Note: this article describes the regulations in force in Poland. Requirements in other countries may differ – check your local rules.
Halogen or LED for a tractor
Both types of work lamp light up the working area, but they differ in light source, power consumption and maintenance.
- Halogen (bulb) lamps – cheaper to buy, and you can replace the bulb yourself. The 12 V or 24 V voltage depends on the bulb used. Example: WESEM LKR5.26365 for an H3 bulb, with a wide 63° x 45° beam and IP66/IP69K sealing.
- LED lamps – more light at lower power and 12/24 V supply in one lamp. An LED has no filament that could break from vibration, so an LED lamp copes well with work in the field and on uneven roads. Example: Horpol LRD 2679 delivers 1000 lm at a power of 12 W.
A halogen lamp works well where the lamp is used rarely or the tractor has factory recesses for square H3 lamps. If you work a lot after dark, LED is the better choice. You will find halogen lamps in the Bulb work lamps category and LED lamps in the LED work lamps category.
Luminous flux, not watts
The power given in watts does not describe the brightness of a lamp – two lamps of the same power can shine completely differently. Look at the luminous flux in lumens (lm):
- 800–1500 lm – close-range work lighting: front loader, rear hitch, small and medium machines,
- 2000–3500 lm – lighting a larger working area and larger agricultural machines,
- 4000 lm and more – combine harvesters and large machines.
Spot or wide beam
- Spot – long range, narrow beam. For lighting the field far ahead of the machine. See LED spot work lamps.
- Wide (flood) – wide coverage and shorter range. For lighting the area around the tractor, at the rear hitch or the loader. Example: WESEM CRC3E.50300 – 2500 lm, 50° angle. See LED flood work lamps.
IP rating
A work lamp operates in harsh conditions – water, mud, dust and pressure washing. The minimum is IP67. If the tractor is regularly cleaned with a pressure washer, choose a lamp rated IP69K, e.g. CRC3E.50300 (IP67 and IP69K) or LKR5.26365 (IP66 and IP69K).
Voltage: 12 V or 24 V
Agricultural tractors usually run on a 12 V system, while combine harvesters and heavy construction equipment often run on 24 V. 12/24 V LED lamps work on both systems, which is convenient when a farm has different machines. With halogen lamps the voltage depends on the bulb – check the voltage of your tractor's electrical system before buying.
Where to mount work lamps on a tractor
- At the front, on the roof or cab frame – they light the field in front of the tractor and the loader's work.
- At the rear – they light the hitch and mounted implements, e.g. a plough or spreader.
- On the sides – side lamps light the area around the tractor, e.g. WESEM CRV2A.49640 – 1500 lm, 60° angle, M8 bolt mounting.
- Portable lamp – for work at the machine or repairs in the field, a magnetic lamp comes in handy, e.g. Horpol LRD 2685 with an 8 m coiled cable and a cigarette lighter plug.
Mounting
- Tilting base – lets you set the beam angle after mounting, e.g. Horpol LRD 2983 (1800 lm, aluminium housing).
- Single-bolt bracket – the lamp can be mounted standing, hanging or on the side, e.g. CRC3E.50300.
- Built-in – the lamp fits into the vehicle's factory recess, e.g. LKR6.22990 for an H3 bulb, fitting Case IH, John Deere and Fendt tractors, among others (full list of models in the product description).
Type approval
A work lamp does not require road type approval, but an LED lamp must meet the electromagnetic compatibility requirements of ECE R10. All LED work lamps in our shop meet them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the halogen lamp on my tractor with an LED lamp?
Yes, if the new lamp fits in the mounting location. Compare the dimensions and mounting method – we give them in the technical data of each lamp. For factory recesses, the simplest option is to choose a lamp with the same dimensions.
How many work lamps does a tractor need?
It depends on the work. Lamps are most often mounted at the front and rear, and when working with wide machines also on the sides.
Will a 12/24 V work lamp work on my tractor?
Yes – LED lamps marked 12/24 V work on both 12 V and 24 V systems. With halogen lamps, choose a bulb that matches the system voltage.
Do you also need a warning light for your tractor? Read the guide Strobe for a tractor – which one to choose and where to mount it. You will find the full range of Horpol and WESEM work lamps in the Work lamps category.
All types of tractor lighting – headlamps, work lamps, warning lamps and rear lamps – are collected in the guide Tractor lighting.