Security & Theft Chain or Wire Rope for Security ?

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...


What do you recommend for security purposes to help prevent theft... for a tractor... loader... backhoe... and a few implements...

chain ?
wire rope ? (steel cable)
type? size ? grade ?
type of locks ?
techniques?
cost?

Thanks...


Dave...

 

[tawilson]

Someone here recently suggested going to combination padlocks and I think that's a wonderful idea. I gots way too many keys. They're more expensive, but I'm going to start picking some up and swapping them out.

 

[Glenn9643]

I feel that the best deterrent would be to keep it locked in an enclosed area and out of sight when not being used but that's not always practical or possible. We lock our JD 455 mower with a cable sling around one of the 6x6 posts and a long shank padlock under the shed where it is stored. This isn't much security really, but makes it a little more difficult. Never leaving keys readily available will also help. The tractor is just stored under a shed where it's not visible from the road. Most security measures will just buy a little time. If a thief has his mind set on it he can eventually get it. If it's not visible maybe it won't become a temptation... I keep my boxblade, dirt scoop, and forks/bucket in a small clearing in a pine thicket where they aren't visible to passersby.

 

[JDgreen227]

How much do you want to spend.....?? A good chain for security purposes is System 7 transport chain, hardened and the 3/8" size costs about $95 for 20 feet. Wire rope is much less expensive but is easily cut with tools. Most crooks will attack the lock first so purchasing a quality lock is a smart step for security.
Get a high quality case hardened lock, both Kryptonite and Master Lock make good ones. Whatever lock you buy, try to position that lock so it's difficult to attack with any type of cutting or prying tool. Don't put it someplace near the ground or by a flat metal surface where leverage for a pair of bolt cutters is easy, and if it's near a flat metal surface that also provides a place to swing a sledge hammer at it. A good lock will cost at least $35 to $40. The shielded shackle type are the most resistant to forcing open.

If you are seriously concerned about security, don't try to cut corners...I found that out the hard way myself once at work.

 

[mahlers]

Another thing to consider are the wheel clamps that they use to immobilize parking violators. I've seen them for sale for tractors - but I can't remember where. It might have been at Northern Tool.

Here's a link to one example: Vehicle Immobilizer

In my neck of the woods, we have a 'neighborhood watch' of sorts. A thief would be suicidal to go onto anyone's property around here - everyone knows everyone, and strangers can definitely feel the watchful eyes. Hearing 'Dueling Banjos' echoing through the woods seems to help add to the effect.

 

[OhioTC18]

Here's one type at Northern Tool

Wheel immoblizer

 

[snowbound]

Mine's in a shed. I suppose you don't have the shed.

What I have seen done when a shed isn't available is locking up the batteries for the tractors in a box and putting a lock on the remaining terminals.

I don't know how sensible that was but the guy's tractors were never stolen.

The approach my family has traditionally used was to have the cheapest oldest most worked out tractors in the valley. That might not work any more given all the "vintage tractor" collectors. But we've never had a tractor stolen yet. Never had any draft animals stolen back in those days either.

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Thanks for the tips & ideas...

I already posted about overall security... and got good info. like here...

At this point... I'm mostly concerned about the topics I mentioned... chain... cable.. locks...


Thanks...

 

[JDgreen227]

I tried to answer your post, is there anything else I can clarify for you? Feel free to inquire.

Bill

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Thanks for your help... especially on the locks... !


"A good chain for security purposes is System 7 transport chain, hardened and the 3/8" size costs about $95 for 20 feet."

If I only needed 20'... maybe...
I have to figure out exactly how feet I'll need... to secure the tractor... and 3-4 detached implements... and a trailer... a lot more than 20'...

Seems I'll go with steel cable... more cost effective... just need to determine a good thickness... not too heavy or stiff...

Thanks...


Dave...

 

[_RaT_]

I find just the opposite. I can easily cut chain, but cable can be much harder. Bolt cutters usually just smash cable. I myself would choose cable over chain. The thing is, if someone want's it, chain or cable is simply a deterent. Making kill switches and immobilizing a tire sounds like the best deterent.

 

[Trev]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I feel that the best deterrent would be to keep it locked in an enclosed area and out of sight when not being used... [snip])</font>

Out of sight can be a mixed blessing. The thief may not notice it, but if he knows it's there, then he can take his time breaking your protection because he will also be "out of sight."

I'm fortunate to have a pole barn to keep all the stuff in, but even then, if someone is determined, the best bet is probably insurance.

Bob

 

[JeffRey30747]

I would think that the wire rope would be more secure than "hardware store" grade chain but that a good security chain would be better than the rope. Regardless, of what you choose, it can be defeated, especially if the criminal has had a chance to case the situation beforehand or if he was lucky enough for you to have the proper tools there at his disposal. If you use clamps to secure the wire rope, remember to either tack weld or locktite the threads on the u bolts.

 

[poorboy]

The local theives around here have found the evil side of the cordless sawzall. Then they are the guys that have started smashing into cars and taking items at night. Last week they smashed a window of a person who lives in the area. All they took was a 12 pk of store brand pop. Yes it is pop here! It is better to have the items out of sight but also this allows them to lurk around a little longer. If they want it they can get it. But I do make it as hard as I can for them. How about cable, chain and a simulated camera?

Patrick

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto glen9643.... hide the tractor out of site.

There isn't a chain or steel cable you can hook up that someone can't remove with a smoke wrench and 5 minutes...

Soundguy

 

[BRUSHTAMERS]

I have to store my stuff out in the elements at Grandpas place, but he has a wide open view of the property from the house. At my house I have a limited view of my flatbed truck from the house on a very dark street. I'm using cable for tying down my clearing saw and chain saw in the back of the truck. Reason being, that I used to work for a state agency that routinely had to cut bicycle locks off of bikes because the keys were left at home. (Campground) Try cutting a piece of cable with a hacksaw or bolt cutters and you'll be around to long for comfort in a theft situation. Some of the more aggresive theives are setting themselves up with cable cutters now though. Might be time to build that small barn if you own the property outright

 

[RedHawkRidge]

Am I missing something? What do you use to fasten the cable or chain together, other than a padlock? Aren't most padlocks vulnerable to boltcutters, prybars, etc?
jim

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Yep... a padlock... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

...some do come as cable locks though... i.e. the "shackle" is a steel cable...


Dave...

 

[KiotiJohn]

Well, now I'm really paranoid. I think I'll go sleep in the shed tonight as I haven't put anything on my stuff as of yet. Of course, the thief better be pretty quiet as my bedroom is not far from the shed and my gun is much closer. John

 

[Toolite]

First choice is 45 acp, second 357mag, third find a place out of sight to insert a block/hook that will keep the brakes applied even when the pedals are released. Paint them the same color as whatever they are touching and maybe they will be invisible to the untrained eye of your typical rogue. Release them every few weeks so the shoes don't stick/bond to the drums. Forth, keep the inland marine policy paid up!