[warby]

Is anyone using locks 4 Skid Steer or Excavator from the Equipment Lock Co. If so, are they any good? I'm in the market for locking my machinery on the odd occasions I leave them on site.

Are there any other lock co's. I've searched the net big time, and could only come up with the ELC.

Thx,
Tom.

PS. I asked your comments about a Harley Power Rake back in May of last year. I bought one in July. And yep, they are it.

[Bill Schwab]

First of all, any skid steer can be dragged up a flatbed with little to no effort. Since 90% of all heavy equipment is taken right in broad daylight, and those trucks usually have all the goodies needed to pull off a theft, locks won't work well at all.

The average bulldozer theif pulls right in during daylight hours with a lettered truck and all road permits, drives up what they already have sold, trucks it 4 states over and rarely ever gets caught.

We have lo-jack in every piece we own. If they are ever moved more than 10 feet from the spot they are parked without the detriggering device, lojack gives me a call within minutes. Of, if they are taken, the tracking devide in the police car will go right to the source. Since most stolen equipment in our area goes down to Mexico, where it is negotiated for by people buying it back for insurance companies, it can be a process.

The system is going to cost you a few bucks (695 installed) but it works. That and make sure you are covered through yor inland-marine policy through your insurer.

[John T]

Bill, have you ever had a piece of equipment stolen or "moved without authorization"? If so, how'd the lojack system work? How far did the equipment get before it was recovered?

And what other "hardware" did you bring with you to obtain it back?

[johnkeegan]

Warby, I believe I have the lock you mentioned (sorry I don't want to go to the garage and check the name). Good product. Sound idea. But could it be breached?...I guess. As it was explained to me it would be enough to deter anyone looking for a quick get away. But Bill's right, if you park it in an easily accessible spot a flat bed could take it anyhow. We NEVER leave it in such an area however. If we can't park it behind the house in a hard to reach area, we take it home with us.

[Bill Schwab]

John:

Each machine has it's own transpondeing device attached to the keychain. If the machine is moved for any reason without that device within the cage of the machine, the satelite sends a message to Lojack, who in turn calls my cell phone informing me the machine has been moved.

It's not perfect, but seems to make the most sense of any locking devices out there.