How to keep a tractor from getting stolen?

BigRol · Jun 3, 2015

Seen a program on tv last year that was showing how major theft rings removed construction eguipment from job sites to central pickups to containers then overseas, sometimes within 24 hours. The program was pushing the sales of the LoJack gps. because time is critical. Unfotunately a jammer can be bought for under $30 and made for a couple.

jclaudii · Jun 3, 2015

One of the things I thought about was having internet/power there on site or by asking a neighbor. An outdoor IP Camera (network camera) can be set up to monitor your yard or equipment day and night. When an event happens it will text or e-mail you a picture of what triggered the event and you can either watch live video (while it is recording to a device) or you call police manually to go to the location. These cameras are under $100 bucks for a 1080 or 720 High Definition with Infrared LED's for night vision, some up to 60 or 90 feet. The only drawback is you may need a secure box to mount the DVR or an old laptop in so it can do all the video storage and internet activity for you and to mount the camera in an inconspicuous area.

I have a feeling parts would be missing more than the tractor, it's easy to take off injection pumps, siphon diesel, remove cylinders, power steering or hydraulic pumps, seats, canopies, etc in very little time. Years ago my dad had some property in a rural area of texas. Someone eventually figured out he left his tractor there and took the hydraulic pump, steering pump, steering column, and seat. We figured it was used for a mud buggy or tractor pull toy.

I had to leave the kubota at a rest stop last year in texas while I drove up the road to get a tire fixed. I turned off the fuel just to help me feel better. It was still there when I returned a few hours later.

Can you not find a neighbor or local farm to leave it at. Surely not all the folks are horrible in this area

xtn · Jun 3, 2015

Encase the whole tractor in two-foot-thick concrete. That's a big middle finger to a battery powered angle grinder.

wedge40 · Jun 3, 2015

I'll admit I haven't read everyone of these. Since you're not moving onto the property right away, I'd get an OLD tractor. Then once you settled in and have barn to put it, upgrade. Just my :2cents: .

Wedge

Dr_Zinj · Jun 3, 2015

Number one thing to understand and accept is that you are NEVER going to stop an experienced or very determined thief short of sitting on your tractor 24/7 with a .12 ga loaded with 00 buck.

All you can do is make it hard enough to not be worth the effort to steal, or take so long to steal it that someone will notice and stop them.

That said, I have NEVER had a tractor or other vehicle stolen after I've put a dead skunk in the driver seat.

Apsterbobed · Jun 3, 2015

Dr_Zinj said:
That said, I have NEVER had a tractor or other vehicle stolen after I've put a dead skunk in the driver seat.

I like that, I might even have to try that my self! I think that may even stop friends and family from asking to borrow... well probably just about anything remotely near that skunk. But how do you keep the dogs from steeling your skunk? I know if it was a porcupine my dogs would be all over it, they haven't found a skunk yet but I wouldn't think they would turn their noses up to one. I had a red squirrel move into my garage a few years back and the dogs would chase and stare and wine at it up in the rafters, so one day I shot it and when the dogs could finally get to it they didn't want it! But any and every porcupine is their new best friend / chew toy.

Zerk · Sep 6, 2015

varmint said:
I generally am not a fan of folks running around with Glocks in their waistbands,

Ya I am revolver man. 44 special.

katoomed00 · Sep 11, 2015

I set up a Dakota Alert Alarm System, it has a 7 mile range (depends on the terrain) and is capable of monitoring 5 transmitters with 1 receiver.
Been using it for 6yrs on our private road. Transmitters use 6 AA batteries and has a detection range of about 80', cost is about 130 bucks for 1 transmitter and 1 receiver. Only issues are animals and bushes will set it off if not set up correctly. I have 1 set up near my shed and works like a charm. When it alerts you, a voice comes over a speaker saying " Alert Zone 1" or "Alert Zone 2", up to 5 zones. You also buy a hand held receiver that will alert you and can also be used as a walkie talkie with the base receiver.

katoomed00 · Sep 11, 2015

I set up a Dakota Alert Alarm System, it has a 7 mile range (depends on the terrain) and is capable of monitoring 5 transmitters with 1 receiver.
Been using it for 6yrs on our private road. Transmitters use 6 AA batteries and has a detection range of about 80', cost is about 130 bucks for 1 transmitter and 1 receiver. Only issues are animals and bushes will set it off if not set up correctly. I have 1 set up near my shed and works like a charm. When it alerts you, a voice comes over a speaker saying " Alert Zone 1" or "Alert Zone 2", up to 5 zones. You also buy a hand held receiver that will alert you and can also be used as a walkie talkie with the base receiver.