Welding onto the ROP

theboman · Oct 30, 2001

At Advance or Auto Zone today I seen what I'm gonna use for auxillary lighting. For around $25 they had these neat halogen utility lights that have flood and spot bean and mount via big ol' magnent! The magnent looks about 4 inches long and the width looks awful close to the width of the rops. Has a plug on the end like your cigarette lighter and makes wiring a breeze.
My question... The auxillary wire by the rops... is it switched to the lights? Always hot?

Bluegrass, Pick It Up!

RPM · Oct 30, 2001

Woodstock,

I think it makes sense. I'm thinking of adding lights to my BX. My problem is that the top of my head is higher than the top of the ROPS. Another location I have thought of is just above the indicator lights.

Patrick (the tall one)

Bird · Oct 30, 2001

Boman, I'm not sure on your tractor, but suspect it's just like the B2710; that wire is NOT connected to the lights in any way, but is a separately fused circuit (so your auxiliary lights need their own switch) that is hot any time the key is turned on.

Bird

frank_f15 · Oct 30, 2001

jim: if it was me i would just take and mig weld the brackets on. i don't think there is enough heat to worry about. although ! once u modify the rops in ANY way u loose all product liability. but i would not loose any sleep over it.

billboe · Oct 30, 2001

Mike,

I would avoid the option of mounting half way up the ROPs... If you turn around to back up, you would be totally blinded! Not fun!

Billboe

rbargeron · Oct 31, 2001

Depending on what kind of work you want to do at night, lower wattage lights (25w to 35w) can give adequate light without heat or blinding problems. Also, one facing front and one back works well, you can look back without a light in your face.

JimMorrissey · Oct 31, 2001

Thank you sir. That is exactly the information I was looking for.

TonyC · Oct 31, 2001

Woodstock, my rear work lights are mounted on the sides near the top. I too used U-bolts to attach them. It is, to me, the perfect solution...easy on, easy off and no worries about weakening the ROPS.

Rodiron · Oct 7, 2012

Jim, I can tell you for a fact that you will not harm in anyway the ROP by welding light barckets on it. I have been a certified pipe welder for over 40yrs so have burnt a rod or two. The material it is constructed of is A36 steel. It doesn't get its strength from the grade of the steel but rather the shape of the steel. I have modified goverment owned equipment with no problem getting approval on anything after giving them the specs and strengths of the steel.I would however keep the heat at a minimum and use the smallest rod possible. I think you have received alot of good info from the men that have replied to your thread here and thats one reason I love sitting and reading them, good luck and bright light.