How important are blinkers?

Iplayfarmer · Sep 30, 2006

I was checking wiring on my tractor tonight in anticipation of adding some rear work lights to make plowing snow easier after work this winter. To my surprise I found the wires for blinkers and they both worked. I thought the switch on the dash for blinkers was just vestigial (as if maybe the same panel is used on higher end models too.) It doesn't look like there ever were blinkers or tail lights on the tractor.

How important/helpful are blinkers? I drive a little in the winter to various neighboors' houses to plow thier snow, but I never drive very far. If anything I would probably like flashers or just tail lights for visibility, but I have no control on the dash for emergency flashers.

bx23barry · Sep 30, 2006

If you on the road at nite they are a good thing. I think hazards (4 way) are more important than blinkers/turn lites. Only reason for turn lites would be if you are driving on the road alot. I would have the 4 ways on all the time plowing snow. I seldom go on the road at all so I have little use for either and have unhooked them because they magicly turn themselfs on now and then.

Iplayfarmer · Sep 30, 2006

I'm wondering if it would be worth it to put in hazards and just hook them up to one circuit of the blinkers. Then by turning on one of the blinkers I'd have hazards.

rico304 · Sep 30, 2006

Iplayfarmer said:
I'm wondering if it would be worth it to put in hazards and just hook them up to one circuit of the blinkers. Then by turning on one of the blinkers I'd have hazards.

I would do that if it were me. I always have my flashers on when people are anywhere in the area. Better safe than sorry. I do use my directionals when on the road, but just because they are there. I wouldn't miss them if they weren't. Hand signals work fine if you need to let people know which way you are turning.

sandman2234 · Sep 30, 2006

Wish mine had lights....
The farm that owned my tractor was a little lax in fixing lights, so as they broke, they were not there. I have some lights in the nose but nothing else, and I really miss them.
David from jax

BTDT · Oct 1, 2006

Being seen is a good thing. A lot of accident reports begin with "I didn't see ..." whatever it was they ran over. Led's would be good, wouldn't have to worry about filament breakage due to vibration. You might even get carried away and put some of those neon lights underneath for added effect--blue for Ford, Orange for Kubota, etc.

Bird · Oct 1, 2006

If you're on a public road, especially at night, the flashers may (and of course, may not) keep you from being hit by another vehicle. However, if you have them and they were working, at least you can say you did everything possible to make your tractor visible to other traffic. If you don't have lights, you may find yourself liable for the damage to the other vehicle instead of that driver being liable for your damage.

Sully2 · Oct 1, 2006

Iplayfarmer said:
I was checking wiring on my tractor tonight in anticipation of adding some rear work lights to make plowing snow easier after work this winter. To my surprise I found the wires for blinkers and they both worked. I thought the switch on the dash for blinkers was just vestigial (as if maybe the same panel is used on higher end models too.) It doesn't look like there ever were blinkers or tail lights on the tractor.

How important/helpful are blinkers? I drive a little in the winter to various neighboors' houses to plow thier snow, but I never drive very far. If anything I would probably like flashers or just tail lights for visibility, but I have no control on the dash for emergency flashers.

You have too many safety lights...when you turn them all on and the alternator drags the engine down!!......

Its one of the reasons why my 15 amp "dynamo" ( equiv to a std 5 cell flashlight) will be replaced this winter with the 40 amp upgrade... I intend on welding a "tab" on top of the ROPS to install a magnetic base STROBE light...so some "ya-hoo" doesnt sneak up behind me and run over the top of me on a country road.

Trahere · Oct 1, 2006

I want to post to being seen or was it being heard I can't remember.

My wife asked the same question, Why the ---- does the ---- thing have blinkers?

Soundguy · Oct 3, 2006

IMHO.. Hazards are real helpfull and a safety item.. if you can add them to your tractor.. do so.

Even on my old fords, i install a flashing red lamp above my SMV sign, and hook it up to a cig lighter adaper i added.. etc.

Soundguy