Premier Plant Hire is a huge fan of Kubota's unique key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' security system after it helped prevent the theft of two of its mini excavators.

Thieves failed to start the engine of a 1.5 tonne KX36-3 machine left overnight on a customer's construction site in Coventry, despite drilling into the ignition lock.

They got away with a Terex HD1000 dumper fitted with a tracker system which was recovered by police from a travellers' site in Leamington Spa.

Two weeks later, thieves attempted to steal a 3 tonne KX71-3 machine left overnight at a County Council road works site in Cadeby, near Leicester. Once again they failed to start the machine's engine, but stole a dumper fitted with a tracking device which was later found by police five miles away.

Premier Plant Hire of Leicester has a 50-strong fleet of Kubota mini excavators with models from across the weight range. They make up almost 100 per cent of its total mini excavator holding, with all of the newer Kubota machines fitted with the 'ANTI-THEFT' system which now comes as standard.

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The plant hirer's owner, Robbie Hughes, said: "As we all know, plant theft from sites is a major problem today, which is why the Kubota security system is so valuable.

"Police say that if thieves can't get a machine started in 10-15 minutes they usually give up, which is exactly what happened to us. I only wish that other construction equipment manufacturers had similar efficient security systems fitted to their machines."

Although the KX36-3's ignition lock had been drilled into, Premier Plant was able to start it up with the master key. The larger machine was back at work next day after repairs to its wiring.

Premier Plant's Kubota machines are supplied by local dealer, BTE Plant Sales of Markfield, Leicester.

BTE's Managing Director, Ben Elliot, said: "Whilst tracking systems are very useful and can help locate stolen plant, it's obviously much better if you can avoid having machines stolen in the first place. It avoids down time and work disruption and also helps keep down insurance costs.

"We are very pleased that the Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' system is proving so valuable to hire companies like Premier Plant and their customers."

The simple, easy-to-use system is based on an individually programmed key for each machine that replaces the traditional universal starter key. Without it, the machine's fuel, hydraulic and electric systems are totally immobilised and any attempt to start the machine with an un-programmed key activates the system's alarm.

Kubota is the UK, European and world leader in mini excavators and offers the widest range of machines available from a single manufacturer. Customers can select from 19 base models spanning the weight range from 850 kg to 8 tonnes and including the largest selection of increasingly popular zero tail swing machines.

All Kubota minis, from 1.5 tonne upwards, feature their unique 'ANTI-THEFT' system. This complete, easy-to-use security device was the first and is still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by a mini excavator manufacturer.

(CD/JM)