Jump to content
r1jakecfd

Good Quality LED Lightbar for 520 Snow Cab

Recommended Posts

r1jakecfd

Hi Guys,

I’m looking for a good quality LED lightbar lightbar to put on the snowcab on my 520. I’m just wondering which ones are good for their price and which ones to stay away from?

 

Thanks,

 

John

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
 
classicdmax

Rigid industries imo is the way to go. Pricey, but a quality product. I use they’re dually flood on my jeep, and dually side shooters on truck.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
WHX??

I got this one dirt cheap, 22 inch I think..... off fleabay and real satistifed. 25 clams tops and figured I get a year out or three out of it did good. The ones on the back... 4 for not much  more than 20 off the jungle site. Whipped out this control panel for running them. Cigarette plug in on the far right for the 15 buck TSC beacon.

20161219_182138.jpg

20161219_184600.jpg

20161218_084111.jpg

Do a search on cab lights Jake and you'll find other ideas.

Edited by WHX14
  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Dan693

I got my 15" LED light bar at Walmart. I'm very happy with it. It's super bright and lights up a large area in front.

I figured if I didnt like it it would be easy to return but I'm keeping it.

$45

 

They also sell a 20" - 24" version.

20180115_093155.jpg

  • Like 3

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
BaySide1

about light bars:

 

The light Bar Installed on my 520H is wicked bright

is that a good thing?

not necessarily.

When blowing snow the light bouncing off the blowing snow washes out my line of sight.

 

Seriously thinking of getting two smaller bars and mounting towards the out side of the cab"s corners.

 

20171121_140948.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
r1jakecfd
5 minutes ago, BaySide1 said:

about light bars:

 

The light Bar Installed on my 520H is wicked bright

is that a good thing?

not necessarily.

When blowing snow the light bouncing off the blowing snow washes out my line of sight.

 

Seriously thinking of getting two smaller bars and mounting towards the out side of the cab"s corners.

 

20171121_140948.jpg

I’m sure it is bright! It’s like using high beams in the car during a blizzard. I think the other problem is the color they throw. They have gotten better but are not a “warm” light at all. I just ordered these to replace the 4 halogen worklights on my cab.

LED Light Bar, Northpole Light [2 Pack] 18W CREE Flood LED Pods LED Work Lights Driving Fog Lights for Off-road, Truck, Car, ATV, SUV, Jeep https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EJWB62U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YtFzAb95KW0K8

I’m hoping they work out but if not, they are only $13

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sarge

Color temperature is tough with the cheaper leds - for snow you need to be well below 4000k color temperature and down around 3k is optimal. Problem is , there are very few made in that color range. Some of the colored lenses help, but the base color of the led is the key as the use of a colored lens kills the lamps power output. Best lamps I've ever own and still have in service are the old 5" PIAA 85w Ion fog lamps - they will shine through the heaviest fog or heavy, driving snow storm like none other. Problem with them is the current draw - they would beat up the charging system in any of our machines unless you added a small external alternator. I wish they were a bit smaller - I'd install those in a heartbeat on my '14 Dodge pickup since it's fog lights are pathetic at best and the old Cruiser is going away soon.

 

PIAA's aren't cheap - just like Rigid Industries , but their quality is second to none. My Ion lamps still have the original bulbs in them - pretty amazing considering they are about 10yrs old and have a lot of hours on them from the old Samurai trail/street rig I had that beat to death off road on a regular basis - I used them a lot . PIAA has been a leader in lighting technology and now they've hit it out of the ball park with a rear-firing led design. This better utilizes the led's light output and gives the reflector the ability to better focus the light beam - exactly what I've wanted for years, but the price tag is , uh, painful....

Color temp is spot-on for fog/snow conditions @2500k .

http://www.piaa.com/led.htm?Attribs=87

 

For snow removal during a storm or heavy fog - this would be my choice -

http://www.piaa.com/store/p/800-PIAA-RF-Series-6-LED-Light-Bar-Yellow-Fog-Beam-Kit-SAE-Compliant.aspx

 

Modern cars with led headlights use the same rear-firing technology in a tightly focused projector style lamp - and they truly work excellent.

 

Sarge

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
r1jakecfd
7 minutes ago, Sarge said:

Color temperature is tough with the cheaper leds - for snow you need to be well below 4000k color temperature and down around 3k is optimal. Problem is , there are very few made in that color range. Some of the colored lenses help, but the base color of the led is the key as the use of a colored lens kills the lamps power output. Best lamps I've ever own and still have in service are the old 5" PIAA 85w Ion fog lamps - they will shine through the heaviest fog or heavy, driving snow storm like none other. Problem with them is the current draw - they would beat up the charging system in any of our machines unless you added a small external alternator. I wish they were a bit smaller - I'd install those in a heartbeat on my '14 Dodge pickup since it's fog lights are pathetic at best and the old Cruiser is going away soon.

