how can I disable new john deere 4320

[bethyg2]

Hi all- there already seems to be an interest here with security- the farm ext to me lost a brand new tractor. I am interested in at least trying to disable mine. We are very rural and the thieves have hours to work- I wouldn't hear them up at the house. I have actually been parking the tractor next to my bedroom window LOL. That has to stop- I clipped the siding and my husband isn't happy! So, I tried unhooking the alternator on the left side of the tractor (it's an e hydro) and that worked for a bit- I guess if the thief is a dummy he'd be stumped. The lights go on but no turn over on the motor. (pretty good for a girl...) But last night I couldn't get the clipped plug out of the alternator?? My fingers are raw from trying. I don't even know how I did it the first few times. Is it like one of those old computer printer cords that clips in? I have no idea why all of a sudden I can't pull this cable out of the alternator Tha tractor works but I fear I messed up the alternator cable. I'd really like to be able to do it again- even if a thief knew what was wrong it'd take him a little longer. Any advice on that cable/ alternator issue would be most appreciated. - Thanks. If anything happens to that Deere I think I'd have a real hard time gettin over it!!! (ps I have several dot chains, master locks, various other basics in place also...)

 

[rekees4300]

Don't know about the alternator but seems to be a hassle. I'd try a heavy duty chain and padlock around axle and a tree. If they still get it then Lojack will find it. It is insured right?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/86580-tractor-security.html

 

[CurlyDave]

The only surefire method is insurance.

This topic comes up fairly frequently, and there are always suggestions of dire and sometimes deadly methods to prevent thievery. Do not fall into that temptation. Anything which remotely resembles a booby-trap is illegal in all 50 states.

 

[bethyg2]

It is insured- maybe I will get a lojack! what a good idea. The alternator wasn't a real hasle until last night when I couldn't pull off the plug. It had worked before. I do have chans on it and a lock but I would feel better disabling it also. Definitely no booby traps.....wouldn't know how to do that. But if anyone does know about that alternator please let me know- the plug has me confused. Thanks-

 

[beenthere]

Sorry for your fears.

I'd just pull the seat safety switch connector apart, and tuck it down so it looks plugged in. Won't start then.

If that doesn't satisfy your paranoia, then go for the insurance (and relax, as it isn't worth it).

:welcome:

--and put this in a Deere forum for more connect with the readers and more help, rather than the member introduction forum --

 

[Scooby074]

insurance.

LoJack can help you recover the vehicle if the thief doesnt disable it. Unhooking the battery/alternator etc. will only stop a dumb thief. If they know anything and really want your machine, theyll figure it out or load it on a trailer.

 

[bethyg2]

Uh- wouldn't I be paranoid if the farm next to us hadn't lost a $75,000 tractor/ batwing? I'm kinda dealing with reality.....my tractor isn't nearly as valuable but i need it.

 

[IslandTractor]

Disabling the tractor doesn't prevent the real pros from taking it. Thieves don't typically drive the tractors away but rather haul them away. It creates less noise to simply winch a tractor onto a flat bed than to start it so disabling the engine seems not to accomplish much. I guess some unprepared thieves might have trouble loading a disabled tractor onto a trailer or truck but the pros will have no trouble with come alongs or powered winches.

 

[brin]

I somethimes have to leave my tractor on our farm overnight ...I hide it as best I can but I also called our Insurance company and bought a policy for $150 a year that insures my tractor for $22,000.00...no deductible and no depreciation...it is a stated loss policy ..so if it is stolen I will get a check for the full amount..That is the only way to sleep at night since as Island Tractor says ...the pros will be gone without ever starting your tractor..they come equiped for the deed !

 

[bethyg2]

I appreciate all the posts. Does anyone know what's up with the alternator plug? I used to be able to take it out now I can't- is there a trick/ method? There are two wire clips on it- like an old usb cord. Maybe that's the key. I've tried everything I can think of.

