Block Stem Prevents Tractor And Construction Equipment Theft

Block Stem is a new low-cost agricultural and plant security system to prevent tractor and construction equipment theft. It has recently received full Thatcham accreditation, and approval is also being sought from the NFU Mutual to qualify the system for discounts on insurance premiums.

It is suitable for tractors, construction plant such as JCBs and even mini-diggers, or any other self-propelled machine with an exposed power steering ram. Imported from Italy, the Block Stem system costs from only £240 plus VAT (€287 in Ireland), and is available with a five-year warranty and a money back guarantee in case of any failure.

Manufactured in two sections from very heavy-duty steel, the tamper-proof Block Stem simply slots together over the hydraulic steering axle ram of any self-propelled machine, and is locked in place with a unique key when the wheels are at full lock.

Once fitted, the unit not only acts as an effective visual deterrent; it also means the vehicle can only go round in circles, thus preventing the vehicle from being loaded or driven away, even if the thief has the ignition key.

Block Stem is available in different lengths up to 220mm and diameters from 22 to 50mm. These dimensions fit almost all available makes of hydraulic steering ram on the market, but individual units can also be made to order.

“Block Stem is already established in Europe, where it qualifies through the Groupama insurance company for up to 30 per cent discount off premiums when it is fitted to agricultural, construction and other plant equipment,” says businessman Richard Baxter, director of sole agents Derwent Trading International Ltd in Wolverhampton. “I am now actively looking for regional selling agents to promote the product throughout the UK and Ireland.”

Richard Baxter first saw the concept at the Block Shaft factory in Bari, where the company also makes approved security systems for cars and commercial vehicles. Derwent Trading has recently joined forces with Cobra Automotive Technologies, manufacturer of Thatcham approved Cobra Trak Plus vehicle tracking systems, to offer customers a range of security solutions.