Theft of farm and construction equipment has turned into a major problem in the united kingdom and Europe and is a thing that all farmers and owners of high value machinery must now be familiar with. In the past manufacturers have been very slow in introducing security features on machinery making things like tractors and telescopic forklifts super easy for fast and lucrative pickings. This is made even easier with the insane proven fact that one key fits many machines. It seems beyond comprehension that this has been allowed to happen at all for so many years. Each year in the united kingdom alone an estimated �50-70 million of heavy plant and farm machinery gets stolen. And a little fraction of this is recovered.
To combat this manufactures have finally made a decision to take action. Massey Ferguson for instance have started installing new vehicle immobilizing systems which is able to shut off the fuel supply to the engine and to lock the hydraulic system by using an electro-mechanical valve which is operated via a key-fob or pin number system. This coupled with a tracker system using GPS if criminals do manage to overcome the security features makes it far more likely that the gear will be recovered. Currently only 5% of stolen agricultural and plant machinery is recovered.
Manufacturers like McCormick, John Deere and Landini now use a data tag micro dot coded identification system which registers your tractor, this can’t be read by the eye but can be read by the police with the correct equipment.
Just what exactly can we do to greatly help prevent machines which have not been fitted with one of these elaborate systems from being stolen? Even though it goes without saying you should never leave your machines unlocked with the main element inside even if it is sitting in your yard. Easily installed hidden immobilizing switches could be fitted to the machines electrical system, although this system is not 100% effective and will possibly be bypassed by someone it will take diagnosis which takes precious time which your average thief doesn’t have.
Plant hire Bicester like the removal of fuses if the machine is not being used for any length of time is worth considering. However if crime in your town is particularly bad then it is worth considering fitting an off the shelf immobilizing systems, these could be purchase for quite reasonable prices. These security systems could be easily fitted either with the use of a long-lasting battery or utilizing the on board power to charge the system and can send the owner a note via telephone or email if the tractor is moved when it ought to be out of use or if it’s moved out of a specific area, it can then be tracked quickly using GPS systems for quick recovery.
Continually be vigilant and report anything suspicious in your area. In case you are unlucky enough to have become a victim of crime allow police know and then register your lost equipment online to let other people become aware so others do not get caught out buying your stolen goods.