WH T 523dxi or 522xi

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Jack,
Take a close look at the headlight fixture, you currently have two bulbs in it.  The 5xi can actually take four bulbs, the extra two go to the outside of the existing ones.  From the back of the fixture, there is probably a piece of tape over the lamp socket holes, as supplied by the factory...

thanks Rick.  I had no clue that was there or available.  That is another thing that I love about this forum, there are so many different folks on here who have tried different things and have found out different ways to achieve a common goal.  This was very helpful to me and I will put it on my list of things to do on the Dxi.

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

Jack, I used two light sockets from an auto parts store when I did my 518xi. You can just make out the amber 194 bulb in my one photo. I had to whittle the bases a bit but it was about $5.00 total.

Edited September 11, 2015 by shallowwatersailor

[bmsgaffer 2,053]

I think a good condition DXI would be the one tractor that could make me sell all but one of my classic style tractors... Just maybe...

That's a long shot wish though!

[refracman 167]

Heres a link to the thread on the 3pt and rear axel/hub conversion I did on my 520xi.
http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/50010-520-xi-w3pt-and-15-rims/

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527]

Here is the one I picked up this week. Buffed out nice and painted the loader.

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Jack, I used two light sockets from an auto parts store when I did my 518xi. You can just make out the amber 194 bulb in my one photo. I had to whittle the bases a bit but it was about $5.00 total.

So that is the largest bulb you can fit in those auxiliary sockets??? A 194 doesnt cast very much light.  Seems more like it was setup for the European road use version where those could be used as turn signals.  I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do with the lights. 

Stevebo--that is a sweet looking machine!!! Are you keeping it or selling it? Looks like that one could be very useful to have around.

Refracman--thanks for the link.  That really gives me something to think about...you did a great job!

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

It probably could be modified for a different socket. The intention, I think, was for a running light. Last year I bought some 194 LED lights that appear brighter and might be worth a try.

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

It probably could be modified for a different socket. The intention, I think, was for a running light. Last year I bought some 194 LED lights that appear brighter and might be worth a try.

How are those 194 LED's for brightness?  I've just ordered some LED 510 Lumen 1156's for the primary lights.  We will see what those do and I will likely add the extra two as well.   Does anyone on here know if the factory kit includes sockets for 194 bulbs or something bigger?  If I'm going to go to the work to add the extra two lights, I want it to add a fair amount (i.e. bigger bulbs).

Some other questions:  I'm starting a maintenence record and so in order to make sure that I have a good base line, I will obviously go down the service list and do everything on it including all fluids and filters.  Have you guys done the Valve lash adjustment yourself?  If so, how difficult was it?  I've downloaded all the pertinent manuals for my Dxi but I have some more questions regarding my 60" deck.  On my Cub tractors, the deck is set to hang on the frame with all wheels acting as anti scalp wheels.  They are to be no closer than 1/2" from ground.  It seems, but to me isn't clear, that the big 60" is designed to RIDE ON the rear gauge wheels all the time.  Do I set the gauge wheel to the height I want, lower the hydraulic lift all the way, then adjust the back bolt in the center of the deck to create the correct pitch angle of the blades (down in front by 1/8") and then adjust front wheels to float 3/8" above the ground?  I just want to make sure that I'm doing it right.  Another thing that I don't understand from the manual is the phrase "Adjusting the Blade Slope for Transport".  First of all, what is that?  Does that mean transport from one place to another?  I mean, I generally turn off my PTO when I'm not cutting.  The phrase, "Because the attachment lift is used when the PTO drive is engaged, the blade slope in transport must be adjusted to extend the PTO drive belt life", doesn't make sense to me.  I typically pull my tractor out to my yard with the deck raised. I lower it, start the PTO, run the throttle all the way up and begin cutting the lawn.  I typically do not raise the deck until I shut the PTO off and slow the throttle down some.  So, please help me make some sense of what this means.  

Thanks much for your help to this xi newbie!

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527]

Mine is a keeper.

