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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