Adding a 12volt outlet

[RoyJackson]

After reading CompactTractorFan's thread on a warning beacon, I'm considering adding a 12v outlet (marine type) on my 4400. Reason behind this is snowplowing, mostly. I don't plow the road, but I'm on the road in front of my property enough that I'd like to be a bit more noticable. I found a pretty nice strobelamp to use (on Amazon.com) with a magnetic base that I could alternate between the 4400 and my pickup.

I'm thinking about splicing into the headlamp circuit since I alternate between the flashers and rear worklamps, so I don't think they'd be the place to splice into, although that would be the most convenient for a ROPS mounted strobe.

Anyway, where did you guys tie into?

 

[Fixemall]

If your tractor has a trailer hitch circuit plug in the back you can hook a spade plug to tie in, nice thing about using it is you don't have to strip any wires and it is not pulling voltage from your other lights.

 

[RoyJackson]

If your tractor has a trailer hitch circuit plug in the back you can hook a spade plug to tie in, nice thing about using it is you don't have to strip any wires and it is not pulling voltage from your other lights.

No, I'm afraid the 4400 doesn't have a trailer hitch circuit...but thanks for the comment.
Your post did inspire me though...I found a marine 12v outlet and was trying to determine where best to mount it. The instrument panel doesn't really have the room, but the right fender insert (the cupholder is molded in and the insert is used for some controls on HST models, I believe) would be a perfect place!

 

[radioman]

thats a good idea! fender mount is better then near the floorboard like mine. My blackberry charger was not long enough to reach from plug to cup holder to other side so i left it near the controls on right. it fell from a bump and got cracked screen.:ashamed: Had to replace the screen myself and got a extended battery for it instead so I dont have to worry about power anymore.

 

[foggy1111]

Roy.....just wear that bull cap of yours.....and folks cant help but see you, and they will steer clear of you! :laughing:

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Roy, which light are you planning on getting?

 

[JD5210]

I have attached the wiring diagram for the 5210, which has a trailer hitch circuit. Do not know how close this will match with your wiring, but you can see where they connected things. If you are interested in going this route.

You might want to look at JD5920 - Reflector strips that go on the roll bar. Last check JD wants $6.50 for them.

 

[Fixemall]

Rethinking the whole thing and you might want to run a separate circuit that is "hot" all the time. I could see this helpful if you wanted to shut down the tractor for some kind of situation and still be visible, I recently did a separate circuit for a guys construction trailer and put strobes in the back, he leaves them on when it is parked on the side of the road during unloading/loading of his excavator.

 

[JB4310]

I had the same questions awhile ago, for the same reason (strobe for plowing)

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ating/113851-4310-electrical-help-needed.html

I never finished/ followed up on this thread, but look at the first picture.
It's a nifty little device that allows you to share on space on the panel but have 2 circuits fused separately.

I forget which space I used but remember the wire that fed it was big enough for the added draw.

Mine is hot without the key on, that can be good or bad, depending on your memory capacity

JB

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy, which light are you planning on getting?

This one...

Amazon.com: Wolo Model 3550M-A Aurora Magnetic Mount Halogen Mini Bar Warning Light - Amber: Automotive

Haven't decided on which outlet though. It'll be a marine type since those are all weather types. Amazon has quite a collection.

As I'd written in my first post, the strobe would be used in my pickup as well for road side emergencies. In fact, it would be kept in the truck except for the relatively rare times I'd want it on the tractor.

 

[RoyJackson]

Rethinking the whole thing and you might want to run a separate circuit that is "hot" all the time. I could see this helpful if you wanted to shut down the tractor for some kind of situation and still be visible, I recently did a separate circuit for a guys construction trailer and put strobes in the back, he leaves them on when it is parked on the side of the road during unloading/loading of his excavator.

All I'd have to do is add it to the headlamp circuit. That's hot whether the key is on or not.

 

[Tractor Pilot]

I installed a Marinco 12 volt outlet on the lower left panel of my JD770. It has a cover to protect the outlet when not in use. And if you use a Marinco male plug, the connection will be waterproof. 12V Plug & Receptacle | Marinco

I ran the wires right to the battery with an in-line fuse so I could trickle charge the battery by plugging the charger into the 12v outlet instead of having to remove the front grill to access the battery.

 

[RoyJackson]

I had the same questions awhile ago, for the same reason (strobe for plowing)

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ating/113851-4310-electrical-help-needed.html

I never finished/ followed up on this thread, but look at the first picture.
It's a nifty little device that allows you to share on space on the panel but have 2 circuits fused separately.

I forget which space I used but remember the wire that fed it was big enough for the added draw.

Mine is hot without the key on, that can be good or bad, depending on your memory capacity

JB

Thanks, JB...that's a good thread with some good ideas!
Per my tech manual, there are three spare connections available on the fuse box. I've got to confirm these are actually open (on the tractor which is outside awaiting duty after Irene passes), but that trailer harness/wiring might be the best way to go (in that wiring is installed on my tractor).
I'm not overly concerned if it's switchable (hot all the time) or not. If I''m using the strobe, odds are the tractor will be running or idling. Even if it's continuously "hot", I hope I'd notice a strobe light flashing when I park the tractor or lower the ROPS to back it into the garage...if I don't notice that kind of thing, reckon it's time for me to retire to the house and never leave!

