secret security

mtmaloney

New member

Equipment
L3200
Nov 23, 2012
5
0
0
Clover SC
I have a L3200. It is at my farm, which is not particularly secure. I don't think it can be stolen with an implement on the back unless it can be cranked. I imagine thieves will probably have keys or key jimmies, but I wonder if it is possible to install a simple toggle in an obscure spot that faults the starting system. I did some experimentation on this. There appears to be a fault switch associated with the charging system when it has insufficient connection.
 

bosshogg

New member

Equipment
2004 L3400F w/ FEL
Aug 16, 2012
231
0
0
Hartford, SD, USA
You could hide a switch but they can still probably start it if they are knowledgable. Someone on here removed the battery, let the air out of their trailer tires, etc. and they still stole it. You could mount a game camera nearby and at least possible get some evidence who took it.
 

mtmaloney

New member

Equipment
L3200
Nov 23, 2012
5
0
0
Clover SC
Trick I am looking for is secrecy. Removing a battery or letting air of tires is obvious and easy, but a hidden kill switch requires more IQ than thieves have. Just need to know where to put it so it works without being a pain during normal op.
 

South 40

Active member

Equipment
L1500DT, 750 Ford backhoe, 49 D4 Cat Repowered with 6.9L Diesel
Nov 12, 2012
168
53
28
Bloomsdale, Mo. USA
Trick I am looking for is secrecy. Removing a battery or letting air of tires is obvious and easy, but a hidden kill switch requires more IQ than thieves have. Just need to know where to put it so it works without being a pain during normal op.
Unfortunately with it being a diesel the ignition really doesn't mean anything, all they have to do is jump the starter so it will crank and use some starting fluid to get around the glow plugs.

Even adding something to cut the fuel wouldn't stop them if they really want it, a trailer with a winch and they can have it loaded and be on the road in a matter of minutes.

Your best bet is to always park it in a place where it would be harder to get to it, and as much out of sight as possible, park another vechicle behind it while it is nosed up to a building or big tree or something.

Another thing to consider, if they really want to steal it and you have made that impossible, they could get rather upset and do alot of expensive damage.

3 months after we bought our farm we had our backhoe sitting out here and we were only gone for 48 hours but when we came back out they had busted all the windows out except the windshield, but they cracked it up pretty bad, put holes in all 4 tires, and dumped dirt in the fuel tank.

I know this isn't the kind of stuff you wanted to hear, but unfortunately that is the way things are these days.

Using a camera to help identify someone messing with it would be your best bet, yea it won't stop them but maybe you could catch them and maybe even make them pay for it.

Insurance would also be a good thing to have, but make sure you are covered if it is remote, and unattended.

Best Regards

Paul
 

Eric McCarthy

New member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota B6100E
Dec 21, 2009
5,223
7
0
43
Richmond Va
I agree with South 40, if thieves want it bad enough they will stop at nothing to take it. Thieves are smart as hell in my opinion because they can usually pull it off without getting caught.

Chains, lock, security devices are used to keep the honest people honest. That stuff means nothing when a thief wants something bad enough.
 

hodge

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
John Deere 790 John Deere 310 backhoe Bobcat 743
Nov 19, 2010
2,907
459
83
Love, VA
I agree with South 40, if thieves want it bad enough they will stop at nothing to take it. Thieves are smart as hell in my opinion because they can usually pull it off without getting caught.

Chains, lock, security devices are used to keep the honest people honest. That stuff means nothing when a thief wants something bad enough.
Thieves are smarter than given credit. Have insurance on it, and mount a camera. Or, if you have neighbors, ask if you can keep it on their place, where there are people and traffic.
 

dmanlyr

New member

Equipment
L3200, Hustler Super Z
May 30, 2012
330
1
0
Graham, WA
Good advice do far, locks and chains only do so much to keep honest people honest!

Just remmember even if they cannot start it or even if the tires are flat all the thieves have do do is back a trailer up to and winch it aboard. Takes just a few minuets in reality, if the tires are flat then that even helps as it is less likely to slide off the trailer if they do not take the time to secure it.

Then they can make there getaway at 60mph rather than 8-15 mph if they started or could drive the tractor. I would imagine that most thieves will take a tractor by the trailer method than just driving the tractor down the road..... It would be much faster!

Just have good insurance, take reasonable and prudent steps (what would be considered industry standard - not leaving the key) to secure it and then just let what may happen, happen.

Not to be a defeatest, but really if stuff can be stolen from secure military bases, what really can we do other than that as listed and go from there.

David
 
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bcbull378

Member

Equipment
GL3830,fel,brush hog,pallet forks,disc,gannon,auger,springtooth,plow,drag,ripper
Sep 6, 2011
579
32
18
Ventura Ca
When I park my equipment at the other end of the ranch I set up a game camera , its worked catching the neighbor kid stealing fuel. That was his biggest mistake his father had him work for me all summer long for $.00 he realy turned out to be a great kid that was 5 years ago now he is in the Marines.I did give him a nice Remington shot gun for his efforts, kids will be kids. Do the best you can and pray for the best.....Dan
 

Eric McCarthy

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota B6100E
Dec 21, 2009
5,223
7
0
43
Richmond Va
Only thing I can really recommend is putting Lo-jack or some other tracking device on the tractor so in the event it does get stolen at least you have half a decent chance getting it back and the crooks will be arrested.