New anti-theft system in Kubota minis raises the bar

Sales of Kubota mini-excavators have increased steadily, and one of the key reasons for this is the inclusion of a complete anti-theft security system as standard equipment. Kubota are one of the first excavator manufacturers to provide such a high level of security, in an attempt to combat the increasing theft of construction plant around the country.

The anti-theft system, which replaces the traditional universal starter key, is based on an individually programmed key for each machine. Every key has an identification code embedded in an IC chip — similar to the way immobilizer systems work in cars.

The use of the key opens the vehicle’s cab, fuel filler cap, engine canopy, and most importantly, it starts and stops the engine. Without the key, the fuel, hydraulic and electric systems are fully immobilized and any attempt to start the machine with an unprogrammed key activates the system’s alarm.

It is little surprise that plant hire companies have welcomed the anti-theft system. Guy Matthew, commercial director of Power Plant Hire Ltd in Halesowen, said: ‘As a responsible plant hirer, we take plant theft very seriously and are pleased to be able to offer our customers a sophisticated and factory-backed anti-theft system as standard.’

Ken Stewart, group procurement manager for the GAP Group, one of the UK’s largest independent tool and plant hirers, added: ‘In the past five years, we have purchased more than 1,650 Kubota minis. The anti-theft system, which is being fitted to all new machines, brings added value and acts as a major theft deterrent. And this is proving extremely popular with our customers.’

Excavators, particularly minis, remain some of the most desirable targets for thieves, and with plant theft on the rise, Kubota have shown the way forward in improving security.