BX1500 Lights Project

[charliepff]

That is what I thought would happen. I was also told the same thing about the backhoe for the 2350. Then they told me it would work on it but not to do any heavy ripping because it will crack the frame and the warranty will not cover it . Which is a kick in the pants because I really would like to add a backhoe.

 

[rdsaustintx]

I'd love to roll it down a hill just to prove to the ROPS police that the structual integrity of my ROPS is still true!!!

Post pictures

 

[samofsweden]

charliepff,

I showed the pics to my dealer. As an authorized Kubota dealer, he gave me the riot act regarding Kubota's policy on modifying the ROPS. Once that was out of the way and as a realist, he commended the job. This is the same dealer that installed a Woods Groundbreaker BH6000 backhoe on my BX1500 when Woods said it wasn't recommended. Haven't had any (safety or performance) issues yet!!!

If I wasn't so **** about scratching up or denting the Kubota, I'd love to roll it down a hill just to prove to the ROPS police that the structual integrity of my ROPS is still true!!!

Nice work blackmajicwoman! We did almost the same work! I dont think your ROPS will break because of what you did...
/Sam

 

[LBrown59]

I really like your design. I bought the factory light kit for the rear and was impressed with that but need more lighting. I will probably go your route. On that note; has anyone been giving a problem by there dealer for drilling and welding on the ROPS?

has anyone been giving a problem by there dealer for drilling and welding on the ROPS?
You can add lites without drilling the ROPS.
That is what I thought would happen. I was also told the same thing about the backhoe for the 2350. Then they told me it would work on it but not to do any heavy ripping because it will crack the frame and the warranty will not cover it . Which is a kick in the pants because I really would like to add a backhoe.
You might be able to trade the BX 2350 in on a new BX24 for about the same cost as adding a BH to your 2350.
If so that would be the way to go because then you get a new tractor and a new BH for the same money as just getting a new BH for the 2350.
== L B ==

 

[charliepff]

I am currently working with the dealership to trade. Hopefully by the end of the week we can figure something out.

 

[Taiser]

Nice job. You won't have any problems with the ROPS, the ROPS police came after me after I posted a picture of a couple of drill holes in my ROPS to PROPERLY secure my lights to it. I don't think that all the brackets people come up with are particularly efficient or nice to look at for that matter, but some have come up with good ideas.

The argument altering the ROPS is a CYA move from manufacturers because I'm sure some people with no common sense have done some retarded things to the ROPS and decided to sue when the thing failed, so you can't blame them (manufacturers) for covering their butts. Unfortunetly that gives voice to the ROPS police to start chanting when they see someone who has the gall to ignore the warnings and *GASP* put a 3/16"" hole in a steel structure.

A short weld or a few well placed holes will NOT harm the ROPS. Again common sense. Don't weld/drill in the bend areas, keep the holes small, weld in small beads or tacks, etc... What do I know though, I only use to be an aviation technologist repairing aircraft fuselages!!!!

Here's mine.

Originally I was going to run all the wire inside the ROPS but that would make it harder to wire up more lights later on. I may still do that eventually though.

 

[fish6942]

I take it you don't have any low hanging branches on your place?

I ended up making a magnetic light bar so I could remove it when mowing.

Nice job BTW...

 

[638]

Taiser,

I like the look of your lights. Tell us more about them.

ron

 

[Taiser]

Not much to tell, they are just regular driving lights for a car, flood not spots, throw a ton of light. I went for the oval lights for the headroom but I've seen some tiny round ones that are just as bright. Lights have come a long way in the last 10 years or so! I'm still running on the dynamo, so I can't add anymore for now until I upgrade to the alternator.

They are 50 watt halogens so when I'm running all the lights, I'm pretty much using all the output the dynamo can give me. Fortunately they throw an amazing amount of light so I don't have the headlights on when they are running. They are not used often, mostly only the odd time in winter for snow clearing. Rarely do I have to use them in the summer as it does not get pitch black here until 1030-1100 pm during the summer months. They are fused directly to the battery with a switch on the right side fender.

I had a fancier switch but it got whacked off by a branch when I was grubbing some pretty wild bush, so I went with the steel switch, no problems since, but I'll probably put rubber switches on the dash or put some kind of rocker switch panel where the switch is now. I will add more lights (after I upgrade to the alt!!!) One large light pointing backwards would be handy.

Couple of more shots....

 

[blackmajicwoman]

I take it you don't have any low hanging branches on your place?

I ended up making a magnetic light bar so I could remove it when mowing.

Nice job BTW...

I have no low hanging branches to worry about...and if I did, I would have the sense to cut them or find another path.