Better 6 volt lighting

Hi guys. Question. Is there anywhere I can buy higher output 6 volt lights for my Farmall A? My generator charges at about 8 volts. I do use it after dark quite a bit and would like better lighting. I rebuilt my complete wiring harness with 10 gauge wire, don"t know if that matters. And I don"t want to switch it over to 12 volt. It"s been 6volt since my grandfather bought it new in 1941. Any info would be great. Thanks.

Six volt lamps of higher wattage can be used (both in the standard teardrop housings, and in modern housings. There would need to be some shopping for brighter sealed beams that could be adapted to the shells without modifying them. I think a lug needs to be removed from a lamp rim to fit. The issue is the capacity of the light switch. The dimming resistor will not handle any more wattage than intended without becoming a melted disaster. A second issue is the switch itself. The contacts are OK, but not content with 20 amps. I would use the switch to control a relay that allowed switching current to be passed through the contacts. Higher amps then flow only through the relay from a circuit breaker.
The third issue is that the voltage is not as useful as amps. Most early Farmalls only put out enough to make 10 amps for lights, and a few more for charging and ignition (if it has a distributor.)
So an improved generator output would be needed to be sure to not discharge the battery.
Sure it can be done.
Looking into 6 volt LED arrays that could be easily used will take some effort, but here is one site.
LEDs take far less current than incandescent bulbs.
I think it is worth trying, as it would require no changes in the existing wire or switches. Jim
one source with standard bulb mounts

Thanks. I don't have the original light switch. I had a friend of mine that is a tin knocker make me a very nice replacement box. The light switch is just on or off, no dimmer. I also have an inline charge switch on it so I can kill the link between the voltage regulator and battery when tractor is not running. Plus, I wired the ground wire from the mag to a switch to kill the engine. I have a local shop that works on generators, maybe I can ask them about improved output for the generator. It's really not that big of a deal, it would just be nice. I'll check out the link you sent. Thanks, Steve.

If you are not concerned about "correctness", switching to rubber housed 6 volt seal beam tractor headlamps will give noticeably improved illumination over original lights. These lamps run about $25 apiece at Tisco, etc.

However as Jim points out the stock generator can safely power a maximum of only 3 lights - and then only when the engine is running at full RPM.

Unfortunately there is no way to safely boost the output of your stock generator beyond about 15 amps without the risk of burning it out.

I know you said you do not want to convert it to 12 volts. Since it is apparently a working tractor not a parade queen, I would change it in a heartbeat and NEVER look back. Keep the 6volt parts in case you ever want to restore it. You have so much more flexability with a 12 volt system. Ever want to run a spot sprayer pump? Try finding a 6 volt one.

Just get some sealed beam 6v lites they run around 10,00ea and they put out plenty of lite.Ive used them on the B with loader comes in handy for moving snow ect They have a soft rubber housing and just make sure the mounting bolt gets a good ground. They will fit on your brackets lite sw has held up for many yrs with no problems. 14GA wire works

Improved output for the generator=six volt alternator. I switched my C and Super C over years ago, and kissed most of my electrical problems goodbye. The batteries last longer, the tractors SEEM to run better, the starters work way better with hot batteries, and the tractors start easier. The alternator will carry pretty much any light or combination of lights you want, unless you get really crazy.

Any GOOD auto electric shop can make up a six volt alternator. You have to cobble up a mount, and a way to excite the alternator,(I just use a push button switch).

I just have one question......when you started the post you stated that yer grandpa got the tractor new in 41 and you want to keep it the same then later on you mention mods......so why not just convert it over to 12 volt and be done with it. As someone else said keep the original parts so that if later on you want to restore it to original you have the parts.

Rick

Well, the mods have been for a couple of reasons. I don't have a battery box, or the original switch box. Both are a little more than I can afford right now. I had two rolls of 10 gauge wire[black and red] and the harness needed repair. I put the kill switch on it because my kids also use the tractor and I wanted it close in case of the need to kill the engine quickly. I converted my Super M to 12v after I Overhauled the engine because it rolled really slow afterward. The A doesn't need to be converted. The lights are just something I was wondering about. If I cant update them, then big deal.

There's not much you can do with the original "bullet" lights to make them brighter.

The Wagner #4511 6V sealed beams are MUCH brighter. I replaced the pancake lights on my Super A with rubber housings and the #4511 sealed beams.

One thing I never use the low beams. Always flip them to high immediately.