How to Keep People from Stealing Your Tractors and Farm Equipment

We want to share some important information that will help you prevent someone from stealing your tractor or other farm equipment.

And as a quick aside --- we are here to help you purchase a new tractor, parts and implements

when the time is right.

Let’s dive into the details.

Introduction

Farm equipment, tools, fuel, and other items are often left out in the open.

This leaves an opportunity for theft.

While it’s not possible to lockdown your entire farm --- you can take steps to ensure that your equipment is safe. You want to discourage theft.

This could save you money and the hassle of filing reports, as well as replacing your lost property.

Locking Equipment

Locking up your equipment may seem basic.

You may be surprised at how many people leave their tractor and other equipment wide open.

Here are some lockup strategies to consider:

• Don’t leave your keys in tractors or other equipment.

• Keep your keys in a safe place where you can easily find them --- but not so easy that a thief could find them first.

• Lock machine sheds, fuel tanks, and other buildings during the evening.

• Don’t leave machinery, even scrap metal, out in the open.

• Avoid having equipment visible from a public or private road.

Mark Everything

Marking equipment makes it unique and easier to identify.

This may cause a thief to not bother stealing it. It also makes it easier to identify it if it is stolen and recovered.

Here are some marking strategies to consider:

• Engrave tools, equipment, machinery, and vehicles with your name.

• Keep detailed records and provide proof of ownership of equipment. This includes bills of sale, serial numbers, titles, and photos.

• Make sure to keep an updated insurance inventory and keep your agent updated at your annual review. Should you need to file a claim --- this information will be beneficial to help recover and/or replace your items.

Lighting

Lighting up your farm, ranch, and work area can be a theft deterrent.

Here are some lighting strategies to consider:

• Install light-motion sensors or dusk-to-dawn lights in key and dimly lit areas.

• Consider using additional technology such as motion-detected security cameras --- which also have spotlights if motion is detected.

Safety Planning

Safety planning is key.

You must plan this out in detail.

Here are some safety planning strategies to consider:

• Talk with family and employees about watching for suspicious activity such as repetitive, slow-moving vehicles near farm property.

• If you see suspicious activity, report it to law enforcement. Your information may be useful to see if there is a pattern in the neighborhood.

Hopefully, this brief article has helped you better understand how to prevent your tractor and other equipment from being stolen.

If you need any further help or have any questions about equipment theft prevention, tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944. Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.

If you are looking for old, vintage, classic, or new tractor parts, send us a part request.

Team Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.