Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

My question is I have a Sears snowblower without a headlight. I want to install one if I can, will someone be able to tell me if I can and what type headlight I need. I tried a standard 12 volt headlight but it just is to dim. Is there a bright light or do I need a special light for this? How do these lights work, I don't think I have an alternator. Thank You for the help,   Bill

Thanks Lint!

I'm the guy (I think)

I picked up a nice MTD 8/26 snowblower DIRT CHEAP. It had the provision for a light but the previous owner never added one - so I thought I would!

I checked the specs for the alternator output, and it was rated at 18 watts. I ran a voltmeter at the output wire & came up with 15 volts of a/c output.

I went to Lowes looking for a cheap 12 volt light and ended up getting a Intermatic, Malibu "Mix & Match Series", 7 watt floodlight model ML90708/LV108. This is actually a low voltage, stick in the ground light kit that is used for landscaping. It cost $4.79!

I removed the "stick in the ground" spike. I mounted the housing to the operator panel with 2 bolts. I ran the wires to the engine & connected them - one to ground, the other to the alternator output wire. I then used 3/8" plastic wire jacketing ($2 for six feet) & housed the wires inside the casing. I fired up the engine & was rewarded with a very bright light!

Marty

Marty, I went to Lowes and purchased everything that you said to get and it works GREAT.  You just saved me about 40.00 dollars. One question did you put in a switch to shut it off or ran it direct.  I have mine direct. Thank You    Thanks to everyone who replied to my question.

Bill - I ran mine directly to the light - no switch. You may want to score a spare bulb too, just in case. A switch would be a good addition - thanks for the tip!

Marty

Marty, Any idea if I can put that light "kit" you mention on a  ARIENS 724E ?

hirschallan wrote:

If your engine has an alternator, you can add the light. Look under the fuel tank for a lone wire just hanging there, not connected to anything. If you see the wire, then chances are your engine has an alternator & you're ready to go!

Marty

hirschallan wrote:

Hirschallan,

That unit does not have an alternator. One can be installed, but at great expense. The flywheel needs to be replaced with one that has magnets.

I believe there are some nice rechargeable bicycle headlights that come complete with mounts that may work. Anyone ever try this?

PK

Marty,
I think I just bought that same snow blower tonight for as you say dirt cheap.
do you happen to have any pictures of how you mounted the light.
I think I'm going to do the same thing to mine.

Thanks

Dennis - I ended up mounting it on the plastic "cross piece" that runs between the 2 handles on the handlebar, just below the "MTD" badge. I might have a pic, but if I don't, I may have another light to add on a similar machine & I'll snap a pic of it...

Marty

how do you hook up to the wire from engine w/ "pin" with plastic connectors