GPS Tracker for a tractor

[WinterDeere]

What's that image, airbiscuit? When you click to enlarge, it just gets smaller.

 

[pmsmechanic]

As someone who's gone back and forth a few times, and presently owns a half dozen of each, you're missing out! Right now, my family is gathered on the couch in my office behind me, one on a Chrome Book, one on an iPad, and one on an Android tablet. Another two iPads and another Android are sitting on the chargers in the next room, and I'm facing three laptops and two desktops of mixed brands and OS's. Never saw much point in being brand loyal to any one OS or hardware, or hampering myself to avoid one, especially one as good as Apple.

Ever hear of cutting off your nose, to spite your face?

I don't do Apple either. Their propitiatory attitude just cheesed me off one too many times. And I don't really care if I'm spiting my face. I also don't care how "good" they are, I'm not going back. Just like I will never use Rogers as a cell phone service provider again.

And yes I'm venting.

 

[redman135]

Hello Eddie, A 2012 tractor is not "older", espesially a pre smog model, and 5000 hrs won't worry anyone handy with spanners. Don't undersell your tractor.

1 thing not mentioned is registered micro dots. These have a serial number registered to you (update contact details when you shift) and are dusted into difficult to clean places on the tractor. The police can still "swab" the locations and read the serial number and the theft has to explain things. Also a sticker is placed on the tractor as a deterant.
2nd option is gps, with a twist. Use an obvious one and a not so obvious one and a third well hidden one to catch the thief.
Good Luck

 

[Yander]

Habit for me. If not the 44, then the derringer in my pocket.

Derringer in your pocket is better than the 44 in your drawer. I carry a 22 magnum NAA Black widow in my pocket when I do carry.

When people question that caliber as a carry I say well let me shoot you in the chest with it and see if it doesn't change your plans.

 

[5030]

Derringer in your pocket is better than the 44 in your drawer. I carry a 22 magnum NAA Black widow in my pocket when I do carry.

When people question that caliber as a carry I say well let me shoot you in the chest with it and see if it doesn't change your plans.

Works for me, always. My little friend is always in my pocket or in it's ballistic nylon belt holster, one never knows do they. Mine is a 45 LC double barrel, guaranteed wrist breaker if not held with 2 hands, not that I'd ever want to stare down those 2 large dark holes anyway..... Been proven that the dimunitive .22 round is more lethal (close range) than anything else.

 

[Tinhack]

Here's the destructive power of the 22 Mag. Pencil hole going in but golf ball size going out and everything with it. The size changes within 1/2" of entry. Shown is a standard range clay block cut in half after.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

@EddieWalker I use LoneStar Tracking. Oyster3 5G Waterproof GPS Tracker - Instant Alerts - ATLT Device

I have a device that I attached to a strong magnet and can put it on different machines. It will only notify me it it moves more that about 1000 feet. So, when I'm using the skid steer on a job, I will not get messages every time it moves.

You should hide it somewhere in the tractor. But just be sure that it's not in a place where the signal will be blocked. I have mine inside the cab of my skid steer and it works fine. It's an open cab.

I think the subscription is about $150 per year. And if you use the AA batteries they recommend, they will last up to 5 years, and it will notify you when they need changing. There are several subscription options to choose from.

 

[TimberFarm]

View attachment 793536

Well you know what they say:
Looks good on paper.

But reality always gets in the way. When I was still living in NJ, the most densely populated state, I had no cell coverage at my house and neither did my neighbors.

I moved to NC and still have no cell coverage (nor high speed internet) 1 hr away from Raleigh.

But your map says I was fine and dandy in both states.

 

[airbiscuit]

Could be. The only place that matters in this case is Eddie's.

 

[TimberFarm]

Could be. The only place that matters in this case is Eddie's.

In that case I hope Eddie isn't relying on that map either.

 

[airbiscuit]

Pretty easy to tell if you have a signal.

 

[EddieWalker]

@EddieWalker I use LoneStar Tracking. Oyster3 5G Waterproof GPS Tracker - Instant Alerts - ATLT Device

I have a device that I attached to a strong magnet and can put it on different machines. It will only notify me it it moves more that about 1000 feet. So, when I'm using the skid steer on a job, I will not get messages every time it moves.

You should hide it somewhere in the tractor. But just be sure that it's not in a place where the signal will be blocked. I have mine inside the cab of my skid steer and it works fine. It's an open cab.

