Security & Theft 4310 Theft Prevention

mapmgr · Jun 3, 2003

Assuming it fits, other than kicking my Subaru out of the garage, how should I keep my investment safe from theft? I had planned on storing it on the semi-enclosed carport (sides enclosed, but the front is not; back is the main garage door). The car has an alarm system, but the JD won't.

Thanks in advance!

RoyJackson · Jun 3, 2003

Unless you can store it inside an outbuilding....about your only other alternative is park the machine out of sight of passersby. Maybe the back of your house or garage? You can pull the battery, but if someone really wants it, they'll tow it on a trailer.
Frankly, since your homeowner's insurance would cover a theft, I'd park it behind your house and cover it with a tarp.

JJC · Jun 3, 2003

Unplug one of the directional potentiometers, they are located under the right floorpan underneith a black cover. If you unplug one the tractor will start but won't move. This works if you have a hydro. If its a pwr reverser then pull out the ten amp fuse in the fuse panel that has to do with calibrating the transmission, it will have the same effect.

joeblack · Jun 4, 2003

When I went to test drive a 4310 at my local dealer they had one of the fuses removed and simply plugged into a blank on the fuse block. He turned the key and nothing happened...so he opened the fuse panel door, moved the fuse to the proper location, and it started right up. It was so quick it wouldn't be inconvenient to do regularly but might be enough to slow down a would be thief. I agree that if someone is determined they're going to get what they're after, but you'll slow down or frustrate the average criminal and he might move on. If available in your State you could look into a LoJack which uses a transmitter to help the local authorities locate and return the tractor once stolen, but it's a passive solution.

The tarp or getting it into the garage is the best solution...out of sight out of mind! To be honest, I would let my new truck sit outside before my tractor, but that's just me.

I bleed green. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anonymous Poster · Jun 4, 2003

I actually have looked into LoJack. My John Deere dealer might become a dealer now with the information I found.
LoJack has a construction toughened module that "retails" for $800. It is designed for off-road equipment, pressure washing, etc.
LoJack is an attractive option for people who live in an area that it covers. The dealer can get it on the machine for a reasonable price and the police can track it very quickly once you report it stolen.
I like the option for moving a fuse. This will make it so there will be a slow down from someone taking it quickly.
A tractor dealer here in town recently had a $30,000 tractor stolen off the lot in the morning before they got to the store. The thieves cut the gate posts (he has chain-link fencing with barbed wire on the top) and just drove the thing down the road (we think to a waiting trailer)--this was not a casual job. This is a place that LoJack would be worthwhile.
In short, I am thinking about lots of things as I await delivery of my 4310.

Shari
soon 4310 MFWD, eHydro, 430 FEL, LX5 Rotary cutter, 47 Backhoe, etc. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

tdenny · Jun 4, 2003

I gotta agree with joeblack. I would park my new Silverado outside before I left my tractor out. That's just me. fortunately my garage is vast and there's plenty of room for all vehicles. This will have to do until I actually build the tractors new home.

If you parked your tractor with say a big old box blade on the back and on the ground I would think it would be awfully tough to move it.

joeblack · Jun 4, 2003

How did you know I bought a new Silverado!!?? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

What did you get? I couldn't resist the lastest incentives but couldn't find the Crewcab I wanted with the 8.1 liter so I had to order one. I wasn't sold on the new front end style but with all of the new interior upgrades it was worth the change.

My thought on the tractor vs. auto being stored outside is my truck is totally weather tight while the tractor is not, so it's an easy choice for me. They both sleep indoors, however, so I sleep well too /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I know many don't think anything about storing their equipment outdoors (most dealers, in fact) but between the rust and the theft aspect, it's not for me.

I would probably invest in a LoJack for my JD but they're not available in this area yet.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 8, 2003

I'd put the JD on a trailer hooked to the Chevy out front. Leave keys in ignition with "KEYS INSIDE" written across windshield. It'd be too easy so most self respecting criminals would pass and if they didn't... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

mapmgr · Jun 8, 2003

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I especially like the fuse idea-- I have an eHydro. The dealer said the JD insurance that I have on it while it is financed will cover theft. He also said that with the diesel injection it would be harder to hot-wire. Right now it has the FEL and RC hooked up to it, so it won't fit the garage at the moment. But it is underneath the carport and is not visible from the road.

mapmgr · Jun 8, 2003

That's about as bad as what happened to an aquaintance of mine /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif! He left for a week long TDY (business trip). While away he realized he couln't find his keys. When he made it back to the airport parking lot he found his keys right where he left them-- on top of the car!