Any Dash Lighting Suggestions?

[yankeerider]

Last week was my first opportunity to plow snow after dark with the HPX. (This machine is awesome for plowing-just right for our property. I plan to post a separate report, but it will be better if accompanied by photos, which I don't have yet.)

When the dealer installed the plow, they put the plow up/down switch in the dash, between the 4wd switch and the headlights. I can't find it in the dark, and need to put some kind of light on the dash so I can tell the switches apart when I'm wearing gloves. Any suggestions for lighting the switch panel? I've thought of a cigarette lighter map light, but haven't gone looking for one yet, and don't want anything to bright. I plan to install a cab, so maybe a light shining down from the roof would work.

I have considered just a small LED above the switch like Donegal (apologies if I've mispelled your username) used on his XUV, but I'm not ready to drill a hole until I resolve the cab thing.

 

[Eagleview]

It sounds like it's in an awkward spot to start with . I would think it would be a lot easier to use your thumb to control the height rather than taking your hand off of the wheel and fumbling for a dash mounted switch . You can buy a steering wheel mounted paddle/buttons for shifting gears on off road buggies etc. they have a length of spiral wire on them that will take a few turns of the wheel . But if your happy with the position , you can buy illuminated switches to replace the one you have .This is the type of wheel mounted buttons available but there are many manufacturers .Sparco Steering Wheels - Dished 90 - 95mm

 

[prosumequipment]

Funny you mention the dash lighting...I've been thinking about it the last couple weeks while testing things when it's dark out. You can't see anything on the dash or even the control levers. It sure would be nice to have a courtesy light always on when the headlights are on, and only throwing light out at dashboard level and lower. Now that I see someone else has this concern, I'll probably make this a little higher priority to come up with something.

 

[yankeerider]

It is an awkward location. Not so bad after using it a while when you can see it. Deere conveniently provides a spot right at the base of the park brake lever for it, so your hand can easily find it in the dark by following the lever. It seems to make sense, but with warm gloves on, didn't seem like it was worth the trouble to move the switch. I also thought about finding a lighted switch, but that won't me find the hazard light switch, etc. unless I change those out.

Thanks for the paddle switch suggestion, Iron Horse. Ultimately, I need (actually, badly want) to add power angle to the v-blade, so for that I'm planning a control with 3 lighted switches for left angle, up/down, right angle. That isn't going to happen this winter, though, and maybe not before next winter. Too many other projects.

Prosum, it might be as simple as a small light of appropriate brightness that clamps to the OPS. I used to fly an airplane where the instrument lighting came fom the rear bulkhead, and thought of rigging something to the rear cross member of the OPS.

 

[GatorNT]

Funny you mention the dash lighting...I've been thinking about it the last couple weeks while testing things when it's dark out. You can't see anything on the dash or even the control levers. It sure would be nice to have a courtesy light always on when the headlights are on, and only throwing light out at dashboard level and lower. Now that I see someone else has this concern, I'll probably make this a little higher priority to come up with something.

Sure would be nice to have something that would work and that is plug-n-play. I really wish JD would have put a little more thought into the dash on their Gators.

 

[PILOON]

I used to fly an airplane where the instrument lighting came fom the rear bulkhead, and thought of rigging something to the rear cross member of the OPS.

Funny that you mention aircraft lighting as I was thinking Aircraft instrument POST LIGHTS.
These are small light fixtures that mount using a simple 1/8" hole and shine only in direction that they are aimed so as to not bother the pilot's night vision.

Do a search on EBay for 'instrument post lights' and you should find them easily.

 

[737pilot]

Go to Wal Mart and in the bulb section for $6 you can get a battery powered light that can mount about anywhere and gives off a nice easy light. LED bulbs and can be mounted magnetically or with adhesive.

 

[yankeerider]

Thank you both (Piloon and 737pilot) for those suggestions. I'll definitely check out the battery light for the few times I'll likely need (pretty much Dec-early Feb. I expect).

I have been reluctant to add holes to the dash for this, but, after consideration, Deere hasn't produced a very attractive dash anyway. It's uglified by the safety warnings!

 

[smitty9266]

We own a briesters chuckwagon and it is a bare bones UTV. no lights on the very sparse dash. Here is what I used to light switches and levers.
FastCycleParts.com - Kuryakyn L.E.D License Plate Bolt Lights I used one each side of the steering wheel. They are not that bright as to destroy night vision but gently illuminate the dash

Jeff

 

[yankeerider]

For about $5 in the automotive section at Walmart I found a plug-in-the-cigarette lighter light. It has a gooseneck and provides either a white or soft blue light and can be positioned nicely to illuminate the dash panel without glare back to the driver. Thanks for the suggestions! Especially to 737pilot for suggesting wal-mart.