Should I leave my Tractor a 6 Volt System or Switch to a 12 Volt System?
The Pros and Cons of switching from a 6-volt system to a 12-volt system.
A 12-volt system makes the tractor start easier and the alternators are able to keep a battery fully charged after just a short time running, on most tractors by switching to a 12-volt system you can also use a hotter ignition coil which helps to burn the gas we have today.
The downfall to switching to a 12 volt system is the tractor will now have an alternator which on many tractors is in full view, and some people frown on this look as it doesn't look like the original generator (some generators can be converted to 12 volt check with your local starter-generator shop for more info). The other problem is the starter is now spinning faster so the drive can prematurely wear the teeth on it and the flywheel ring gear.
Make sure you have all your facts in line before you start a conversion.
JR
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I HAVE A JOHN DEERE MT THAT I HAVE GOT THE STARTER AND GENERATOR REWIRED TO 12 VOLT, WHAT OTHER PARTS SHOULD I NEED TO FINISH THIS JOB?
Burt,
You need a 12 volt coil or resistor for the 6 volt and light bulbs.
Good luck on your project.
JR
Steiner Tractor Parts
Do all the gauges need to be replaced? The biggest thing i question is the ground going from + to -. will that affect all electrical items?
You will only need to replace the amp gauge, if your gauge is a 20-0-20 or 30-0-30 you may want to replace it with a 60-0-60, otherwise you will bury the needle. You will also want to reverse the wires on the amp.
JR
I have an 1958 Case o matic 611B. Weird things are happening. I have no spark. It has a 12 volt generator, but the battery is using a positive ground. It has been like that for years. Is this correct, or has it been wrong for years? I suspect the coil to be problem, but since the whole tractor is positive 12volt grounded system , does the coil wire coming from ignition land on the positive or neg terminal on the coil. The coil wire coming from the ignition reads Neg 12.47 volts. i have never noticed this setup until it quit running with no spark today. I will order the parts from you, but I need some answers on this weird setup. Thanks, Rob
I did change the points and condensor today, and set the points at .020″
Hi Robert!
This setup is correct. 12 Volt positive ground, on the coil, connect – to the ignition switch, + to the distributor. Hopefully this helps with your project!
1946 farmall-A was converted to 12 volt want to put it back to 6 volt positive ground. Has battery ignition. Ref coil which side goes to the distributor positive or negative side
With a positive ground system, positive goes to distributor. Thanks for asking, James, and good luck with your restoration!
Thank you for your help
Just bought a Super A that was converted to 12 volts, starter only. The lights however were not converted they are 6 volt. I am replacing them with new LED lights and wanted to know if I need to change the switch to 12 volt. As I looked through the catalog I see you can order both voltages and see the dimming coil between the contacts. If the switch is good can I just change the dimming coil or is it best to change the switch. Wanted to make sure I do not damage anything by connecting before I ask. Thanks for you help, Parker
You can replace the switch or resistor.