New Anti-Theft Prototype, Your Thoughts Please...

[melchior]

I posted this same thread in the "Customization" section yesterday, but I guess it could also belong in this section:

Hi everyone,

I am not trying to sell this to anyone (it isn't even on the market), just want to get your thoughts on this device - we call it Universal Lockdown. (The name is a play on words for "universal" keys a.ka. "one-key-fits-all")

what do you like about it?
what don't you like about it?
how could it be improved?
Would you buy it if it was on the market?

A small note about the device - It can be used on most any lock assembly, a tractor cab door, side panels, etc. not just the ignition switch as shown on the video. The idea is to deter theft. I could explain in more detail but it'd be better if you just take a look at the video on the site.

I am trying to get this device licensed by any or all of the major equipment manufacturers.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[Zebrafive]

I like that you can leave it on with the machine key inside and operate normally if you have the anti-theft key. Put it on and leave it on!

 

[ME83]

It is hard to tell from just the video, but it looks like the universal key end of your switch is tied to the ignition. It also appears like the personal key end is a cylinder with a key mechanism that is slid over the universal part. What would happen if you pull out on the personal key section, take a pair of needle nose locking pliers, grab the universal key section and give it a turn?

The other and simpler idea is, break that personal key section off and now you have a key in the ignition. If it sticks out at all, turn it with pliers, if it is flush then turn it with a screw driver.

Note: I am not a thief, just a mechanical design engineer.

 

[magyarbacsi]

It will not deter a professional who would defeat the metal/plastic shroud around the ignition and connect a few wires. I investigate thefts of various kind including construction equipments taken overnight from job sights. It would prevent thiefs who are always on the prowl looking for an easy opportunity, but not one who is determined to take it.

I have suggestions that I dont want to post as thiefs sometimes read forums to get new ideas. But I would work on something that would prevent the engagement of levers/gears to prevent motion. I do that to my tractors and even then, a determined thief would probably find a way, but the sob will have to work for it.

 

[melchior]

Something else for you to think about: I have had many people express concerns who have large fleets of tractors, and often not all tractors are of the same brand. They say "I'm not carrying around 30 keys for all of these tractors when I could have only 5 or 6". But here is where they are wrong - they could have each tractor equipped with a Universal Lockdown device that is keyed the same, just like you would have done on your door locks at home. Then they would only need one key for all the tractors, no matter the brand.

Thanks a lot, keep the feedback coming!

 

[Soundguy]

It will not deter a professional who would defeat the metal/plastic shroud around the ignition and connect a few wires. I investigate thefts of various kind including construction equipments taken overnight from job sights. It would prevent thiefs who are always on the prowl looking for an easy opportunity, but not one who is determined to take it.

I have suggestions that I dont want to post as thiefs sometimes read forums to get new ideas. But I would work on something that would prevent the engagement of levers/gears to prevent motion. I do that to my tractors and even then, a determined thief would probably find a way, but the sob will have to work for it.

i agree.. unfortunately.. a paperclip and quarter can be used to hotwire and steal thousands of tractors, sans keys..

 

[phiferpharm]

That looks like a knee buster to me. I was accidentally turning my Kioti off today with my knee when I turned around to be sure I was clear using my grapple. That looks like it would just make it worse.