Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Work lights, amp fuse, kawasaki engine

Question
Dear Mr. Bridgers,
I have a 1990 JD 265 lawn and garden tractor, with a 17-hp Kawasaki engine, with which I snowblow in the winter here in Maine. I often have to do the driveway in the dark, and I'd like to install additional front-facing work lights, as well as a rear light for backing up, and hazards for when I'm out by the road. I'm fairly handy but, a novice with electricity. The battery is standard and there's a 20-amp and a 10-amp fuse. I'm thinking of mounting the lights on a bar behind the seat and above my head. I'll appreciate any help you can offer about the wiring.

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Matt:

>>I Suggest you Attach a Fused Wire to the Positive Post of the Battery. The Fuse should be Within 2 to 3 Inches from the Battery for Safety Purposes.
>>If you are Attaching the Lights to Metal and the Metal is Attached to the Frame of the Unit, then a Single Wire from the Positive Post is All that is Required for the Lights to Operate. If Attaching to Other than Metal, the Light Does Not Light Up Unless you have the Ground Wire Connected to the Frame or the Battery (-) or the Mount is Not Connected Directly to the Frame, then a Second Ground Wire is Required.
>>Red (+) and Black (-) are the Common Color Codes for the Wires to the Lights. Run the Positive Wire from the Battery (+) Post to 1 Side of a Toggle Switch and From the Toggle Switch to the Main Light Wire. Try to Use the Shortest and Safest Route for the Wire. **Use at Least a 10 Gauge Wire or No Less than a 12 Gauge Wire for this Project.
>>The Heavier the Wire (the smaller the Number. ie: 8ga is Larger than 10ga and 10ga is Larger than 12ga), the Better the Lights will Work and the Less Chance of Overheating the Wires During Use of the Lights. **Use No More than a 25Watt Bulb in the Lights.** I Try to Rewire Some Components on Equipment that is Used for Long Periods of Time, Especially if they Require Electricity. Current Flows Better on Heavy Wire than Thin.
>>The OEMs Use the Minimum Required Wire Due to Cost. I Usually Replace the Battery to Starter Solenoid, Battery to Ground and Starter Solenoid to Starter Cables with Automotive Cables.
>>I have Found that I have Less Starting Problems with the Heavier Cables and Replace the Starters Less Often.
>>The Light Wires they Use for the Ride On Mowers are Good for the Size Bulb that is Used, so I Usually Add 1 Driving Light to the Front, a Rear Light for Reverse Directions and 1 on Each Side of the Ride On; Even with the Seat Mount both Horizontal and Vertical. With Lights Mounted in this Manner and you have to Operate After Dark, you will Find you almost the Same Visibility as you Do During the Day; Just Not as Much Distance.
>>On Walk Behind Snow Blowers, Depending on the Model, I Usually Mount 1 Light so the Operator can See the Augers, Gearbox and the Right Center to Side of the Unit. The Left Light is Mounted to Cover the Left Side in the Same Manner. A Light Mounted so the Operator can Observe the Center Between the Operator and the Operators Station. Another Light is Mounted so it Shines at the Feet and Behind the Operator. **This Light is Mounted Lower the the Waist and Adjusted so as Not to Hinder the Operators Sight.** Usually this Light will Cover Any Area the Operator would be Looking when Backing Up.
>>I Live in what is a Rural Area and have a Long Driveway. It was Easier to Mount the Lights than Run the Proper Lights to the End. LOL. I Prefer to to have All the Bases Covered when Working in the Dark. I have Seen and Heard of Many Accidents Due to Improper Lighting on Equipment.
>> Also, Depending on the Unit, you May have to Change the Stator to a Higher AMP or Allow the Engine to Run for a Few Minutes Before Shutdown.
>>You are Supposed to Allow ALL Air Cooled Engines to Idle for 2 Minutes before Shutting them Off Anyway. It Allows the Engine to Cool Slowly and the Engine will Last Longer (Less Metal Fatigue) and Perform Better (unless they have an Engine Cooling Fan).
>>I Hope I have Covered All you wanted to Know.  
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John