I checked out the picture MadMac (Bob) It looks like thats the best way to go, Not sure about the 55watts, I found a Hella HLA-H83135241 H3 12V 35W Halogen Bulb for $6.75 ea. Whats the consensus , I know brighter is better but can the system handle it? I know a chrome outfit maybe I can persuade them to help out? :crazy:
I did some research and found this by grummy, who is listed as a member here so if he's here He gets the credit for the real research, and I hope he doesn't mind me posting it.
He said, Likely, you have a 15 amp charging system. 15 amps in a 12 volt system equals 180 watts. If you use (4) 55 watt bulbs, you will be using more
energy than your tractor can deliver. It will run for a while, then eventually die on you as the battery gets sapped.
The best "balance" I have found is 35 watt halogens in the front (#796 bulbs), (1) 35 watt rear lamp ( I used one of these:
http://www.jwspeaker.com/catalog/forwar ... l_4200.htm)
Thats 105 watts so far. Then I have a pair of very bright, yellow LED marker lights facing the rear, blinking along with (2) 20 watt 1156 bulbs in 360 degree visible housings on the roof. Because they are blinking, I figure the blinky side of things to draw 30 watts. Thats 130 watts total, leaving 50 watts headroom to keep the battery up.
Even beyond that though, I plug a battery maintainer into the tractors cigarette lighter socket when parked. I'm not all that thrilled when it drops to 5 below zero and I have a lame battery.
Note that those "speaker 4200" lights I link to are fantastic lamps. They use off the shelf "under cabinet" halogen lights. They are super bright, and available in different wattage's and beam widths. Someday, I am going to make custom inserts to replace the front lights in my 449 project tractor. I will be able to fit one larger 50 watt and one of the smaller 35 watt bulbs within the confines of that area, and also be able to switch them separately. Should be kind of neat, AND deliver lots more light.
Donkman.