I think Cat has a electronic key option also... you need a code to start...
As for the whereabout, I would start looking south of the border...
They just found a bunch of farm stuff here in kansas . Fbi is involved so there is much info being let out...
we've had two stolen... one old, one new less than 100 hours.... but with the one key fits all .... they are easy targets...
One company I worked for their machine was stolen, a brand new Deere, The sheriff called the next day saying they found it about a 100 miles away. Minus 4 wheels... the amount effort involved to get the 4 wheel & tires. Probably cost more than if the crooks had just bought recapped tires... Crooks are stupid...