the PTO and Range Selector levers. When the key is off and you try to start it, it'll act just like the PTO is engaged.

And 2) I'm putting a hidden switch on the tractor which is in series with the wire going to the fuel stop solenoid. When the switch is off, the tractor will crank or "turn over" but it won't start because it's not getting any fuel.

With this combination, someone trying to steal the tractor would have to defeat the security key switch somehow (there's several ways it could be done), but then he could crank the tractor but not start it. He'd still have to hot-wire the fuel solenoid or find my hidden switch.

Mark

gordon · Jun 28, 2000

Dale- camping world are they still in business?/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
The marine / RV battery switch is a good idea but its size is hard to hide and if you used a knife switch at the battery hard to get to. Better to go along the lines of a safty switch or ignition feed to key wire of sorts.
I'm sure that camping world or any large marine store would have plenty of choices in switches and wire to make up such a device and at some pretty cheap prices.
Gordon

DaleW · Jun 29, 2000

Gordon,
As far as I know they are still in business. I regularly get their catalogs. I'll look tonight and see if they have a website.
Northern Tool at www.NorthernTool.com is another source for these type of switches.
Dale

DaleW · Jul 7, 2000

Just another thought ..... Sears now markets a battery with a remote cutoff switch. Something like a garage door opener. May be worth a look at least.
Dale

gerard · Jul 7, 2000

I like Marks idea about the fuel solenoid. If anyone did try to hotwire it they would just assume a mechanical problem, bad fuel etc, and would be more inclined to give up than if they thought there was a hidden switch they could find.

MChalkley · Jul 8, 2000

I've since found out that some Kubota's use 12v to stop the tractor, others use 12v to keep it running. You have to know how yours works, of course, before you tackle the wiring of the switch. The newer model L-series use 12v applied for 10 seconds via a time delay relay when the key is turned off to stop the tractor. A really cool approach to preventing the tractor from starting with this setup is to run a wire from the starter solenoid through a hidden switch to the fuel stop solenoid. Then, when the switch is on, if somebody tries to start the tractor, even by hot-wiring the tractor without a key, it won't start because it can't get any fuel. If you really want to be diabolical, run the same hot wire to a back-up alarm or other type of siren or horn and you've got a built-in burglar alarm, too. Just be aware that if you forget to turn the switch off before you try to start it, you'll need new underwear. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Mark