Worklights - My installation on BX1850

[splotkin]

I just finished installing some front and rear work lights on the ROPS of my BX1850. Here are some pictures of the installation and links to the components I used.

The two switches, one for the front and one for the back were from West Marine. They are pretty heavy duty and are waterproof. They cost $20.99 each but should last a long time. They are made by COLE HERSEE Switch - 2 Pos, Sealed Push-Pull.

West Marine: Switch - 2 Pos, Sealed Push-Pull Product Display

I connected them to the wiring using something called Posi-Lock.

Posi-Lock(TM) - The Best Connectors You'll Ever Use!

They make a waterproof one that will allow easy connection and if needed an easy way to replace the switch if anything goes wrong with it. All other connections are soldered and covered with silicon filled heat shrink.

I used Peterson Manufacturing lamps. Their website is:
http://pmlights.com/products.cfm?cId=3&fId=11

This link will take you to the collection of tractor lights they have. You can also order them from Northern Tool.

The front lights are:
Peterson Manufacturing Trapezoidal Beam Tractor Light 12 Volt
Powerful halogen lighting has durable, vibration-resistant, corrosion-proof housing. Mounting bracket and hardware included. U.S.A.

Peterson Manufacturing Trapezoidal Beam Tractor Light 12 Volt | Work Lights | Northern Tool + Equipment

Item# 160962 Only $19.99
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The Rear facing lights are:
Peterson Manufacturing Halogen Flood Light 3in. x 5in. Size
Powerful flood beam pierces the night! 12 Volt light fits on tractors and construction equipment. Light has a corrosion-proof black polycarbonate housing. Dimensions: 6 7/8in. W x 3in. D x 5 1/2in. H. Replaceable H3 55 Watt halogen bulb.

Peterson Manufacturing Halogen Flood Light 3in. x 5in. Size | Work Lights | Northern Tool + Equipment

Item #127877 Only $19.99
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I made up mounts by using Stake Pocket; Bolt-On Type; 3 in x 1 1/2 in to 2 7/8 in x 1 1/2 in, 1/8 in T, 2 1/8 in D Size; Zinc Plated Finish. KU Number: 0192522 PRICE: $8.49 These were from Tractor Supply.

Tractor Supply Company - Carry-On Trailer Bolt On Stake Pocket
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I then got some mild steel the same width of the pockets and drilled them to act as caps to hold the stake pockets on the ROPS. Before I mounted them I sanded and painted them with cold galvanizing and then some spray on gray hammer tone paint. I also got some of the vinyl that is used in place of baseboards in commercial buildings. I placed this on the inside of the stake pockets to take up the slack and prevent the brackets from scratching the ROPS. You could also use gasket material or a cut-up old tire tube.

I tried them out last night and they really light up the driveway with little glare. However I can wait to use them since the only time I have to run the tractor when it is dark is when it snow.

-Scott

 

[bravo36]

Nice job Scott! And thanks for the equipment links as well.

 

[BrierPatch]

Looks good. I have been pondering doing something similar to my B2620. I was curious, do you run the regular tractor lights with these on? Do you run the front and rear lights on at the same time? Does your alternator handle the extra lights with all of them on? Did you connect directly to the battery or did you connect to the tractor fuse block?

 

[fish6942]

You must not have low hanging branches to mow under. I do and ended up making a magnetic light bar.

Anyway, nice job!!

 

[denmansoft]

Where do you get magnets for a magnetic light bar ?
I have a Yellow strobe I would like to put up when I'll be crossing the road through our property. I don't want it on most times because of all the branches around. Mag mount would be great!

 

[LBrown59]

]Where do you get magnets for a magnetic light bar ?[/color]
I have a Yellow strobe I would like to put up when I'll be crossing the road through our property. I don't want it on most times because of all the branches around. Mag mount would be great!

Try welding magnets.

I think they are available from northhern tool also

 

[LBrown59]

You must not have low hanging branches to mow under. I do and ended up making a magnetic light bar.

Anyway, nice job!!

I keep branches trimmed .
so clearing is no big deal.

 

[savageactor7]

Nice job Scott...like was already mentioned be careful in the woods.

 

[denmansoft]

Its going to be a few years before I get all the trails opened up so I don't get branches in the face let alone the top of the ROPS!

 

[savageactor7]

Our place of 30 acres was impenetrable with brush/trees until we had a logger come in and harvest some logs in '88. And we're both so happy we allowed that, truthfully the money wasn't jack but it did open our land up to trails.

it's one thing to own a lot of land ...it totally another when you can get in a golf cart or tractor or even walk and enjoy 5 miles of intersecting trails. Certain times of year you can sneak up on turkeys, deer even coyotes...geese are very tough to get the drop on.

With trails our whole wood harvesting operation became so easy I almost feel compelled to wear an eye patch to handicap the trees.

Yeah the skidder did leave ruts that we filled in with clay but what a plus plus everything is now compared to then. Having land don't mean squat unless you farm it, or can get on it or move on it quickly. If it's walk only it's not working for you.

 

[splotkin]

jbrier I run with the headlights on so I also have the rear running lights on. I only run with either the front or rear ROPS mounted lights on, not both at the same time. The battery has not gone flat yet. As far as things to hit with them, I wanted the lights above the ROPS so if I ever flip I do not want the lights in my head. I also was careful to keep all nut and bolt ends away from my noggin. I have cleared all of the low branches away from were I work ahead of time.

Thanks

-Scott

 

[denmansoft]

Up until last year (pre kubota!!!) it was a 30 minute bushwack with machetes to get to the marsh behind our property.
My learn to operate the tractor job was to clear a trail to the back. This required backhoe and loader work as well as learning how to push over trees and get them out of the way.
By the end of the first month of being a tractor owner we could walk to the back in the dark(with a small flashlight) in 5 minutes.
It has made all the difference in exploring and enjoying the land.

 

[fish6942]

Where do you get magnets for a magnetic light bar ?
I have a Yellow strobe I would like to put up when I'll be crossing the road through our property. I don't want it on most times because of all the branches around. Mag mount would be great!

Like LB mentioned, welding magnets work well for this. They are a magnet that's mounted inside a shallow steel cup. The cup then has a mounting bolt sticking out the top. I got mine from McMaster-Carr for only a few bucks apiece. They are available in different diameters. My light bar has 4 lights plus a switch assembly and I easily get by with only 2 of these magnets.

I know you mentioned you already have the strobe but you can easily find a strobe with a magnetic base. I see them on plow trucks all the time.

 

[denmansoft]

Thanks Fish.
I only have 100' to go along the road, but it is in the middle of an S Bend and the traffic is often racing to catch the ferry to/from our island.
Part of the decision between kubota/JD was Kubota came with built in visibility. Green just doesn't stand out in this country.