JCB has become the first excavator manufacturer to achieve a three star Thatcham security rating in the agricultural and construction machinery sector. The company has taken a lead in the fight against plant crime, achieving the three star rating on all JS and JZ Auto wheeled and tracked excavators and on its popular 801 and 8020 mini excavators.

Throughout the first six months of 2010, JCB will expand this market leading security initiative to include all of its mini and midi excavators above one tonne operating weight.

JCB UK and Ireland Sales Director Yvette Henshall-Bell announced JCB's new initiative when she addressed the fifth Construction Industry Theft Solutions (CITS) annual conference being held at JCB today (Tuesday, November 3rd).

The Thatcham star rating scheme was launched in March 2009, taking into account machine identification, key security, immobilisation, peripheral security and anti-theft tracking devices. Thatcham's vehicle security specialists carry out a full new vehicle security assessment on all agricultural and construction machinery that is submitted for test, awarding stars for each of the security features.

The first star is awarded for clear CESAR marking, which is standard on all JCB equipment. A second star is included for machines supplied with an immobiliser, while the third star is given for the use of a unique key or keypad ignition system.

From January 1, 2010, all of JCB's JS and JZ Auto excavators, will be supplied with a keypad, while the 801 range and the 8020 will come as standard with a unique key. Customers who prefer the option of a keypad rather than a unique key can specify one at the time of order.

An electrical immobiliser, incorporated into the proven Advanced Management System (AMS) on the larger JS models, is standard on the JCB equipment. Without the correct keypad code, the electrical system will prevent the machine from starting. Customers can take security a stage further if desired, with the application of JCB's optional LiveLink satellite tracking system.

Thatcham's Vehicle Security Manager Mike Briggs said: "Plant theft has become an all too common problem in the UK with high value equipment simply lacking in good all-round security. It is great news to see manufacturers of the calibre of JCB making significant strides in this area and becoming the first to achieve three stars under Thatcham's security star scheme. With the positive support that the scheme has enjoyed from all sides of the industry we are confident that others will follow suit."

Yvette Henshall-Bell said: "JCB has always been at the forefront of machine design and technology, including theft prevention and fleet security. By becoming the first manufacturer to achieve a three star Thatcham rating, JCB is once again taking the initiative in the fight against equipment crime."

She also revealed that many insurance companies will be prepared to reduce premiums for those fleets with three star rated equipment.

JCB Insurance Director and General Manager Michael Gregory says some insurance companies are offering premium discounts of up to 40 per cent for machines equipped with CESAR and an immobiliser. Companies taking out insurance directly through JCB Insurance can expect a further five per cent discount for the three star machinery.