Generator vs alternator

sgtbull · Sep 23, 2009

It's been a debate for many years in the old tractor circles. ITs the question of originality vs simplicity/dependability when it comes to using an alternator on a tractor originally equipped with a generator.
For the first 20 yrs of my restoring old tractors, it was simply not a question. If the tractor was equipped with a generator, that is what went back. In the last few yrs though, I've started cheating. If it wouldn't show, it sure was easy to tuck a nice little one wire alternator in there! An original generator is a must for an authentic restoration, but only having one wire to attach, not having to screw with the external regulators or cutouts, (most readily available are made overseas and are JUNK) dependability and the relatively inexpensive models out there now, sure make me lean that way.
My local generator/starter shop builds 6v or 12 v alternators out of the old 10SI models for $60.00. Another local shop provides a very small generator, which easily fits under the hood of an H, for $74.00. Shoot, a GOOD US made regulator is almost $35.00 and rebuilding the genny will cost another 40 to 60 bucks. I do have to change polarity to make'em work, but that's not a big deal.
What are your opinions?

JMOR · Sep 23, 2009

Whatever makes you happy! :lol:

redblood · Sep 23, 2009

I use my tractors regularly and I prefer the alternator and 12 volts.

I do have an H that we put back to stock with the generator and regulator which cost about 175.00 once generator was repaired and new regulator.

The 200 we just restored/restified has a 1 wire alternator 50.00.

This post should be interesting to follow.

Joe

rustyfarmall · Sep 23, 2009

If the original generator is working or can be made to work easily then it needs to be used. If the generator CANNOT be made to work, or requires a total rebuild with a new armature, then replacing with an alternator makes perfect sense. I have NO problem with a fully restored tractor that uses an alternator instead of the generator. What I do have a problem with is these folks that just automatically throw a perfectly good generator in the scrap heap and replacing it with an alternator just because someone told them a 12 volt system is the only way to go.

rustyfarmall · Sep 23, 2009

If the original generator is working or can be made to work easily then it needs to be used. If the generator CANNOT be made to work, or requires a total rebuild with a new armature, then replacing with an alternator makes perfect sense. I have NO problem with a fully restored tractor that uses an alternator instead of the generator. What I do have a problem with is these folks that just automatically throw a perfectly good generator in the scrap heap and replacing it with an alternator just because someone told them a 12 volt system is the only way to go.

And for what it's worth, factory rebuilt 6 volt generators ARE STILL available. Somewhat pricey, but available.

Bob M · Sep 23, 2009

What is my opinion??? It depends…

For a working tractor there’s no question: An alternator is the ONLY way to go.

An alternator is cheaper to install, is far more reliable, does a better job keeping the battery properly charged – especially in very hot/cold weather and low speed operation, will have plenty power for extra lights, etc.

My preference however is for a 3-wire over a 1-wire alternator. I’ve simply seen too many problems with one-wire alternators on tractors over the years. The convenience of a few less feet of wiring (not to mention the higher first cost for the alternator) is simply not worth it.

----

For a show or parade tractor however, if it came from the factory with a generator then I much prefer to see a generator continue to be used.

But that’s just my opinion…

Pat-CT · Sep 23, 2009

I use alternators if the generator needs to be rebuilt, always the 1 wire because to me it looks must nicer then having 3 wires, however if i buy the tractor with a working generator then so be it, it will stay i have no probelm with one until it fails which it will eventually, but that can be said for alts to, -pat

Darwindo · Sep 23, 2009

I agree with you, JMOR! If feel strongly the tractor and its restoration only really has to please one person, the owner. If you like it, I love it and that's that! Original is nice, reliable is also nice.

Bill in IL · Sep 23, 2009

Well after the problems I have had the last few days with my M and I know the cutout is bad in the H and going to cost 40 bucks for a VR I am starting to think the 45 dollars for the 12 volt delco 10SI is a good investment.

I have seen the 6 volt converted 10SI's out there somewhere but they were pretty pricey.

Darn 12 volt batteries won't fit in the stock 6 volt battery boxes though.... or has someone found one that will? I want to build one for my wd-45 someday.

