LED's -27 or 48 watts???? What is enough??

andy r · Oct 11, 2017

There has been a lot of discussion on aftermarket LED's the last week or so. Got me looking on ebay as well. I see many of you are using the 27 watt lights even though there are some utilizing up to 48 watts. Are the 27 watt lights good enough????? On a combine with 8 or so of the 27 watt lights up front would you be satisfied knowing that you could have really increased the wattage by using the 48 watt lights?? At the same time there are enough other current draws on a combine that tax the alternator. Add in a yield monitor with the lights, electric over hydraulic valves, and air conditioning you can begin to use up the output of a 90 amp generator pretty easy. That would be my reason to use the 27 watt lights over the 48 watt ones. But, in the end would I like the even bright light???? Seeking opinions.

Secondly on ebay many are called or termed spot and then say flood. Like spot flood. Now what does that mean????? Thanks.

kcm.MN · Oct 11, 2017

LED lights are rated in Lumens rather than Watts or Candlepower. Lumens means the overall output of light, regardless of the light pattern. That said, when comparing how well a light will work for your purpose, the tighter the beam, the farther the light will carry well. With flood lights, the light is cast over a large area, so will not go out as far a distance.

Never saw one advertised as Spot Flood, but maybe it's a new term? Maybe there are lights that are not true floodlights, yet also not spot lights.

Never been on a combine, much less at night, so I'll have to let someone else chime in on that.

2510Paul · Oct 11, 2017

Regarding the Flood/Spot terminology, a light assembly has multiple LED's and each LED has what I will call a mini-lens in front of each LED. Some of the mini-lens's are shaped for flood light, other mini-lens's are shaped for spot light. In this way you get both far and wide light patterns from one LED light assembly.

Paul

jeffcat · Oct 11, 2017

Well here we go......
I have the 125 watt bar on a vehicle and wow !! Make sure it is a Cree type and not the cob type. Makes a BIG differance. I would FIRST buy a pair of the 48 watt units. Make sure they are Cree, and you also want the daylite color! Now try these two babys out and see how they do. If you need more coverage you can either get more of them or the less powerful ones. They are going to be a lot dimmer in comparison. This is a before and after with my garden tractor. The first is way after dusk and then I flipped on the two LED Replacements. These are the DRL daytime running bulbs for the VW Jettas. They are an 1156 socket base bulb. As far as I know you want ones that make a beam. They will be more like a headlight. Let's see what everyone says.

Jeff NWOH · Oct 11, 2017

Hey jeffcat,

Can you get me a link to that 1156 bulb you used? I have an idea for a couple. I looked on eBay and there are thousands of hits from a couple bucks to way more than I want to spend. I have a feeling a lot of them aren't worth much. I tried a cheap pair in fog lights in a car once. They were about as bright as marker lights. Thanks.

Cliff Nelson · Oct 11, 2017

As has been said, try 2 bulbs and see how they work. I put 2 flood bulbs on Dad's 3020 last spring to try. Literally night and day difference with just 2 bulbs. I don't remember the lumens but am happy with it. A lot easier to work at night and easy on the eyes due to the brightness and color.

D beatty · Oct 12, 2017

I put the LED version of the 1156 in my AC WD 45. The number was 1156sylled and got them at Autozone.

Texasmark1 · Oct 12, 2017

Bystander just watching the ball go over the net back and forth: My take is like Paul said: Each LED in the "light array" is a source onto
itself, just like conventional bulbs like when we had 4 up front, 2 single light sources focused for long range and 2 single light sources for
flood at close range. The LED is just a single package version of what we used to get when we had the high beam on and all 4 were
running.

I never paid that much attention to LEDs over the years, but with $1.99, one AA battery operated, LED flashlight technology getting to be
what it is they are really getting my attention. Technology....great stuff!!

blue_tractor_man · Oct 12, 2017

I recommend you buy from Tiger or Hansen. There is a lot of difference in LED lights. I bought my 4" bulbs from Hansen. He explained the difference in the bulbs. Some companies rate the bulbs at 12 volts and some at 24. Also, the larger watt bulbs could melt the plastic holders. I got the lower wattage bulbs for that reason, on the advice of Hansen. I have been very pleased.

jeffcat · Oct 12, 2017

Go on Ebay and plug in DRL VW. Now the ones I have are the type with a front focus lens. Both of my Husqvarna tractors have them. Not quite the same power as low beams on you truck, but not to far from it. A WHOLE lot better than the junky old 1156 bulbs. Type in this number on Ebay. I think it is the same outfit I got mine from. Also, these make GREAT back up light bulbs in your tail lights. Here is the auction number you want. Just type it in on Ebay. 141354128980. Take a look at the back up bulbs on your car or pickup. If 5hey are 1156 then buy a set for it too. You will not beleave!! Here are a couple of shots of mine installed. Good luck!
<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto4633.jpg"/>

Jeff NWOH · Oct 12, 2017

Thanks

LED's -27 or 48 watts???? What is enough??

andy r

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kcm.MN

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2510Paul

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jeffcat

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Jeff NWOH

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Cliff Nelson

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D beatty

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Texasmark1

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blue_tractor_man

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jeffcat

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Jeff NWOH

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