Machine IQ telematics and other emerging technologies’ robust security features offer smarter, safer equipment protection
Bobcat Company is spotlighting National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month by raising awareness of the growing issue of equipment theft in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) observes National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in July to call attention to vehicle theft and urges owners and operators to take preventive steps to keep their vehicles and equipment safe.
In April, the American Rental Association reported that equipment theft is an astonishing $100 million-a-year crisis for the equipment rental industry alone. In 2024, Neuroject reported that heavy equipment theft costs the North American construction industry between $300 million and $1 billion annually, representing one of the most significant financial burdens for construction companies.
“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.”
With the Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature in Machine IQ, operators can also respond to suspected unauthorized use by remotely disabling and re-enabling the engine through the Bobcat Owner Portal or Machine IQ mobile app—enhancing control and security anytime, anywhere.
While there are a variety of factors that can impact the likelihood of equipment theft – such as worksite location or lack of adequate surveillance – enhancing security measures and improving asset tracking may help deter potential thieves. Here are some important steps to take if you suspect theft of your owned or rented equipment using Machine IQ:
- Verify location first: Log into the Bobcat Owner Portal to confirm your machine’s location with GPS tracking.
- Disable engine: If unauthorized use is in progress, use Remote Engine Disable/Enable to prevent further operation and potential damage to your equipment.
- Contact law enforcement: File a report with local authorities and provide applicable equipment details and GPS information.
- Contact your dealer: Notify your local dealership partner about the theft and police report. Request their assistance with documentation if needed.
- Notify your insurance company: Follow standard protocols with theft claims and provide proof from your dealership if needed.
Emerging technologies are supporting construction business owners and operators in their effort to improve machine security, reduce risks and protect valuable assets. National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month is a great opportunity to keep these insights top of mind.
