Pill Bottle Warning Light

[ETpilot]

I have been clearing an area for a new shed that I will build. I have been pulling some old posts. At times I needed to set my parking brake, Ford 4610. The problem is that I don't often use the parking brake and always forget that the brake is set. I then move the tractor and when I step on the clutch I realize that the brake is set. I usually just lightly set the brake.

I decided to add a parking brake warning light. I used a pill bottle for the light lens. I used existing holes so I did not have to drill any holes. Now when I set the parking brake that warning light starts flashing. No way am I going to miss that light. I will test this light out and later maybe change it out to a flashing LED that I will place in the instrument panel. I have one open space for a light.

It is Mickey Mouse but it works.

 

[Window Geek]

Nice work!

 

[mjncad]

No way am I going to miss that light.

If you do miss it, mount it closer to gauge or eye level. The entry from the our garage to the house goes through the laundry galley and a wash sink is right next to the door. I got a flashing beacon off of eBay that lights up in the garage whenever someone is in the laundry galley, and my wife still misses the light. One day I'll move it lower where she can't miss seeing it. But then she'll probably bump her head into it somehow.

 

[Baby Grand]

Brilliant!
Now I know why I can't throw those things out.

 

[radioman]

LOL ! that is a neat use of pill bottle.:laughing::thumbsup:

 

[4shorts]

That's pretty resourceful. I did something similar but got my LED light at Wal-Mar. The best $6. bucks I spent in awhile.

Video of light: YouTube - Park brake warning.MPG

 

[ETpilot]

Well, I got to try out my light today. I set those brakes often. I can't miss that light, even in the sun light, and it works well. Some day I will replace it with an LED and move it to my instrument panel.

4shorts that is a neat LED. I will check that out next time to WM. Thanks.

 

[captbluewater]

I like it besides making a sign for my seat belt I need a light for my brakes too.

 

[true temper]

"It is Mickey Mouse but it works." You said it allright

 

[Ductape]

Great idea !! Also a great place to store those Vicodins I'm always needing when I'm tractoring.

 

[ETpilot]

"It is Mickey Mouse but it works." You said it allright

This is just a prototype being evaluated during the project at hand. Whenever I install an LED, it will give the tractor a more elegant look.

 

[Travelover]

Maybe I missed it - but how is the light actuated - is there a switch on the pedal?

 

[dcyrilc]

That's pretty resourceful. I did something similar but got my LED light at Wal-Mar. The best $6. bucks I spent in awhile.

Video of light: YouTube - Park brake warning.MPG

I never cease to be amazed when I see pix or video of your tractor! Another job well done.

 

[ETpilot]

Maybe I missed it - but how is the light actuated - is there a switch on the pedal?

In order to set the parking brake I have to lift and rotate the set T handle. You can see the handle in the picture to the left and below the light. It has the black plastic wrap vertically on it. Under that handle and below the footrest I installed a bracket that holds a lever action micro switch. I drilled a hole in the lever, added some SS safety wire and ran it up to the T handle. I wrapped it around the bottom of the T handle then held it in place with tie wraps. When I lift and rotate the handle the micro switch activates the light. It seems to work pretty good. If the safety wire does not work over time I am going to replace it with piano wire.

This tractor did not have any type of warning for parking brakes. I often just forgot about the brake. I do not use the parking brake that often.

 

[77bronco]

ETpilot, I noticed in your picture that you have a add-on hydraulic remote block under the factory one. Could you tell me what brand, and where you bought it? Everyone I've seen online says they won't work with the 10 series AG tractors. I have an '85 4610 that I'd like to add at least one more set of remotes. The existing remote is being used for the FEL.

thanks,
John

 

[ETpilot]

ETpilot, I noticed in your picture that you have a add-on hydraulic remote block under the factory one. Could you tell me what brand, and where you bought it? Everyone I've seen online says they won't work with the 10 series AG tractors. I have an '85 4610 that I'd like to add at least one more set of remotes. The existing remote is being used for the FEL.

thanks,
John

Let me look for the paperwork on it. I think I saw it a few days ago looking for something else. My setup was just like yours. I used the 1 remote for the FEL. That required some long hoses to attach to the rear of the tractor. Plus IIRC when using the FEL I could not use the 3PH at the same time. Now, with this hydrualic manifold, I can attach the FEL and use the 3PH at the same time. It was not difficult to install. I purchased it locally at my Ford Dealer.

I will post the info when I find it.

 

[77bronco]

Thank you,

John

 

[weedpharma]

I was trying to think of a way to detect the parking brake was on when this post caused a little light to shine brightly in my mind. I recalled that the main brakes lights on my L4400 are on when I get off to open gates etc. After all the handbrake is the main brake locked on. I will now simply connect into the wiring of the brake lights and have a warning that will light every time I apply the brakes. Much easier than trying to fit an extra switch that only lights when the park brake is on.

weedpharma

 

[ETpilot]

I was trying to think of a way to detect the parking brake was on when this post caused a little light to shine brightly in my mind. I recalled that the main brakes lights on my L4400 are on when I get off to open gates etc. After all the handbrake is the main brake locked on. I will now simply connect into the wiring of the brake lights and have a warning that will light every time I apply the brakes. Much easier than trying to fit an extra switch that only lights when the park brake is on.

weedpharma

Yes, that is a simple fix. If you run the wiring thru a flasher, your warning light will flash with the brakes on.

 

[dcyrilc]

Yes, that is a simple fix. If you run the wiring thru a flasher, your warning light will flash with the brakes on.

My JD2240 came with the light for the parking break, but I never notice it in the dash. It also, however, came with a high pitch warning alarm which sounds if you put it in gear with the parking break on. I am still amazed at how often I forget to release the parking break when I put it into gear, Especially since I never forget to set it. LOL I do that out of habit without even thinking about it.