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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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6 volt / 12 volt?

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Mike CA

07-24-2006 09:55:12




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I see Farmall's listed as 6 volt, or sometimes having been converted to 12 volt, and maybe back again...

What's the story behind all this? Battery availablity? Power to run the tractor or implements? For a Show Tractor, which should I be looking for?




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Gordy from Iowa

07-25-2006 13:11:44




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Mike CA, 07-24-2006 09:55:12  
Today, I took John T's suggestion below and changed the one - O positive battery cable on a Super M with two - OO cable. Wow, what a change! Before, it would turn over one cylinder at a time, and now it's more like a 12 volt battery in there. Learn a lot on this board. Thanks.



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Brownie 45

07-25-2006 10:32:15




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Mike CA, 07-24-2006 09:55:12  
1917 Dodge was 12 volt.



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CNKS

07-24-2006 17:52:58




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Mike CA, 07-24-2006 09:55:12  
Leave it at 6 volt, and use the largest cables you can find. If you want to eliminate battery problems due to little use, put an Optima battery in it $$$.



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John T

07-24-2006 10:13:09




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Mike CA, 07-24-2006 09:55:12  
Mike, Wayyyyy back in the thirties through the early to mid fifties 6 volts was more or less the standard and used in the automotive and farm tractor industries. For one thing, the tractors had far less lights n accessories and being smaller engines and less compression they could be cranked over fairly well for starting using the common available 6 volt battery of the day. In some instances when 12 volts was first used they simply added two six volt batteries in series.

Buttttt ttttt tt thennnnn nnn when engines increased in size and compression for more power and all sorts of lights were added, 6 volts became impractical because of the high current demands for starting meaning excess voltage was dropped across battery n starter cables unless enormous sizes of cables were used. At the same load if the voltage is doubled it only takes one-half the current to yield the same watts of power, so cable voltage n heat losses were reduced using 12 volts.

Nowwwww www due to old age or wear or improper maintenance or poor choices of wimpy batteries etc., some older 6 volt tractors may not crank as fast or start as well especially at extereme cold temperatures sooooo oooo farmers began converting to 12 volts. However, thats NOT original and the so called "Correct Police" may frown lol. Still if one uses big heavy batteries and keeps the engine and ignition in good tune and repair AND USES 00 GAUGE CABLES, a 6 volt tractor ought to start reasonably well.

If one uses the tractor and it must start at extreme temperatures, 12 volt conversion is a viable alternative, but if only used for light duty and show n parade use and if originality is a concern, then keep em original I guess.

Its your tractor n your choice, hope this helps answer your question. Best wishes n God Bless

John T

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Mike CA

07-24-2006 10:29:18




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to John T, 07-24-2006 10:13:09  
Great answer. Many thanks! I am thinking that if I am tearing a tractor down to parade rest anyway, then I ought to rebuilt it to original specifications as much as I can.



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RustyFarmall

07-24-2006 10:41:21




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Mike CA, 07-24-2006 10:29:18  
I have two Farmall Hs that actually do get used on a regular basis, both of these tractors are the original 6 volt systems, one of them is the newer voltage regulator type of set up, and the other one is the older "cut out relay" style. Both tractors start easily when I want to use them, and neither has ever given any trouble except for having to replace a dead battery. I really don't understand the concept of converting to 12 volt.

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newpuller

07-24-2006 10:40:44




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Mike CA, 07-24-2006 10:29:18  
12 VDC systems are much more efficient. Like was stated above same work less amperage. You can have the generator reconfigured to 12 VDC output by any competent automotive electriacl shop, and use a 12 VDC regulator that is idenical in appearance and no-one would know but you. If you do that have the starter reconfigured as well, it will last longer. 6 VDC starters have a tendancy to eat up the drive gears when powered by a 12 VDC battery.

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John T

07-24-2006 10:38:59




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Mike CA, 07-24-2006 10:29:18  
I like originality also, just get the biggest heaviest rated 6 volt battery that still fits in the compartment n use 00 Gauge Cables n she ought to start just fine, if not fix the PROBLEM not butcher up the tractor. Note, my earlier advice is more suited for say a Model M etc., cuz if its only an A or C or even an H, it shouldnt have any problem at 6 volts unless theres like a major problem and I just dont see much reason for converting a smaller tractor.

John T

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Allan In NE

07-24-2006 09:58:17




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Mike CA, 07-24-2006 09:55:12  
Mike,

Prior to 1954/55 almost every motorized machine was 6 volt.

Allan



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Andy Martin

07-24-2006 11:16:27




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 Re: 6 volt / 12 volt? in reply to Allan In NE, 07-24-2006 09:58:17  
Almost. There were lot's of big trucks that had 12v, and I think my TD-14A was 12v. But just like 24v systems today, they relied on two 6v batteries in series.



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