In a previous post, I looked at the six biggest causes of damage to fiber networks. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback, and additional stories, particularly around the havoc that animals can cause when in close proximity to fiber.
LONG ZHUO supply professional and honest service.
I’d like to particularly thank Steve Wolszczak of Midwest Lightwave Inc. who contributed the stories about cows and gophers. There’s more on Steve at the bottom of the blog.
So here’s a run down of the six most "dangerous" animals for network planners and installers to look out for:
1. Dead Cows
It turns out that dead livestock can cause even more damage to fiber networks than living and breathing ones. The reason? When fiber networks were originally installed through ranching country, deploying the fiber in dry weather could create a scar in the ground. Cattle could easily break a leg in these ruts, forcing ranchers to put them down. While that didn’t endear fiber installers to the farmers, the real issue was that cows tended to be buried on the spot to avoid the spread of disease and discourage predators. This led to ranchers digging a hole with their tractors, taking out the fiber network itself.
2. Sharks
This video from (see below), has had over 1 million views on YouTube and shows a bluntnose, sixgill shark gnawing on a submarine network cable. Its popularity has been helped by Google declaring that it has sheathed its own undersea cables in Kevlar to reduce their appeal to fishy predators. However, it does seem to be an isolated event, with no cable damage reported since . Changes in outer protection of the cable and new deployment methods seem to be keeping "Jaws" from damaging networks.
3. Insects
Termites have been known to eat through fiber cables in the ground, while fierce bees disrupted Liquid Telecom’s deployment of a fiber cable across the Zambezi river in Africa. Installers got round the problem by creating an impromptu beekeeper’s outfit using the managing director’s shirt!
In Japan, cicadas are not just noisy, but a threat to fiber. Females seem to think that aerial cables are tree branches, so bore a hole and lay their eggs inside the cable, breaking the fiber in the process. Japanese telco, NTT, therefore spent a lot of time researching and testing ways to prevent this, eventually coming up with a lower cost drop fiber cable for FTTH installations.
4. Squirrels
Rodents seem to have a taste for cable, as I covered in my previous post. Theories on why this is vary from using it to sharpen their teeth to a suspicion that manufacturers use peanut oil in the sheathing. Operator Level 3 Communications estimated that squirrels were responsible for 17% of all damage to its fiber networks in . A quick Google search shows the scale of the problem – forums are full of pleas from engineers looking to keep squirrels, rats and mice from chewing their cable. Methods of protecting installations include bait boxes, cable guards and ultrasonic units – or switching to larger diameter cables.
5. The Prairie Gopher
One mooted way of reducing rodent damage is to include an additive that tastes bad to them within the cable. Apparently a Japanese manufacturer created a cable that put off local mice from chewing on it. Unfortunately, when it was tried in the US, the additive was no match for the American Prairie Pocket Gopher, which happily ate through it with no side effects. As well as cables, gophers are known to eat/dig though other buried utilities such as gas, electricity and water lines.
6. Birds
Aerial fiber deployments don’t have to just fend off cicada attacks, but also have to cope with the attentions of birds. Being used as perches by our feathered friends can increase cable sag, hitting reliability.
Additionally, birds can damage the cable sheath itself when gripping it, letting in the elements to the interior of the cable and causing potential failures. In extreme cases large birds can choose to roost or nest on poles with their combined weight leading to cable breakages.
Before we write off all animals and ban them from coming within 100 feet of any fiber installation, it is worth highlighting one area where they can help. Back in the 19th century, parts of the British copper network were deployed with the help of ferrets, and even rats, who pulled the copper cable through confined, difficult to reach spaces.
Have you come up against any particularly difficult animals when installing and maintaining fiber networks? Leave a comment below and if I get enough stories I’ll put together a second blog on the subject.
LED tractor lights are a game-changing upgrade for agricultural vehicles. They offer superior illumination, durability, and energy efficiency compared to traditional halogen or HID lighting. Top features include:
-
Advanced waterproof and dustproof construction
-
Color temperatures optimized for outdoor work
-
Lifespans of up to 50,000 hours
Our advanced lighting solutions are transforming how farmers and contractors operate their tractors in low-light conditions. Keep reading to see how you can increase your work output with Black Oak LEDs.