 

[Snapper Head]

Mississippi Insurance - Guns & Dogs.



Are these thefts happening at night, or during the day? Video surveillance is very cheap, and can go a long way as a deterrent and as a means of apprehension of the maggots. You could always put up those "Smile, yer on camera" signs, even if you don't really have any video running.

A good practice is to break out the AR-15's several times a week, at different hours, and blast away at some targets for about 30 minutes straight.

My favorite is our "beware of Python" sign:thumbsup:


Big Al

 

[IslandTractor]

I appreciate all the posts. Does anyone know what's up with the alternator plug? I used to be able to take it out now I can't- is there a trick/ method? There are two wire clips on it- like an old usb cord. Maybe that's the key. I've tried everything I can think of.

If you keep fiddling with your alternator plug you will end up either breaking it or making it loose. The plug is not designed for daily disconnection/reconnection.

Get insurance.

 

[dfkrug]

Disabling the tractor doesn't prevent the real pros from taking it. Thieves don't typically drive the tractors away but rather haul them away. It creates less noise to simply winch a tractor onto a flat bed than to start it so disabling the engine seems not to accomplish much. I guess some unprepared thieves might have trouble loading a disabled tractor onto a trailer or truck but the pros will have no trouble with come alongs or powered winches.

This is very true and important. Even if you can lock a tractor into gear,
the winch would just drag it. Has anyone watched those TV programs
where a repo company hauls a car away? In Park? Makes you think.

Those are serious theives, however, and they are the same ones who
break into barns to get tractors, too. Chains would be no problem, either,
as they would be prepared with bolt cutters.

For the light-duty thieves, I think it is quite easy to pull a fuse from the
semi-hidden fuse panel, and you don't have to deal with the barb latch on
the alternator connector.

 

[Cat_Driver]

This post can go on for another 200 posts and the final answer is and always has been if a thief wants your equipment HE WILL GET IT.

A thief has all day long thinking of ways to get your tractor even if you take off the tires a thief will bring a set of tires and wheels.

Commercial rental yards would love to have an answer to this age old question but they have YET to solve the problem.

The closest they have come is with a tracking device to get the equipment back but they all get equipment stolen on an hourly basis.

 

[LBrown59]

Park it crossways on the Rail Road Tracks.:laughing:

 

[greasemonkeyok]

A thief might be prepared with bolt cutters, but 1/2" schedule 100 chain will break the cutting edges on any bolt cutter that a thief is likely to have. Supply houses use torches or plasma cutters on chain that strong. Locks of the same hardness can also be purchased, such as the Mul-T-Lock. Not a guarantee, but will slow down even the "prepared" thief.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Its only worth so much effort...

But how about wiring a toggle switch into the seat safety? Toggle it off under the seat, and it won't start. Pretty simple and easy to use.

 

[bethyg2]

insurance seems like the best thing- but I still would like to disable that alternator is anyone knows how to do that on a 4320 ehydro......call me silly... I still felt bad when my car was stolen and they still gave me a check- If anyone knows how to get that alternator plug out please let me know thanks in advance.

 

[beppington]

When I was looking to buy a new tractor & wanted to take a new JD for a spin around the lot, my local JD sales guy said he'd have to go in & get the fuse for it. They remove a fuse for security.

 

[IslandTractor]

insurance seems like the best thing- but I still would like to disable that alternator is anyone knows how to do that on a 4320 ehydro......call me silly... I still felt bad when my car was stolen and they still gave me a check- If anyone knows how to get that alternator plug out please let me know thanks in advance.

I could be wrong but I don't see how disabling the alternator would stop them from starting and driving the tractor twenty or a hundred miles away if they wanted to. The diesel doesn't need the battery once it starts except for headlights/taillights. Maybe the fuel solenoid draws a bit too but not much. The battery probably has enough charge to start the engine for at least a week before anyone notices the alternator is not charging.