I think the subscription is about $150 per year. And if you use the AA batteries they recommend, they will last up to 5 years, and it will notify you when they need changing. There are several subscription options to choose from.

Thanks, this looks really interesting!!!!!

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Thanks, this looks really interesting!!!!!

I did a fair amount of research and this is the one I settled on. It’s not very expensive. And the AirTags are not really good for theft.
I actually used this one for a year, then let my subscription expire for a couple of years, then reactivated it with just a phone call.
And the customer service was excellent when I called to reactivate.

 

[EddieWalker]

I book marked their website and when I get home from work, I'm going to read up on it. From what you are saying, it sounds like what I'm looking for!!!

 

[ddgood]

I installed a Logistimatics GPS tracker on our RV that we keep in an offsite storage facility. A colleague recommended them and has multiple units on trailers/equipment and has recovered one trailer twice after theft. Mine is hardwired to the trailer power system and power is connected in storage. My buddy uses the rechargeable battery versions and get 10-12 months between charges, with them set to ping location twice a day. They will also start pinging if moved outside geo-fence or device is tampered with. Units are $40-100. And cost are now $25 pay per month and $15 month/ annual prepaid. Mine was $12/month annual prepaid but looks like it will go to that $15 next go round.

 

[copytmpmzl]

I have a tractor at my brothers farm that's an hour away from me. I go there once a week to check on things, do some work on the place and stuff like that. The tractor is kind of hidden behind a building, but anybody trespassing will find it easily enough. The neighbors are pretty good, but they can't watch the place 24/7 It's an older John Deere that I'm afraid might be stolen if somebody decides they want it.

I read a story about the Apple Air Tag and it got me to thinking that I should do something like that to the tractor. The Air Tag seems to have a very short range, but if somebody has an Apple phone that's close to it, then it will send a signal where it's located. Hopefully the police will do something if that happens.

Does anybody have an Apple Air Tag, and how well does it work?

Is there another product that might work better pk xd hack unlimited 999.999 coins and gems 2022? I'm willing to pay a reasonable monthly fee if that increases my odds of being able to find the tractor if it's stolen.

Thanks,
Eddie

The Apple AirTag is a small, round device that can be attached to items like keys, bags, and other objects to help locate them if they are lost. It uses Bluetooth technology to connect to nearby Apple devices, like iPhones, and can then provide a location for the object. However, the AirTag has a relatively short range, and it may not be the best solution for your tractor, which is located an hour away from you.

There are other GPS tracking devices that may work better for your situation. These devices can provide real-time tracking and location information for your tractor, and some of them have long battery life and rugged design that can withstand outdoor environments. Some popular options include:

1. Tile GPS: These devices can be attached to your tractor and provide location information through the Tile app on your phone. They have a range of up to 300 feet and can work with other Tile devices to help locate your tractor if it is stolen.
2. Spytec GPS: This device is designed for outdoor use and has a battery life of up to two weeks. It can provide real-time tracking information for your tractor and has a geofencing feature that will alert you if the tractor moves outside a designated area.
3. Tracki GPS: This device provides real-time tracking information for your tractor and has a long battery life of up to 30 days. It can be set up to send alerts to your phone if the tractor is moved or tampered with.

It's important to note that many GPS tracking devices require a monthly subscription fee, so you'll want to factor that into your decision. Additionally, it's a good idea to research the laws in your area regarding GPS tracking devices, as there may be restrictions on their use.

 

[TimberFarm]

Buy a LoJack. Pay one time price and that's it. It transmits to police and you.

 

[EddieWalker]

I forgot about Lojack. I remember their commercials years ago now that you mentioned them. I did a quick search and found their website, but it doesn't show a price, or any way to buy it. It seems kind of odd that they don't list anything like that.

 

[ponytug]

@EddieWalker I think a LoJack dealer needs to sell/install it. I think that the downside might be just how important local law enforcement might rate a rural tractor theft in your area.

Personally, I'd go with one of the many GPS trackers.

Good luck with your various projects.

All the best,

Peter

 

[TimberFarm]

I forgot about Lojack. I remember their commercials years ago now that you mentioned them. I did a quick search and found their website, but it doesn't show a price, or any way to buy it. It seems kind of odd that they don't list anything like that.

Yeah, their website is kind of hard to decipher. I actually found better info from an article about them in Edmunds?? I think it was. They sell for new vehicles through dealerships and they have program to sell for used vehicles too. I like the idea that the cops have the receiver to track the thieves.