Farmall Cub

So let's just say that I'd like to see my little Cub decked out in a string or two of Xmas lights. What are the options for brightly glowing lights with the 6v. system? Santa has his reindeer, but there's a Cub that wants to join in the fun.

Answer depends on voltage of light strings and if the tractor is moving or stationary.

120 volt string; generator set, 12 volt battery and inverter, extension cords.

12 volt string; battery setting on platform, older battery charger and long extension cord.

NOPE. Not those ways, Eugene! Santa wants to plow snow with the red lights glowing on the moving tractor. No extra battery--that's cheating. Got a way to do red little light with 6v. setup? Surely this has been resolved by the many Santas out there?

Heck, even battery chargers are hard to find 6v anymore. I would think if you could find 12v led lights they would work with 6v?? Low power consumption too. Turns out my Coleman twin tube florescent light uses a 6v battery, same thing used in emergency lighting.

I have seen battery powered light sets in the store. I don't know what the voltage is on the batteries that power it, but I'm thinking at least 9 or 12. However, it may be an option to wire them through the tail light lead and grounded to the frame to get some light going on there. I have no idea the voltage or wattage of the strings, but it may be worth a try...

Edit to add...

Just did a search on the web, and battery powered lights are available from Home Depot, Lowes and your favorite suppliers. Most take 2 C batteries in the power pack, so that is 3V. Thus, I think you could make something work... Alternatively, just use the battery power to run the lights and use rechargable batteries and recharge after plowing...

What do you think?

Mike in PA

there is a company i bought 6 volt red socket bulbs from called superbriteled they were pretty cheap and very bright it is a direct replacement for a 1156 bulb i never use my cubs for anything but puttin around so it went in my rear work light if u have sealed beam another company u may want to try is called bulb town i bought a red sealed beam for my only 12volt cub and was very happy with it hope that helps

Years ago I did some experimentation adapting 110 v miniature multi-color light strings for automotive use.

I learned the number of bulbs from the factory were wired in series on the string to glow at an acceptable brightness calculated on the draw of each individual bulb.

As I eliminated bulbs and sockets from the string, the bulbs increased in intensity to the point of extremely bright with a short filiment life when hooked to 110v. A few bulbs connected to 110v would flash like an old fashioned one time use camera flash bulb.

I wound up succeeding in my quest for 12v lighting by cutting down the 110v strings into shorter lengths. For 6v, they would be half the length of the 12v strings but you would accomplish your goal of self sufficient lighting Cub powered.

I don't remember the number of bulbs on the 12v runs but I remember they weren't incredibly long. The short strings were connected end to end on a messenger wire with a power feed wire supplying each short section.

I do not know about where you live, but in many states red lights are illegal except on emergency vehicles. However, if you can find one of the magnet mount revolving lights such as this one (search amazon.com for warning lights)


You can replace the original bulb with a 1133 headlight bulb, and it will work other than just revolving slower. I do this on my H when I drive it to town for parades, except I use an amber one.

Here's a pretty good guide for doing what you want to do. http://michaelbluejay.com/batteries/dc-christmas-lights.html

I'd like to see my little Cub decked out in a string or two of Xmas lights.

12 volt led light string(s). Borrow the garden tractor's 12 volt battery. Set/fasten battery to the right of the Cub's tool box.

Cub's 6 volt electrical system is hard pressed to keep up with the factory installed lightening.