Guys,
I've been looking all over for a forum like this one, and I think I'm in the right place.
I'm in the process of equipping my tractor with a number of 12V accessories, but especially winches. I will be using the tractor for logging, and I also need it to provide me with a AC power for certain tools, etc.
I don't want to run everything directly off the battery - would get quite messy.
I've attached a design, but I don't know what the wiring should look like, or if I need all the components in the design. here is an explanation:
- Main positive running off the battery through a master fuse or breaker
- Power distribution block breaking that down into 8 positive lines
- Fuse box, with each line coming in and going to a specific fuse for the application
- switch panel, which will be located in the tractor cab, for powering the accessories on or off
- 3 accessories "permanently" wired
- 5 outlets that can be plugged into (3in back of tractor, 2 in the front)
The reason the five are plugs is that the winches are mounted to implements that can (and will) often be moved off of and onto the tractor. I also figured this would give me maximum versatility.
The attached design includes the specs on each accessory. Note that I am not sure on amps of the auxiliary winches - I calculated this using the conversion of 1 HP = 746 watts, then dividing by 12 volts. I'm figuring their HP listed is probably the "peak" HP at start-up. The large winches had a CCA and max amperage for largest load included on the spec.
I have looked at a bunch of components at a number of online providers.
I need everything to be outdoor kosher, so I'm looking at heavy duty marine outlets. I'm figuring that for the plugs, I'll use the heaviest duty tractor plugs I can find.
I'm not sure which components I need to ground, though I assumed I would need to run ground lines from each accessory.
Honestly, not sure of what the best wire routing would be, if I need the fuse box if I have the "main" breaker.
I'm figuring something like 4 or 6 gauge run to each accessory (except worklights & 12v accessory outlet)
Also, don't know if it makes sense to have a second battery. The tractor will be running when I use these things, so I'm not too concerned about running the battery out.
How would you guys design this?
How would you run the wiring?
Should I do separate distribution blocks for the winches?
Do I need a separate fuse box from dist block?
Should I have relays in the mix somewhere?
Thanks a ton, in advance, for your help!
Mike
I've been looking all over for a forum like this one, and I think I'm in the right place.
I'm in the process of equipping my tractor with a number of 12V accessories, but especially winches. I will be using the tractor for logging, and I also need it to provide me with a AC power for certain tools, etc.
I don't want to run everything directly off the battery - would get quite messy.
I've attached a design, but I don't know what the wiring should look like, or if I need all the components in the design. here is an explanation:
- Main positive running off the battery through a master fuse or breaker
- Power distribution block breaking that down into 8 positive lines
- Fuse box, with each line coming in and going to a specific fuse for the application
- switch panel, which will be located in the tractor cab, for powering the accessories on or off
- 3 accessories "permanently" wired
- 5 outlets that can be plugged into (3in back of tractor, 2 in the front)
The reason the five are plugs is that the winches are mounted to implements that can (and will) often be moved off of and onto the tractor. I also figured this would give me maximum versatility.
The attached design includes the specs on each accessory. Note that I am not sure on amps of the auxiliary winches - I calculated this using the conversion of 1 HP = 746 watts, then dividing by 12 volts. I'm figuring their HP listed is probably the "peak" HP at start-up. The large winches had a CCA and max amperage for largest load included on the spec.
I have looked at a bunch of components at a number of online providers.
I need everything to be outdoor kosher, so I'm looking at heavy duty marine outlets. I'm figuring that for the plugs, I'll use the heaviest duty tractor plugs I can find.
I'm not sure which components I need to ground, though I assumed I would need to run ground lines from each accessory.
Honestly, not sure of what the best wire routing would be, if I need the fuse box if I have the "main" breaker.
I'm figuring something like 4 or 6 gauge run to each accessory (except worklights & 12v accessory outlet)
Also, don't know if it makes sense to have a second battery. The tractor will be running when I use these things, so I'm not too concerned about running the battery out.
How would you guys design this?
How would you run the wiring?
Should I do separate distribution blocks for the winches?
Do I need a separate fuse box from dist block?
Should I have relays in the mix somewhere?
Thanks a ton, in advance, for your help!
Mike