Help this girl install a sound bar on Kubota

[piaffepony]

I just bought a brand new mx5800hst and splurged on a stealth wet sound bar to put on it so I can share my love of AC/DC with the world as I mow my 62 acres. >;o)

I want to install it up under the awning. I tried to enlist in some “man help” in order to speed the process along but they didn’t seem interested and they aren’t in any hurry (but I have a ton of tractor work to do ASAP) so it looks like I will have to do it on my own *cue Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself”*

Installing it in that location, the wiring is too short to hook to the battery. I checked out the fuse box and it has empty fuse slots but no wiring feeding them... is installing another fuse easier than just splicing in extra length of wire so it can reach the battery?

I’ve never done anything like this before, and I’m totally clueless. Would someone be able to direct me to a YouTube video or directions on how to install this? I lost the manual to the stereo. Oops.

Also, how do I run the wiring down the awning frame so it’s not flapping away and ghetto looking? Pics?

 

[GaryM]

So far as running the wire down the awning frame there are three things I can think of.

If there are holes already in the frame you might be able to snake wires down through the inside. Take a close look and see what's there. If you do it that way be sure to use grommets or lots of electrical tape where the wires go through so they don't get the insulation worn off and short out.

They make small adhesive backed nylon pads that have attachment points for wire zip ties. A few of these and zip ties will keep things from flapping around and look decent. For several values of decent anyway.

Last, you could just use the wire ties around the frame to secure the wires in place. Kind of the method of last resort, but fast.

Hope it helps.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm not familiar with these speakers, but I'm guessing that they are some sort of blue tooth technology and they play music from your phone. You need 12 volts power to run the speakers, and the wires that came with the speakers are not long enough to go from the speakers to a power source.

First, you don't want to connect it to the batter if the speaker will draw any power at all when the tractor is not running.

You need to find a hot wire, or fuse that is only on when the key is on. A volt meter is what I use for this.

Splicing the wires together is messy and often leads to failure. My first thought would be to open up the speaker and see where the wires go inside of it and remove the existing wire, then install longer wires. Use wires the same thickness (gauge) as came with the speakers, or thicker. I've used speaker wire to power all sorts of 12 volt add ons before, including spot lights and cigarette lighter connection to power things. Speaker wire comes in a variety of gauges, it's paired, and it handles the elements.

For the most reliable connections, solder the wires together.

 

[mopardude318]

I'd get some butt connectors and increase the length of the wire to reach the battery. That's exactly what I did to run LED lights on my tractor. I started at the battery, and followed the factory wiring harness, zip tying along every 6 inches, all they way until I got to to the ROPS bar. Then went up from there, and mounted the lights to the sunshade/canopy cross bar. I just used zip ties around the ROPS bar in a nice even fashion to fasten the wire, looks fine, and works.

And to agree with Eddie, 'key on' power would be best, but you could also run an on/off switch. My Rigid lights came with a fused relay, and water proof switch, so all it needed was 12V power. I got constant power from the battery.

 

[piaffepony]

What’s ROPS?

 

[piaffepony]

I'm not familiar with these speakers, but I'm guessing that they are some sort of blue tooth technology and they play music from your phone. You need 12 volts power to run the speakers, and the wires that came with the speakers are not long enough to go from the speakers to a power source.

First, you don't want to connect it to the batter if the speaker will draw any power at all when the tractor is not running.

You need to find a hot wire, or fuse that is only on when the key is on. A volt meter is what I use for this.

Splicing the wires together is messy and often leads to failure. My first thought would be to open up the speaker and see where the wires go inside of it and remove the existing wire, then install longer wires. Use wires the same thickness (gauge) as came with the speakers, or thicker. I've used speaker wire to power all sorts of 12 volt add ons before, including spot lights and cigarette lighter connection to power things. Speaker wire comes in a variety of gauges, it's paired, and it handles the elements.

For the most reliable connections, solder the wires together.

How do I figure out if the speaker draws power when the tractor is turned off?

Sorry for the ignorant girl questions..

 

[LittleBill21]

What’s ROPS?

It's the roll over bar your awning is attached to.

 

[LittleBill21]

How do I figure out if the speaker draws power when the tractor is turned off?

Sorry for the ignorant girl questions..

you would need to get a volt meter

 

[mopardude318]

The ROPS is your RollOver Protective Structure

Dang you guys are fast at replying. LOL

 

[sdquick]

Most of the Kubota tractors have a fused wiring circuit for additional lights. There is a probably wires to connect into under the seat or under the left fender. If you don't have plans to use additional lighting I would use that circuit and it should be good to go.
Also, as much as it hurts my pride to admit, I would avoid "man" help on this one and find a teenager who has some loud custom stereo work they have done in there car and pay them $20 to hook it up for you!