Benefits of Black Oak LED Tractor Work Lights
Black Oak LED provides high-performance LED light kits specifically designed for agricultural equipment like tractors. Here are some key benefits of our LED tractor lights:
-
Superior Brightness: Our LED light bars with flood beams deliver outstanding illumination with high lumen output, making it easier to work in low-light conditions. They enhance your standard tractor headlights and improve overall visibility.
-
Versatile Mounting Options: We offer LED light bars in various lengths and configurations. They are suitable for different mounting areas on your tractor, including the cabin, front grill, or rear. This flexibility allows you to create the perfect lighting setup for any task.
-
Rugged Construction: These lights are designed to withstand tough farming environments. Our LED lights feature an IP69K waterproof rating, shockproof design, and resistance to dust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. They are built to last in the harshest conditions.
-
Energy Efficiency: Our LED tractor lights use less power than traditional lighting options. This reduces fuel consumption and eases the load on your vehicle's electrical system. With efficient high beam and lo beam options, they outperform standard lights in both performance and lifespan.
-
Extended Lifespan: With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, our LED lights offer long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance, reducing downtime and replacement costs.
-
Instant Illumination: Unlike HID lamps that need a warm-up period, our LED lights reach full brightness instantly, providing immediate visibility when you need it.
-
Glare Reduction: Our LED lights can be installed to reduce glare and reflections inside the tractor cabin. You'll have a more comfortable working environment for the operator.
Ready to upgrade your tractor's lighting? Check out our top five LED lights for tractors below and find the perfect solution for your needs.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Optical Cable Tractor.
Featured content:Choosing the Best Type of Flow Meter for Your Application
Top Black Oak LED Tractor Lights
Exploring the Benefits of Chelated Micronutrient Fertilizers for ...18650 Lithium-Ion Battery Revival - HackerfarmBlack Oak LED offers a range of high-performance LED lighting solutions specifically designed for tractors and other agricultural equipment. Here are the top 5 LED lights for tractors from Black Oak LED:
50-inch Double Row Light Bar
This light bar is excellent for providing maximum illumination when mounted above the cab. It delivers an intense flood of light, making it perfect for nighttime operations.
-
Lumen Output: Up to 66,000 lumens
-
Power Consumption: 500W
-
Ideal For: Mounted above the cab for maximum illumination.
-
Features: Dual row setup for extra brightness, durable aluminum housing, IP69K waterproof rating, and a plug-and-play installation.
4-inch Double Row LED Light Bar (Flood or Spot Beam)
This compact light bar is superb for providing extra lighting on specific tools. It's small enough to be mounted in various positions to provide additional focused light.
-
Lumen Output: Up to 5,280 lumens
-
Power Consumption: 40W
-
Ideal For: Extra lighting on specific tools.
-
Features: Available in flood or spot beam patterns, rugged construction, waterproof and dustproof, easy installation with included mounting brackets.
GoPod Clamp-On Worksite Light
The GoPod is perfect for flexible installation that can be moved and adjusted at will. Its clamp-on design makes it easy to reposition the light as needed.
-
Lumen Output: 3,120 lumens
-
Power Consumption: 20W
-
Ideal For: Flexible installation.
-
Features: Strong clamp mechanism for secure attachment, adjustable angle, durable build for tough environments, and simple plug-and-play setup.
4-inch Black Marine Flush Mount Spreader Light
This spreader light is designed for broad area illuminationIdeal for fixed mounts. It's great for lighting up the sides of the work area or underneath the tractor.
-
Lumen Output: 3,120 lumens
-
Power Consumption: 25W
-
Ideal For: Fixed mounts to light up work areas.
-
Features: Flush mount design for a sleek look, corrosion-resistant housing, high waterproof rating, and effective heat dissipation for longer life.
7-inch Round LED Light
This versatile light can be used as a spotlight or floodlight. It's ideal for lighting up large areas or projecting light over distances.
-
Lumen Output: 8,800 lumens
-
Power Consumption: 30W
-
Ideal For: Versatile lighting options for large areas or long distances.
-
Features: Robust construction, multi-beam patterns (spot or flood), easy mounting, and high durability in harsh conditions.
Bonus Product: Power Converter
This power converter is useful for integrating LED lights with different power systems, ensuring compatibility and reliable performance across various setups. Converts power for seamless integration, high efficiency, durable construction, and simple installation.
Each of these LED lights features rugged IP69K-rated aluminum housings, polycarbonate lenses, and advanced heat sink designs. They give you maximum durability and long-lasting performance in harsh agricultural environments. By investing in Black Oak LED lights, you can enhance your tractor's visibility and efficiency, making your work safer and more productive.
