Re: 6 volt versus12 volt

Posted by Bob M on September 04, 2001 at 06:57:11 from (165.170.128.66):

In Reply to: 6 volt versus12 volt posted by Marv on September 03, 2001 at 17:48:47:

I agree - a well-maintained tractor will start reliably on the original 6 volt system. Converting to 12 volts is a poor excuse to ignore other maintenance problems. However there are a few more good reasons for converting to 12 volt alternator:

Low maintenance - Modern alternators are pretty much maintenance free. Unlike a 6 volt generator/regulator, and alternator will work reliably for many years without any attention whatsoever. Also replacement parts when required are more readily available, and much cheaper. So if you're gonna use your tractor for work, this is a pretty compelling reason all by itself.

Lights - 12 volts permits the use of modern tractor flood lights. 6 volt lamps are increasingly hard to find, are expensive, and provide marginal illumination levels at best. Again if you plan work your tractor after dark, this highly supports a 12 volt conversion.

Convenience - A 12 volt tractor can be safely jumped from any modern car/pickup, and vice-versa. But this is not the case with 6 volts. Also you can share 12 volt batteries across equipment more readily (example - I haven't yet figured out a way to use both my boat and my tractor at the same time. So I own only one 12 volt battery for the pair and "time share" it between them - that's one less battery I gotta buy/maintain.)

Maintains charge at low speeds - Many of the hours my tractors run is spent at idle or low speeds. A 6 volt generator struggles to keep the battery charged under these conditions, especially if using lights. An alternator on the other hand keeps the battery up very nicely under these conditions.

Finally, not all hard starting is the result of poor maintenance. My Super M is equipped with aftermarket high compression kit piston kit (adds 5 HP or so) Problem is that even with the 6 volt electrics in perfect condition, cranking the high compression engine is marginal at best. When the temperature drops below 10 deg or so it becomes nearly impossible. Converting to 12 volts completely overcame this problem.

Don't get me wrong.....I'm not a 12 volt zealot! I also own a 6 volt tractor (a Super H). It gets maintained it like it's supposed to be maintained, and it rewards me by starting reliably whenever I ask. Also, I rather like the sound of a 6 volt engine getting cranked up - the slow roll as opposed to the quick 12 volt spin. Kinda reminiscent of a slower, easier time I guess.

My 2 cents....Bob M

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