Rookie, All I can do sittin here not looking at your tractor is provide some clues as to how its currently configured. Since many got changed polarity and/or voltage over the years REGARDLESS how they were originally, I will proceed as we dont know what it was before..... .. 1) You might take a look at the coil for any 6 or 12 volt labels??? If its clearly labeled 6 volts AND If THERE IS NOT any external series ballast resistor wired before it and after the ignition switch (if its not a Magneto equipped ignition) it was probably a 6 volt tractor. HOWEVER if it has an external ballast resistor ahead of the coil ORRRRR RRR if it has a full 12 volt coil, it was probably at 12 volts. If theres no labels, a 6 volt coil primary would be around 1.25 to 1.75 ohms or so, while if its a 12 volt coil it would be more like 3 ohms. The primary is measured between the coils lil + and -terminals. 2) This is hard to describe over the net (if there I may be able to tell you) but if you apply 12 volts to the starter and she cranks reallyyyyy yyyy fast, it was probably a 6 volt system. The starter still turns the same direction regardless of battery polarity. If its a 12 volt starter and you apply 6 volts, it would crank reallyyyyy yyyyy slowwwww wwwww. 3) If it has any working lights and 6 volts were applied (or if you can read any labeling on the bulbs) they would glow normal brightness but 12 volts would make them burn reallyyyyy yy bright just a second then they would burn out. 6 volts on 12 volt lights would make them glow reallyyyyy yyyy dim. Tell you what, Im ordinarily NOT a fan of voltage conversions on smaller tractors like an H or C or B etc buttttt ttt on an M Id be tempted to go ahead n make her 12 volts now since you gotta buy a new battery anwyay. If you wanna keep her at 6 volts, however, thats still not any problem ESPECIALY if you discover it already has 6 volt coil and lights. If you stay at 6 volts and use a regular generator (maybe one on it is fine???) Id go with Positive ground (be sure n polarize the genny before you start her),,,,, ,,,,, ,,If you wanna go 12 volts or especially if you go the alternator route, then Id go negative ground. Post back any question best wishes John T
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