How to connect new wires to battery terminals

[Timmer92]

Hi all,

I ordered and LED Light bar and wiring harness to put on my Kubota tractor. The harness has a fuse so all I need to do is connect it to the battery. I'm no expert on these things, and the existing wiring to the battery has equipment connected to it that I've never seen before. I have attached a picture for reference. This leads me to 2 questions.

1. Can I connect ahead of this wiring device to the battery, or is there some reason I have to connect behind it?
2. Assuming I can connect straight to the battery, how do I do so? One thought was that I'd replace the bolt with a longer one and connect to that? It's been suggested that I can find some sort of a 2 post replacement or adapter for the battery, but I haven't found that yet.

Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks for your wisdom!

 

[4570Man]

I took the nut off the battery post clamp and put a ring terminal under it and put the nut back on. It looks like you already have about 1/4” of unused threads so you don’t need a longer bolt.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Hi Timmer92,

For the few extra accessories on my tractor, I still have the same clamping type positive battery connection as you have.

I just purchased a longer square headed bolt and retightened the nut as originally shown in your picture.

Then I slipped the wire connector over the threaded bolt end and added another nut to secure it.

If I ever need to replace the positive battery cable, I will purchase one that has additional connection terminals on it.

Maybe others will have a better idea for you, good luck,

KC

 

[Oaktree]

If it was me, I'd take switched+12 (ie-after ignition switch) from a place (fusebox?) where I had relative easy access. This way you don't have to remember to turn the lightbar off at the end of the day.

 

[RjCorazza]

I have several connectors from my boating days that are basically several spade connectors bolted to the battery post in a protected case. I usually use a ring connector under the existing nut on the cable.
As already mentioned, wiring to a switched source may be a better option for lights.

 

[4570Man]

If it was me, I'd take switched+12 (ie-after ignition switch) from a place (fusebox?) where I had relative easy access. This way you don't have to remember to turn the lightbar off at the end of the day.

I haven’t found any easy access to the amps needed. Turning the light bar off isn’t that hard especially when it’s dark outside. The next option would be a relay which works off the ignition but I don’t think the OP is up for that.

 

[Timmer92]

The next option would be a relay which works off the ignition but I don稚 think the OP is up for that.

I was contemplating that as well. However, I am doing reverse lights too. I'm not sure that I want those on the main light switch, so I will need to put in a switch in for those anyway. I was thinking of mounting a small project box with two switches and making it all look nice and neat.

 

[WranglerX]

Just slip ring terminal over protruding bolt threads and add additional nut.... Could put inline fuse and or relay to power other items if desired....

Also suggest some anti-corrosive grease on battery terminals...

Dale

 

[dfkrug]

I was contemplating that as well. However, I am doing reverse lights too.

I don't know what the current req for an LED light bar is, but a relay is almost always the way to go.

For your Kub, I would look at the fuse panel for an AUX circuit that is switched by the starter key, and/or look for an uncommitted plug or socket behind/beneath your seat. You will often find a switched connection there for a reverse or AUX light. I would still do a "home run" to the battery for the hi-current connection to the relay. Bosch-style relays are cheap and reliable, and you can find or make a good neat place to install it.

Reverse lights and horns are commonly installed on tractors for non-US markets, and they tend to use the same harness that you have. I did not install reverse lights on my tractor, but I have AUX lights that point both fore and aft. I also installed a horn for when I am working with others.

 

[MF RED in MT]

I was contemplating that as well. However, I am doing reverse lights too. I'm not sure that I want those on the main light switch, so I will need to put in a switch in for those anyway. I was thinking of mounting a small project box with two switches and making it all look nice and neat.

I have 2 lights on the front, and 2 lights in the rear, a 6" diameter fan in the cab, and a dome light in the cab, each with their own "lighted" colored switch (and labeled) which makes it simple for a lighted indicator to remind me to turn them off.

Also each one goes directly to the positive side of the battery and each one is labeled near the battery (standard label maker printed once with double information and about 6 spaces between them) by wrapping the label around the wire and sticking the tag end with the printed information together.

KC