Another layer of theft deterrence

[Pony Doc]

Disclaimer: I've been a member for awhile but haven't posted enough to not be a "new member". I have no connection of any type to the product or company I'll be discussing and bought it with no strings attached at full price.

I've wanted to add an electrical circuit interruption option to my machines for theft deterrence for some time but I'm not very sophisticated regarding electrical systems and particularly did not want to cut into the skid steer electrical system. I was frankly looking for plug & play. I came across the EZ-Lock starter lock system, https://inotheft.com, recently. Its a relatively inexpensive starter relay replacement that requires a RF signal from a fob or pin pad for the starter circuit to be energized. They also have the same device in a hardwire variant and have recently added separate GPS tracking devices. This is a small private company & when I had some installation questions I ended up speaking directly to Mark, the owner. He was patient with my lack of electrical system sophistication and helped me resolve the issues. He actually called me back after he shipped me the device to see if I had questions and if the device had met my expectations.

Is it fool proof? No, of course not, if you know its there & have the tools & know how it can be defeated but it would take some time, again its an additional layer of theft deterrence.

 

[cthomas]

Or for free you could just remove the starter relay.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

YIKES $300 and I can do the same thing for $12 CDN.....

 

[Pawnee]

I think it's a cool idea. Way more convenient than removing the relay.
I have an "extra requirement" wired into my tractor to make key starts impossible but i have to enable/disable it manually, the fob idea eliminates that, the extra security is automatic.

Jay, how could you do a fob activated relay for $12?

 

[The Evil Twin]

For a plug n play solution, I like it! One thing to consider- is there a constant battery drain?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

You can get them from Banggood or Temu, about $12 CDN. They're a one channel RF relay unit.

One place/ one version...

was discontinued - Temu Canada

wireless for 1 set 4v 12v switch on Temu. & Home Improvement.

www.temu.com

Have a 4 chnl version on my BX23s, controls nonROPS forward LEDS and the GDO.

 

[GrizBota]

I think it's a cool idea. Way more convenient than removing the relay.
I have an "extra requirement" wired into my tractor to make key starts impossible but i have to enable/disable it manually, the fob idea eliminates that, the extra security is automatic.

Jay, how could you do a fob activated relay for $12?

Back in the day, a hidden on/off switch to interrupt either the hot side of the coil (old school, gas engine) or hot side of the starter solenoid would get it done. I suppose the same would work on a tractor with the starter or the fuel shut off. Or pick a safety switch to do the same thing to.

The fob thing is neat, but it’s one more thing to not work someday.

 

[Thunder Fish]

Mine came from the factory with a very good one installed for today's society,it's called a clutch.

 

[BAP]

Pony Doc, nice write up and it’s good to learn about different products out there on the market. Ignore the critics and those who immediately have to tell you that they can do it better and cheaper and keep posting about the things that you do to improve your tractor. That’s how everyone learns more.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

My Willys had that , 6 gear shift levers and an under the dash pull out parking brake

 

[mikester]

I'd say move to Canada so you can just leave the machine outside with the keys in it all the time. On the minus side it's illegal to go hunting with your full auto AR15 with 50 shot magazine and to open carry at wallymart.

 

[Thunder Fish]

I'd say move to Canada so you can just leave the machine outside with the keys in it all the time. On the minus side it's illegal to go hunting with your full auto AR15 with 50 shot magazine and to open carry at wallymart.

Yes I do but with a 16 speed manual transmission,no lock on the tractor shed

 

[GreensvilleJay]

It's only illegal IF you get caught AND charged....

As for my previous comment, I offered an option to that device. while it may work as advertised, some can't afford a Bentley, but can buy a Beetle.

It's always important to have options.

 

[Pawnee]

You can get them from Banggood or Temu, about $12 CDN. They're a one channel RF relay unit.

One place/ one version...

was discontinued - Temu Canada

wireless for 1 set 4v 12v switch on Temu. & Home Improvement.

www.temu.com

Have a 4 chnl version on my BX23s, controls nonROPS forward LEDS and the GDO.

Wow, i did not know that was available.
Gotta have one.
Idle current is <10mA

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Well whatever you can think of in electronics has already been made or can be !
I don't know hwy the Idle current is so high though. The one I designed and built draws 1/10th of 1ma ( aka 100ua )
What I found crazy is a 'wireless trailer brake controller' that needs an 'ap' run on your smart phone. Something the hackers will love... lockup YOUR brakes while cruising down the highway.......

 

[GeoHorn]

Jumper wires or cable can by-pass (directly to the starter) any starter-relay protection in only a moment.

 

[6869704x4]

Starters are really easy to jump on most/some of these tractors. Something to cut the fuel is an option

Edit; Geohorn beat me to it

 

[GreensvilleJay]

It's always better to open the fuel pump feed than the starter relay. That way engine turns over but engine cannot start. A 'clean' install will be invisible 99.44% of the time.

it's also how EASY it is to STOP thieves from driving away ANY fuel injected vehicle. Car starts, gets maybe 1-2 blocks then dies, can't be restarted,thieves leave ,car stays.....

 

[fried1765]

It's always better to open the fuel pump feed than the starter relay. That way engine turns over but engine cannot start. A 'clean' install will be invisible 99.44% of the time.

it's also how EASY it is to STOP thieves from driving away ANY fuel injected vehicle. Car starts, gets maybe 1-2 blocks then dies, can't be restarted,thieves leave ,car stays.....

For a tractor........a thief only needs to travel maybe 50 yards, to be loaded on the thief's trailer.

 

[fj40dave]

Farmer buddy of mine told me to just engage the PTO lever (after you've turned it off and parked).