Especially during nighttime or low-light mowing sessions, mower lights are a great way to improve the visibility of your high-quality mower.
You can effectively and safely maintain your lawn even under less-than-ideal lighting circumstances by installing lights to your zero-turn mower.
To help you pick the ideal mower for your needs, we’ll go through the advantages of mower lights.
Types of Lights To Wire On Your Zero Turn
There are several different types of mower lights available on the market, including LED lights, hid lights and aftermarket lights.
How to hook them onto your mower, and our top-rated zero-turn mowers for 2-acre properties in this guide.
Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
LED Lights: Benefits – LED lights are very energy efficient and have a long lifespan. They also emit little heat, making them safe to use around children and animals.
Drawbacks – They can be more expensive than other types of light bulbs upfront costs but will save you money in the long run due their longevity .
Hid Lights: Benefits – HIDs provide excellent illumination while using significantly less power than incandescent bulbs.
Drawbacks- HID bulbs require a ballast to function properly which adds weight and cost to installation.
Aftermarket Lights : Benefits– Easy to install without requiring any special tools or know-how; simply wire directly into your existing 12v system! Many styles and designs available that allow you to work with your vehicle’s existing aesthetic. no need for an entirely new look!
Drawbacks – Can be pricier than some of the other options on this list; how ever, you tend to get what you pay for in terms quality!
Do You Really Need To Wire Lights On A Zero Turn Mower?
You may be wondering if you need headlights on your zero turn mower. The answer is that it depends on how and where you will be using the mower.
If you plan to use the mower in low light conditions or at night, then having headlights would be a good idea. However, if you only plan to use the mower during daylight hours, then installing headlights may not be necessary.
Benefits of Mowing When the Sun is Down
As the saying goes, “The early bird gets the worm.” But what if you’re not a morning person? Or what if you have other commitments during daylight hours? Does that mean you have to forego the benefits of mowing your lawn when the sun is down?
Fortunately, you can still enjoy the benefits of mowing at night by installing lights on your zero-turn mower.
No sunburns
There are many reasons why people choose to wire lights on their zero turn mowers and lawn mowers in general.
For one, it allows them to work after sunset without having to worry about Exposure To UV rays which can cause skin cancer over time .
No distractions and obstructions
It also means they won’t get as hot during summer months since there is less direct sunlight. And finally , It provides more privacy for people who don’t want their neighbors or passersby seeing them while they’re working .
How to wire lights on zero turn mower, Before You Start
It’s easy to wire lights on a zero turn mower if you have the right tools and know-how. Here’s what you need:
- Wrench set
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties
- Wire strippers
- Wire crimpers
- Butt connectors
- Driller
Preparation
It is very important to know how to wire lights on zero turn mower before attempting this. It is not difficult but there are some things you need to know and be aware of.
First, always disconnect the battery when working with any wiring harness or electrical components. This will prevent any shorts from happening which could damage sensitive electronic parts or yourself.
Secondly, have a basic understanding of how to read and follow a wiring harness diagram.
There are typically three main colors used in automotive wiring harness; black, red, and yellow/green. Black is usually ground, red is power/hot, and yellow/green is for accessories such as turn signals, brake lights, etc.
The thickest wire in the harness will usually be the power wire while the thinner wires are usually for accessories. Most modern vehicles have multiple fuse boxes so it’s important to locate all of them before starting your wiring project.
Mounting the lights
One of the most important things to consider when wiring lights on any vehicle is making sure that the wires are adequately secured and will not come loose during operation.
This is especially true for zero turn mowers since they are constantly moving and turning. We recommend using zip ties or electrical tape to secure all of the connections.
When it comes to choosing the right location for your lights, it’s important to consider both function and aesthetics. You want your lights to be bright enough to illuminate your work area, but you also don’t want them to be so obtrusive that they take away from the overall look of your mower.
A good rule of thumb is to position the light bar in the center of the hood or near the front grill.
As far as actually installing the light bar, there are a few different methods that you can use. The first is by drilling holes into the body of your mower and then mounting the light bar using bolts or screws.
If you go this route, make sure that you use stainless steel hardware so that it doesn’t rust over time.
