Kubota 'Anti-Theft' system halts mini theft

A potential thief who tried to steal an almost-new Kubota mini excavator was foiled because of its unique key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' system.  

Building contractors G.E. & A.F. Silvester Ltd, of Bishops Stortford, left the machine for the weekend outside a house they were working on in the centre of Felsted village, Essex.

On the Sunday afternoon, people living nearby spotted a man wearing a luminous contractor’s jacket walking up and down by the 1.5 tonne canopied KX 36-3 machine, before attempting to 'hot-wire' it and drive it away.

Eventually, after continually failing to start the engine, he gave up and walked off – although leaving some damage to the wiring.

The attempted theft came just two months after the company had an older Kubota KX 36-2, with a conventional universal starter key, stolen from outside a barn conversion they were working on in the nearby village of Takeley. Police have so far failed to recover it.

Said the company’s director, Andrew Silvester: “The fact that the thief could not start the new machine’s engine goes to show the value of the personalised security system. Although the wiring was damaged in the attempt we didn’t have it stolen, and after the wiring has been repaired it will soon be back at work.”

The KX 36-3 was bought as a replacement for the original stolen machine. It was supplied by Kubota dealer, Leach Lewis Ltd, of Waltham Cross, and is also fitted with a tracking device and monitoring system. The builders also operate Kubota 2.9 tonne 71-3 and 5.5 tonne 161.3 models.

The new 'ANTI-THEFT' key system is now fitted as standard to all machines from 1.5 to 5.5 tonnes across Kubota’s market-leading KX series and U series zero tail swing ranges.

The first security system of its kind fitted as standard from an excavator manufacturer, it is yet another pioneering innovation from the world leader in mini excavators.

Based on an individually programmed key for each machine that replaces the current universal starter key, each unique key has an identification code embedded in an IC chip that incorporates a state-of-the-art immobiliser system.

It starts and stops the engine like a conventional ignition key, and also opens the machine’s cab door, fuel filler cap and engine canopy.

Without it, the fuel, hydraulic and electric systems are fully immobilised and any attempt to start the machine with another key activates the system’s alarm.

Richard Harrison, Sales & Marketing Manager, Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment Division, said: “We are obviously delighted that our new 'ANTI-THEFT' system was successful in preventing the Silvester’s KX36-3 from being stolen.

"Within the construction industry excavators, particularly minis, are at increasing risk of being stolen. Our factory-fitted unique key system is now playing an increasingly important role in helping to reduce the current high level of plant theft and at the same time providing peace of mind for hire companies, plant users and owner operators alike."

As the UK, European and world leader in mini excavators, Kubota provides the widest range of machines available from a single manufacturer, with 17 base models spanning the weight range from 0.85 to 7.5 tonnes, and including the increasingly popular zero tail swing minis.

Kubota mini excavators have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability and excellent resale values and their versatility makes then ideal for many different applications and end-users, from construction to landscaping and for plant hire companies to owner operators.

A Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' system information pack, together with a free key ring (whilst stocks last), can be obtained via the 'ANTI-THEFT' response hotline Tel: 01283 227593. Fax: 01283 552528. Email: anti-theft@kubota.co.uk  or from Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment Division, Dormer Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3UN.

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A high resolution photo image to accompany this release is available here

Photo Caption:
The unique Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' system is fitted as standard across its world leading machine range, including the 1.5 tonne KX36-3 model.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF:
Kubota (UK) Ltd
Construction Equipment,   
Dormer Road,    
Thame,  
Oxfordshire, OX9 3UN.      
Tel: 01844 214500.   
Fax: 01844 216685.   
Email: richardh@kubota.co.uk  
Contact: Richard Harrison,   
Sales & Marketing Manager.  

ISSUED BY/ENQUIRIES TO:
Bird & Moore Ltd, Advertising,
Marketing and Public Relations,
The Old Vicarage,
26 Church Street, Uttoxeter,
Staffordshire, ST14 8AA.         
Tel: 01889 565111.
Fax: 01889 565700.
Email: birdandmoore@btconnect.com
Contact: Neil Moore,
Managing Director

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