 

PIAA's aren't cheap - just like Rigid Industries , but their quality is second to none. My Ion lamps still have the original bulbs in them - pretty amazing considering they are about 10yrs old and have a lot of hours on them from the old Samurai trail/street rig I had that beat to death off road on a regular basis - I used them a lot . PIAA has been a leader in lighting technology and now they've hit it out of the ball park with a rear-firing led design. This better utilizes the led's light output and gives the reflector the ability to better focus the light beam - exactly what I've wanted for years, but the price tag is , uh, painful....

Color temp is spot-on for fog/snow conditions @2500k .

http://www.piaa.com/led.htm?Attribs=87

 

For snow removal during a storm or heavy fog - this would be my choice -

http://www.piaa.com/store/p/800-PIAA-RF-Series-6-LED-Light-Bar-Yellow-Fog-Beam-Kit-SAE-Compliant.aspx

 

Modern cars with led headlights use the same rear-firing technology in a tightly focused projector style lamp - and they truly work excellent.

 

Sarge

Ouch, those are expensive but perfectly suited for snow removal. I’m a Firefighter and all the new LED’s are really overwhelming. When we pull up at a scene behind another truck it’s really blinding. I’m going to try out the cheapo worklights and go from there. If they’re too bright I’ll just drive by feel!🤣

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Huntingtown520hc

How many amps are you pulling? I was thinking about adding a 120w 22inch  light bar and similar rear floods to my 520hc.  Not sure if it can handle it.. I have a 6 gang rocker switch to tie it all together.


 

here is the link to the light bar

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071Z63QYB/ref=ox_sc_act_title_11?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

here is the link to the rear floods

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081DTRC46/ref=ox_sc_act_image_9?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
lynnmor
On 7/26/2021 at 8:02 PM, Huntingtown520hc said:

How many amps are you pulling? I was thinking about adding a 120w 22inch  light bar and similar rear floods to my 520hc.  Not sure if it can handle it.. I have a 6 gang rocker switch to tie it all together.

 

You have a 240 watt charging system to power existing lights, the ignition and charge the battery.  Of course the system cannot provide the full 240 watts at all times because of idle time and battery condition.  I would add much lower wattage lamps and swap out existing to lower wattage LED's.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
WHX??

This is what's on my 520....see post #4 above.  I forget what wattage the all the lights are but they are probably over the wattage you are looking at. I go big or go home! :) I go by amp draw with every thing running. This is what Mr Ohm has to say about things which is way over your charge capacity. 

Screenshot 2021-07-28 085526.png

 

However Mr Ohm is wrong as the lights you are looking at are rated in led equivalent so you can't plug your total wattage into the law. I have yet to see light bars where they list the amps they take so the only way for me is to actually measure. 

Here's the real proof all my lights running.... guessing close to 400 watts equivalent and a little over 7 amps draw. Not even half of the 20 amp a 520 has to offer.. All fused at 10 amps and never blows a fuse.

Yah I know Squonky it's a UEI but she's battle worn and doesn't lie! 

 

Be warned tho @ 6k color they will glare off snow. Especially if the wind is whipping snow around. 4k colors hard to find tho in bars except for the stock front lights in switching to PAR-36's. More info on that here 4411 to PAR LED Headlight Swap Out. - Restorations, Modifications, & Customizations - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum

20161219_192006.jpg

 

BTW @Huntingtown520hc I put those same lights you listed on my side x side with excellent results. Good price on them too! 

Edited by WHX24

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
lynnmor
2 hours ago, WHX24 said:

 

However Mr Ohm is wrong as the lights you are looking at are rated in led equivalent so you can't plug your total wattage into the law. I have yet to see light bars where they list the amps they take so the only way for me is to actually measure. 

 

One review said this: It claims to be a 120W light and at 12.5V, it was pulling 9.7A through the ammeter, so at least with the light I received, that claim is valid.

 

Amps times volts equals watts, no special calculator needed.  (9.7 x 12.5 = 121.25)

 

I do agree that many LED lamps do not give the specifications that make sense.  We only need the watts (or whatever way you like to play the numbers), so an intelligent choice can be made.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Huntingtown520hc

This is why I love this group… all great recommendations… gives me a lot to think about.. the 4 amp draw on 400 watts of led light has me rethinking the configuration I was considering …

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
WHX??
23 minutes ago, Huntingtown520hc said:

This is why I love this group… 

Why I am a supporter :handgestures-thumbupright:

I wouldn't be one bit afraid to pile on some leds on a PPG charging system although I do run the bigger CCA batteries on my snow movers. Want them to start in the extreme cold ya know. Just check your light setup with a DMM for amp drawn and fuse right off the batt accordingly. The pit fall is the regulator on a PPG of any size has been know to fail. Mostly overcharging and cooking  batteries in  my experience so just watch that. Also keep an eye on the nine pin ... that's where trouble starts on these girls with amp draw. 