Another option is to use a universal mounting kit which typically comes with everything you need to install the light bar without having to drill any holes. These kits usually include brackets that bolt onto existing factory holes on your mower’s frame.
Creating your lightswitch
Start by measuring the length you need for your wires. You will want two lengths – one for the ground wire and one for the power wire. The power wire needs to be long enough to reach from the battery to the light switch, plus about a foot extra.
The ground wire just needs to be long enough to reach from the switch to a good ground point near the engine. If desired, you can run both wires through ½” PVC conduit buried in the grass beside your mower deck.
This is not necessary, but it does give added protection against physical damage and makes it easier to route the wires later if you ever need to remove or replace them.
Once you have measured out your wires, strip about ¾” of insulation off each end using wire strippers. At one end of each length of wire, twist 6 or 7 strands together clockwise until they form a tight “pigtail” bundle around 3/8” wide.
This helps prevent fraying when inserting into terminal blocks later on. Do this for both ends of both wires. Locate a good spot near your mower deck where you can mount your light switch within easy reach while sitting on the mower seat.
A common location is right next to the key switch Ignition panel since most people already have their hand there when starting up their mowers anyways.
Another option is underneath or beside the dashboard if your mower has one. Using either ¾“ wood screws or sheet metal screws with matching nuts and washers, screw your lightswitch into place making sure it is mounted securely so it cannot move around and cause problems later on down the road.
Wiring your lights
Installing lights on your zero turn mower may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple. There are two main ways to wire your lights: single light and multiple lights.
Single light
The single light method is the easiest way to wire your lights. Simply connect one wire from the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the light, and then connect one wire from the negative terminal of the battery to the negative terminal of the switch. Then, just flip the switch and you’re done!
Multiple lights
The multiple light method is slightly more complex, but it allows you to have more control over your lighting. First, you’ll need to run a wire from the positive terminal of the battery to a relay.
Then, run a wire from each of the lights’ positive terminals to one of the relay’s poles.
Finally, run a wire from each of the lights’ negative terminals to one of either side (ground) on an ON/OFF switch, and also connect that same side (ground) on your ON/OFF switch directly back to your battery’s negative terminal – this will complete the circuit once everything else has been wired up correctly.
If all goes well
Depending on the type of light bar that you have , there maybe more than one power lead and ground wire . It’s important to get these hooked up correctly so that the bulb will light up when the switch is turned on .
Generally speaking , red wires are positive ( + ) leads while black wires are negative ( – ) leads . Once everything is wired up , test it out before you put everything away to make sure nothing is missing or hooked up incorrectly .
Lighting it up
First, start by cleaning your wiring harness. This will ensure that there is no dirt or debris build-up that could cause issues further down the line. Once the harness is clean, attach the battery hot wire to the positive terminal of the battery.
Next, clean your work area. You’ll want to make sure that there is nothing in the way that could impede your progress or cause an accident. Once everything is clear, switch on the light. If everything is wired correctly, the light should come on without issue.
If you’re having trouble getting the light to work, double-check all of your connections and make sure that they are tight and secure. Sometimes, a loose connection can be the root of the problem.
If everything appears to be connected correctly but the light still isn’t coming on, you may need to consult with a professional for further assistance troubleshooting the issue.
Ending Thoughts
It is always important to consult a professional or someone with experience before attempting any complex electrical work. This is doubly true when it comes to wiring lights on your top-rated commercial zero turn mower. While it may seem like a simple task, there are many potential risks and injuries that can occur if the work is not done properly.
One of the most important safety concerns when working with electricity is shock hazard. This can happen if you come in contact with live wires or electrical components.
Always make sure that all components are turned off and disconnected from power sources before starting any work. If you are unsure about anything, error on the side of caution and seek professional help.
Another risk to consider is fire hazard. Wiring lights incorrectly can create sparks and heat which could start a fire. Make sure that all connections are secure and free of debris or other flammable materials. Regularly check connections for signs of overheating or damage.
Injuries can also occur while wiring lights on a commercial zero turn mower, particularly if you are not used to working with tools and machinery. Be careful when handling sharp objects such as wires and screwdrivers. Wear gloves and protective clothing if possible, and take breaks often to avoid fatigue.