Tractor LED Mounting Positions
When installing LED tractor lights, proper placement is crucial for maximizing visibility and ensuring optimal illumination of the work area. Here are some of the best LED tractor light placement options:
-
Front grill or bumper: Mounting a light bar or a series of LED pods on the front grill or bumper provides forward-facing lighting. Our after market lights are much stronger. This makes navigating in low-light conditions and identifying obstacles in the tractor's path much easier.
-
Cabin roof: Installing LED lights on the roof of the tractor cabin offers a high vantage point. This gives you a broader spread of light and improved visibility of the surrounding area. This placement is particularly useful for tasks that require a wide field of view, such as mowing or tilling.
-
Side mirrors or fenders: Placing compact LED pods on the tractor's side mirrors or fenders can light up the sides of the vehicle. This makes visibility much better when making turns or maneuvering in tight spaces.
-
Rear of the tractor: Mounting LED lights on the rear of the tractor is essential for visibility during reversing, hitching implements, and monitoring attached equipment. A combination of flood and spot beams can provide both wide-area illumination and focused lighting for specific tasks.
-
Implement-specific locations: Depending on the implements used with the tractor, such as plows, harvesters, or sprayers, LED lights can be mounted directly on the equipment. This targeted lighting helps the operator monitor the implement's performance and make precise adjustments.
The best LED tractor light placement options depend on your work and tractor. Bigger tractors need more light. You'll want lighting options for your tools. Experimenting with different placements and beam patterns can help determine the optimal configuration for your specific needs.
Tractor LED Installation Guide
Installing LED lights on your tractor can greatly improve visibility and safety during low-light conditions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly install LED lights on your tractor:
Choose the right LED lights for your tractor
- Pick lights based on brightness, beam pattern, and durability.
- Make sure the size and placement of the lights fit your tractor model.
Find the best mounting spots
- Common spots include the front grill, cabin roof, side mirrors, and rear of the tractor.
- Ensure these spots provide the right light output in the right place for your work.
Prepare the mounting areas
- Clean the areas to remove any dirt, grease, or debris.
- For magnetic mounts, make sure the surface is flat and free from paint or coatings that might reduce magnetic strength.
Secure the LED lights
- For bolt-on installations, drill holes in the desired spots and use the provided hardware to attach the lights firmly.
- If using magnetic mounts, place the lights on the prepared surface and ensure a strong, stable connection.
Route the wiring
- Plan the wiring route from the LED lights to the tractor's electrical system.
- Use protective conduits or cable ties to secure the wiring and prevent damage from vibration or abrasion.
Connect to the electrical system
- Find a power source, such as the tractor's battery or an auxiliary power outlet.
- Use the provided wiring harness or create a custom one, making sure to use the correct wire gauge for the lights' power needs.
- Install an inline fuse to protect the electrical system from short circuits.
Test the LED lights
- Before finishing the installation, turn on the tractor and test each LED light to make sure they work and are aimed correctly.
- Adjust the mounting or wiring if needed to get the best performance.
Secure and tidy up
- Double-check all connections and mounting points to ensure they are secure and stable.
- Tidy up any excess wiring with cable ties or wire loom to keep the installation clean and organized.
For more tips on optimizing your tractor's lighting setup, visit our blog or contact our support team for personalized help. Our experts are ready to help you get the most out of your Black Oak LED lights. We want you to have the best lights for your tractor and your work.
FAQs
How do I know your lights are of the highest quality?
With IP68, IP69, IP69K ratings, the research has already been done for you! These standards ensure that only the toughest lights pass rigorous testing for water, temperature, pressure, and durability. We also offer a strong warranty on all our products to give you even more peace of mind.
What is light beam spread pattern, and what is best for me?
Flood beams provide wide-spread light for side and front illumination, spot beams offer long-distance light, and combo beams combine both for optimal coverage. You'll probably want a combination for farm work. You can achieve this with a combo light bar. Or you could use separate lights with different beam patterns to get the right mix for your farm tractor and work.
Which tractors are compatible with your lights? Will they work on a John Deere?
Our lights, especially with the power converter, will work with nearly all farm and construction equipment. They can already be found on John Deer tractors, Case series tractors, and on contruction and contractor equipment all over the country.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Portable Duct Rodder.
All Comments ( 0 )