generator vs. alternator

butch49 · Apr 11, 2013

i have an farmall m . it has a generator on it currently does not have a belt on it, and I am not sure that it works as I just got the tractor.
my question is is it cheaper to put an older alternator on it and a 12 volt battery sincce they are cheaper

wvfarmboy54 · Apr 11, 2013

i cant tell u because i am trying to deside whitch one to use aswell but 12 volt is nice but so is stock

David G · Apr 11, 2013

You will like having the alternator if you are planning to use the tractor.

TheDurk · Apr 11, 2013

I switched my 1966 140 from genny to alt. The gen. was fine for the first 30 years or so but when the original gen and regulator started having problems, I found that the replacements available were junk, expensive or expensive junk--especially the regulators. I put the little Hitachi alt. on in 2003 and it's back to a trouble-free charging system.

The Hitachi was much cheaper than a new generator and regulator.

PretendFarmer · Apr 11, 2013

(quoted from post at 17:42:06 04/11/13) I switched my 1966 140 from genny to alt. The gen. was fine for the first 30 years or so but when the original gen and regulator started having problems, I found that the replacements available were junk, expensive or expensive junk--especially the regulators. I put the little Hitachi alt. on in 2003 and it's back to a trouble-free charging system.

The Hitachi was much cheaper than a new generator and regulator.

I converted my 61 140 to 12v. I'll never look back.
My 41 A will stay original, I consider that more of a show tractor and an antique. The 140 is more of a functional unit.

butch49 · Apr 11, 2013

i plan on doing a lot of work with it this summer but bought it for 700. with a loader , wide front end , power steering, figured i couldn't loose on the deal, needs new rear tires but for now the ones on it will work.

mike1972chev · Apr 11, 2013

Agreeing with below statements.

Most of the replacement regulators "lack" quality. I think you CAN get a good reg,but are PRICEY!

If I was doing a 100% resto,I MIGHT do a Generator, but for my "user" tractor,a 12 volt alternator has served it well for the 13 years I have owned it.

(SAME alternator)

State of Jefferson · Apr 11, 2013

I'd suggest going with 12 volt and a Hitachi alternator. Lots less trouble in the long run.

Ben

old · Apr 11, 2013

In the long run an alternator is far cheaper if you plan to really use the tractor for work. If done right you can mount a Delco 10SI on it with out cutting the sheet metal. Cost for one is around $50 plus a core and if you buy from O'Reilly's it comes wit ha life time warranty

V8S10 · Apr 11, 2013

convert it to 12volt and get it over with.. less problems in the long run and even if you were going to make it a show tractor to make it look all original its no like you can see the altenator on it like you could a case or a johndeere. and you will like the 12 volt for starting. starts a hell of a lot nicer then slow 6 volt.

mkirsch · Apr 12, 2013

If you've got an old Delco alternator laying around, the conversion is real cheap and easy to do.

I posted the "tricks of the trade" in a thread here a few days ago. Let me go back and find them...

soybeanjoe · Apr 12, 2013

I had my '49M's generator stepped up to 12v & switched to neg. ground by the local automotive electric repair shop. IIRC, the cost was under $35 & included new brushes. Generator was the one with the regulator mounted on it & they changed it out at the same time. I also had one done for my SMTA, by the same guy. Didn't cost me anything but I did have to buy a new regulator

oldtanker · Apr 12, 2013

12 volt is the way to go for a working tractor.

That's my M with the Delco 10SI alternator.

Rick

generator vs. alternator

butch49

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wvfarmboy54

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David G

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TheDurk

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PretendFarmer

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butch49

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mike1972chev

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State of Jefferson

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old

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V8S10

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mkirsch

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oldtanker

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