Add Headlights To Any Snowblower?
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
- See these headlights In Use! • Snowblower Headlights ...
Adding lights to a snowblower is easy and makes a huge difference when clearing snow at night. In this video I show how to add battery-powered headlights and puddle lights to any snowblower (in fact, this headlight system can be added to anything because it is completely self-contained). This upgrade is a simple project that makes a huge difference to how well you can see what you are doing when working after dark. In case you'd like a wiring diagram: amplifydiy.com/shared/Snowblo...
#Snowblower #Headlights #SnowblowerUpgrade
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🛒 Puddle Lights: amzn.to/3nxo1Qu
🛒 DeWalt Battery Adapter: amzn.to/3pujm3g
🛒 Milwaukee Battery Adapter: amzn.to/3enAYHJ
🛒 Black And Decker Battery Adapter: amzn.to/3pvw01O
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🛒 Toggle Switch: amzn.to/3FxkJUi
🛒 Volt Meter: amzn.to/3epSLhv
🛒 24v to 12v Step Down Converter: amzn.to/3yXa42Z
🛒 Primary Wire: amzn.to/3esJJjI
🛒 Wire Loom: amzn.to/3Fv6Lm5
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🛒 Heat Shrink With Solder: amzn.to/3ptbDm9
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(by clicking a link above this channel earns a few pennies, but it does not cost you anything extra)
CHAPTERS
🕐 0:00 Introduction
🕐 0:53 Background
🕐 2:05 Design Considerations
🕐 3:33 Parts Needed
🕐 6:06 Prepare Mount Points
🕐 8:54 Mount Headlights
🕐 10:33 Circuit Overview
🕐 12:11 Electrical Connections
🕐 22:20 Wiring Routing
🕐 22:52 Puddle Lights
🕐 23:17 Final Clean Up
🕐 24:27 Testing
🕐 26:02 Conclusion
🕐 26:56 Bloopers
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Here's a demonstration of these lights in action after our first snow since getting them installed: ua-cam.com/video/XWPyS9qDiac/v-deo.html
Question for ya: I'm concerned that the battery adapter would get snowed on and water would damage or short circuit the connection. What about mounting it upside down and or making some rubber flap to protect it from that? I was even considering using an outside electrical outlet cover. Your thoughts please. Thanks for this upload...I'm doing it soon.
@@tiroxpowersports9413 I have not had any problem with short circuiting, etc, but if it is snowing heavily while using this, the battery and the connector will definitely collect snow, etc. If I were doing this again, I'd possibly mount the battery under the upper shroud, or as you suggest add a flap or cover of some kind. I'd love to hear what you come up with!
@@AmplifyDIY I will try and remember to update you. I found a barn find Honda HS80 very spotless and minimal use for a 30+ year old machine. I love these Hondas. Adding even a chute discharge control. ordered all the components from your excellent video. now waiting for arrival an eventual assembly. Yes a cover or underside is needed 4 sure. thanks again for the instructions. really thanks.
@@AmplifyDIY Ok I've been busy. decided a small yellow plastic box will fit all my components and other than the right side where I cut a rectangular hole just big enough to slide my battery into and room for my fingers in a glove. Mounted under the dashplate. The older Honda has a tilted metal dashplate and I'm pretty sure no snow will reach the inner wiring /connections. Now onto the accessory wiring... so from the converter How do I run the 4 lights...I mean, is it a combo of 2 double wire pigtails- power and ground coming from the converter? And going out to the 2 marker and 2 spot lights? I have always been afraid of working with wiring. from house to motorcycle....you have pushed me into it with something like a snowblower. For that I thank you. sorry for the questions. I wish I could share pictures.
And hahaha I made the same mistake about adding the fuse...why isn't this working shit !! DOH !!
Leave the nut on next time you shorten a bolt. Removing the nut will help deburr it.
Congratulations! Probably one of the best how-to videos on YT. As a mature engineer, you were clear and concise, and did a great job. Thank you. Not only will I do this to my snowblower, I'm going to make a charger for my iPhone using my Milwaukee M18 batteries.
Excellent tutorial in every way: Easy to see, easy to understand, and this retired teacher of English and public speaking is impressed with your clear and pleasant speaking voice -- in addition to your DIY prowess! Thanks for posting this!
Wow - thank you very much, Steve!
Agreed probably one of the best I’ve seen, great job!
I agree. What a great video. Ty bro
really like your idea of using a battery you already have at home, with that adapter. Might have just given me a weekend project!!!
