Tractor key stolen - worth replacing the ignition box?

[Coyote machine]

When I was traveling down south toward Nashville I found a sticker that said: " forget about the dog- beware of owner" and it showed a pic of a revolver barrel!
I put it on my Snap-on toolbox.
If someone was really out to steal your tractor it would probably be gone- the key is to keep youngsters safe- IMHO.
A battery switch might give you peace of mind. The relay mentioned is not practical.
Sorry to hear of the misfortune of having been broken into- I hate when that kind of thing happens. Hope they did not get anything important to you. Hope they get caught and pay for the crime too.

 

[MarkV]

When I was new to tractors I wanted an extra key and went to the dealer with serial numbers, model year, sales agreement hoping he could match it up. He reached under the counter and pulled out a box of keys. Told me to pick one. So much for security.

MarkV

 

[Soundguy]

heck.. I've made lawnmower and tractor keeys with sheet metal and a file and hacksaw blade... A hammerd flat 10p nail will start most ford tractors from 65+ with the lucas lock cyl..

soundguy

 

[Erik Graham]

I had a similar experience with a Kubota dealer and keys. I recently purchased a L2550 and only got one key with it. I took the key to the dealer with having another one cut in mind. The counter guy told me that all he needed was the model type and disappeared into the warehouse and came back with 2 keys. Total cost $6 Cdn.

I'd agree that an inline kill switch might be a reasonable solution but I wonder how many tractors are stolen by someone simply driving off on it. I think most thieves come prepared with winches,trailers,etc.

Have wondered if GPS tracking such as Boomerang might not be worthwhile. Have heard that some insurance carriers will give a slight discount on premiums.

Cheers, Erik

 

[jake98]

well now that the kids all read this thread, we better at least shut the fuel off.. ;-)

 

[Egon]

On quite a bit of the equipment a screwdriver works just fine. Or it used to!

 

[Wis Bang]

Dad was an equipment operator, just after college I moved eq on a lowboy. I have our combined 'collection' of Cat keys, And any other 'popular' keys. I'v often been tempted to go to a construction site and turn every machine 90 degrees...always figured I'd get caught...

I moved any number of strange machines, like concrete breakers, rollers, etc. w/ the extra blade on an electrician's knife.

keys only make it convient for the owner...

 

[Jeepnford]

If you chain it to a tree at least they'll need bolt cutters.(Or a chain saw.)It wouldn't take much to hot wire a tractor.

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. a paperclip in many cases will do it right at the switch..


soundguy

 

[Matt_Jr]

To really slow down a thief pour a concrete slab with huge eye bolts in the slab. You know, those ones used a ship yards. Then use a chain for a ship anchor, like one where each link weighs 200 lbs each. Then lay if over the floor of the tractor and use those really big bolts used in bridges to hold it all together. Don't worry, very few people have a wrench that size.

Seriously, sorry your house got broken into. Hope they catch the punks.