Kubota B7800 Headlight Upgrade

[logan97]

Has anyone upgraded their B7800 Headlights ?

 

[MikeInEburg]

Most folks who have done something have added extra lights on roll bar so that loader doesn't block light. Search "lighting" and you'll see LOTS of threads.
Cheers!
Mike

 

[logan97]

Thanks Mike very helpful. I was being to specific with my inquiry.

 

[Ductape]

I changed out the bulbs on my 3030 to LEDs. Before you ask how much better the visibility is with them....... i'll tell you i don't know. Since most of my night use is snow removal, i'm always using the work lights up on the cab.......... since the headlights shine more at the back of the blower more than the ground ahead of me. I do run the headlights, so i was after the greatly reduced amperage draw of the LEDs. The light from the LEDS is much more white, where the original incandescents put out a more yellow looking light. The swap was as simple as changing two bulbs, and frees up juice for additional work lights elsewhere. You can see the difference here.

 

[Farmall45b]

Ductape, where did you find LED bulbs? Do they plug right in to the same socket at the standard bulbs?

 

[Ductape]

I bought them locally at a truck accessory shop for big trucks (commonly called 'chrome shops'). The bulbs fit an 1156 socket. I also put a different style LED bulb in my tail lights. No doubt you can find them cheaper online..... i think they were a little under $20 / bulb. Just pop the old bulbs out.... push the news ones in. No modifications. They draw a fraction of an amp each.

 

[LQPAPPY]

Ductape,
Did you have any problem with the diameter of the LED fitting in the headlight opening ? I had purchased the super bright halogen and then was concerned with the added heat and have never installed them. Looked at the LED but most with the brighter ratings looked like they might not fit the opening. I found several bright bulbs with the 1156 base but most seemed to burn hotter. Just wondered if you have used yours much and if you see any problems ? I know the LED operate with less heat maybe even less than original bulbs.

 

[Ductape]

No problems with the headlights at all. They fit fine, and heat hasn't been an issue. I don't know how many hours i have on the bulbs, maybe 40 or 50 ? The lights are on several hours at a time whenever i snowblow at night. The bulbs i put in the tail lights are different, with all the diodes facing out the rear, instead of the diodes being all around the bulb like the headlights. I did have to grind out the bottom of the tail light bucket a little, then epoxy over the hole i made to make them water tight again. Overall i'm very happy with the LED bulbs so far.

 

[LQPAPPY]

Thanks for the reply. LED are not very available in my small town. I will check at a large truck stop first chance. I did purchase and have installed the Sylvania Silverstar 1156 which is advertised at least 30 % brighter same temp etc. We will see. Forecast for our first snow (we don't receive much) is Wed night-Thursday maybe 4".

 

[red4now]

I bought them locally at a truck accessory shop for big trucks (commonly called 'chrome shops'). The bulbs fit an 1156 socket. I also put a different style LED bulb in my tail lights. No doubt you can find them cheaper online..... i think they were a little under $20 / bulb. Just pop the old bulbs out.... push the news ones in. No modifications. They draw a fraction of an amp each.

Ductape,

Great idea using the LED to reduce amp draw - such a simple yet very effective change! Gotta love it. Keep those ideas coming.. ;-)