Field Tested: UTV vs John Deere LED Work Lights

First Test: John Deere Factory LEDs vs. UTV LEDs

For our first comparison, we tested the UTV359 and UTV358—plug-and-play LED work lights designed specifically for John Deere R and M Series tractors.

Upgrading your tractor’s lights can feel overwhelming, especially when venturing beyond the original manufacturer. With so many choices available—factory-fitted LEDs, premium brands, aftermarket suppliers, and budget options—it’s easy to feel uncertain. So why choose UTV Products?

We’re confident in the unmatched performance of our lights. Visually, our UTV359 and UTV358 lights closely resemble John Deere’s factory-fitted LEDs, maintaining the original OEM appearance while delivering high-performance light output. This balance of aesthetics and performance sets UTV apart.

The Work Light Comparison: Putting UTV to the Test

To evaluate the performance, we visited AD Benion, a Cheshire contractor, where Simon Rutter was outfitting a John Deere 6155R with a full suite of UTV LEDs. The setup included:

• 16 UTV Work Lights: A mix of UTV358 and UTV359 (4,800 lumens each)
• Low and High Beam Headlights: UTV355 (2,100 lumens) and UTV356 (4,200 lumens)
• UTV323 Floodlights: (3,200 lumens each)
• UTV613 Beacons

This test was particularly insightful as it involved three tractors with different lighting setups:

1. One equipped with original John Deere halogen lights.
2. Another with John Deere’s factory-fitted LED lights.
3. A third outfitted entirely with UTV LEDs.

To measure the results, Managing Director Ben Bonell and Marketing Apprentice Hugh Irving used a lux reader app. The lux levels were measured at a consistent distance to determine the performance of each light.

What Is Lux?

If you’re wondering, What even is lux?—here’s a quick explanation:

Jack from UTV Products explains:
“Lux measures the brightness of a light at a specific point. It’s the SI unit of illuminance, equal to one lumen per square meter. In simple terms, it shows how effectively the light illuminates a target area at a distance.”

The Results

John Deere Factory-Fitted LEDs:

• Output: 3,000 effective lumens.
• 1 lux reading at 33 meters.

UTV LEDs:

• Output: 4,800 effective lumens.
• 1 lux reading at 103 meters.

This means UTV lights not only outshine John Deere’s LEDs in terms of brightness but also illuminate a much greater distance.

Price Per Lumen: Breaking It Down

Let’s compare costs to understand the value:

• John Deere Factory-Fitted LED: £127.50 (€153.81) per light (excluding VAT).
• UTV LED: £75 (€92.37) per light (excluding VAT).

When we calculate the price per lumen:

• John Deere Factory LEDs: Approx. 4p per lumen (€0.051)
• UTV LEDs: Approx. 2p per lumen (€0.018)

If you want to save money while enjoying high-performance lighting—and maintain your tractor’s original look—UTV LEDs are the way to go. Ask your dealer to kit your new machine with UTV LEDs and experience the difference for yourself!

With UTV Products, you’re investing in high-quality lights designed to outperform the competition while keeping your tractor looking as good as new.

As always, anything that you feel you need more information on then please contact our friendly, knowledgeable team at UTV Products.

Explore our wide range of lights available through the link. Want to see our amazing lights in action? Then check out our social media platforms here.

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