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Jump starting a tractor?

J

JohnV2000

Member
Before I try to jump start my tractor today, I want to make sure I do it correctly.

It is a 12v conversion, Farmall Super C. Someone mentioned I might not want to do it the same way I would jump a car, so are there any tips or tricks?

Thanks,

John
 
I normally put jumper cables on my Farmall C by placing the clamps on the starter stud and the other on any close bolt head. On the 12 volt that would be positive on the starter stud. That is where I put the charge on as well most of the time.
 

Ok, thank you. So just clamp the positive somewhere on the metal I circled in this photo and put the negative anywhere nearby?
mvphoto33879.jpg
 
Did you charge the battery and do the cable cleaning discussed last night? I would do all that and try it, so as to do the voltage tests before jumping it. If you jump it, the test wouldn't mean much as you are using an outside power source, JMO. You will want to do some voltage checks at the battery and alternator once it is running to see if it is charging properly.
 
Try to charge the battery for at least an hour or two before trying to jump start. The more power that's in the battery, the better your engine will crank -- providing you don't have "other" issues.
 
You have your voltmeter now. Be methodical in testing and troubleshooting. Follow the advice the fellows have posted for you, they have years of experience. Your starter is likely still 6 volt. It should spin easily and start using just the battery. You might jump it and get it going, then not be able to find the real issue, until the next time it doesn't start and you have to search again. Time spent now may save you having to spend time on it in a much less convenient location next time. My thoughts for what they are worth.
 
It will jump just like a car sense it has been converted to 12v negative ground.

Just use the regular precautions to avoid sparks near the battery, as in making the final connection somewhere other than the battery.

But, jump starting should only be used in emergencies. Charging the battery is the preferred method.

Jump starting stresses the alternator of both vehicles. An alternator is mostly designed to maintain a charged battery, not to charge up a dead or defective battery.
 
I read the alternators can be damaged when battery is dead. Sudden death alternator.

Recommend taking battery to auto parts store and have it tested.

Rural King if you need to buy nee battery.
 
John, if its converter to 12 volt negative ground, jumping is similar to a car or truck POS to POS NEG to NEG and don't make the last connection near the battery top where explosive fumes can be present. Jumping a very weak battery with a good one poses some hazards including explosion if not done correctly and you sound inexperienced

HOWEVER if it reads 12 volts its approximately 50% discharged. As an electrical engineer I strongly suggest you first fill electrolyte to the proper level,,,,,,,,,,, CHARGE THE BATTERY AND HAVE A SHOP LOAD TEST IT,,,,,,,,,,Insure all battery cables and ground cable are good n tight and not corroded.

Checking electrolyte and charging the battery and having a shop test it is soooooooooo easy n cheap and I try it FIRST before jumping although sure jumping (if done correctly) may get you started

John T Retired Electrical Engineer
 
Had a young fellow that his truck quit running on the road in front of my place. I went out to investigate to see what the problem was. he said it just quit. battery looked fairly new. I asked him if had had checked the water level. he then said he found the battery upside down with water leaking from it. so I checked the water level and no water. I explained to him the battery will lose its charge without any water. I went to the barn and got a jug of distilled water. took a lot but filled it back up. tried it and it did try harder but wouldn't start. took it out and put it on 10 amp charger for about 10 minutes and re installed the battery and she fired right up. hopefully they learned something by this experience. at least there not in front of my house. seemed like boys.
 
I didn't really follow your earlier thread. It sounds like your battery is teetering on the edge of life. Why not get a new battery and be done with it, then
you don't have to fiddle with jump starting it? You're not gonna want to do that every time you fire it up. And it sounds like you're gonna use it and not
let it sit around.
 
(quoted from post at 11:49:22 04/03/19) I didn't really follow your earlier thread. It sounds like your battery is teetering on the edge of life. Why not get a new battery and be done with it, then
you don't have to fiddle with jump starting it? You're not gonna want to do that every time you fire it up. And it sounds like you're gonna use it and not
let it sit around.
Click to expand...

I am hoping my battery is not at the edge of life, because it previously had been starting my tractor for a couple months very reliable, even after sitting for a week and even in below freezing temps. This time, it did not start after sitting for two weeks while I was on vacation.
 
If you can start the tractor from the seat, that is safest. If you can't, make sure the tractor is out of gear before you engage the starter. I move the shift lever around just before I pull the starter rod, even if I am sitting in the seat. Do it even if you are certain the tractor is out of gear.

This is very important. Most of the older tractors do not have a neutral safety switch and can start in gear and run over someone standing next to the tractor.
 
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