Security & Theft Master keys

[drgnner]

Kubota came to pick up my tractor yesterday to add third function hydraulics. I had it ready for them when they arrived, including my spare key in the ignition switch. Well, the driver came over, I pointed to the tractor, he jumped into the cab and grabbed my spare key. He gave it back to me and then showed me all of his master keys for tractors. He said I don't need your key and besides, it could get lost over there. Do all company's have master keys for their tractors? If so, are all of these master keys secure all of the time?

Do tractors ever get stolen?

I stood there somewhat stunned as he went back, cranked it up and put it on the trailer with his master key and then left with my new tractor.

Since the topic is "Security and Theft", should I get a locksmith out here to change the locks?

What would you do?

 

[deserteagle71]

My understanding is that at least for Kubota tractors, all the ignition keys are the same. I found this out when I wanted to order a spare key for mine.

I definitely know this is true in the heavy equipment domain - if you have a Cat forklift, all Cat forklift keys will work in it. If you have a Cat haul truck, all Cat haul truck keys will work in it, etc. Guess they don't worry about theft and neither does Kubota!

 

[SmallTimeGuy]

Large truck manufacturers (semis) generally only use about 6 different keys as well. And yes every dealer will have master keys, my salesman had it on his personal key ring

 

[dusty3030]

Keys are the same. So you could take your key and go unlock or start any Kubota MX or L (maybe even more) out there.

Pretty much all tractor manufacturers are like this that I know of.

 

[RickB]

There are a dozen or perhaps fewer keys that would be required to start every Kubota machine ever built. Pretty much an industry wide truth, more or less.

 

[JethroB]

Yeah, when my tractor was delivered I asked the driver about getting a spare key. He said....here ya go, take one of mine.....and took one off his big key ring. I saw this available online for $30. Covers multiple equipment manufacturers.

 

[Smokeydog]

Tractors and construction equipment are easy to steal and resale. Sadly. Record your serial numbers. Put your name on them. Modify by welding something unique and identifiable. Secret switches to keep from starting or moving helps.

 

[Roadworthy]

With tractors, riding mowers, and other stuff the key isn't really a theft deterrent. It is more to keep kids and others from easily messing with it. If you want theft deterrent store it in a locked garage.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Terrible thing I once did as a kid.

A friend used to joy ride on construction equipment. I was once out with my Dad, who was engaged in a meeting, so went out to explore that town. It was having sewer construction, and I soon discovered a (generic) key under every seat of every piece of equipment, which I liberated. My friend got a key ring of a HUGE assortment of different makes of construction equipment.

I guess, Monday morning wasn't a good start (pun intended) for that construction project.

 

[Diggin It]

Has anybody tried to take their ignition switch to a locksmith to be rekeyed? Less likely that a dirtbag would bring a stock switch with them to swap out.