 

[RoyJackson]

I installed a Marinco 12 volt outlet on the lower left panel of my JD770. It has a cover to protect the outlet when not in use. And if you use a Marinco male plug, the connection will be waterproof.

I ran the wires right to the battery with an in-line fuse so I could trickle charge the battery by plugging the charger into the 12v outlet instead of having to removing the front grill to access the battery.

Good idea about the trickle charging! Nice looking installation too!

 

[RoyJackson]

thats a good idea! fender mount is better then near the floorboard like mine. My blackberry charger was not long enough to reach from plug to cup holder to other side so i left it near the controls on right. it fell from a bump and got cracked screen.:ashamed: Had to replace the screen myself and got a extended battery for it instead so I dont have to worry about power anymore.

Thanks for the post.
Off topic, but I suggest you get a charging cradle for your Blackberry...one like this one:
Amazon.com: OEM Blackberry Tour Charging Cradle Dock Pod ASY-14396-010: Electronics

I have the Bold 9700 (which recently replaced an older Bold) and have used these cradles for about 3 years now. Unless you plan to be on your tractor for a couple days, the Bold's battery goes for a good 12-18 hours before needing charging (unless you're on the intenet or playing videos continuously).
These cradles are available for most Blackberry models.

 

[RoyJackson]

You might want to look at JD5920 - Reflector strips that go on the roll bar. Last check JD wants $6.50 for them.

I already have reflective strips (red and white diagonal) on the ROPS, loader arms and engine side panels.
I got the strips from ACE hardware. They come in 24" lengths. Can't recall the exact price, but it was a couple bucks each.

 

[JB4310]

Thanks, JB...that's a good thread with some good ideas!
Per my tech manual, there are three spare connections available on the fuse box. I've got to confirm these are actually open (on the tractor which is outside awaiting duty after Irene passes), but that trailer harness/wiring might be the best way to go (in that wiring is installed on my tractor).
I'm not overly concerned if it's switchable (hot all the time) or not. If I''m using the strobe, odds are the tractor will be running or idling. Even if it's continuously "hot", I hope I'd notice a strobe light flashing when I park the tractor or lower the ROPS to back it into the garage...if I don't notice that kind of thing, reckon it's time for me to retire to the house and never leave!

Roy,

From what I REMEMBER none of the open slots on the fuse panel had power to them, and that wire harness I found got me no where either.

WARNING, there is one open slot that I think does have power but I was warned not to use it as it is for diagnostics testing only.

That's why I had to go with that piggyback circuit thingy. It has worked fine and is properly fused/protected.

I went with a cheapo outlet from napa and have had to take it apart and repair it already. My strobe has the little toggle switch built in to the plug, so it's easy to turn on and off without messing with the plug in and out.

JB

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy,

From what I REMEMBER none of the open slots on the fuse panel had power to them, and that wire harness I found got me no where either.

WARNING, there is one open slot that I think does have power but I was warned not to use it as it is for diagnostics testing only.

That's why I had to go with that piggyback circuit thingy. It has worked fine and is properly fused/protected.

I went with a cheapo outlet from napa and have had to take it apart and repair it already. My strobe has the little toggle switch built in to the plug, so it's easy to turn on and off without messing with the plug in and out.

JB

Thanks for the info, JB...I'll let you know what I find on my 4400 (probably the same as yours other then 4400 has less electronics then the 4x10 machines...I probably don't have a fuse slot for diagnostics).
The warning light I'm getting (which I had erroneously wrote it was a strobe...it isn't) will only be on the tractor when needed, hence the magnetic mount. It'll be kept in my F150 most of the time.

 

[whistlepig]

I have bought these 12 volt outlets at Radio Shack and mounted them two on ATV's. These are off the shelf items and not marine grade. The weather doesn't seem to bother them. They are spliced in to the hot wires on the ignition switch wiring. You can splice them in two ways. Hot side to the ignition switch is power all the time. I don't recommend this as this can kill a battery. I splice mine in hot wire after the ignition switch. Power only when the key is turned on.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have bought these 12 volt outlets at Radio Shack and mounted them two on ATV's. These are off the shelf items and not marine grade. The weather doesn't seem to bother them. They are spliced in to the hot wires on the ignition switch wiring. You can splice them in two ways. Hot side to the ignition switch is power all the time. I don't recommend this as this can kill a battery. I splice mine in hot wire after the ignition switch. Power only when the key is turned on.

Thanks!
Yeah, I'd prefer power on when the key is on...my headlamps are powered rather the key is on or not. Sooner or later, I'm going to leave those lamps on when I shut down the tractor.
Well, I always back the tractor in the garage...just in case I need to jump it or tow it some day.