bolt on work lights?

[GaryS]

I have a MF 1428V and would like to add a set of work lights. I'm not crazy about drilling holes in the ROPS so I'd like to find a bolt-on bracket that would ideally swivel so the lights can be used both forward and backward. I've searched a bit with no luck. Anyone have a product that's worked for them?

I'd also like to somehow be able to have a rack for the weed whacker so I could have it with me when cutting instead of making a second trip.

gary

 

[rayh76]

I found this thread last night! I think I am going to try to build my brackets as FORD850 did.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/114640-worklight-brackets.html

 

[GaryS]

I found this thread last night! I think I am going to try to build my brackets as FORD850 did.

Oh, good lord. I had that thread bookmarked. What a senior moment.

thanks for the pointer.

 

[Charlesaf3]

messicks carries bolt on brackets for rops lights

 

[studor]

The other way to do it is with a couple of HF welding magnets ( the round ones with a bolt in the center). There is a thread on here somewhere about it. I used that idea and it works very well -- lights can be placed on just about any metal surface

 

[rayh76]

The other way to do it is with a couple of HF welding magnets ( the round ones with a bolt in the center). There is a thread on here somewhere about it. I used that idea and it works very well -- lights can be placed on just about any metal surface

I have read some people have problems with the magnets staying in place...you have any problems with this? Thanks.

 

[rayh76]

I posted this in the NH section but if anyone knows a good rocker switch that will fit in a NH or Case DX40 I would appreciate it. I think I only need a SPST switch or two for my light project that I want to start soon.

 

[Ford850]

The other way to do it is with a couple of HF welding magnets ( the round ones with a bolt in the center). There is a thread on here somewhere about it. I used that idea and it works very well -- lights can be placed on just about any metal surface

I originally planned to use those magnets too, but they didn't hold the lights as secure as I wanted. I do plan to make a portable worklight with one of those magnets though. If anyone is thinking of using magnets, they are half price at Harbor Freight until the 12th. $3.99 each.

 

[TwinWillows]

I tried a magnet mount work light on my ROPS but the darn thing kept flying off when I'd hit a bump.. I think being so high amplified the swinging motion while crossing rough ground & which created enough energy to toss the light loose. I'm going back to a bolt on mount this summer.

 

[Ford850]

I tried a magnet mount work light on my ROPS but the darn thing kept flying off when I'd hit a bump.. I think being so high amplified the swinging motion while crossing rough ground & which created enough energy to toss the light loose. I'm going back to a bolt on mount this summer.

I agree, the magnets won't hold the larger lights in place. That's why I made my bolt on mount for the floods. But I think a magnet will work for a smaller emergency or temporary worklight.

 

[PAB_OH]

I posted this in the NH section but if anyone knows a good rocker switch that will fit in a NH or Case DX40 I would appreciate it. I think I only need a SPST switch or two for my light project that I want to start soon.

Do you already have slots in the dash or are you cutting them? If you already have a slot in the dash let me know the width x length x panel thickness. Carling makes high quality switches rated to IP68. You can find them on auction sites or marine supply retailers.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

Just some food for thought. I bought my lights at Norther Tool. I believe they were listed as tractor lights on the package or something like that, they have a plastic case. If the lights are on and I try to adjust the light by pushing on it the fuse will blow, otherwise they work fine. So try to buy a quality light and save yourself some grief later.

 

[studor]

I had my doubts at first too!
I have a set of three by five rectangular driving lights mounted on the magnets and have pointed them front, back and sideways at various times, on the rops, fenders, fel brackets and even on implements. I have not had them shake off or to a different position but the lights are fairly light and are mounted closely to the magnets. I have them wired into a lighter plug and have wired several lighter sockets on the tractor. Zip ties keep the wires where I want them.The lights are 55 watts each and throw lots of light. I think my total investment is 30 bucks.
I have been thinking about making a thermos holder with one of the same magnets and a piece of ABS pipe.
Try it -- if it does not work for your lights you will only be out the price of the magnets (about eight bucks) and everthing else will bolt to whatever bolt on brackets you choose----and you might discover the best place to put the lights for permanent mounting.
Almost forgot -- you might want to look at a set of atv holders to mount the weed wacker

 

[GaryS]

Well, I just ordered the magnets and lights from HF. I suppose if they don't work, I'm just out the $3.99. I can always buy the hardware and build the clamp as detailed in the other thread.

I'll look into the ATV holder for the weed whacker. got a pointer? I'll google that to see what it is but if you have one that's worked for you, i'd like to know.

gary

 

[studor]

Try Cabelas under utv/atv racks -- I have an old one that looks like two rubber prongs with a keeper strap. I tried to do a link but was not successfull. The big thing is to find one that will bolt to the rops or fender etc .
regards

 

[rayh76]

Do you already have slots in the dash or are you cutting them? If you already have a slot in the dash let me know the width x length x panel thickness. Carling makes high quality switches rated to IP68. You can find them on auction sites or marine supply retailers.

Not to rob the thread but the slots in the dash appear to be about 1" x 2". Not sure of the panel thickness. I will research the carling switches. Thanks.

 

[LBrown59]

I have a MF 1428V and would like to add a set of work lights. I'm not crazy about drilling holes in the ROPS so I'd like to find a bolt-on bracket that would ideally swivel so the lights can be used both forward and backward. I've searched a bit with no luck. Anyone have a product that's worked for them?

I'd also like to somehow be able to have a rack for the weed whacker so I could have it with me when cutting instead of making a second trip.

gary

I'd try magnets first

 

[bucmeister]

If you can find some channel that will just cup around your ROPS of the gauge metal that the purloins used in metal buildings is made from then you could weld tabs to the channel and use worm gear hose clamps to secure and still move or remove as necessary. Only problem is that you would have to run hot and ground to each.

 

[PAB_OH]

I'll look into the ATV holder for the weed whacker. got a pointer? I'll google that to see what it is but if you have one that's worked for you, i'd like to know.

gary

I picked up a set at TSC for $19 and change. This is a great idea. Just last night I was trying to figure out how to carry my weed eater on my CK30. I still have to find a place to mount them (magnets?) but I'm thinking of hangin it from the ROPS.

The only time I have the weed eater is when I'm mowing and I always have the ROPS up when mowing so it should work out well.

I'm going to try the magnets for the lights too. I like the idea of being able to move them wherever I need them. I can see using them on the FEL often as well as the ROPS (forward and reverse) while mowing.

Thanks for all the great ideas!

 

[bigballer]

my worklights (2 front 2 rear) are mounted to a galvanized fence pipe (the kind used for cyclone fencing) with the wiring run through the pipe. i attched the pipe to the top of the rops using 2 big u-bolts - it's kind of ghetto looking but works great. i also used the 4 wire flat trailer wire so i can disconnect it easily and take it off quickly if i need to. a while back someone posted their mount which was made out of that channel stuff with holes all throughout - can't remember the name of it but it looked good. i saw another mounting option which used 2 flat peices of stock iron bent to fit around the rops, the bolts for the lights used to secure it to the rops, i'm keeping an eye out for something like that and will switch to it when i find it..