Kubota Tractor Mod: ROPS LED Lights (#50)

Here’s how I added LED lights to my Kubota tractor’s ROPS and turned night into day with 360 degree visibility. Links to buy materials are listed below.
Materials:
- YITAMOTOR LED Light Bar, 14inch 72W: amzn.to/3lw35Gn
- Nilight 60001F-B Bar 2PCS 18w 4" LED Flood Lights: amzn.to/3jLjDJP
- MICTUNING Heavy Duty 14AWG 300W 2-Circuit Led Light Bar Wiring Harness: amzn.to/2Ic5RlG
- MUYI 10 Kit 2 Pin Way Waterproof Electrical Connector: amzn.to/3lsBrdf
- 14 Gauge 50'FT Wire Copper Clad Single Conductor 6 Primary Colors: amzn.to/3lpPLmM
- 3/8" Split Nylon Wire Loom Flexible Conduit - 25 Feet: amzn.to/33F5uZ3
- UV Resistant Tie Wraps, 14" Long, 100-Pack: amzn.to/3lt4eOG
- U-Bolt Square Pair Zinc Plated 3/8-16" X 3-1/8" X 4 X 1-3/4": amzn.to/3nt8AHw
- Square Zinc U-Bolt,2" x 5" with a 5/16" thread diameter: amzn.to/2I670Ln
- Stanley N351-500 4.9" x 3" Steel Corner Brace: amzn.to/36M7oJx
For a full materials list with links, visit the Companion Project Page on DIYMyWay.net:
diymyway.net/2...
Follow Me on Twitter: / diymyway
Note: Links to Amazon products are Amazon Associate links that won’t cost you any extra, but will help support my efforts with a small commission on qualified products. Thanks for your support!
#DIY #Kubota #LEDLights

[@tractorman4461]

You continue to amaze me with each subsequent video Martin, with the degree of professionalism you bring to the delivery as well as to the production. My hat is off to you sir and may I add this is hands down the most detailed and informative video on the subject of tractor lighting that I've seen on KZbin sir. You are quite rapidly following in the large footprints of GP Outdoors and sure to be a very popular channel in the tractor community. And to think....I remember when I first commented on your channel...... Keep up the good work Martin !!

[@DIYMyWay]

Wow! Thank you for those kind and encouraging words, Wendell! I enjoy doing this sort of video, even though they take a lot of time. My latest video on adding an extra fuse box was one of the most time consuming yet, but still fun to do. Thanks again for the encouraging comments!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Great job and explanation of how you mounted your lights. Work lights on a tractor should be standard equipment, don't you think? Those are nice lights you have Martin. Really bright and make the work area well lit!!! Take care!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Mike! Yes, they should be standard. They can really extend the day when I need to! Thanks for watching!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Very well organized: the lights and the video! Lol! These LED are very practical over the halogen, as they allow much more lights plugged into the same wire gauges and fuses. Then to some extent, they are easy on the alternator, especially smaller machines with limited capacity. I can see (or not see!) that when you had your LED turned off at 6:41, it was quite like being in a tunnel. No side view. I think the option to turn off the headlight is even better, in order to reduce very bright reflection from the FEL/bucket toward the operator. I did wire my Case 430 this way and since then, I almost never use the headlights. I have only 2 floodlights facing front, 2 facing rear. But they are angled maybe 15-20° toward the sides. So I have roughly a 360° view. Thanks for sharing Martin!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Joe! Yes, I normally don’t use the headlights and instead rely on the ROPS lights. The headlights don’t contribute much to the LED light other than glare from the FEL bucket. Thanks for watching!

[@jschickenfarmer50]

What are the dimensions of your project box you used? I have the Kubota L2501, so i could make use of the same location to mount my switches. Thanks for doing the leg work for all of us!

[@HomesteadJay]

Martin! Looks good! I dont do much evening work but I struggled to see during the winter for snow removal so I will deff entertain ROPS lighting soon! Thanks for the in depth video!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Jay! Hope to see a video from you on your ROPS lights install!

[@PKMCCOY-xt6jl]

Great job, Sir !!! No goofy music and relaxed presentation w/ clear sensible functionality. Thank you from Iowa 2021. God Bless .

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks you, Kent!

[@loafandjug321]

You could bush hog at night when day temps are 95 deg

[@DIYMyWay]

Precisely! Thanks for watching!

[@Hiker63]

Thank you so much for posting this video. So many others drill into the ROPS. I really like the idea of using the U-bolts. Two thumbs up.

[@DIYMyWay]

You are welcome! Drilling into the ROPS is a big no-no. Thanks for watching!

[@nervousordo]

Its a shame that tractor MFG's don't at least provide the wiring and hook ups so that you can easily add ROP lights. The headlights are worthless when a bucket and front guard mesh is used.

