Security & Theft TC34DA kill switch for anti-theft

[amarlow]

We have our first tractor, a 2006 TC34DA. It will be stored on our recently purchased, rather isolated 11 acres, under a cloth covered "garage in a box." I understand that I cannot prevent its theft, but I'd like to at least put a few stumbling blocks in the way.

I bought a marine grade (waterproof) battery switch with removable key that I want to "hide" somewhere. It can handle 300+ amps continuous current, so I am planning to mount it right next to the battery, in front of the radiator, with the key hole facing down. (I would have to reach up underneath the front end to insert the key.) It would interrupt the positive battery lead when switched off.

So my questions:
-- Is there any reason why I would NOT want to open circuit the positive battery cable for 99% of my tractor's life?
-- Is there a better place to install this switch, ie. different line in the tractor's wiring, that would prevent starting?
-- Anything else, anti-theft-wise, I should be thinking of regarding storage of the tractor?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

~Allen

 

[brin]

I also have to leave my tractor unattended on my farm overnight from time to time and I worry more about vandelisim...like someone dumping sugar or dirt in the gas tank or pulling all the wiring out...So I bought a good insurance policy with a guaranteed replacement value. Too bad we have to worry about this kind of thing.

 

[RickB]

Better & safer to isolate the ground path rather than the positive lead. If it were me, I'd mount the switch higher to keep it away from battery leakage & oil cooler drips, both of which probably will happen over time. I'd rather open the hood than fumble around under the battery support to find a vertical opening that I can't see to stuff a key into.

 

[amarlow]

@Rick

This is exactly what I was asking: Why is it "better and safer" to open the ground lead? I can't come up with a good reason. The electrons certainly don't care. I'm just wondering whether there is any damage I could do by opening and closing the "hot" side of all the electrical gizmos hooked to the battery.

re. the mounting location: I understand and have thought about the accessibility question. I have already drilled the 3/4 inch hole in the 1/8 inch plate, and test fit the switch. It's actually surprisingly easy to get to.

~Allen

 

[Soundguy]

In the end, a jumper cable will defeat that... I think I'd go with a good insurance policy. if someone want's yor stuff.. they will get your stuff. Once started with the jump cable bypass.. they could use a 6" piece of wire to jump the cutout enough to let the 'elecricals' run.

soundguy

 

[dqdave1]

remove the battery; pull main harness fuse as unless you klnow where it is, and in a hurry, will slow them down and pay premium on insurance.

 

[Raspy]

You could also put a small hidden switch in the safety circuit and/or pull the fuse in that circuit, if you want them to not be able to start it. On my TC29DA it's not very easy to bypass the safety circuit to make the tractor start and run. Much more to it than simply jumping the starter. You have to jump the fuel solenoid and the starter which requires removing a cover on the starter to get to the terminals. It takes time and thought. On mine it's the top fuse (10 amp) in the little fuse box on the firewall in the engine compartment.

Also, the NH keys are a joke. Apparantly any NH key will start any NH tractor. So get a better ignition switch. When I had my tractor at the dealer and went to pick it up they told me to pick any key off the board. When I ordered a new key at another dealer, they just sold me an off the shelf key, no cutting, no lock.

It really sucks having to worry about this kind of thing.

 

[Soundguy]

it's common for manufacturers to make keyed alike ignitions. just about every equipment manufacturer I know does it.

soundguy

 

[barbqranch]

Even the car companies had a limited number of keys, even after WWII.

 

[Soundguy]

not even limited.. but the same. the key for my 1975 ford 5000 fits my 02 NH 7610s

soundguy