using a snowblower at night

So last night was my first run of the year with my snowblower, a singe stage Honda HS520. My neighbor bought a new blower at Tractor Supply that he got out for the first time too. His has a headlight and it was really nice in the dark. I assume it has an alternator to power the light. I'd like to add a light to mine, but do not have an alternator.

Does anyone have any ideas on lighting options that won't brake the bank?

mag light and duct tape

LED mag-light clamped/duct-taped to the handlebars? Or if you want a bit more classy, look into mountain bike headlights.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-Rechargeable-LED-Spotlight-SL5W09/202188345

LED Headlamp - on you!

http://www.niteize.com/product/BrimLit.asp

http://www.niteize.com/product/Headband.asp

Try one of these zip-tied to the blower:

http://www.amazon.com/Peak-PKC0TP-Million-Candlepower-Spotlight/dp/B002MF10DC#productDetails

Looks like you would have to use some sort of bracket mounted between the handlebars for a mounting point.

I bought these 18W 12V 2x4" CREE LED lights for my push mower, but haven't installed them yet. I retrofit an electric start B&S engine to the mower deck, it came with a built in "alternator," and starter. I added the cheapest sealed motorcycle/ATV battery I could find on Amazon. I figure the LEDs won't use much juice (~1.5 amp), and the alternator is supposed to supply 1/2 amp, which won't power the lights by itself, but they should last way longer than I actually need on the battery. so I can mow in the evening when it's cooler.

A trickle/float charger you hook up when not in use, a decent 12V 12-18AH SLA battery, and something like those LED lights, or just one of them would work, and not have to worry about the alternator.

Really a decent head lamp like mentioned above would probably be the cheapest/easiest.

Personal head lamp works for chain saws at night too.

Wow. That was fast! I'll try the headlamp route first. I was thinking something like this: http://goo.gl/3vKk54 but if the headlamp works that makes life easy!

@bigdaddylee: Since I don't have an alternator/stator, any ideas on a small rechargeable battery pack?

I second the idea of a good LED headlamp. A light on the blower is nice, but you inevitably have to fix something on the blower mid task, you'll need a light to see it anyway. If you are going to be out in the dark, it's the best $20 investment you can make.

Speaking of LED headlamps, which ones does the hive recommend?

asoduk wrote: Wow. That was fast! I'll try the headlamp route first. I was thinking something like this: http://goo.gl/3vKk54 but if the headlamp works that makes life easy! @bigdaddylee: Since I don't have an alternator/stator, any ideas on a small rechargeable battery pack?

Just buy a cheap lawn mower battery at the auto parts store, or get a cheap sealed 12V UPS battery. Capacity won't really matter if you're running LEDs off of it.

Hey, we're trying to sleep over here!

OK. I think I figured it out: http://goo.gl/TWKTb2 with goo.gl/iCgIuw

18w led flood bar and a lithium battery

This of course if my headlamp isn't enough

Some LED lamps for bicycles might be a good fit and easy to mount

T

dj06482 wrote: Speaking of LED headlamps, which ones does the hive recommend?

Petzl

I've got a 10+ year old Myo 3 that's got a Xenon bulb and 3 LEDs, you can switch between, runs on 4 AA batteries, lasts forever on LED mode. I still use it regularly, bands have stretched out a little over the years, but still love it. The technology has developed leaps and bounds since I've bought it, so I'm sure there's better stuff on the market now, but I'd still be looking at Petzl if I were in the market.

asoduk wrote: @bigdaddylee: Since I don't have an alternator/stator, any ideas on a small rechargeable battery pack?

This is the battery I bought: 12V 9Ah 105CCA Motorcycle Battery Was the highest CCA/$$$ that was Prime eligible at the time.

Assuming you've got a trickle charger already, you could keep any lawnmower/ATV/motorcycle battery charged when not in use.

I just turn the outside lights on the house and call it a day