BX1500 Lights Project

[blackmajicwoman]

Ok, before all of you ROPS police start up, let me make the disclaimer that I am a big boy and responsible for my actions. Further more, above all, I use common sense when operating my machine, whether cutting the lawn, plowing snow, or using my BH or FEL.

Started out the by upgrading the electrical charging system by replacing the dynamo with the Kubota alternator. Kudos to Charliebrn for posting the detailed instructions at http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...7-bx-alternator-kit-installation-project.html.

Next, with the help of Mike_C at http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...22-mega-lighting.html?highlight=light+project, I started by ordering parts from parts express:
3 060-085 SPST Standard Toggle Switch
3 060-378 Rubber Boot For Heavy Duty Toggle Switch
1 071-340 Littelfuse 3A ATO Fuse 5 Pcs.
1 071-360 Littelfuse 10A ATO Fuse 5 Pcs.
30' 080-523 1/4" Split Loom Tubing
1 100-074 16 AWG Red Primary Wire 100 ft.
2 330-073 12 VDC Automotive Relay SPDT 30/40A
1 330-078 12 VDC Dual Relay Socket

With the abundance of power now available from my new alternator, added a fuse block from Wiring Products at http://www.wiringproducts.com/:

1 6 Circuit Raised Ganged ATO/ATC Fuse Block

Then ordered four halogens from Amazon at Amazon.com: Hella Oval 100 H3 Long Range Double Beam: Automotive

4 Hella Oval 100 H3 Long Range Double Beam

All other parts I had hanging around the shop.

The attached pics show the finished job (sorry, didn't have the camera available while I was doing the job. The results are great...was able to field test the lights out last week during the Nor' Easter we had last week. On a final note, I working in the engineering field. I spoke to a structural engineering in our group and he voiced an opinion based on the thickness of the ROPS and weight of the tractor that the modifications I made to the ROPS will have a very minimum effect on the structural integrity of the ROPS. Taking that into account, along with the common sense factor should allow for safety to be upheld while using the BX1500.

First pic is of the alternator installed.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Next Pic is of the dual relay socket and fuse block installed.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Switches installed on the dash.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Another pic of the switches.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Front view of lights.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Rear view of lights.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Close up of tab mount and bracket assemsbly.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Close up of where wires exit ROPS.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

I know it is hard to see, but this pic shows the 1/4" split loom snaked under the seat.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Close up of rear tabs and lights.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

Last one...top view of ROPS.

I hope this thread is useful and again, please use common sense when operating, and you'll probably never need use of the ROPS!!!

 

[Killer_B]

Very professional looking! These babies should burn a very nice hole through the darkness.

KB

 

[Volfandt]

Looks good and clean, especailly those mounting tabs. Good job.

A couple yrs back I bolted a couple 35 watter's to my ROPS and fished the wires through it also and it wasn't long before the ROPS police attacked

 

[rtdiggr]

Nice work, very clean job.

Where did you get the covered switches?????????????????? I can't find them anyware around here.

Shane

 

[bx23barry]

Man wait til the rops police see were ya welded on the rops Very nice job!

 

[Lockport]

Nice install! Neat & clean and switches look great!

 

[charliepff]

I really like your design. I bought the factory light kit for the rear and was impressed with that but need more lighting. I will probably go your route. On that note; has anyone been giving a problem by there dealer for drilling and welding on the ROPS?

 

[big bubba]

As mentioned, clean job and more than adequate for the amperage. What is the amperage rating on each light? I purchased an after market all weather work light w/rubber covered swithch, etc (4 amp) that I mounted on the upper rear of rops using one of the existing u clamps for the canopy. I found an existing factory bullet connection stubs for power by the tail lights (good for 1 light). also (on the M series) there is an auxiliary power outlet by the fuse box (tucked away) for this very purpose. Your electrical and ROPS work seems professional, but it might void warranty issues on each system, hopefully you'll never need it. Then again, the BX series may not have the auxiliary factory options. Good job though, looks like a keeper. (why 2 lights, spotlighting deer?) bb

 

[blackmajicwoman]

As mentioned, clean job and more than adequate for the amperage. What is the amperage rating on each light? I purchased an after market all weather work light w/rubber covered swithch, etc (4 amp) that I mounted on the upper rear of rops using one of the existing u clamps for the canopy. I found an existing factory bullet connection stubs for power by the tail lights (good for 1 light). also (on the M series) there is an auxiliary power outlet by the fuse box (tucked away) for this very purpose. Your electrical and ROPS work seems professional, but it might void warranty issues on each system, hopefully you'll never need it. Then again, the BX series may not have the auxiliary factory options. Good job though, looks like a keeper. (why 2 lights, spotlighting deer?) bb

Big Bubba,

Good point on the warranty issue. Unfortunately, my BX1500 just passed the warranty period...one of the main reasons I waited this long to do this project. As for the lights...they are 55 watts each...roughly 4.6 amps each. You are correct regarding the auxiliary circuit under the seat...it is good for (1) 55 watt work light. And for your comment on 2 lights...well, I guess you can never have too much light!!!!

 

[blackmajicwoman]

I really like your design. I bought the factory light kit for the rear and was impressed with that but need more lighting. I will probably go your route. On that note; has anyone been giving a problem by there dealer for drilling and welding on the ROPS?

charliepff,

I showed the pics to my dealer. As an authorized Kubota dealer, he gave me the riot act regarding Kubota's policy on modifying the ROPS. Once that was out of the way and as a realist, he commended the job. This is the same dealer that installed a Woods Groundbreaker BH6000 backhoe on my BX1500 when Woods said it wasn't recommended. Haven't had any (safety or performance) issues yet!!!

If I wasn't so **** about scratching up or denting the Kubota, I'd love to roll it down a hill just to prove to the ROPS police that the structual integrity of my ROPS is still true!!!