I would re mount that battery to under the shroud on the handle. A lot of times I have snow accumulated on my blower when I’m done and I’d imagine it would get that battery nice and wet.
Hi B Mac - yes, the battery does get a bit wet, but the adapter seals really well, and when I pull the battery off the mount the contacts are always dry. However, if I were doing it again, I may find a way to mount it in a more protected area as you suggest. Thanks for watching!
Great project! I’ve been considering something similar. Excellent, simple instructions, logical process sequence, you made what might seem daunting into a very approachable job. Great idea using the tool battery!
A couple of soldering recommendations: 1) Always make a strong mechanical connection first, before solder (e.g. crimp the spade vs. using solder to fill the space), 2) Heat the joint with the iron, flow the solder into the joint, not into the iron. (Source: US Navy Electronics Technician training.)
Thank you for the tips, Michael!
Very nice and handy video. Thank you! Two suggestions: 1. Leave the nut on the bolt and snug it up to the top this way when you cut the bolt, as you remove the nut the nut acts as a chaser and will help clean the threads of the bolt that has been cut by the hacksaw. 2. I would put some semi-permanent thread sealant on the threads of the bolt to help protect the nut from loosening when you have snow blower vibration even though you are using a lock washer on the bolt....as simple belt and suspenders approach when dealing with severe vibration.
Great tips, Bill. Thank you!
Your blower didn't have a factory light. Mine does. So can I just splice my led's + & - into my factory light?
I’ve got that exact blower and would like to add lights to it. Thanks for a great video. I suggest adding a quick disconnect (more spades) where the two halves of the machine come apart, so that when it’s time for serious machine maintenance you don’t have to remove any wiring.
Great suggestion. Thank you!
Good video, most of those led pods are variable voltage and will usually accept input voltages of 9v-36v, so no need to step down the voltage, which only shortens how long the battery will last.
Hi Zack - some are able to handle a range, some are not. In this video I was trying to show a circuit that would be useful no matter which lighting you went with, as nearly all accessory lighting runs happily on 12V. If you are certain the lighting you choose can run directly on the battery voltage, you can for sure omit the step-down converter. Thanks for watching!
Great tip to research the input voltage specs first.
You did an amazing job explaining everything! Doing so has taken the fear out of doing the work. Thanks
Finally, a good step by step guide that doesn't require buying and installing a stator. Glad I watched too. I thought about this method before but forgot about the difference in voltages I'd have to figure out.
Hey George - I'm glad you liked the video. Best of luck with getting lights on your blower. I'm happy to answer any questions that come up along the way for you. Good luck!
Just installed lights on my 2410 troy bilt. Took me 6 hours to do the job correctly and professional. You have great instructions to do the job efficiently. Thank You !!!!!
Great job!
Great idea! My snow blower did come with a headlight, but it was as bright as a candle. Instead, I just ordered an LED to replace the incandescent lamp.
Same concept can be applied to anything needing lighting: snowblowers, mowers, bikes, etc etc! Great video!
Absolutely! Thanks for watching, Carlos!
I have the same machine. So this is exactly what I've been looking for! Excellent tutorial! Thanks much!
Awesome, Shongo! Good luck with your setup!
This was absolutely fantastic. Thank you very much for sharing this project. I learned a lot and may tackle this one on my own!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Came to this video with the exact same problem with my Troy Bilt and I'm definitely gonna use your exact same answer! Thanks, great video! 👍
Wow, I was interested in the title because my snowblower didn’t come with any lights and I heard that if they don’t come with them, they will not except any. Which you then confirmed in your video. So I was pleasantly surprised to see what you came up with. And like someone else commented, the way you present each project somehow gives a viewer like me the confidence to actually try doing it. I’m so glad I found your channel and I appreciate everything you share! Looking forward to the next project! Thank you!! 😎👍🏼
Thanks Jase! I really appreciate that!
Great thorough tutorial. Thank you
Flexloom is what it's called. Very informative video.
The best video on explaining the operation n reason for parts.
Fantastic results! My snowblower has a headlight thing between where you pointed out a factory light might be and where you actually installed your off-road lights. I have been considering switching the bulb to LED and adding a capacitor to deal with the flicker that even the incandescent bulb has been experiencing from day one, but this seems like a better option. I would have to put the headlights and puddle lights on their own switches because I like adding switches and if I don't need the puddle light, I can add some run time by turning them off. Great instructions and great video!
