What Do You Think About Going From 6volts To 12v.?

That analogy of 12V being a band-aid is true. I can start my flat-head Ford at 10 below with a stock 6V system. But it has everything maintained, and good compression.

About the only way I would change, would be to add a 12V accesory, like a spray rig or something.

Just my opinion though.

Take Care
Steve W

If the primary purpose of the tractor is to do work - where reliable starting and minimum maintenance is paramount - a 12 volt ALTERNATOR conversion is the only way to go! In addition to reliability, this gives you the option of installing more and brighter lights for working at night. Also it gives flexibility to swap batteries back and forth with modern tractors, trucks, cars, etc. as needed. Example - I've yet to figure out how to use my boat and my tractor at the same time. Consequently one 12 volt battery "time shares" in the boat and on my old Oliver snow pusher.

On the other hand for parade/show tractors, I like the original 6 volt systems. Here "looks" take priority over low maintenance. Keep in mind also shows, etc are generally under favorable weather conditions (warm, no rain if you're lucky!). And should a 6 volt tractor NOT start under these conditions aside perhaps from some embarrassment, it's not a big deal. Of course a 6 volt generator system is fussier about overall maintenance - not only the charging system, but also ignition, carburetion and engine mechanicals must all be in top condition for reliable starting.

A 3rd option is a hybrid: Rework the stock 6 volt generator for 12 volts. Doesn't give the idling power output or the maintenance-free performance of an alternator. But it DOES give provide the improved cranking (and lighting) performance of 12 volts. And it of course maintains cosmetic appearance of a "stock" 6 volt system.

I own several old tractors (Farmall, Oliver, MM), a couple of which I've converted 12 volts. One is my snow pusher - it must start reliably in the worst conditions of weather and it requires lots of lights when in use. My other - a Super M - came to me with high compression pistons and propane head. Even with a fresh battery, oversized cables and a new starter it was difficult for the starter to roll it on 6 volts. But it tips over and starts quick on 12 volts. Also on the Farmall an alternator tucks neatly up under the hood - you gotta bend and stoop to even tell it's been converted.

Bottom line you gotta decide based how you plan to use your tractor, and whether or not you care if it looks "original"!

6 volts with heavy cables, a good battery, a good starter, good points/plugs, and good connections will start the old tractors under most conditions. They will sometimes start well under very cold conditions. I've got a Farmall M and SM that have been seriously "fiddled with" during their lifetimes; they have over-bore sleeves and high-compression pistons, and good starter motors. They DO NOT turn over well on 6 volts! For the last 20 years of their lives, they've each been working quite well with an 8-volt battery that does have enough oomph to spin the motor, and did NOT require ANY modification to the regulator or generator.

Now having said that, There is a very good chance that the next time I need a battery for one of them, I just may go ahead and convert to 12 volts.
I'd suggest making sure the starting system and ignition system are in good shape, and then if you still don't like the way it starts, go to 12 volts.

As G Taylor said, 12v is a band aid that won't last forever.

Second tractor to get the conversion was a John Deere B. Started very slugishly on 6v, on 12v it's turning over and starting right now! conversion was simple - since generator needed repair anyway, and a new regulator, we just put on a 12v regulator.(And reversed polarity) New battery needed anyway, ignition system is magneto, so nothing needed there, Just a new 12 volt bulbs! Works great. Would never know it is 12v unless looking under the seat. Son refurbished this one for his senior project in high school, and was posted here a while back. Also was pictured in a recent issue of "TWO CYLINDER" magazine. Son was out pulling a field cultivator and grain drill with it last week.

To those of you who are purists, and need to keep their 6v systems, I understand. Mine are not show tractors, - they're workers, and I need them to work. I don't scoff at your insistance on 6v systems, please don't look down your nose at me for making practical modifications in my worker tractors.

--->Paul

My father has redone 2 Allis Chalmers and converted one to 12 and left the other 6V for the purists. Well last week he took his 6V generator to a Starter & Alternator guy and had it switched to 12V. He could never use the tractor when he wanted to without messing around and hoping it started where as the 12V always started no matter how cold it was.

I am glad that some guys leave theirs 6V so that the generations in the future can see what a pain in the a$$ they were to start.

Going to 12 volts also makes the tractor able to use any electrical equipment, like lights, pumps and such, easily.

(And I speak as one who has converted to 12V without a kit and without any problems. In my case, the tractor needed a new battery AND a new generator so converting didn't cost any more. I also wanted to use a 12V sprayer that I already had.)