Adding a 12volt outlet

[RoyJackson]

Roy,

I installed some of the new and very bright LED warning lights and am very happy with them. I use them for the very same reason you mention: snow plowing where the driveway meets the road, and also when I transport on a public road to another location. These lights are so bright they're highly noticeable on the sunniest day as well as through a raging blizzard. It's not that I like plowing in wind-blown snow storms, but in large storms as you likely know, it's better to keep up with it them than to let a large fall make it difficult to move snow after the storm is over.

Another advantage of the LED lights is that they're the hardiest of all. Rotating beacons and bars have moving parts that get fatigued by tractor vibration and even oiled surfaces are not as well lubed in the cold of winter. And strobe tubes are not as hardy as solid state LEDs.

Jerry

I looked at some LED lights. Frankly, I didn't think they were very bright and definitely not as bright as strobes. I was quite impressed with the strobe lights.
As for the light I chose...mostly a cost situation. I didn't want to spend too much (light in the pictures was $106 from Amazon.com) for something that won't be used too often. And trust me, this light is plenty bright to catch peoples' attention (day or night).

However, we both got what we want...something for use when working near or on the road.

 

[fuseboxer]

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.

This has got real value, charging system, no cutting of wiring and provides power. Now if someone can tell me how to stop cars from flying by me to prevent getting stuck. They see me and hope I stop.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I did return that warning light for a smaller unit, BTW.
I fit it to the ROPS to see how it would work. Before use, I'll fabricate a bracket to hold it more securely.
The picture shows to unit just setting on the ROPS. Although the magnets are the same, this one is a heavier lamp for commercial use and it needs all 4 magnets to hold it in place. I'll also need a longer power cable.
BTW, please forgive all those weeds under the front porch! It's been so bloody wet here, I haven't been keeping up with some of my outdoor work.

Looks good! :thumbsup:

 

[cttractor]

I looked at some LED lights. Frankly, I didn't think they were very bright and definitely not as bright as strobes. I was quite impressed with the strobe lights.
As for the light I chose...mostly a cost situation. I didn't want to spend too much (light in the pictures was $106 from Amazon.com) for something that won't be used too often. And trust me, this light is plenty bright to catch peoples' attention (day or night).

However, we both got what we want...something for use when working near or on the road.

Yeah, the fact that we're only going to use these warning lights for such a small percentage of the time does make it harder to justify spending very much on them. Though, I've spent more on an attachment or two that I don't use as much as I thought I might. I'm wrestling right now with whether I'm going to use a grapple enough to justify its cost. I have an immediate need, but will I have enough such need in the future is the real question. It'd be nice if that was a rentable attachment, but I've not been able to find anything like that around here.

 

[whistlepig]

I plugged it in to a portable battery (jump start unit)...yeah, it's plenty bright even during the day. Like any warning lamp, it's not just the brightness. The rotating pattern is what catches one's eye.
A strobe would probably be more noticeable, but more costly.
BTW, you can view short videos of the Wolo lights on their website, if interested.

As far as operating, I don't spend much time on the road. I just plow about 15-20 yards on either side of the entrance to my drive...also, my neighbor's drive sometimes. I normally plow at night or wee hours of the morning (well before dawn).

What I will need to be aware of is branches hanging low by the weight of the snow or ice. That won't be a big problem though.

I used to do commercial mowing and did a lot of time on the road with a MF135. No lights. I've had some close calls. When I bought my Kubota it came warning flashers. Although I don't spend that much time on the road anymore the warning flashers on the Kubota make me feel a whole lot safer. I think the lights you purchased would make it better yet.

 

[RoyJackson]

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.

What wire gage did you use, if I may ask?
Also, which trickle charger do you use?

 

[RoyJackson]

I used to do commercial mowing and did a lot of time on the road with a MF135. No lights. I've had some close calls. When I bought my Kubota it came warning flashers. Although I don't spend that much time on the road anymore the warning flashers on the Kubota make me feel a whole lot safer. I think the lights you purchased would make it better yet.

My drive entrance is couple hundred yards from the crest of a hill. I'm not overly concerned about someone driving sensibly...it's the folks who think they're invincible when they have a 4x4 (you know the type..."I don't know why I couldn't stop...I have a 4 wheel drive truck...")

 

[Tractor Pilot]

What wire gage did you use, if I may ask?
Also, which trickle charger do you use?