Great idea to put the puddle lights on their own switch - or even add another switch to turn on each headlight individually - if you are willing to compromise a bit of forward visibility for double the runtime. Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching!
my snow blower has a tiny head light. i recently noticed my off road lights sitting next to it on the work bench and had the idea to mount it on the machine. but those puddle lights are an awesome addition!
I don’t have the greatest balance, so I like to have extra lighting to see where I’m walking. Thanks for watching!
Amazing work! What a great idea and masterful approach for adding lighting to your snowblower. Provided me with lots of ideas for other such implements that I use. Well done.
Hi Jim - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I just wanted to thank you for uploading this video....I just added this set up to my Craftsman snow blower and I couldn't be more pleased. I used the Ridgid adapter because that's the line of power tools I use. So thanks again....excellent job!
Awesome - great work, Terry!
Great modification, and no particularly difficult or expensive to do! Will definitely do something similar on my unit this Winter.
Good luck!
I just want to say, I did this to my VERY BASIC 2-stage blower, and my god, I’m so excited to use it. I learned so much from your video and made it happen, it looks great and I’m so happy. I had no idea those tool battery adapters existed, and the step down converter was super cheap. You rock!!!!
Hey, thanks so much! I'm really glad to hear that you were able to complete the project and that you're happy with the result. Mine are still going strong a couple of years later and I love them! Thanks for watching!
Very nice addition. Thanks for the details!
Enlightening video! :) Clear and concise instructions and a "FACTRY" install .. Thanks!
Well done. Love the out-takes LOL
Wow! Well done! Thank you for the detailed explanation of how to install lighting on a snow thrower. I’ll be doing this myself! Great job!
Good luck!
Great video, easy to follow and understand. The ideas are already rolling in my head and as soon as obtain a couple DC/DC converters my snowblower is getting an upgrade and the old snowmobile will finally have a working lights!
Awesome, Chad! I'd love to hear about where your inspiration takes you. Good luck!
I did something similar to a 2004 Murray Blizzard 2 stage SnowBlower a few years back. Use Lock tight on your bolt connections. Recently had one come loose and lost the screw hardware. Mine originally had a single halogen light running off of AC from the alternator on the motor. Using a bridge rectifier setup and some inline capacitors I installed them in a weather proof electrical box under the front control panel to protect the connections from the elements. An 18 watt LED pod light set similar to yours was a HUGE upgrade to the existing halogen one. I mounted them to either side of where the old light was. I do like the battery idea so you can turn the lights on without the engine running. I happen to run across your vid while doing research on switching my lawn tractor over from the dim halogen bulbs to an LED set up. Nice work By the way.
Looks great….. I actually have the same snowblower and I wanted to put lights on it. So I’m in the process of doing that now. Thank you for your input.
Very cool addition
Love it! Something I will have to do,don’t really need the lights but I like having the option if so inclined.
This a great video, I personally use a weatherproof headlamp when I blow snow when it’s dark. If I was using my blower more commercially this would be perfect.
Fantastic idea to use the batteries. I would have done only one thing different - knowing how wet the entire blower can get (and my face) when blowing powdery snow and it's breezy I would come up with a waterproof cover of some kind for the battery adapter. Don't want a short there.
Good idea - other viewers have suggested mounting the battery below the handlebar rather than on top - that would also help quite a bit. Thanks for watching!
Great innovative install! Awesome, humble people skills!
Thank you!
Excellent video! thanks!
Omg that intro was amazing!!!!🎉
Thank you! It's fun to be a little creative sometimes. :)
I’ve been trying to do this another way for years, this is just as easy and works better i think. Thanks!!
Great to hear!
Great video I really enjoy the step by step install. Thanks for adding the list of all that was used too install . Going to do this to my Snow blower soon .
I was shocked by just how much better these lights made my visibility while using the snowblower. Good luck with your install - I'll be happy to answer any questions that may come up for you. Thanks for watching!
This concept has a 100 uses!!! I am going to build a portable power pack using your basic idea. I am heavily invested in the Craftsman 20v system so my plan is to make a system that can use any of my half dozen batteries and provide power to a USB for charging cell phones etc. I’ll add a small led light too for utility.
Plan is to have a small enough box to take camping, fishing, in the toolbox etc or even in the shop as a backup.
The expensive part is the battery, the rest is inexpensive stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Edit: I looked for parts and well darn they make a snap on LED light with USB unit so I’ll just buy that but still lots of uses for your idea.
Loved this video, thanks.
Great instructions, lots if smart ideas, from Q-tips onward, gotta try this, thanks
Hey David - thanks!