Edited by WHX??
  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Huntingtown520hc

What gauge wire is everyone using to wire their lights?  I have a six gang rocker switch and I plan on running a inline fuse from the battery to the gang switch and then run wire from the lights to the gang switch .. the gang switch is wired with 18 gauge wire. 
 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BCQY8PF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Handy Don
19 minutes ago, Huntingtown520hc said:

What gauge wire is everyone using to wire their lights?  I have a six gang rocker switch and I plan on running a inline fuse from the battery to the gang switch and then run wire from the lights to the gang switch .. the gang switch is wired with 18 gauge wire. 
 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BCQY8PF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Do the math for the total current draw for your lights (battery to gang switch) then for each switched light. Check the distances and then look at this chart. (Note that at the maximum distance/amps for a given gauge, the loss of voltage can be 10%).  Unless you have an awfully long wire run or some serious amperage, 18ga will cover you. 

I tend to use 16 to assure that I have l little or no loss and to account for any iffy connections.

 

Here is the chart for 5% loss limit.

Edited by Handy Don

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
WHX??

Holy smokes Hunting you gonna light her up for the holidays? :text-merryxmas: Lol

We is gonna want :text-coolphotos: of yer set up when done!

I would run properly fused  12 to the panel then 16 Ga out to the lights but 18 might be ok. I have a tendency to wire heavy so a better show when the smoke gets let out.... :lol:

Interesting on new stuff, cars & trucks & tractors,  out there these days how small the gauge the wire is. Some looks to be smaller than 20 ga. :confusion-shrug:

I have a newer Z turn that would need a microscope to strip & reterminate some of the wiring in her

when she starts giving grief. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Similar Content

    • Wheel Horse 3D
      By Wheel Horse 3D
      Our "Caballo Diablo" ornaments add some extra flair to your customized ornament with the addition of a 12v led and light guiding filament to make the eyes glow or even flash! Available with solid red or flashig red LED, in unfinished, primed, or silver or multi-color painted finish, and in the same horse and head styles as our other custom ornaments. If ordered less than fully finished, the filaments are left long to simplify finishing, and can then be cut off leaving a clean end.They include mounting hardware and a bottom spacer for a clean finished look. Can be ordered  here:Wheel Horse "Caballo Diablo" hood ornament





    • OldWorkHorse
      By OldWorkHorse
      Working on a custom light bar for the recently restored 314-8 


    • WHX??
      By WHX??
      My new to me 520 came without headlights, well ones that worked anyway. All too often when one picks up a new to tractor one ends up having little things that need fixing or un-cobbling or just general maintenance. I guess these little things are the most enjoyable, for me anyway, mountains to conquer. Its not like when you get her home and discover the hydro has no go or the engine smokes like a chimney or the deck needs all three spindles. Its these little things they are most easy and least $$  to fix.
      Since neither light worked I went right to the source first and checked the fuses and switch. Quickly discovered that wiggling the  spade connectors at the switch at least one head light and one taillight would work. Cleaned the spade connectors and terminals on the switch resolved the intermittent problem but now only one tail light would work. More on the tail end later. A quick ohm & voltage check  of both original 4411 sealed beam lamps revealed no one was home, both shot. A quick check of auto parts stores & TSC found that they are quite common anywhere with prices being anywhere between 11 and 18 bucks. In the interest of energy efficiency  and better lighting the search was on for led replacements. I found there was no direct led replacement but these PAR36 bulbs were very similar. They are primarily used in low voltage outdoor accent lighting and can be had in many colors, wattages and light output.
      I settled on these from the jungle site, about 16 clams a piece,  but found them on flea bay and LED light retail places as well. Note the 36 watt equivalent spec. Most if not all 4411 replacements are 35 watts.
      I half expected them to be encased in plastic but a nice surprise to find them all glass sealed beam with good quality.



      Installation truly plug & play. Fit as perfect as originals.



      Best off is this .311 amp draw per light or .625 per set! .

      Leaves plenty of room on the 20 amp charge system for more lights, heated steering wheel, heated  seat & vest!
      More pics when it warms up abit out and I can get some decent night shots.
    • shallowwatersailor
      By shallowwatersailor
      Finally  it looked like Winter was going to arrive today! This - after the daffodils and cherry blossoms were already blooming. But, the line moved further North and the sleet and rain took over. We were in the 8-12" forecast range but was actually 4-5" of wet, wet snow and a lot of sleet. I have to admit for this snow storm I wish that I had a steel edge on the plow instead of the UHMW.edge. It had a tendency to "ride over" the ice underneath.
       
      I always wait until the county plow comes by before going out to do my neighbors and my driveways. It was nice to have the second cab on the plow tractor considering my other cab never got installed this Winter!. With the 25-30 mph wind blowing I hardly felt the weather while plowing for two hours.
       

       

       
       
       
       
    • Patrick J Murphy
      By Patrick J Murphy
      I am looking at a Bercomac Universal Cab for my 1992 520-H. I live in eastern Canada and it's very hard to find a used Toro cab.
       
      I would be interested to see if anyone has equiped a Toro with one of these universal cabs.
       
      Thanks
      Patrick
×
×
  • Create New...