Can I put Headlights on a Riding Mower?

[Ft.ValloniaStreaker]

Ok....the only reason I even clicked on this thread because it was getting so many hits.....thought I was really missing something!...Guess not! So here's my question.....Who mows in the dark anyway? and to answer the OP's question, YES YOU CAN!!!!

 

[kenfain]

Wow! ! That was really something. When I read the original question, it seemed so simple. But by the time it was all explained. Now I'm thoroughly confused. I'm sure the op is glad he brought it up.

 

[cnc-me]

Let's say I was just going to use a switch. What kind do you guys recommend?

Heavy duty DPST, wire both poles, only half the total current will go through each pole. Cutler Hammer used to make some good ones. (if you can still find them).

 

[scarney1988]

In order to properly choose a switch, you need to know what current will pass through that switch. This leads into other questions which remain unanswered. A switch like this will most likely be serviceable and be over qualified for the job.

 

[Givl Reggin]

When I read the original question, it seemed so simple. But by the time it was all explained. Now I'm thoroughly confused.

The problem here is that some people think they're putting lights on a Mars rover, something that has to last 100,000's of cycles, have triple redundant power paths and can never be services once it is installed. In reality it's a $200 buck lawn mower, any lights (the suggestion of driving/fog lamps was a good one/auxiliary back-up lamps another) and any size wire and switch will work. Simple solution, no engineering or math knowledge required.

 

[scarney1988]

That is a brief example of what a decent circuit would look like that does not include a relay.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Yeah I was really thinking of this. I respect all of your opinions and thank you guys very much for the advice. I was thinking that I would just keep it simple. We only paid $200 for the mower and I will probably use cheaper flood lights because I don't have to see too far ahead and some 12ga wire and a 30amp switch I have. Bolt the lights on (Possibly fabricate a bracket), run the wires under the chassis, put the switch next to the key, and run the wires to the battery. I will post pics of where and how I will do this in a few minutes.

 

[JoeyMitch]

That is a brief example of what a decent circuit would look like that does not include a relay.

Wow. I really like that. I didn't think of an in-line fuse. Thanks for the diagram. This is why I love Garage Journal!!

 

[scarney1988]

The problem here is that some people think they're putting lights on a Mars rover, something that has to last 100,000's of cycles, have triple redundant power paths and can never be services once it is installed. In reality it's a $200 buck lawn mower, any lights (the suggestion of driving/fog lamps was a good one/auxiliary back-up lamps another) and any size wire and switch will work. Simple solution, no engineering or math knowledge required.

It is only a $200 mower, but it'd be a shame to burn a deal like that to the ground due to improper execution. I know that seems like a non-possibility but crazier things have happened. I truly believe that a properly installed HF fog light would cost less than $50 with know-how and tools.

Maybe the OP would consider wearing a good LED lamp head lamp (think coal miner helmet light style) while mowing instead? He/she could get light in any direction. Cheaper and can be used for other tasks.

 

[scarney1988]

Wow. I really like that. I didn't think of an in-line fuse. Thanks for the diagram. This is why I love Garage Journal!!

No problem. If you want me to mock up a different circuit for you just let me know. BTW, post some pictures of this mower lol.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Alright guys here it is!! $200, a 40cent axle clip, few hours of time, and a little spit and polish!! She's 12.5 horse power with a Kohler Commander, twin blades on a 34" deck, twin baggers and new belt!! My favorite thing is the roller bar behind the deck because it lays the grass down really nicely. Looks like a baseball field. I'll post pics of that next time I do the lawn. In total we have about $225 in it. Me and my dad fight over who cuts the lawn!! When you turn these blades on, it sounds like a jet engine!! I think we stole this thing!! The guy even delivered it!

I plan on mounting the lights on the black plates on either side of the steering column.

I plan on running the wires under the black deck to the battery

Probably put switch here

Here is the battery

 

[AmericanPreferred]

HF has given me at least 20 led lights through the years, a couple conduit clamps, and bolts you are done. they have the switch right on em, require no wiring, and will pull nothing from the mower. They run for a good long time on the aaa's they come with, longer still on any other aaa you buy. Last I checked you could get 8 batteries for a buck at the dollar tree.

 

[JoeyMitch]

What do you guys think of it?

 

[loranger]

How does that roller bar work? I wonder if it could be retro'ed onto a different mower?

 

[JoeyMitch]

The roller bar is a floating bar with rollers that really lays down the grass nicely!! I have to keep reminding the neighbors that they can't swing a 4 iron on my lawn LOL!!!!

 

[JoeyMitch]

Here is a picture of our lawn that I did 3 days ago. Really looks nice!!

 

[AmericanPreferred]

It's a nice machine, The Command is Kolher's higher end line, and has hydraulic lifters so no valve adjustment is needed. Keeping the electric clutch engaged is going to use a few amps, I would not recommend adding more load to the charging circuit. Find some sort of self powered light for those late fall evnings. For some reason those motors prefer Kolher oil, and may tick if a substitute is used. TSC is as reasonable place as I know to buy it.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Thanks AmericanPreferred. I didn't know that!!

 

[HandsomeDan]

get two or three of these: http://www.harborfreight.com/6-3-4-quarter-inch-109-led-flashlight-98506.html

:shrug:

 

[Squankum]

Yes, headlamps have been run through relays. In Europe. All the time. Of course, they like to see where they're going. And they used to go faster. Leave it to the BMW guy to know that.

Nobody here is thinking outside the box, it's all incandescent bulb this and LED that. The man wants a work light for leaf cleanup, too! Why not go old school?!

http://www.modeltcentral.com/Model-T-Ford-Lighting-Systems.html

Or maybe a Coleman propane canister lamp. Okay, I don't know how that does with the vibration, but with the right reflector keeping the glare out of your eyes, it'd be awesome.

Volts, schmolts!

Plus, the safety risks make all the wiring risks above look like small potatoes.

 

[Squankum]

Don't need a Fluke VOM to build one of these!

http://voices.yahoo.com/bushcraft-natural-torch-8029742.html

Helps with leaf cleanup, too!

Don't mow upwind...