Tractor light bar

[MrMiller]

Hi,

Since I usually just browse and steal ideas I thought give back to the community and share some pictures of the light bar I built for my Kubota B7800.

I have two 55W lamps facing backwards (great for snow blowing), and two 55W lamps facing forwards for the added general lighting. The lights are mounted to a piece of square tubing with a nut that I welded to the tubing. The light bars mount to the ROPS with simple U-Bolt over the top. You can easily reach up and adjust the direction of the light with your hand if needed.

Main power was run directly from the battery (with a 25A inline fuse) using a piece of 12 gauge extension cord. I zip tied it under the chassis in locations I thought it might survive. The main wiring was done in a water proof plastic electrical box mounted to the SMV sign mount on the back. Switches and the wire grommets are sealed since tractor lives outside year round. Top switches control the lights, one for the front, the second for the rear. The bottom switch was intended for a switched 12V source to run the sprayer out the back, I just never got around to mounting the jacks

The whole rig was pretty easy to set up and get running and total cost was around 300$ after I bought a 40 amp alternator for the tractor.

I did all this in 2007 and everything still works great with only the occasional burnt out bulb.

Cheers,
S.

 

[lhfarm]

Very nice installation. I really like your switch box. Need to get more lights for snow plowing. Thanks for posting.

 

[Baby Grand]

Very nice installation. I really like your switch box. Need to get more lights for snow plowing. Thanks for posting.

Ditto that. Where did you get the box & pass thru pedoricals - is that boating gear? Looks perfect - water resistant and easy to access for repairs or alterations.

-Jim

 

[k0ua]

Very nice neat install, and i say that as a guy that did 2 way radio installs in cars both professionally and as an amateur for many years.
James K0UA

 

[Thomas]

Nice neat clean job,one less headache when push back those snow banks at night.

 

[MrMiller]

Thx guys, I wanted it to look decent since I was taking pictures to show it off later!

I work for an electronics company that supplies the Ag and Construction equipment companies as an electrical designer. We use the grommets on a few (older) products to get wires out without letting the water in. These ones just followed me home one day! I am not sure what the real name is or where you can get them but I will see if I can figure that out at work tomorrow and let you know.

Cheers,
S.

 

[doall]

really neat install. thanks for the pics.

 

[mjncad]

With 12-gauge wire, you'll never have to worry about overloading the conductors.

Are the switches rated for greater than 10-amp service?

 

[MrMiller]

With 12-gauge wire, you'll never have to worry about overloading the conductors.

Are the switches rated for greater than 10-amp service?

I believe the switches were rated for 20A. I liked them because they came with a rubber boot that seals out the water. I bought them at the local Princess Auto. Can't seem to find them on their web site though.

cheers,
S.

 

[CBW1999]

Very nice set up.

I just may have to "steal" your idea!:thumbsup:

I have 4 led driving lights I picked up (last year) to do something similar with. Hopefully I'll get it done before snow fly's.....

 

[gtrippleb]

Looking at the number in the box, this looks to be the box that is being used.

PVC Junction Box 4" x 4" x 2" RJB44

I believe you can get the other pieces that hold the wire at any of the box stores, lowes/home depot/menards. You can find a similar electrical box also as I was looking at the pvc type boxes yesterday since I had read this post.

 

[mjncad]

That looks like a box made by CANTEX. The gasket constantly falls out of the lid if you remove it. A Carlon box has the gasket captured in the lid, and is better than CANTEX's open cell foam type.

 

[ropeterson7]

Thanks for this. I'm going to use your plan on my '03 B7800. What should I adjust if I can't do the alternator kit now but plan to later? Assuming I would only run 2 55w lights at a time instead of 4 to prevent battery drain. Noob here...

 

[Otgaugres]

Very nice install. Great job! I recently did a similar project on my JD 4066R. Different set of circumstances to deal with, but similar results. YouTube video of my project for those interested.
John Deere 4066R LED Light Bar Installation - YouTube

 

[texasranger556]

Thanks for this. I'm going to use your plan on my '03 B7800. What should I adjust if I can't do the alternator kit now but plan to later? Assuming I would only run 2 55w lights at a time instead of 4 to prevent battery drain. Noob here...

Go with LEDs. I put two of these on my tractor roll bar, one pointing forward and one back. 72 watts total draw which is 6 amps at 12 volts. Suprisingly good quality for the price.

Amazon.com: Nilight 7" 36w Spot LED Work Light Off Road LED Light Bar 12v Driving Lights Super Bright for Jeep Cabin Boat SUV Truck Car ATVs,2 Years Warranty: Automotive