Nearly every farmer has had fuel go missing from farm storage tanks. And with recent high-profile incidents surrounding farm security, now is a good time to think about keeping all that expensive fuel right where it belongs.
A new invention is designed to do exactly that. Fuel Lock allows for keyless control of fuel transfer pumps.
Why it matters: Fuel theft not only costs money, but it increases feelings of insecurity among farm families.
“It’s a product we’ve been developing for the past couple of months,” said Landon Fahlman.
“We tried to create a product that can play in a lot of different markets and appeal to either the larger or smaller business. It eliminates the need for padlocks and chains.”
Fuel Lock is available in two different versions. A simpler one is designed primarily for smaller operations where only one PIN number is sufficient. After entering in the security code, the Fuel Lock system allows power to reach the transfer pump and fueling can take place.
The system will automatically shut the power down again after a pre-set amount of time in case the user forgets to turn it off.
“The first version we created is a non-communicating device with a single PIN entry and an auto lock timer,” he said. “You enter your four-digit pin and it unlocks power out to the pump so you can fill. And after whatever pre-set time you chose, it will automatically lock. So you don’t have to worry about people leaving the pumps unlocked, forgetting to lock up or anything like that. It’s a great way to have peace of mind for your own fuel.”
The second version is designed for large operations with multiple employees. Each one can be assigned his or her own PIN number. The system keeps track of who takes fuel, how much and when. It will also communicate that information to the owner in real time via an app. That allows an owner to track all employee PINs and usage in real time, as well as receive text alerts on a phone.
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“He can have up to 1,000 users, each with their own PIN,” he added. “It gives more oversight of the fuel, where is it going, who’s using it and at what time. It’s another tool not only for the ag industry.”
Version 1, the non-communicating device will retail for $1,499 and the second version, Fuel Up For Business, will retail for $2,499. It can be ordered directly from the company online at fuellock.ca.
