BX Headlight Upgrade

cokeman · Feb 25, 2004

I found some 50 watt halogen 1156 style backup bulbs at Canadian Tire. I want to use them to replace the stock headlights on my BX1500 which are standard 1156 automotive lamps. Will these draw too much amperage or damage my electrical system? I have the standard alternator. The factory headlight setup is weak. I think the bulbs are 23 watt. Is this correct?

Thanks

Dean

sandyc · Feb 25, 2004

If the temperature doesn't melt the housing you should be ok as long as you keep the revs up. I have a few 50 watt tractor lights on my 2200 and as long as I only use two at a time I'm OK...if I try four plus have the heater and or the wiper on then things get really dim.
A butane lighter is better than the original headlights. I think they put them on just to say they have headlights. They are totally useless if you are using a front implement like a snow blower or FEL.

cokeman · Feb 25, 2004

Thanks for the input. I don't have a loader and my snowblower is on the rear so the factory lights would work fine if they were higher wattage. I still have to mount some lights on the rear for snowblowing though.

Dean

gsxr1100 · Feb 25, 2004

I am putting a pair of HID's on my when I have some $$$$.

Junkman · Feb 25, 2004

The only problem with those bulbs is that they aren't shock resistant and will burn out quickly. I removed the bulbs from my BX22 to see what they were and they are not like anything from an American automobile, but more like what is used on European vehicles. I never looked any further for brighter ones, because I believe that the plastic lens will melt if they were any hotter. The headlight assemblies are not vented and a higher wattage bulb such as a halogen, will definitely do a number on the plastic.

Von · Feb 25, 2004

Junkman,
I replaced my front bulbs with the 50w bulbs over two years ago. They have not yet given me a problem. If they can last in a car, they sure can last in a tractor!

gsxr1100 · Feb 26, 2004

I would say it is the length of the bulb combined with the watts (heat). If you get a short bulbs at xxx amount of heat you should be fine. If you get a longer bulb (closer to lens) and is the same heat, you MIGHT melt. You could figure it out if you have some time.

cokeman · Feb 26, 2004

Well I put the bulbs in tonight and they are much brighter. I'll keep an eye on things for awhile just to see if they get hot. Incidentally, they are exactly the same length as the stock bulbs.

Dean