Emergency taillight - anyone just used a magnetic bike light instead?

[Alrashid2 354]

Hey guys. I wasn't sure how easy/hard it would be to wire up some taillights for my 312-8, which just has reflectors on the back. I'd almost never need them, but once in a while when plowing I back onto the road. I also am getting a large dead tree felled and the way it is on the property, I'll need to go onto the road back and forth for about 15 yards to get around some boulders and pickup bucked logs. 

 

I'm horrible when it comes to electrical things, so rather not mess up and try to install taillights when I would rarely need them.

 

I was thinking of just buying a $20 magnetic bike taillight. One I saw looked decent, lasts 40 hours on a charge, and flashes red. Thought I could just plop the magnetic base onto my rear end between the reflectors and that would be enough. Our road isn't busy but when cars do come theyre going 40 mph... thanks for the advice guys

[SylvanLakeWH 26,364]

I wired in a cigarette lighter direct to battery. Then just got a magnetic amber flasher and put it on the hood. Works like a charm... 

 

 

 

I also have regular headlights and taillights along with a very bright red led light on the back (old trailer brake light).

 

I would go more rather than less on lights...  also wear a class 3 reflective vest.

 

Your idea will work but it won't be very visible...

 

[Ed Kennell 39,545]

5 hours ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

magnetic amber flasher and put it on the hood

       Or on a pole.      Higher than your head is visible in all directions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 29 by Ed Kennell

[Alrashid2 354]

Nice that's not a bad idea! Is there a simple procedure for wiring into the battery? Or does it involve pulling apart ignition switches and tapping in there? 

[Ed Kennell 39,545]

6 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

simple procedure for wiring into the battery?

For a short term temporary installation, use two alligator clips directly on the battery. terminals.

[Alrashid2 354]

Oh that's a good idea and sounds easy enough - guess I just have to be sure to unplug it when the engine is off!

[Achto 28,082]

No wiring necessary. Stick it on your tractor, flip the switch. Take it off & recharge it at the end of the day. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Security-Emergency-Flashing-Warning/dp/B08112GNBS?gPromoCode=9887143402271754890&gQT=1&ref_=fplfs&smid=A3OF8PDC8TQIDE&source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&th=1

Edited January 28 by Achto

[TonyToro Jr. 1,692]

1 hour ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

I wired in a cigarette lighter direct to battery. Then just got a magnetic amber flasher and put it on the hood. Works like a charm... 

 

 

 

I also have regular headlights and taillights along with a very bright red led light on the back (old trailer brake light).

 

I would go more rather than less on lights...  also wear a class 3 reflective vest.

 

Your idea will work but it won't be very visible...

 

 I also did the same thing on my C-121. And also on my C-145 I have rear WHELEN ION amber flashing lights that the public works trucks have on them.

[peter lena 8,950]

@Alrashid2  been using  magnetic bike  flashing  lights for years , on  my seat back , also always wear a reflective vest  , when you road plow  you want to stand out , between  LED headlights  / TAIL LIGHTS , you can see the cars moving  away from you , astonishing to me how many runners , don,t wear any kind  reflective anything , cars  barely  acknowledge them , pete

[peter lena 8,950]

@ TONY TORO JR ,  looks like clean plow blade slide off ?  pete

[TonyToro Jr. 1,692]

49 minutes ago, peter lena said:

@ TONY TORO JR ,  looks like clean plow blade slide off ?  pete

Heavily doused with silicone lubricant!

[Alrashid2 354]

Thanks guys! I'll do some thinking on lights and take your advice here.

 

Wanted to ask you all - what do you prefer for setting out on the roadside when you're working near the road? I'll need to park my tractor near the road in between loading up logs. Should I buy orange Traffic Cones, or those orange Emergency Triangles? 

[Wayne0 669]

Cones work good.