Pat-CT · Sep 23, 2009

yes bill they do make batteries that do fit in the stock battery box, I have one in my H i picked it up at my local napa, Fits in there perfectly and with the cover on you can never tell the diffrence!

charles todd · Sep 23, 2009

1 wire alternator... If the tractor is not a trailer queen and if the generator/VR is even in questionable condition or you add lights the alternator is a must.

CT

Bus Driver · Sep 23, 2009

Try a 26R battery.

Mike CA · Sep 23, 2009

What are your opinions?

Ask that shop if they could put an alternator in a AC genny shell. I've seen that done and I've considered getting one. Not doing it right now because of the $200 cost, but in the future I just may! If your shop could do it cheaper, then that's they way I'd go. An original look, with modern reliability.

Hugh MacKay · Sep 24, 2009

sgtbull: Working tractor or not, the single biggest improvement you can make to an old generator equipped tractor is change to an alternator. Do you really think the old timers that built, sold, serviced and used these old tractors aren't proud that we improve them.

I was a hold out until about 20 years ago, needed a generator in a hurry, had to be 6 volt as I had a new battery. Rebuilder told me quick with gen. two weeks, quick with alternator would be 5 min as all he had to change was 12 to 6 volt regulator on new stock. After I got using it, no way you'll change me back. The alternator works well on a working tractor, but you know something, it works even better on a tractor being run 5 min. at a time.

a_lead · Sep 24, 2009

I had charging problems on my 340 earlier this year. Between a new VR & a new Amp gauge it is now charging again. I was tempted to go with an alternator then, but didn't have everything that I would have needed to fabricate a new bracket . . . but now I do.

If I have problems again, an alternator will finds it way on my tractor. Especially after I have found this company that has 6V pos & neg gnd units new for sale. May be a little pricey, but if it is new and solves the problem 1st time thru, then it would be money well spent.

Edward
Alternator company

MN Mike · Sep 24, 2009

I swapped my 6-volt genny for a 2-wire alternator on my 340 about 3 years ago and have never regretted doing it. I agree with Hugh, the old timers would get a kick out of how we make their tractors even better.

Hugh MacKay · Sep 24, 2009

Edward: Go to alternators by quick start, 6 volt alternator same price off the shelf as a 12 volt. I did not buy my 6 volt alternator from quick start, however it also was same price as 12 volt. I had not yet heard of quick start at that time. My supplier was a home town auto electric rebuilder.

Hugh MacKay · Sep 24, 2009

Mike: My dad and all his 5 brothers would now be close to 100 if still living, in fact my dad would have turned 100 earlier this week on the 22nd. All those old boys had Farmalls of various sizes in the 50s. A, SA, SC, H, SH to name a few.

Two things I've done to their old Farmalls are; alternators and clutch drive on starters. I can well imagine the talk if I could tell them, I no longer carry the hand crank for emergency starting or the 3/4 wrench to unlock the starter. I'll bet I'd have to proove it to them. I can't even comprehend their first reaction. I can just hear my Uncle Bob, "The boy has gone nuts Austin."

Gary in Mozarks · Sep 24, 2009

The other day, on the TriFive.com stie, I ran across a company that makes an alternator that looks just like a Delco Remy generator for 57 chevys, for those guys that just have to look authenic. Don't see why they wouldn't work for a farmall too.

Hugh MacKay · Sep 25, 2009

Gary: How are you, it's been awhile? Can't argue with that, if it fits a 57 Chevy,it will fit a Farmall.

Gary in Mozarks · Sep 25, 2009

(quoted from post at 00:37:41 09/25/09) Gary: How are you, it's been awhile? Can't argue with that, if it fits a 57 Chevy,it will fit a Farmall.

Hugh, Doin ok for a fat ole man. Mostly I been working on an old rustbucket 55 chevy. How is everthing up in Tory country? I see you are still passin out your gems of wisdom. I sold my 424 and the 460 Farmall, Just got the 460U left. Ive been trying to understand its steering problems (see other post)

Generator vs alternator

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