[@DIYMyWay]

Right you are, Robert! Thanks for watching!

[@waynesheffield7011]

Hi Martin, I have two questions about your side lights: 1. Are they bright enough for you (as in, do you find yourself wishing they were a little bit brighter)? 2. The brackets are 4.9"x3". The lights are 4". Is the 4.9" leg vertical (against the ROPS) or horizontal (what the light is mounted to)? After watching several times, I still can't quite tell, though I'm leaning towards the 4.9" leg being horizontal. I have just added front/rear lights to my L5030. During this project, I included a line for center lights, but wasn't going to add them until I tried out these first. The side is definitely pretty dim, so I'll be adding side lights. I just want to see if those 4" lights are bright enough, or if I should go for just slightly brighter ones. I have a Kubota canopy, but I want to take the fiberglass part off if trailering the tractor for any reason, so I attached the lights to the ROPS with U-Bolts. This project included adding a secondary fuse box, light switches, a 12v power outlet and a USB charger outlet. All at the same time as I was adding a 3rd function kit (it also needed to tap into the fuse box). I ended up creating a custom mount that attaches under the loader control valve to hold the fuse box, switches and outlets. Thanks!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Wayne! Yes, they are plenty bright in my opinion, but of course you can go for brighter ones if you want. Just make sure the lights you use are flood lights and not spot lights. Both legs of the brackets are 4.9 inches. The 3” refers to the width. Sounds like you have a great setup in the works. Good luck! Martin

[@scottrussell9115]

One thing I noticed. The light bar and side lights are located in front of the ROPS bar. If mowing or working under trees and low branches, wouldn't they hit the lights before the ROPS? Couldn't the side lights be mounted on the back of the ROPS and then angled forward ( I understand this might not allow the ROPS to be folded down ). The the light bar at least be moved back so that it is either parallel or slightly behind the ROPS?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Scott! No because I limb up any place where I may be taking the tractor so that usually I don’t worry about low limbs. On the rare occasion that I do encounter one, I lift it up above my head and the ROPS as I pass under. Thanks for watching!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good morning Sir ! This is a very good suggestion about adding a bed of silicon for your lights ! You did a awesome job installing theses lights and very good electrical all weather proof too. Very Very nice set up for explaining to us the wiring diagram and good explanation too !!! You really knows you stuff Sir !!! Good lighting is also adding a good safety element and awareness to your surrounding for you and others around you !!!! Especially adverse weather like a snow storm during snow removal !!! Have yourself a great week Sir !!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you for the kind words, Dave! Fortunately I have never had to remove snow in the dark, but I could if I needed to with these lights! Thanks for watching and have a great week!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@DIYMyWay Yes ! I forgot that you live in the warm and toasty side of the U.S.A. !!! LOL Thank you Sir !!! LOL

[@hphillips7425]

Nice setup. A camera does not do the lights justice. Have a good one 👍

[@merleschmidt8772]

Thanks, I have been struggling with my stock B3200 that has beans for lighting. I definitely want to pursue this upgrade

[@DIYMyWay]

Good luck and Thanks for watching!

[@jacuzzi7]

Very nicely done video. Clean work and great ideas to mounts those lamps on sides as well. You can install curved 18-20 inches light bar and will cover side, not as good as additional lamps but close. Anyway im pretty sure those led lights are approx half output what manufacturer specified. Light bar probably around 35W (around 3 Amps) and side lights around 7-9W each (0.6-0.8A). In that case your total current should be close to 5A. No relay required. Standard ratings for 12V switches are at least 10A (usually 20A). So load will be approx 50%. Just info for people who decide to follow your ideas, to make their life a little easier.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, jacuzzi7! Yes, I tested the lights on the bench and noticed they don’t draw as much current as their rated wattage suggests, which is why I didn’t use and intermediate relay to switch them. Thanks for watching!

[@alexregonly]

Also, I mounted a second fuse panel as well but decided to use the work light circuit to power a pilot duty relay. This way I don't have to worry about leaving something on. Time will tell if I regret not having any always hot circuits. Just found your channel. Really enjoying the binge watching tonight

[@DIYMyWay]

That’s how I wired my second fuse panel. I’ve had the same thought about an always hot circuit and may install an override switch to power the second fuse panel if need. Very glad to hear you are enjoying my channel! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Thank you DIY, for doing this video!! I'm going to try and set mine up like you did! That's why I was waiting for this video. Enjoyed the watch!! Have a good one!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi John! I’m looking forward to seeing your video on your ROPS lights!

[@alexregonly]

Nice... I am about to add LED light bars to my Kubota. I was planning on using studs like you did on your chain boxes. Did you not use them because you thought they might compromise the strength of the ROPS?

[@DIYMyWay]

I used u-bolts because they were readily available and easily removable to allow for changing the lighting configuration. The studs won’t compromise the ROPS, but they are pretty permanent. Thanks for watching!

[@edwardseth1230]

lift the indicator lights next to the back Led Light..it would be ideal to add led bulbs to the indicator lights...question.. are there fog lights..if you do get fog in your area...sometimes..?

[@DIYMyWay]

I’ll probably get around to changing the bulbs to LED. Don’t have fog lights because I don’t get much fog. Thanks for watching!

[@CliffsideStables]

After we get moved in I really need to take time to do this type of light bar installation on my old 1979 Ford 340 industrial tractor. Thanks for posting your video! Tim @ Cliffside Acres

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Tim! You’ll be glad you did! Thanks for watching!

[@craigerpc]

Im still waiting on your backhoe comment feed back. How useful and handy and pros n cons video. Hope all is well😁

[@DIYMyWay]

Sorry about that, C M! I usually make a note of requested videos, but forgot about yours. I literally added it to the list just now and because I happen to have the backhoe on now, I'll move it up in the list. There are a couple other videos in the queue, but hopefully I'll have the first of two backhoe videos out in a couple weeks. One will be how to remove and install. The other will be the one about why I bought it and how useful it is. Thanks for reminding me!

[@houndsmanone4563]

I liked how you mounted your work lights, Martin. Excellent detail description and quality. Those lights add a tremendous amount of illumination around the tractor. I need to create an additional fuse box area for more flexibility. Thanks again for this video.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Don! Sorry for the slow reply! Don't know how I missed this. The ROPS lights are awesome and get the most use in the fall and winter when the days or shorter or when I need to work "overtime" to finish a project. Thanks for watching!

[@AndrewJohnson149]

Love your channel and all the information you provide! Just found the channel and subscribed. Where did you find the angle brackets for the LED lights?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Andy! Thank you for commenting and subscribing! I hope you’ll share my channel with anyone else you think might like it. I bought them a local hardware store, but I think you can get them at Home Depot and maybe Lowes. The exact part is in the materials list on my website. A link is in the video description.

[@chief1193]

Lights like this should be standard on tractors these days. It’s a shame it’s not.

[@DIYMyWay]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@lawman5511]

Awesome. Can’t wait to get the SWAT team to show up for the alien arrival while I’m clearing some cactus at 9PM, when it’s relatively cool here in Southern Arizona.

[@Bamacountry88]

I’m gonna be doing this soon! Great instructional video,thank you!

[@DIYMyWay]

Good luck with ROPS LED project! Thanks for watching!

[@robwhite2282]

I have the same tractor and have wanted to do this for years! I've bought the lights and some mounts but wasn't sure how to put it all together. This is perfect! Thank you sir.

[@DIYMyWay]

So glad to hear that this video was helpful to you! Thanks for watching!

[@markjones4090]

Good job and very well explained. I added front and back led lights to my tractor but mounted them to the sun canopy rather than the rops, this way they are sheltered from the rain.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mark! That sound like a good setup. I may add a hardtop canopy to mine someday and if so I’ll have to remount the lights. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffsikkema8677]

Where did you find the mating connector for the Kubota supplied aux wiring connection? I'm talking about the white 2 conductor connector that is under the rear fender as supplied by Kubota. Thanks!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Jeff! I couldn’t find it anywhere so I just cut the connector off and spliced it together. I just found a picture of the connection on the Internet so people would know what to look for. Later, I added and aux fuse box and power it from there. This is the video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5zdkIGnj6-ebs0. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffsikkema8677]

@@DIYMyWay FYI I found its a Sumitomo 250 Armlock series It can be found by searching for "Sumitomo 250 Armlock series"

[@SouthernStyleLawnCare]

Thanks for the video. So If I am adding a 30led light bar to front and a 7 led light bar for rear the rear factory wiring should run them fine with just a switch and no relay correct?

[@DIYMyWay]

As long as the combined load is less that 10A, it should work fine. Thanks for watching!

[@johnjennings4435]

Great info

[@chuckcurtin]

Best light setup so far.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you Chuck! I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@gunther4598]

Thanks for the parts list, it really helps.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad it was helpful, Gunther. Thanks for watching!

[@brianfogg7532]

I recently bought aused BX2350 and front snowblower. I'm planning to install supplemental lighting. Your video really helps! Thank you from Vermont!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Brian! Glad it was helpful. A good ROPS mounted LED light system is wonderful for nighttime operation. Thanks for watching!

[@ItsaboutMakingnotBuying]

You can never have to much light. Later

[@FromSteelToWood]

I concur!

[@nickg2366]

I'm trying to use the work light connection on my L2501. Did you cut the stock connector off and wire your own, or did you find a plug to fit the connector that came with it?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Nick! I couldn’t find the matching plug for it so I cut it off and butt spliced to my wiring. Thanks for watching!

[@nickg2366]

@@DIYMyWay thanks!

[@patrickthomas6170]

I am having same problem with the bullet connectors under the fender . I measure them about 4mm diameter, am told there are Japanese style bullet connectors. ? Also my Kubota dealer doesn’t stock , .... they are common motorcycle connectors and appear on Yamaha and Honda bikes . Gonna try my Yamaha dealer , then maybe just cut it off and buttsplice if can’t find them . Ps thank u for the excellent instructional video, gonna get me some light on my L3400!

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad you found it helpful! Good luck with your lighting project and thanks for watching!

[@scottrussell9115]

Great video..... I didn't see where you mentioned the angle brackets for the side lights came from.... Thanks

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Scott! They are the last item in the materials list in the video description.

[@judge058]

Another very well put together video. The side marker lights are mounted on what you call “steel corner braces”. Where did you get these? Local hardware store or on-line?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Bob! I got them at a local hardware store but there is also an Amazon link in the video description. They will most likely be cheaper at a hardware store if you can find them. Thanks for watching!

[@LindenRanch]

Love this idea. Will have to add to my tractor.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Dennis! Glad you like it. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinkane1477]

Nice light. Some good ideas!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks 👍

[@nancyincanada5553]

Mike and I are new subscribers to your channel. Lots of great videos that we want to watch. Mike is planning to install these lights. So we are very happy to have found your video on the topic:) Excellent video, very clear instructions, thank you!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Nancy! Thanks for the kind words and for subscribing! Glad you hear that my videos will be a help to you and Mike.

[@waynederby4684]

Out of all of the youtube channels I watch I prefer yours most of all. Not only are you very detail oriented but you take the time to explain each step in detail. However what I find most applicable for me is that your doing all of these mods on an L series tractor which is directly transferable knowledge to mine as I own a bit older L3800. Many of the other channels are of folks the own & use B series tractor and while what they do can be adapted to an L series they are usually not directly applicable being of a different series. Yours is one of the few L series channels that I have and really like you common sense approach to how you do things. Thanks.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Wayne! Thank you so much for your kind words! A great Christmas present for sure! I’m very glad the videos are helpful to you! Happy Holidays!

[@jimspinos3008]

Where did you purchase your angle brackets for the side mount ROPS lights?

[@DIYMyWay]

From a local hardware store. The exact part is list in the materials list on the companion webpage of my website. Follow the link in the description. Thanks for watching!

[@MrManic52001]

Perfect video. Question, see as the front lights are useless, couldn't you use the existing switches and circuit to run your new lights?

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, I don’t set why not. Thanks for watching!

[@normd2004]

I understand that there is a punch out and wiring to connect a work light switch in the dash, next to the headlight switch. Does that control the rear fender connector if installed? If not, what would the switch control?

[@DIYMyWay]

The work light connector on my tractor is hot when ever the start key switch is on. It requires an extra switch to turn work lights on and off unless you want the lights on whenever the engine is running. Thanks for watching!

[@doc2793]

Very useful! You def spent time mako the lights and video professional

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you!

[@craigerpc]

Your slipping in your video productions. 😁 aka lets see more videos.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi C M! I always slow down in the winter months, in part because the cold keeps me indoors. But new videos are in the works, with the next one coming this weekend. After that, the pace of videos will pick up again. Thanks for watching!

[@philliptanner5313]

Great voice for narration and explained things clearly. Thanks

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Phillip! Glad it was helpful to you!

[@bdhusmarine26]

Great video

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the visit!

[@Frank-pv1hp]

Just found your channel this weekend. It is awesome! I love the way you are detail oriented in your process. I've also got a 3901, no backhoe (yet!). I've got the Kubota canopy on mine. Wondering if you may have seen the difference when you were researching lights on with a canopy vs without.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Frank! I really appreciate that! If you have a hardtop canopy, then the light bar would mount to the front of the canopy (might have to add a metal strut on the front between the supports. Side and rear light might can also mount to the canopy frame. I’m thinking of getting a hard canopy one day and I know I’ll have to completely redo the lights. Thanks for watching!

[@phillipiacobacci1369]

Very well done sir. Thanks for the video and how to.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Phillip! And thanks for watching!

[@tombarnes1871]

I appreciated your discussion!!

[@DIYMyWay]

I appreciate you watching!

[@dwayneloftice2326]

Great instruction....as always!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Dwayne!

[@matthewsims359]

That is a major upgrade compared to the regular headlights. I have been wanting to add a lightbar and rear work lights to the tractor and the polaris ranger. Thanks for sharing this

[@DIYMyWay]

You’re welcome, Matthew!