Installing AUX light on GC2400

[tx2310]

I do not know for sure what size they use. I has just going by what the book shows. My wiring drawing is not clear enough to read size. I also think 12 ga. is more then adequate you could get by with 18ga. but you will have more voltage drop and wire heat. But there are people out there that put large wires through relays to keep the runs from the battery as short as possible on the aux. lights on their trucks just to get that last .01 of a volt.

Doug

 

[irvingj]

Well, guys, I just did some digging around (man, it's sure nice to have heat available in my garge now!!), and this is what I've found:

In the pics-- first pic shows a circuit in the wiring diagram, fuse #5 in the #30 area, and identified as "25R", which is supposed to be in the fuse box (the #30 in the legend). The legend further identifies this as an "optional work light" circuit. Note that there are 5 fuses listed: 5, 15, 15, 10, and 20 amps, respectively.

Second pic shows the business end of the circuit on the wiring diagram --#21 area-- an available plug where that circuit ends, also "25R". This is the infamous "bullet plug" near the rear of the tractor, tucked way in beneath the cross-piece behind the seat on my 2310.

Third pic shows that side of the whole wiring diagram, for reference.

Problem is, there's only four fuses in the box, the first four listed.

Ah, but not to worry! There's another fuse, in its own little box, taped to the wiring harness just below the fuse box, and just below the MAIN 40-amp fuse. (See pic #4.) The white box on the left that's out of focus is the fuse box that contains the first four fuses.

You may be able to see --sorry, it's pretty dark in there-- the rather large red-with-white-stripe wire. This is the one that comes out of the 20-amp fuse box, our old friend "optional work light" circuit, according to the diagram. If you squint, you might just be able to see that the wiring diagram does in fact show a 20-amp fuse for this; conveniently, it appears to be 12-ga. wire.:thumbsup:

Now, look at the last picture. See that greenish-white thing peeking out behind the 3PH arm? This is the bullet plug. Now- see that little, tiny red wire attached to it? Hmmmm... (What is that, 40-gauge??:laughing

At this point, that certainly appears to be the "optional work light" circuit's end... but somewhere the wire sizes changed?? I'll have to dig deeper, but that's sure what it looks like. It's switched with the ignition, giving 12V only when the key is on.

Hey, if anybody has any other ideas/observations.... It's beginning to look to me like tsteahr had the right idea, running a dedicated, relatively heavy-gauge wire for the lights, even on the 2300 series..... the wire that's there on the bullet connector, if that's the right one, looks like it'd make a good fusible link!:laughing:

Oh well, back to the drawing board!

 

[dsails380]

I checked my 2410 operators manual - page 67, figure 128 indicates the spare power supply is 18 ga. wire in a white/green jacket. It's protected by 15A fuse #4. Sounds like at 70W, you need to take care in choosing your lighting. I'd like to add lights to the ROPS too - nice idea.
Dave

 

[tsteahr]

Irvingj, thanks for all the pics. The bullet plug in your last pic looks just the same as my gc2410. I had the same feeling, that little wire was way to thin for my comfort. I think it would be fine for the 70w rating, but for 165w, not so much.

 

[Don87]

I didn't trust the 'light guage' wire either, so I ran a seperate wire from the battery, thru a 20 amp inline fuse holder, to a switch that I mounted under the hood(to keep the kids from running my battery dead again), via 12 guage wire to the back, then split off to go up thru the pre-drilled holes in the rops, to the NAPA worklights I mounted on the 'turn signal guards'.

 

[MF RED in MT]

I agree with all that additional prewired plug is too light for the standard tractor type lights. I plan on using that plug for a horn and run heavier wiring for my 2 rear tractor lights, :thumbsup:. KC

 

[75H2]

I ordered the 3 light setup from BXpanded for my GC. I used my rear blower for the first time with them on tonight. AWSOME, just like daylight.

 

[Gio]

I just installed a two light set up from BXpanded. Took about 10 minutes and it is awesome. My wife had to come and get me for dinner two nights in a row because I was puttering around my property enjoying my new found night vision.

The two light kit from BXpanded is really great. If you do not have the time or you are not handy with wires and such it is worth the extra money. You get two high quality Hella lights, super flexible attaching hardware, remote switch, etc. You just plug it in to the existing bullet connector, pick a spot for the light and away you go..ready for those late night plowing sessions..or just an evening joy ride.

I will post some pics soon.

 

[dieseler]

Gio-

Watts= Amps*Voltage
BXpander site notes 9amps draw.

So 9amp*12Volt=108 Watts. (about 55 watt per light as advertised)

MF rates bullet for 70 Watts?

Is the wire hot when running the lights?

Anyone else running the 2 light setup on std factory wiring.

Anyone running just one?

 

[Gio]

Haven't checked the temp on the wire. The guy at BXpanded sells a bunch of them to gc owners including a 3 light set up. All of his packages are set up to run off the bullet connector. Not saying it is right but it seems to work.

Now that i said that I am sure my battery will be dead and my wires will be fried the first morning I wake up to a foot of snow. :confused2: