Charging System Amps

[fastback]

I have a 1989 Craftsman II GT, with a B&S 18 hp. At some point in time the head lights were removed. I do not have the sockets or wiring to the plug. Since I plan on using this tractor for snow removal some type of lighting will be required. Therefore, I have purchased some driving lights ( from HF) the price was right $8.91 for a set of 2. Here is where it gets a little tricky. The lights are 55 watts each that equates to 4.5 amp per light. Does anyone know what the output of the charging system is? I know that the lights are powered directly from the alternator. I have seen one place indicating the output is 5 amps. I have seen some other data that would suggest an output of 20 Amps (seems a little high). I haven't found any information in the tractor literature. I would also like to install a light in the rear. I was thinking of making it a flasher.

Oh, I also have an electric lift for the blade, but this is on the battery charging circuit.

Thanks for any help or advice.

Paul

 

[KennyV]

The alternator used to charge the Battery IS the same alternator used to light the lights...
You can find the proper wiring in this pdf file... http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/alternator_replacement.pdf
It also tell how to determine what alternator you have in your engine... :smile:KennyV

 

[fastback]

Thanks Kenny, that's a great pdf. Oh BTW, the manual indicates that the lights does not get its power from the battery but rather directly from the alternator. I think I may have not have stated that correctly in my first post. I know that all of the charging power comes from the one alternator.

Thanks again,

Paul

 

[ILENGINE]

Most likely you have the 3 amp battery charge and 5 amp lighting alternator system. So one light will be maximum output and with any resistance could be too much amp draw leading to alternator failure.

 

[fastback]

Yes, I was thinking that this is the type of system that I have. Maybe I can re-route the lights through the battery. That way the altanator can just replenish the amps being drawn. I can still use the additional 5 amps on the tail light. Maybe one light will be enough for the lighting on the tractor.

I'll just keep pluging.

Paul

 

[mullins87]

Unless you're going to be out there for hours on end, the battery will support those lights for a little while, at least up to one hour with the engine running. I have an old Snapper GT with a pair of 55's up front. I don't think I've ever used it for more than about an hour at a time with the lights on, but I've never had an issues doing it. I have it wired through the ignition switch so the lights can't be left on if the engine is off. It is relayed directly to the battery.

on edit..... Use some LED lights. They usually pull less than 1.5 amps.

 

[SONOFADOCKER]

A tractor I use at work has a battery mounted in front of the seat on the floor .
It sits on a home made battery tray with a web fabric hold down strap . We charge the battery when it gets low . It runs an electric fork welded on the rear frame of the Simplicity Broadmore - it tows tractors into the shop . Battery runs two tractor lights and two yellow blinker lights on the back fenders . Similar to snow plow lights.
Works very well .
Engine will never produce enough charging power to run your lights plow lift and charge the main battery , you will always needs to trickle charge when your done for the day .

 

[fastback]

Well I may reduce the lights to one (I haven't installed anything yet) since I spend about 4 to 5 hours behind the plow. I guess if worst came to worst I could switch over to the MF bucket loader (only a 4 ft bucket w/ a small capacity) and let the Craftsman charge. Anyway, maybe the Craftsman won't handle the task and I'll have to sticjk with the loader. I guess it could be worst.