If you went to look at a new gas powered tractor today, would you consider one that came from the factory with a 6v generator system and points ignition? You'd expect them to sell about 2 of them because the maintenance on those systems would be too costly, especially when equipping one would cost as much or more than a modern system.
There is a reason tractor manufacturers started with 6v systems, and a reason they abandoned them for 12v, and very good reasons they abandoned 12v generators for alternators. There is a reason they abandoned mechanical points for electronic systems. These things are called "improvements" because when properly implemented they work better than the former technology and increase productivity and efficiency. Just look at the Farmall A (1939) to 140 (1974) saga. If it had hung in there another few years, it would have been not only 12v alternator, but EI as well, and if they were still made today, they'd have full syncro trannys and EFI, because these things make for more useful and efficient tractors with far less maintenance.
Shops have regularly "retrofit" new improvements to older tractors to make them better suited to the needs farmers had for them - bigger pistons, better heads, higher output hydraulics, even things like duals ("they didn't come from the factory like that, so it's just wrong!")
Yes, you can get by running the 6v starter on 12v. A lot of people have and have had no problems. Shortly before I changed my SA to 12v, the starter was giving out (spent a summer hand cranking it, which sealed the conversion before winter), so had that rebuilt with the 12v field coils and new bendix. Works great and glad I changed the system. I can now run lights (and jump other vehicles buried in snowbanks on frigid days) with ease.
Above all, this is Your tractor. If it's a restoration, you'll want to keep it at 6v, or at least keep the parts to change it back. If you're using it for work, make it work for you in the best way you can.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - On the Road with Dave Gohl: Auction Musings - by Dave Gohl. I was thinking the other day about all the auctions I've been to in the last few years. There've been many. Some have been very good, some have been well, disappointing to say the least. But no matter how good or bad auctions may be, we always seem to stay until the item we've come for or are interested in is on the block. I've been to some auctions near and far. I think the furthest has been the Two Cylinder 7 in the Amana Colonies last year. Lots of stuff, lots of people. I've also atten
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
1964 I-H 140 tractor with cultivators and sidedresser. Starts and runs good. Asking 2650. CALL RON AT 502-319-1952
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.