Just found your Video and it honestly was one of the best instruction videos that I’ve watched. I have a 2012 Honda HS1132 track driven blower. It has a round light that unfortunately isn’t very bright. I love your corded battery idea and will be doing something similar. Thank you
Thanks for sharing. Best to You and Yours.👍
Excellent job. Very informative and easy to understand and listen to. Very professional.
Glad you enjoyed it
What a great idea and video. Very professionally done and enjoyable to watch and understand.
I have a 25+ year old Simplicity 8hp snow blower that has a pretty poor amber light over the engine. I guess for the time is was better than nothing. For years I wanted to upgrade to something better but I knew the voltage coming off the stator was incompatible with a typical 12vt. DC light.
I purchased from Amazon a slide in B&D battery adapter which came with an inline rocker switch and fuse (never knew these even existed), the voltage meter you recommended and a 7" 30watt LED light bar. The LED will work on DV from 9-24Volts so I skipped the DC 20-12vt. step down converter.
As you described the installation was pretty easy and was accomplished in under an hour. With a fully charged 20volt battery I was able to get 2+ hours of light before I even came close to 17volts. Plenty of light to assist with my nighttime snow blowing operations.
Thanks for the idea and description. When the 1st storm hits I might just wait till dark just so I can try it out. 😁
Nice work! Let it snow!
Hi interestingly enough I am in th same situation and assumed that I could just wire in the new LED light to replace the old amber light. Why is it that the existing electrical system won't work for this project. It's a real bummer.
Great idea and nicely executed
Thank you very much!
Excellent idea using the Dewalt battery pack. Will be doing this to my machine next weekend! Thx for the video
Thanks for watching, and best of luck with yours!
Thank you. This will be my next project. Several years ago, I was nearly hit by a car while cleaning my driveway. I will add a small blue or amber strobe light to protect me from inattentive drivers.
What a great idea!
That is a great/fun mod! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! What great video man. Very thorough and explained everything!
Glad you liked it, Jacob!
Great video! Nice clear instructions
Thank you!
Great idea. I just installed an LED light and heated grips on my old snowblower (no stator on mine) yesterday and they work great. Just ordered the step down DC to DC converter so that will be even better. My batteries are 1.5 amp hours and 6 amp hours, so the 6 map hour batteries will probably be used more for this application. Let'r snow!!
Winter will be here before we know it! :) Thanks for watching.
This was easily one of the best, if not the best instructional video I have ever watched! And I have watched thousands of instructional videos.
Thank you so much! That really means a lot.
Great work!
Thanks!
A great job. I love the idea of using the rechargeable batteries from other hand power tools. Thanks for an excellent video and description.
Thank you! Cheers!
Great demo video. well explained and easy to follow... tks for sharing..
Thanks for watching!
Thank you, just saw this also awesome video on how to install the light system, I love it and will get the parts and get at her.
Nice job looks good
I loved the explanation because it was step by step thank you very much very good work thank you I really needed it
Thanks Rodolfo!
Excellent tutorial!! 👍
Thank you! 👍
That is cool. Great work.
Thanks, Angel!
I liked the build and learned some tips. I’m going to try these on some markers lights I will be putting on my SUV in the spring. Two things which may be an improvement. A. A snow blower puts out a great deal of fine snow, which is only made worse on a windy day/night. This may cause a short in the battery. Some type of protection cover would be good. B. I would have run the black automotive protector from the lights to the T junction. There will be potentially snow and ice build up between the lights so this just provides more structure. Excellent video!!
Great tips, thank you Tom!
Great video, Awesome detail !!!
Glad you liked it!
Great Great video and so helpful.
Great idea! I use the same batteries.
Thanks ! I have the identical snowblower. I’m 70 and need a project. Nice of you to share. Middletown De.
I hope it turns out great for you!
Very great video, really informative
Excellent tutorial!
Thanks, Chuck!
You did a great job. I have one of those long light bars just sitting in my garage and part of me wants put it on my snowblower lol
Excellent 👍
My blower has a light but it pulses the LED lights. That power tool battery was a great idea, as is the puddle lights. I’ll have to wire mine up before it snows here in PA.
Great how to video. Hopefully you get lots of snow to see the lights perform in a snow storm.👍
Just a few skiffs so far - but the forecast looks ominous (*rubs hands together in anticipation*). Thanks for watching!
