Question about the wiring for work lights on the Kubota BX

[Dropsix]

126 watts seems awful high for LEDs, light bar or not. Either they are not efficient or you'll be out-shining the sun. I have two 20W LEDs on my tractor and when I use them at night my neighbors can see the sky lit up around me from 1/2 mile away. They are insanely bright. I run them both off the 10A work light circuit and there's plenty of margin to spare.

The thing to keep in mind with smaller tractors like the BX is that the alternator/dynamo output is limited. I would try to keep the amp draw of the lights as low as possible. That 126 watt light is really eating into your margin.

Do you happen to know if a total of 142 watts will be too much for the BX alternator? I can't find info on the alternator output.

 

[s219]

Check the specs on the Kubota website for Canada -- they should list the dynamo output. In years past, there have been differences in how the US and Canadian models are rated. Some models have an optional upgrade. Offhand, I'd say don't exceed 50% of the stock Dynamo output otherwise you're eating too much charge that should be going to the battery. I still think 142 watts is ridiculously high, knowing how much light my dual 20w LEDs put out.

 

[Dropsix]

Check the specs on the Kubota website for Canada -- they should list the dynamo output. In years past, there have been differences in how the US and Canadian models are rated. Some models have an optional upgrade. Offhand, I'd say don't exceed 50% of the stock Dynamo output otherwise you're eating too much charge that should be going to the battery. I still think 142 watts is ridiculously high, knowing how much light my dual 20w LEDs put out.

Thanks for the help dude, much appreciated.

From the Kubota.ca site I get:

Electrical
Alternator Standard
Charging system capacity 40.0 Amps
Battery voltage x capacity 12 Volts x 535 CCA, RC: 80 min.


If my calculations are correct, then 144 watts is approx 12 amps, so technically, as long as nothing else is plugged in I should be fine ya? This wouldn't be a big deal but I already bought the lights obviously and I'd like to use them if possible.

 

[s219]

Yeah, that should be fine. You're in good shape -- some small tractors only come with a 20A dynamo!

 

[Dropsix]

Yeah, that should be fine. You're in good shape -- some small tractors only come with a 20A dynamo!

Oh ya, that would suck! Thanks again!

 

[Dropsix]

Mission accomplished. Ran the front light bar direct from the battery to a 30 amp fuse and then to a switch. Ran the two small back LED's off the back work light connection and to the switch.

Pretty happy with the results, wish I made my wiring a little cleaner around the switch box but I can still fix that.





I also cut the extra length of the U bolts off.

 

[Tollster]

Where did you mount your switch?

 

[jlewsader]

What kind of tractor? My L3901 has a wire bundle under the left side fender (as you sit in seat) that is ready for add on lights. I ordered a kit that has 2 forward facing and one rear that will attach right to the roll bar and a nice switch box. The wiring also had a nice plastic protector that blends right into the roll bar.View attachment 485928

Check your owner manual...you might already have a wire bundle designated for this?

What/where is your light kit from? Sounds easy!

 

[dchemphill1]

jlewsader,

I got them from john@ropslights.com. A bit pricy compared to going to TSC and buying lights and wiring etc...but it was a no fuss install. Tell John what tractor you have and choose your options of one, two or three lights...he sends you everything you need. Loved the fact that the harness was already to fit my L3901...just hooked the lights to ROPS and zip tied wires down (which come in protection sleeve) and then plugged them in...working in about 30 minutes. It took me a little longer because I was playing around with the best placement...otherwise it could have been 15-20 minutes. Check them out at ROPS Lights | Tractor LED Worklight Kits

 

[dchemphill1]

jlewsader,

Here is a picture of the two LED's on top...one mounted facing rear work area. Switch is over my left shoulder as I drive tractor. Switch has 2 on/off for forward facing and rear facing lights.