In observance of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, Bobcat Company is drawing attention to the rising issue of equipment theft across the lifting and construction equipment sectors. With estimates placing industry losses between $300 million and $1 billion annually in North America, the company is promoting its Machine IQ telematics platform as a valuable solution for theft deterrence and asset control.
“The frequency of equipment theft has created new challenges on the job site,” said Garrett Maurer, director of digital product management at Bobcat. “The good news is that operators and construction business owners can do something about it. With Bobcat Machine IQ and similar telematics software, operators can track their machines’ current location and history, enact geofencing with custom parameters and establish machine curfews. These are great ways to reduce instances of equipment theft and be in the know about your machines anytime, anywhere.”
One key feature of Machine IQ is the Remote Engine Disable/Enable function. This tool allows operators to stop a machine from running if it’s suspected of being used without authorization, helping protect both equipment and jobsite safety. Users can activate this feature through the Bobcat Owner Portal or the Machine IQ app.
If a machine is suspected of being stolen, Bobcat recommends verifying GPS data, disabling the engine, filing a police report and notifying the dealership and insurance provider with all relevant information. These steps, supported by telematics data, can help expedite recovery and reduce losses.
National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month serves as a reminder for equipment owners and rental fleets to evaluate current security protocols. Bobcat encourages the use of digital tools like Machine IQ to help improve visibility, reduce risks and keep valuable equipment protected.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
