4020 Battery Dilema

Dave H · Sep 11, 2013

Friend of mine has around a 1973 4020 that is basically retired. It has 2 6 volt batts in it and he is completely disgruntled with trying to maintain 6 volters.

He is wondering about some kind of 12 volt conversion that would make his life less miserable. I know this has been cussed and discussed a lot before but I never tracked on it. He would like to do some kind of conversion that would still look kind of original.

If anyone could refer me to a how to on this I would appreciate it. Dave

johndeerefan · Sep 11, 2013

First all, posters here are going to eat you up because they stopped production in 72.

To solve the problem, he can get (2) 12V batteries and wire them in parallel instead of series like the 6V batteries are. Wiring them in parallel will keep the voltage the same, but double the cranking amps. Wiring in series doubles the voltage (ie 2 6V = 12V), but keeps the cranking amps the same. They make 12V batteries the same size as his 6V ones and it will look original. Much better way of doing it than putting an ugly battery tray on the frame rail for a car 12V battery. You can use just one 12V in one battery tray and wire it up like a car is, but cold starting will appreciate the double cranking amps.

Parallel is + to + and - to -. Ground one - to frame and run positive to starter and such.

Series (his current 2 6V system) is - to ground, + to -, and positive to starter.

Tx Jim · Sep 11, 2013

This 12V battery will fit in the same battery box. Then it's just a matter of attaching battery cables to keep system at 12 volts

Dave H · Sep 11, 2013

Thanks folks. Is that ever going to be simple.

By the way, I was OK on the date, around was close enough eh?

buickanddeere · Sep 11, 2013

Just for the record . Starter performance will be identical with two 800CCA six volt batteries in series. Vs. two 400CCA twelve volt batteries in parallel
In fact a 6V battery has more room for lead and acid than an otherwise identical outside measurement 12V. as it has two separators instead of five separatists between the cells..

Tx Jim · Sep 11, 2013

(quoted from post at 12:37:01 09/11/13) Just for the record . Starter performance will be identical with two 800CCA six volt batteries in series. Vs. two 400CCA twelve volt batteries in parallel
In fact a 6V battery has more room for lead and acid than an otherwise identical outside measurement 12V. as it has two separators instead of five separatists between the cells..

If what you state is true why did JD elect to put two 12 volt batteries on later model tractors such as the 4255 instead of two 6 volt batteries similar to the 4230/4430?????????

buickanddeere · Sep 11, 2013

Simpler and cheaper to inventory 12V batteries instead of 6V.
Fewer problems with Bubba changing batteries and getting the
connections mixed.

Tx Jim · Sep 11, 2013

(quoted from post at 14:47:59 09/11/13) Simpler and cheaper to inventory 12V batteries instead of 6V.
Fewer problems with Bubba changing batteries and getting the
connections mixed.

I don't know that I believe your story because JD built tractors with 12 V systems & 6 V batteries from '69 to '88 and then changed to 12 v batteries only in '88.

D- · Sep 11, 2013

Here's the deal on 30 and
40 series tractors. I have
changed them all over to
12V batteries for years.
Group 31s. They always
outcrank the two sixes. As
a matter of fact one will
out crank the two sixes.
I use 55 series cables with
the ground run backwards
connected to the starter
mounting bolt.
The initial kick is stronger
destroking the pump
quicker.

D- · Sep 11, 2013

The 12V will outcrank the 6V. Use 3ET's not 3EE's. Deeres is 620 cca but there are other brands.
Connect two positive cables to the solenoid and I run both negative cables to a starter mounting bolt. Don't use too small cables and whatever you do don't let a battery salesman talk you into 3EE batteries.

HollyFarmer · Sep 12, 2013

Ok, I guess I'm confused here a bit. Are we talking about a gas/lp tractor??
Because if it's a diesel model, they were all 24v systems, with 2-12 volt batteries connected in series.
I switched my 4020D over to a 12 volt system, with 2-12 volt batteries in parallel, and have never looked back. Best move I ever made.

Tx Jim · Sep 12, 2013

HollyFarmer
3020/4020 diesels built from '69-'72 came from the factory as a 12 volt system with two 6 volt batteries in similar battery boxes as your older 4020

Kent Petersen · Sep 12, 2013

D thats bs

D- · Sep 12, 2013

What is?

HollyFarmer · Sep 12, 2013

Ok thanks Jim. I did not know that. Learn something new each time I get on here.

Hugh McKinney · Sep 13, 2013

We had a 67 model 4020 Diesel that came from the factory with the 24 volt system. My older brother has a 69 model 4020 Diesel that came from the factory with the 12 volt system. Apparently between '67 and '69 they started the changeover from 24 volt to 12 volt. Just sayin'.

akwells · Sep 27, 2013

I have a "72 4020 and it had the 2 6volt batteries in series, one on each side of the tractor. I needed new cables and batteries, so I went with 2 6volt Optima gell-cel batteries in series. 800 cca/1000 ca.

They are small enough that 2 batteries fit in one battery box on the lefthand side. I had a very very short cable made to connect the + & - that are essentially right next to each other and got rid of the several feet long cable under the floor, too.

Cranks fine, although I don"t usually have to mess with it at insanely cold temps.

4020 Battery Dilema

Dave H

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johndeerefan

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Tx Jim

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Dave H

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buickanddeere

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Tx Jim

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buickanddeere

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Tx Jim

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D-

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D-

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HollyFarmer

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Tx Jim

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Kent Petersen

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D-

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HollyFarmer

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Hugh McKinney

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akwells

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