Lights Mounted to ROPS: "No drill" solution

[Aguanga]

For anyone considering adding lights,
Each 55 watt light , at 13.5 volts draws about 4 amps, give or take a fraction. (volts x amps = watts)

This calculation also points you in the direction of what size fuse to use.

Then look at your alternator output, and consider any other items that would turned on in conjunction. As long as your total consumption is less than your alternators output, your battery should suffer.

Doing a quick search, I found that the alternator on my MF GC2300 should be putting out 40 Amps... Maybe someone can confirm that. If I were to mount 2 forward and 2 reverse work lights at 55 watts each and use a more conservative 12 volt system output... that requires a little over 18 amps. I'm going to assume that with 4 each 55 watt lights on a once, I won't need the headlights that are almost worthless anyway. Is there anything besides the fuel pump (which can't be more than a few amps anyway) that would draw a current under stock conditions? Am I wrong to assume that I should have no problem running all 4 lights at once without over-taxing my alternator or the battery? Also, if I'm using a 10 amp or even 15 amp switches for each pair with in-line fuses, do I really need a relay for such a low amperage situation? Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[SkunkWerX]

Doing a quick search, I found that the alternator on my MF GC2300 should be putting out 40 Amps... Maybe someone can confirm that. If I were to mount 2 forward and 2 reverse work lights at 55 watts each and use a more conservative 12 volt system output... that requires a little over 18 amps. I'm going to assume that with 4 each 55 watt lights on a once, I won't need the headlights that are almost worthless anyway. Is there anything besides the fuel pump (which can't be more than a few amps anyway) that would draw a current under stock conditions? Am I wrong to assume that I should have no problem running all 4 lights at once without over-taxing my alternator or the battery? Also, if I'm using a 10 amp or even 15 amp switches for each pair with in-line fuses, do I really need a relay for such a low amperage situation? Thanks in advance for the help!

I agree with everything you are saying, except the relay.

Your 40 amp alternator shouldn't be over taxed, it sounds like yours and mine are very similar. Especially if you don't run the headlights. And remember, if only working in front of you, you only need to switch on the fronts. You should have the capacity to run all 4 lights.

The relay is cheap ($6 at many retail auto stores) , and it assures that the lights can't be turned on by accident and drain the battery when connected to a "switched" 12v supply.
I drained my battery on my old tractor this way, a couple times. Each time it drastically shortens overal battery life.

Go with the relay, you will be happy you did.