Rear work lights on a BX23

[jim_wilson]

As the sun started going down earlier I realized that what I really needed was some work lights on the back of my BX23. I wanted to be able to use the lights with the backhoe and with attachments mounted on the back of the tractor. I also wanted them to act as backup lights so I could see what I was doing when going in reverse. I thought of maybe mounting some lights on the backhoe unit itself but figured that would not work too well when the backhoe was removed. I also thought of mounting them up high on the ROPS but wanted to avoid running the wiring all that distance and having the figure out how to run the wiring and deal with the folding ROPS. I also wanted them protected from getting whacked off by branches and did not want them in my way when I was using the backhoe - and I didn't want them blocking the warning lamps. I ended up finding the perfect place for them - they illuminate the ground just right with either the 3pt and an attachment on the back and they work great with the backhoe on also. I get light all around the backhoe and far enough out so that I can see the whole digging area. They are also protected from getting hit and not in my way when working. The only thing I did which is a little bit of a no no was that I TIG welded a tab onto the ROPS on each side to mount them. I ended up however with a nice clean factory looking installation.

 

[jim_wilson]

another shot showing the mounting tab

 

[jim_wilson]

another shot from the back

 

[jim_wilson]

yet another shot from the back

 

[jim_wilson]

A shot showing the backhoe attached with the light on

 

[jim_wilson]

A good shot from the back with the lights on and the backhoe attached

 

[jim_wilson]

another shot

 

[jim_wilson]

last one

 

[DannyD]

OK, nice job, I dont weld, but not against using any other options to mount the lights. My question is how are they wired and where did you start etc on this.

My goal is to have lights such as you have, an outlet that I can plug my pull behind sprayer into with a switch that I can get to from the seat, and even some front lights, or a strobe for the winter months plowing snow.

thanks, and a photo is worth a thousand words, I like what you did on your lights, cool placement.

 

[HarleyScooter]

Danny, I put two front and two rear facing 55 watt lights on the ROP's and a flat four trailer connector at the back of the 3 point. They are all controlled from 50 amp HD toggle switches mounted in the dash. I bought inline blade fuse holders and started at the battery for power, I have a seperate fuse for each circuit, from the switches I ran the wires back under the tractor inside a new wire loom attached to the original wire harness. The 50 amp switches were purchase from a truck parts supplier and eliminated the need for relays in the circuit I use the flat four connector when I tow my 6-1/2' X 12' trailer so I can have running lights, but you could run your sprayer from there. I will attach some pictures of the switches and lights.
Frank