Adding light bar to mower

[kbuicker]

Ok, maybe I'm crazy.. but I want to add a light bar to my new Z724X mower... has anyone done this already? I would imagine adding one to the ROP would be very easy, but then you'd have to move it if you ever wanted to install a sunshade (canopy)... so I'm thinking about mounting one to the front area (where KUBOTA sticker is). There are already pre drilled holes there for something...

Anyone done this already??

 

[George2615]

I don't have a Zero turn but mounting a light bar should be easy enough either using the existing holes you have or by using square u-bolts to clamp around the ROPS. Mount a power switch somewhere easy to access and zip tie wiring to the light.

I did mount 2 light bars on my tractor, 1 front and 1 rear on my own homemade brackets.

 

[CCWKen]

It doesn't appear that the mower has any OEM lights. Few commercial mowers do since no one mows at night. That being the case, I suspect the charging capacity of the alternator won't support the current draw of any lights you add. What is the alternator output and what battery does your mower use?

Nice idea but poor performance in practice. You'll probably have a dead battery by the time you finish mowing.

 

[kbuicker]

Thank you George2615! Great idea!

CCWKen, LED lights barely draw any current/amperage.. how is adding LED lights to a mower for later mowing (or pulling) poor performance in practice? I'm sure the battery draw is MINIMAL and won't have any affect on it's performance for the little time the lights would be used.

 

[CCWKen]

LED lights draw more current than you think. Depends on how much light you want. Light is not free, except during the day.

WATTS / VOLTAGE = AMPS

Examples in round numbers: 50w / 12v = 4 amps 160w / 12v = 13 amps.

What's the output of your alternator? You didn't answer that question. I'd be surprised if it's more that few amps. Your alternator must charge the battery after starting AND supply enough current to stay on the plus side of any draw from the lights. Otherwise, your battery will never get fully charged and it will degrade over time.

 

[Midniteoyl]

It doesn't appear that the mower has any OEM lights. Few commercial mowers do since no one mows at night. That being the case, I suspect the charging capacity of the alternator won't support the current draw of any lights you add. What is the alternator output and what battery does your mower use?

Nice idea but poor performance in practice. You'll probably have a dead battery by the time you finish mowing.

L E D..

 

[kbuicker]

That's great math. My Z121S ran just fine with the OEM LEDs

 

[CNeubauer]

I don't have them wired yet but I put two 18 watt LED'S on the front of our ZD326, that's only a 3 amp load and your mower should easily handle that. I had to drill holes to mount them but that was easy.

 

[kbuicker]

Cool, I like that! Let us know how they work once you get those bad boys all wired up! I Was thinking using George's idea of using u-bolts and clamping some to the side of my ROP .... if not underneath it

 

[hawkeye08]

Ferris has an option for light kit. I don't currently have a need for it, but would not be concerned about adding it if needed.

 

[Garandman]

Spec sheet says 15A generator capacity.

Folks are putting LED lights on walk-behind snow throwers, don't see why this wouldn't work.


Edit: lots of examples on YouTube. Some manufacturers have kits.

 

[postalnut25]

It doesn't appear that the mower has any OEM lights. Few commercial mowers do since no one mows at night. That being the case, I suspect the charging capacity of the alternator won't support the current draw of any lights you add. What is the alternator output and what battery does your mower use?

Nice idea but poor performance in practice. You'll probably have a dead battery by the time you finish mowing.

I ordered every extra light I could get. Being a shift worker, I do many things at odd hours. If I waited for a day of, and daylight, I would never get anything done

 

[CCWKen]

Spec sheet says 15A generator capacity.

If that's the case, the OP shouldn't have a problem up to that. That's why I asked. :confused3:

I'm aware of people adding lights to everything. The only reason I posted was to highlight the necessity for a charging system that will power the lights.

I'm glad I don't have to work the fields or mow at night but if I did, I sure would be making use of lights too. I don't think that was the subject matter of my post.

 

[Garandman]

Cool, I like that! Let us know how they work once you get those bad boys all wired up! I Was thinking using George's idea of using u-bolts and clamping some to the side of my ROP View attachment 477833.... if not underneath it View attachment 477834

Here's how I mounted one on the tractor, sort of similar. Those squared off U bolts are in the trailer section.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Z724 has optional lights when ordering.

 

[newbury]

Here's how I mounted one on the tractor, sort of similar. Those squared off U bolts are in the trailer section.

You can buy the squared off ubolts from Home depot.

They are the primary fastener I used on the box I built for my trailer.

So I can have no sides



Stake sides



Or a fully enclosed box



With that and several other projects I've about 100 to 150 square ubolts.

However for small led light sets you might want to explore using magnets.

Several threads here on it.

/edit - link to hd