Disabling tractor

rbargeron · Feb 24, 2005

The fusible link is a little white plug near the starter (left side sitting in the seat) - it has short red wire loop. Taking that out would stop many would-be thieves - but not all. Like others have said, keep it insured but if they want it bad enough let them have it - don't pollute your own way of life trying to defend against theirs.

Av8r3400 · Feb 24, 2005

What type of area are you keeping the tractor; City, farm land, empty lot? Have you considered one of the "shipping container" storage sheds?

Out of sight means out of mind.

btolle · Feb 24, 2005

The method I see commonly used with right of way mowing people is to remove one of the front tires at night and take it with them.

If you have a front end loader it will raise the front end off the ground a couple of inches. You could find a large wooden block or an axle stand to put under the axle and let the axle down on the block. Saves having to use a jack.

Between that and removing the main fuse (square thingy someone else mentioned) that's about all you can do.

Bill Tolle

KubotaSteve · Feb 24, 2005

Like has been said all ready, if someone wants it bad enough, they are going to take it. And for the ones who try to steal it but don't have the resources to counter your theft deterent measures, they will usually try to destroy it to tear it up if they can't get it. I think with the bucket turned down and the backhoe riggers out, you've taken more than enough measures to protect it. Although you could install another fuel cutoff somewhere out of the way.

I like your idea with the lead Big Al, but that could be counter productive in todays society. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif He may not have gotten your tractor but his family will have it along with your house and cars and , etc. Get that shovel like AV8R2230.

GeneD14 · Feb 24, 2005

Some advice that my now deceased Grandmother gave me: about once a month or so set up a target in the yard and practice shooting so all can hear and see. Word will get around quick.
Were I live now I can't do that with out being arrested so a good insurance policy is my safety net.

Pks · Feb 24, 2005

There should be a fuel delivery solenoid that is attached to the back of the injector pump. If this solenoid is removed, no fuel will be supplied to the engine. If you removed this part, then you would need to replace it with a cover so that hornets would stay out. The solenoid costs about $130 so a thief would need to buy a new one in order to start the tractor.

rfogle · Feb 24, 2005

Some years back a friend of mine was in a similar situation. Lost one machine. He solved his problem with two steel locking clamps. These clamps mounted on the exposed shafts of the hydraulic cylinders with the outriggers extended. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif It's all about adding time to the theft...

notamustang · Mar 3, 2005

Was thinking about this a little more. Two items came to mind. One was pulling the pins for the attachments, FEL,BH box etc. the other was those trailer tire locks that clamp around the tire and clamp onto the rim.
But there is still something to be said about 00 buck /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

botalvr · Mar 4, 2005

Maybe a very well hidden kill switch would also put up another barrier to those bottom feeders.

DavidVT · Mar 5, 2005

Great thread,
I have been considering trying to find a LOTO (lock out tag out) device for the hydraulic valves and/or the steering wheel. We have many strange LOTO devices at work and when I find the catalog we use to buy them, I am hopeful I can find something appropriate.
I don't dare lock the tractor in with the hybrids as they destroyed the wiring on my car hauler trailer a few years back when I 'asked' them to be my security patrol... But parking it next to their pen is a pretty good warning .... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif