Security & Theft Stolen Tractor JD 5083E

[OneMan]

After contacting several local dealers it appears that the key will fit several different tractors and no one keeps a record of people asking for a replacement. The dealer did submit the info to John Deere so if anyone tries to trade it in or needs warranty service it will come up stolen.

Randy

I left my key home to mu JD 3032e and vowed never to do that again so I went to a dealer and asked how much for a second key to be made. My surprise, all 3000 and 4000 series have the same key and it costs $7.00. Buy one and steal many, no questions as to what I owned or who I was, just put down the $7 and see ya...

 

[Haywire]

Which begs the question... can you take your ignition switch to a locksmith, have him change the guts around and get a new "custom" key cut? Won't stop a theft, but would make it a little more of a pain for the thief.

Ian

 

[stravis]

Companies using one key for everything is very common. I'm in construction and I have a John Deere key, Case, Cat, etc. They will each run any of the brand's equipment.


When I bought my 5101 I asked the dealer if there was a way to avoid this. He told me that it was an option when buying a new tractor that you could have the door to the cab keyed separately. I'm sure you can do that after the fact as well.

 

[BethesdaEC]

When I was testing driving my JD 2520, I put the keys in my pocket and didn't realize until I got home. I called the dealer and apoligized and ask if he need me to return the key right away. He said they were alright since all 2000 series use the same key.

 

[shane]

Hey Randy, I sure am sorry to hear that. It's got to be mighty frustrating. Would you care to tell us the details. It might be a learning experience for us.

 

[TGF]

Companies using one key for everything is very common. I'm in construction and I have a John Deere key, Case, Cat, etc. They will each run any of the brand's equipment.


When I bought my 5101 I asked the dealer if there was a way to avoid this. He told me that it was an option when buying a new tractor that you could have the door to the cab keyed separately. I'm sure you can do that after the fact as well.

Yup this is why many construction sites have battery lock boxes, so if you want to steal a tractor you got to bring your own battery. Best thing you can do is put it in a locked building, the building is locked, and unless they are casing the place they don't know whats inside and move along to easier pickins.

 

[dirt ditch]

You don't have to go to a dealer for the keys. On ebay, there selling large sets of keys to multiple makes of equipment. Here is just one listing:

Heavy Equipment Multi-Key Set Cat Case Deere Komatsu - eBay (item 200260713379)

 

[Porkie]

Contact John Deere corporation and see if they maintain a database of VIN's and serial numbers, that is linked to their dealers point of sale (POS) software. If so and I believe so, then if that VIN or serial # ever is used to buy parts or if serviced, the thief will be caught.

Good luck! A JD dealer locally had had maybe $300,000 worth of tractors and equipment stolen over the last 6 years. Thieves are very sophisticated (Scumbags) and those tractors are probably in Old Mexico or maybe on some mega-farm in the United States or Canada, where even binoculars couldn't find them.

RFID chips are being used now in some places to deter theft and for recovery purposes.

I HATE thieves and LIARS.

Sam

 

[clemsonfor]

You don't have to go to a dealer for the keys. On ebay, there selling large sets of keys to multiple makes of equipment. Here is just one listing:

Heavy Equipment Multi-Key Set Cat Case Deere Komatsu - eBay (item 200260713379)

I was going to say the same. I have seen the huge sets that prolly fit 90% of the stuff out there for sale at the same time in a set like that. But you can buy a key for anything on ebay. I got my yanmar key there for like $10.

 

[kjung17]

Sorry for your misfortune. I can't stand a thief. My collection of 7 or 8 keys will start every Deere ever made. From 100 series mowers to 9*70 series combines. I am surprised that this is not a bigger problem. Lots of great ideas for punishment. You guys are truly sick and twisted (My people). I would hamstring them and throw them to the hogs. Nothing left but teeth. Good luck.