12 volt conversion???

There must be pros and cons, but I am not sure which way to go...at this time I think it's a good thing to do...the mechanic does too...but I was hoping to get some feed back from the folks around here first.

The tractor will be used for snow plowing, brush hog, trailering..

Thanks for your thoughts and advice.

-Sal

Since this tractor is a working tractor (2-4 days each week), and since it's at the shop now...I have decided to go with the 12v set up.

Of course I will save the 6v items since I never throw out anything, thankfully I have a barn to put my "collections" in.

Overall I think I am making out well on the conversion, I have a new starter and battery that were given to me at no charge and we have all the wiring required...since the hood/shroud are off and it's being redone at this time it seems like a good thing to do. Besides there are some items I would like to run off the 12 v system.

I appologize to the purists out there...I inherited my fathers 8N last year and it is still a 6v system...so I am keeping one the way it is for now.

Again, thank you for your input and advice. I am sure as I learn more about the N's I will have many conversations on this topic...sounds like an interesting way to share a cup of coffee.

-Sal

I just converted my 44 2N to 12 volts. I would have kept it 6v but the generator didn't work. I took it for a rebuild and the insides were fried and the brush holders were gone. It was much cheaper to convert than buy a new generator. I followed the diagrams here on the board and had no trouble. The hardest part was getting the 2 head bolts off to mount the alternator bracket.

12 volt has the major benefit of being less maintenance intensive and better able to hook up to components. Depending on what you do, this can be important, or negligible.

Myself, I'm still running my 6v generator, but that's only because I haven't purchased any 12 volt accessories that I need to run. If I do, a 12 volt alternator will go on the tractor.

You can review the past questions/comments
by using the Search: function for the 8n/9n
forum.
Use... Search: 12v Conversion
you will get (about) 430 postings regarding this topic.

Generally, it seems to be a religious war
whether you should convert to 12v.

Pros: 12v alternators provide reliable power at a higher voltage that appeals to some, and usually makes winter starting easier.

Cons: 6v system will work if properly maintained, and it is "original". Cost money to do.

Happy reading.
.bill

Sal- Go figger... do you want a museum piece, or a machine you can use, reliably, in day to day activites?

I had to do starter repairs on my 8N at least once each winter. In the early 70's I converted to 12 volts. After that I never had to mess with the starter. Touch the button and it was running, instead of all the grinding and chewing up mechanical parts.

Like Bill sez, there's a purist element that is against 12 volts. Let 'em have museum pieces and build you a machine that'll keep running well into this century long after it was designed, built, and sold!

Your question boils down to- Do you wanna stand around looking at it, or do you wanna use it in your day to day activity?

Keep on truckin', IHank

Sal..... .If you want to convert to 12 volts for what ever reason, just do it "right" so that you are proud of it. If you follow the instructions that come with a "kit", you'll probably do fine. If you don't understand the instructions, ask questions, don't guess. And remember 2 wrongs don't make a wright. (grin)

FYI..... my eazy starting 52 8N is still 6 volts and I know how to convert to 12 volts the "right" way and the electrical reasons why. I'm not a "purest", just haven't found "my reason". I wish you well..... ..Dell