Nice addition to the snowblower. My Craftsman 26” also does not have the rectifier needed to add lights. Seeing this video has prompted me to pursue using my dormant 12 volt motorcycle battery, might just as well get some use out of it while the thing is hibernating in the shed…it can sit on the trickle charger when not in use. Now to find a battery box mount! Also looking at adding an amber strobe or two for maximum attention.
Oooh! I like the idea of an amber strobe... might be time for an upgrade to my project! Thanks for watching!
Nice project and excellent presentation with just the right amount of detail. Loved the out-takes! ;-)
Awesome, thank you!
Nice project. Great Video. Subscribed.
Great video! I’ve always called it conduit
Nice work
Wow. Your system beats taping a flashlight on my snowblower. Both systems work, one is better. A great idea for seasonal lighting.
Nice project.
Whenever you mount something onto an ABS plastic surface, you take the chance of the plastic cracking, especially with cold temperatures and vibration. I always use a "fender washer" to spread the stress over a larger area.
Never have a singularly insulated wire in contact with a metallic surface. Smart move to use the plastic loom to protect the joint.
Thanks for a great video that was clear and easy to understand. I went with a light bar instead of the individual lights and am really happy with the way it has turned out.
I was wondering where you purchased the puddle lights. I ordered a set from Amazon but they were much larger than I anticipated and yours seem pretty low profile which I really like.
Thanks again for this video!
Hi Brian! I'm glad you are happy with how your light bar turned out. :) I picked up the puddle lights here: amzn.to/3nxo1Qu (this link as well as links to everything I used are in the video description as well). Thanks for watching!
Very good and clear instruction. On my machine your location of the lights would be problematic. In my area we frequently get 25+cm of snow ( 10"+). Our last storm dumped 44 cm. At the road we get high snow banks from the municipal plow. To clear this I drive the face of the blower into the bank and undercut the snow above the machine, then knock the snow bank down for further cleanup. As a result the lights would no doubt take a beating. I would make a bracket for the top of the auger cabinet to enable the lights to be located behind the face of the auger cabinet 8" or more to protect them. Great video!
Hey Don - you definitely get more snow than we typically do here. I like your idea of building some brackets to relocate the lights - that should work well for your application! I do recommend trying to elevate the lights a bit - maybe with a right-angle bracket? If you just move them straight back the auger cabinet will block the lower portion of the light throw, which may be annoying. A cheap option for brackets may be some shelf brackets from your local hardware store. Good luck!
Amplify Raising the lights up as well as back is what was on my mind but I didn't say so 9n my reply.
Great video one of the best out their. I like the tool battery pack instead of a dedicated battery that may be used ones or twice a year. Great job!
Thanks for watching!
Well Done 👍🏻
I will be doing something similar to your setup but with a ryobi 40v battery. I like the fact the battery has a built in battery meter so I make this circuit even simpler.
Nice! I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Good luck!
Excelente proyecto muy bien desarrollado y mejor ejecutado , gracias por compartir tanta creatividad y conocimientos , un saludo cordial y por supuesto un gran like desde Narón , Galicia (España) 🤓 😜
¡Muchas gracias por sus amables comentarios y gracias por vernos!
good idea! Maybe a winter hat with a flashlight on it would be easier?
Maybe easier, but nowhere near as bright.
A few suggestion. A bigger battery of course will last longer. Another is weather pack connections. Since you'll be getting it wet the plugs will be a better protection than just spade connectors. Plus if you need to swap lights or anything you just unplug them. Harbor Freight has some of these. I do a lot of automotive wiring and use these types of plugs
Great job, you made it look easy!!!
Great tips, thank you!
Amazing job and great explanation! I installed lights using your steps and materials on my Toro 724 QXE and I couldn't be happier! You instructions are so clear it made the job very easy (plus you've got a great voice for it). Big thanks!
Great to hear!
Soldering Tip: Place short lengths of shrink wrap tubing over your alligator clips, it will help prevent your wires jackets from damage.
That's a great tip! Thank you!
Finally nearly finished adding some headlights. Just need to finish adding the loom and routing. Nonetheless, it does work!! 👍
Thx for the guidance
Great 👍
You’re awesome 👏
Thank you!
Painting/Drilling tip: Place painters tape over the hole prior to drilling, then you can spray directly with quick, moving bursts. Also helpful if you start with a pilot hole to reduce rough edges. Nice work!
Great tip!
Amazon has a dewalt or Milwalkee battery adapter with a on off switch and inline fuse. And the output is 20vdc. If your battery has a power meter . You wont need a meter either . The main led lights here are good for 9vdc to 30vdc but the puddle lights are only 12vdc.