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

LED lights shouldn't produce more heat than a filament bulb. I know that there are 50W 1156 bulbs available but they could produce enough heat to start melting the lens. That is another reason not to seal it after cleaning the light assembly.

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

It probably could be modified for a different socket. The intention, I think, was for a running light. Last year I bought some 194 LED lights that appear brighter and might be worth a try.

How are those 194 LED's for brightness?  I've just ordered some LED 510 Lumen 1156's for the primary lights.  We will see what those do and I will likely add the extra two as well.



Thanks much for your help to this xi newbie!

My 1156 LEDs showed up today in the mail and I can't even begin to describe to you the unbelievable difference that they make!  The light is bright and white and far reaching.  I can't wait to use them in a working situation.  They should be really incredible on night snow removal because of the reflection off the white snow.  May need sunglasses at night! LOL!

[WNYPCRepair 1,923]

It probably could be modified for a different socket. The intention, I think, was for a running light. Last year I bought some 194 LED lights that appear brighter and might be worth a try.

How are those 194 LED's for brightness?  I've just ordered some LED 510 Lumen 1156's for the primary lights.  We will see what those do and I will likely add the extra two as well.



Thanks much for your help to this xi newbie!

My 1156 LEDs showed up today in the mail and I can't even begin to describe to you the unbelievable difference that they make!  The light is bright and white and far reaching.  I can't wait to use them in a working situation.  They should be really incredible on night snow removal because of the reflection off the white snow.  May need sunglasses at night! LOL!

Where did you order them from, I might give them a shot
 

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498]

It probably could be modified for a different socket. The intention, I think, was for a running light. Last year I bought some 194 LED lights that appear brighter and might be worth a try.

How are those 194 LED's for brightness?  I've just ordered some LED 510 Lumen 1156's for the primary lights.  We will see what those do and I will likely add the extra two as well.



Thanks much for your help to this xi newbie!

My 1156 LEDs showed up today in the mail and I can't even begin to describe to you the unbelievable difference that they make!  The light is bright and white and far reaching.  I can't wait to use them in a working situation.  They should be really incredible on night snow removal because of the reflection off the white snow.  May need sunglasses at night! LOL!

Jack, did you get the 50w 1156 bulb? Just curious on the heat / lens situation. I would hate to see that lens fry. Just asking and curious cause I would like to upgrade the lights on mine. Thanks,

Glenn

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Guys,
I purchased these from VLEDS.com.  They have HIGH QUALITY LED light bulbs.  There are plenty of cheap brands out there for $10.  If that is what you want to do, go for it but you won't likely be satisfied with the results.  Light Emitting Diodes are a newer form of lighting but they are taking the industry by storm.  Years ago they were so expensive and the light for the dollar wasn't really worth it. However, as incandescent bulbs are being phased out LED's are getting a lot of focused attention and the results are amazing. They operate basically cool to the touch and the output of light vs the electricity that they use is truly amazing.  The set I bought has 21 LED's that are 0.5Watt draw each.  My quick math says that is drawing less than 11 watts per bulb yet mine cast 510 Lumens. A typical incandescent 1156 casts about 350 Lumens.  Glenn mentioned the 50W halogens, they would technically have a higher lumen output but at a cost.  I'd be really worried that the heat would melt the lens and the housing even.  Plus, you could run nearly 10 of the LED's for the amount of draw on your system.  

Having said that---these things aren't cheap. A set is $50 but they have a projected lifespan of 5000 hours.  If that is even half correct, these are the last headlights that I would need to buy.  Also, since I'm the test case already.  Please let me use them a few times at night and report about it before any of you buy some. I'll be sure to report back to you on my thoughts once I've tried them in a "real world" environment.  What they do in the shop is one thing, what they do in the yard could be another although I hope not!

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Do any of you guys run synthetic fluids in your xi tractors? If so, what are you using? I'm a fan of synthetics, however, I'm slightly concerned about the hydro system. Do any of you run a synthetic 10W-30 in your systems?  

