Finished my light bar install

[ctgoldwing]

After putting in 2 rear LED work lights I really had to attend to the front lighting, or lack of it. Decided to go with a 162 watt 24" light bar from Amazon:
Amazon.com: Nilight 25" 162W Led Light Bar Flood Spot Combo Waterproof Driving Lights Off Road Lights for SUV UTE Truck ATV UTV ,2 Years Warranty: Automotive

Since I was going to mount it on the ROPS and I'm one of those people that don't believe in drilling into it, I saw two options. Use rectangular U bolts, that I have, to support a piece of aluminum angle or use magnets. I had great results with the magnets on the rear work lights so magnets it was:
DIYMAG 2Pack Powerful Fishing Magnets, with Countersunk Hole Eyebolt, Diameter 1.88 inch(48 mm), 27 lbs(123 KG) Pulling Force for Retrieving in River and Magnetic Fishing: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

The magnets have a threaded rod with an attached eye. I removed the eye and replaced it with just a nut. Fit perfectly in the light's u shaped mounting brackets.

I added another switch right next to the rear worklight switch on the inside of the rear fender near the seat belt retainer. It's supposed to rain tonight so I just took it outside and snapped a couple of images. Oh, and 162 watts they definitely are NOT:


Front view:


switch location:


magnet mount (one end):


Can't wait for it to get dark

 

[i7win7]

Strong magnets can support that much weight without problems. Stay away from trees 38hp vs magnets - magnets fail every time

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Strong magnets can support that much weight without problems. Stay away from trees 38hp vs magnets - magnets fail every time

Yeah I was thinking some sort of leash in case the magnets fail. That way the light doesn't come crashing down on your head.

 

[Peter 315]

I used u bolts and mounted it under the bar.......

 

[blacktruck]

Yeah I was thinking some sort of leash in case the magnets fail. That way the light doesn't come crashing down on your head.

The idea of more lights on a tractor is a good one. I would not opt for magnets in any case of a semi permanent mount. I know we all think it would be easily watched but suspending something over your head by magnets is not a good solid idea to me. It will only fail when you are not looking at it and then land directly on the operator. You really should not drill or modify a ROPS in any way so having something that clamps around it is far better.

 

[Tinhack]

You done good! That looks bright. :thumbsup:

Yeah, I like the idea of a leash or a couple of safety straps. A leash might save the light. If it gets bumped, it just comes loose and dangles. If it's mounted solid, it will most likely break.

That's all I'm going to say about LEDs. :irked: :laughing:

 

[Tinhack]

You really should not drill or modify a ROPS in any way so having something that clamps around it is far better.

My ROPS came from the factory with holes in it for mounting a top. It also has an OSHA certification label on it. Oh my! What should I do? :shocked:

 

[blacktruck]

My ROPS came from the factory with holes in it for mounting a top. It also has an OSHA certification label on it. Oh my! What should I do? :shocked:

If I was in the hunt for a place to hang some lights and ran across some factory installed holes in the right area, I'd use 'em. I wouldn't have a problem with drilling the holes in the ROPS on my tractor. Like any modification, it should be installed securely and correctly. There should be a warning on the ROPS telling you to no modify it in any way. Having seen some field repairs, I can easily understand why they put the warning on there. Common sense approach to mounting them. If your first impression of the installation seems a bit sketchy, it probably really is.