An electric starter requires a LOT of instantaneous power in order to start an engine. Even on a small gas tractor you are talking something 3,000 watts or so. Bigger gas engines and diesels require much more power – 10 - 20 kilowatts and higher.
Supplying this amount of power from a 120 volt line brings up several problems. (For the following discussion Let’s assume a starter draws 3,000 watts):
1 – A 3,000 watt transformer with a 12 volt secondary is not cheap. Nor is it exactly small – figure about the size of large lunchbox. Locating and adequately protecting (weatherproofing) the transformer on a tractor would be problematic.
2 – Factoring in internal losses, the transformer will require about 3,500 watts input from the 120 volt line. That works out to a 30 amp draw. This is NOT available from your normal residential or farm branch circuit!
3 – You would need a HEAVY cord to supply the transformer. A minimum of #10 would be required. If any substantial cord length was necessary an even bigger #8 cord would be necessary. (Have you priced #8-3 SJO cord lately?!!) Of course special receptacles and cord connectors would be required also.
4 – If your tractor is parked (or stalls/quits) too distant from your high capacity 120 volt circuit, your gonna need the battery ANYWAY to get it started again.
----
Bottom line is it’s a lot more cost effective to let battery(s) provide the burst of power necessary to crank up a tractor engine!
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 - Upgrading an Oliver Super 55 Electrical System - by Dennis Hawkins. My old Oliver Super 55 has been just sitting and rusting for several years now. I really hate to see a good tractor being treated that way, but not being able to start it without a 30 minute point filing ritual every time contributed to its demise. If it would just start when I turn the key, then I would use it more often. In addition to a bad case of old age, most of the tractor's original electrical system was simply too unreliable to keep. The main focus of this page is to show how I upgr
... [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.
