Aux lights for 2544 - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

CCinCT · 11-26-2007, 01:01 PM

I removed the deck and installed the plow on my 2544 this weekend, and had a couple thoughts:

1) I'd like to put some rear lights on it. Have any of you installed rear lights on your 25XX, and if so, can you provide me with a step-by-step of what you had to do? Also, if you could point to where I could get lights for this, I'd appreciate it.

2) I'd like to install a pair of work lights up front to complement the headlights, for when/if I have to plow in the evening. Have any of you done this? Any ideas on how and where to mount the lights? And what kind of lights should I use?

3) I'd like to install a rubber flap at the top of my blade to help curl the snow over. I'm hoping to have to plow a ton of snow this year

Any ideas on what to use for this?

Even if you haven't done any of these things, I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

**Ducati996** · 11-26-2007, 01:35 PM

In my case I had a good place to mount lights for the rear and front and that was on the cab itself. One of the first steps is to know know much output the Kohler motor can deliver (either 15 amps or 20 amps). That will dictate the wattage you can go with. Another little cool trick is to locate bulbs made by Blazer (found at autozone) and they are incadescent 50watt bulbs. They sell for maybe $3, so grab a bunch. They are a great impovement over the 27watts standard 1156 bulbs. The cheapest way for much improved lights! I think the hardest part is finding a good placement spot on a open space GT tractor, since there is no ROPS and or such on these GT's. You find a spot and the right light, running the wires is easy I would think?

We have some wiring experts on board here, to help you when you get that far. its good to be thinking about it now, snow is around the corner.

**Kennyd** · 11-26-2007, 05:35 PM

I can help with the wiring, and if you post a picture of your machine, maybe we can brainstorm on where to mount some new lights.

CCinCT · 11-27-2007, 09:06 AM

Here are some shots showing the front of the machine with the plow installed. Ignore the sticker that says 2542, it is really a 2544, but the dealer put the wrong sticker on when he replaced the hood.

What I was initially thinking was to make an "H" bracket that would attach to the top front cross beam of the plow mounting bracket. There are four bolts that hold this piece on to the mounting bracket: two bolt per side, with one bolt per side about 1.5 inches above the other. The upper half of the light bracket would be wider than the lower half so that it doesn't block the headlights. This would leave me with two vertical posts that I could then mount some lights to.

If anyone has some other ideas, please let me know. I've never done anything like this so I'm just shooting from the hip, so to speak.

PS: I have a machine shop at work that I could probably get someone to do some light fab work for me.

**Ducati996** · 11-27-2007, 11:49 AM

Give us a good "rear end" shot as well

thats if you are looking to mount something in the rear -

Mickey · 11-27-2007, 01:46 PM

How about making up a angle iron bracket that would be attached to the grill by short standoffs. Would make it so bracket and light would be quick mount/dismount. Might use some lights like these http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...unction=Search. Both the boys have had sets on their various vehicles and I've not heard a complaint. They are on sale in the stores now for $10.99/ea. For the quick mount I'd wire the light together and use a plug on the end of the wiring and could pass through the grill and plug into the rest of the wring mounted permanently inside the grill area.

Only visable mods to the tractor would be 2 holes for the standoffs for mounting. Bracket to be wide enough to give some width for light coverage and the lights themselves could be rotated as needed to give full, wide width coverage. Mount bracket high on the grill so blade and snow doesn't block the lights.

I could do a simple 3D dwg showing what I have in mind if this has any interest for you.

As for Duc's suggestion about rear end shots, I don't want to see any pictures of your butt.

**Kennyd** · 11-27-2007, 06:30 PM

I think you should try DUC's suggestion of the replacement bulb first, and then make a decision. I have a feeling the alternator is very tiny on that machine

CCinCT · 11-29-2007, 01:34 PM

Mickey, the grill is plastic so attaching anything to it is pretty much not possible. Whatever I do will have to be attached to the plow mounting bracket or the tractor frame itself.

I'm definitely getting the bulbs first. But there are no street lights nor outside flood lights, so if I have to plow at night, my headlights are it. I was hoping to get some aux lights that would shine a bit to each side so that as I'm managing the snow I can get a good feel for how stuff is piling up.

I'm going to get the bulbs this weekend, so I'll take the tractor out one night and see how they do.

Mickey · 11-29-2007, 01:51 PM

My grill is metal so that is why the suggestion for mounting there. Any chance you could mount aux lights on posts which are attached to the rolled back flange at the top of the blade? Would want to mount them high enough to keep out of the way of the snow.

Would definately give the larger bulbs a chance first. Do need to keep an eye open for signs of heat damage from the larger bulbs.

No snow, no night mowing = no first hand need or experience.

**Ducati996** · 11-29-2007, 02:25 PM

Thankfully with the bulbs I suggested there should be no heat damage, since the headlights are nearly identical to the 3000 series - I have been running these lights for years now, without harm.

halogens and such will cause a problem, so i advise not not try them