Roy,

I used a 12 gauge wire. I also installed a 20 amp in-line fuse that was the same type/style of fuse used in the tractor's fuse panel.

I use the Battery Tender. Battery Tender - Home of the Battery Tender Jr. - Batterytender.com

Bruce

 

[whistlepig]

My drive entrance is couple hundred yards from the crest of a hill. I'm not overly concerned about someone driving sensibly...it's the folks who think they're invincible when they have a 4x4 (you know the type..."I don't know why I couldn't stop...I have a 4 wheel drive truck...")

I'm more concerned about those talking on the cell phone, trying to fix their hair in the rear view mirror, and trying to look for something in their console all at the same time. I was behind someone one time at a stoplight that was doing all of this. When the light turned green they floored it and plowed in to the rear of the car that was sitting in front of them. Multi-tasking I think is what they call this these days.

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy,

I used a 12 gauge wire. I also installed a 20 amp in-line fuse that was the same type/style of fuse used in the tractor's fuse panel.

I use the Battery Tender. Battery Tender - Home of the Battery Tender Jr. - Batterytender.com

Bruce

Thank you!!
I was considering 14 gage. The warning light uses a 10 amp fuse built into the plug.

Thanks for the link to Battery Tender too!

 

[Glen Watkins]

Hey Roy just curious if you are going to just rely on magnets to hold that light on.:mur:

 

[RoyJackson]

Hey Roy just curious if you are going to just rely on magnets to hold that light on.

That's what it's designed for, but I haven't decided. It depends how well it holds when all four magnets are used (doesn't do too well with just two magnets which is all that was holding it in the pics I'd attached earlier).
I really don't want this thing crashing down on my head when plowing!

 

[Tractor Pilot]

Here is a picture of my battery tender charging my tractor's battery through the 12v outlet.

How is your 12v outlet project coming, Roy?

Bruce

 

[RoyJackson]

Here is a picture of my battery tender charging my tractor's battery through the 12v outlet.

How is your 12v outlet project coming, Roy?

Bruce

Got all of the supplies (I think) and trying to find a soldering iron I can borrow (don't want to buy something I'll use once). Had all the other tools on hand, including a hole saw (surprisingly!).
I am still considering where to put the outlet. The center panel (just below the ignition key) was my first choice, but also a very easy place to hit with my knee. The side of the cowl might be a better spot...but too exposed to the weather? A trip to my local dealer might be in order. I'd like to see where those outlets are installed on the 2x20 series machines since B E Lewis Farms brought that up.

 

[fuseboxer]

Get a cap for the female electric plug when not in use. Most auto and some others have a plastic cap attached to the unit. Snap one off your vehicle and put a, uck, lighter in its place.

 

[RoyJackson]

Get a cap for the female electric plug when not in use. Most auto and some others have a plastic cap attached to the unit. Snap one off your vehicle and put a, uck, lighter in its place.

A cover came with the outlet, Fuseboxer, since I bought a marine type unit. I'm probably being overly cautious, especially since the tractor is rarely left outside.
Those folks who know me know I ponder, and ponder...and ponder...then I get the job done pretty quickly.

 

[B E Lewis Farms]

Roy,
The 2520 outlets are mounted on the kick panel below the seat. This location is susceptible to damage from the heel of your right foot. I think I would try another location.

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy,
The 2520 outlets are mounted on the kick panel below the seat. This location is susceptible to damage from the heel of your right foot. I think I would try another location.

Thank you!!

 

[RoyJackson]

Oh yeah...I also need to acquire a bracket or plate of some sort to hold the warning flasher itself.
Boy, I really miss not working in a fabrication shop anymore!!! And i really kick my butt for disposing of some old steel shelving earlier this year.

 

[kude]

Got all of the supplies (I think) and trying to find a soldering iron I can borrow (don't want to buy something I'll use once). Had all the other tools on hand, including a hole saw (surprisingly!).
I am still considering where to put the outlet. The center panel (just below the ignition key) was my first choice, but also a very easy place to hit with my knee. The side of the cowl might be a better spot...but too exposed to the weather? A trip to my local dealer might be in order. I'd like to see where those outlets are installed on the 2x20 series machines since B E Lewis Farms brought that up.

On my snow plow motor wiring, it was recommeneded that I use a propane torch to solder because of the cable size. So you could use a propane torch if you have one laying around, or find one at a garage sale.