Additional LED Lighting for a BX23S with Cab.

DustyRusty

Well-known member

Equipment
2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
6,237
4,816
113
North East CT
This isn't an original idea, but one that I saw on a YouTube video. The video didn't go into much detail as to how it was made, so I had to figure that out on my own. I am passing my knowledge on this for others' benefit.
I started with a length of 1" square tubing with holes in it that I purchased at Lowe's for under $20. I also procured an 18" magnetic toolbar from Harbor Freight for about $5.
I then proceeded to cut off one-piece 18" long, and 3 pieces 3" long. Not having access to my welder, I had my neighbor that is learning to weld attach the 3 pieces to the 18" piece. I used the light fixtures to estimate my spacing. The first and last hole on the 18" bar is used to hold the magnet to the bar. Then I aligned the 3" pieces on the top of the bar starting with the 2nd hole at each end. The reason for this is so the 2 1/2" carriage bolt will pass through both pieces to hold the light bracket to the bar. The centerpiece is welded onto the bar at the 3 1/2 hole mark on both sides. Since the center bracket doesn't have a through-hole, I drilled a small hole through the bottom bar so the carriage bolt can pass through.
Mounting the light brackets presented a minor issue because the square under the head of the carriage bolt wouldn't pass through the hole in the bar, so I had to enlarge the hole. Next came how to get the small screws into the light fixture and tighten the nuts. I used a small 1/8" magnet that is designed to pick us small screws when you drop them into the distributor when changing points. It was perfect to hold the nut while you turned the screw to hold the light to the LED Light. I started at one end and left the bracket/carriage bolt loose enough to turn them about 45 degrees and snugged the screws up.
When I purchased the magnet, I wanted to see how strong it was, so I put it on the cross beam of my lift. When I tried to remove it, I had to pry it loose with a screwdriver. The magnet bar is made up of 8 magnetic segments placed into a squared U-shaped piece of steel. I didn't try to take them out, but I don't believe that they are glued in place. They are covered with a piece of glossy paper that tore when I removed the magnet. I will cover that strip with electrical tape before installation.
I purchased the LED lights on eBay for $11 for 2, so I have one spare. Wiring is the next step to finish up this project. I might even take it apart and paint it sometime in the future.
I welcome your questions or suggestions on how to improve on this.

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DustyRusty

Well-known member

Equipment
2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
6,237
4,816
113
North East CT
What voltage do you have on your battery posts with the lights on and the engine running?

Dave
I have no idea, however, based on the size of the wires from the LED fixtures, I don't believe that the draw is significant. The copper wires number about 10, and they are about the thickness of a silk thread. Very difficult to work with, and I have been struggling to make secure connections. I wish that the manufacturers of these lights installed a plug-and-play connector and offered some type of wiring harness to simplify the installation.
 

Fordtech86

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3200
Aug 7, 2018
4,976
5,917
113
Pineville,LA
Where is this mounting to? Its a BX with a cab if I read right? The post is hard to read (or Ive had too many beers 🤣).
The mount 😬. Maybe something like this be easier.


Can help with wiring too, just need to know how you want it set up.
 

DustyRusty

Well-known member

Equipment
2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
6,237
4,816
113
North East CT
Just noticed the question about where it is mounted. I mounted this above the windshield just below the roof and between the two LED lights that came with the cab. I wired it into a pigtail that I pulled from one of the switches that are mounted in the box on the inside of the cab just above the windshield. The reason for the pigtail is so I can unplug it and remove it should it ever need service in the future. It is a very bright light for its size, and the magnets keep it secure but easy to remove at any time that I want. I also put a plastic wire tie at each end should the magnets ever get jarred loose while operating the machine.