[bmsgaffer 2,053]

The XI hydro is the same as the earlier hydros, all Eaton 1100's, just flipped a different direction. Synthetic works great in it and seems to be recommended by many people here.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498]

Jack. Thanks for the reply. Will be interested in your report on the lights. As per sybthetic. I myself do not use it. Others do. I think on the next oil / filter change I will try it. The lights sound great. Well sir. Thats modern technology for you.

Genn

[doc724 925]

I put 10W-30 synthetic (Mobil 1) in my 520xi this spring for the first time.  I have only been using the loader on it this year, so not many hours year to date.  However, I have not noticed any problems.  Since it has been warm, I have not noticed any improvements in warm up time, however, the ground speed has been, of necessity, pretty slow.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498]

Jack, question please. I went to the high end bulb website. Holy smokes plenty of pages. If / when you can narrow it down to what one please. Also checking around other bulb websites, they have them when the led s are in the front only, and the front also around the barrel of the bulb. Geeez, never knew a simple bulb could be so confusing.

thanks Glenn

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Glenn,
You are right when you say it can be confusing!!! The bulbs I purchased have 18 LEDs around the barrel and three facing forward off the end.  The ones around the barrel seem to make great use of the reflective housing.  The following is the exact description found on the website of the bulbs I purchased...
 

5K WHITE 21 LED PARKING BACKUP LIGHT 1156 2056 510LM | 1 PAIR

...and this is what they look like...


I hope this helps.  By next weekend I should be able to give a review...


 

[doc724 925]

Well, when you guys finally settle on something, with your permission, I will adopt your solution.  I too looked around for LED's and just like Glenn and Jack I was overwhelmed.  So I shelved the whole idea, content with what came from the factory.  After all, the only time I have the lights on is when snow blowing and my objective it to be seen by cars and snowplows!

[Rick_in_CT 156]

Wow, that is the most complex LED lamp I have seen to date.

In regards to using synthetic, I always used Mobil 1 10W-30 in the transaxle and Kohler engine.  You would want to check to see if the diesel is approved for synthetic.  If you plan on using your new machine in the winter, there are cold weather advantages to the synthetic.

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

Do any of you guys run synthetic fluids in your xi tractors? If so, what are you using? I'm a fan of synthetics, however, I'm slightly concerned about the hydro system. Do any of you run a synthetic 10W-30 in your systems?  

Jack, I use Amsoil synthetic for the engines. The Kohlers get the Formula 4-Stroke 10W-30/SAE 30 Small Engine Oil (ASEQT-EA),and the Daihatsu diesel gets Synthetic SAE 10W-30/SAE 30 Heavy-Duty Motor Oil (ACD1G-EA.) For the diesel I found a NAPA filter that is about 1/2" longer than the B&S stock filter. A little bit more capacity of oil is a plus. I also added a "Dimple" magnetic drain plug. I am trying to match a longer filter from Wix that can be used on the Kohler Command engines.

For the transaxles, they all get Mobil 1 10W-30 synthetic. I notice that it flows better in the winter.

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Quick update! I tried out the headlight tonight mowing some lawn on the back of my property after dark.  The difference was amazing!  Remember, I haven't used the original light system but one time so I don't have a vast body of "work" to draw from.  I think it was worth every penny.  I can only predict that it will work even better when reflecting off the snow.  I rarely cut the lawn at night on purpose but often find myself on snow removal chores in the early morning or after dark. Both need good lights--and now I have them!

[cdsl810 181]

These are the best LEDs I have found for use with the 5xi. Very bright and great coverage. I can easily mow my lawn in the dark.

Do not use the 194/168 LEDs in the dash for indicator lights unless you are prepared to modify your wiring harness with large parallel load resistors.

BTW... the red taillights are actually a nice bright red in person--my camera on the phone did not deal with the lighting properly. They don't look too bright or pink at all.

These are available at any Advance Auto, Auto Value, or Carquest--probably other places too. I bought mine at Advance

 

Edited September 20, 2015 by cdsl810