[Lovesthedrive]

6 volt turns slow, 12 volt she will start right up

6 volt is original and correct. 12 volt is aftermarket

6 volt you can get lights and parts on line. 12 volt you can get anywhere.

6 volt may not have the umph to start at 50% charge. 12 volt, oh hey its now 6. (lol)

6 volt you dont need to change anything. 12 volt you will need 12 volt bulbs + charging circuit + resistor.

6 volt generator has field coils in the regulator that will eventually stick and drain battery, maybe even fry the regulator. 12 volt you can get a one wire alternator for $48, install it and it is happy. It has diodes, only way to hurt it is to hook it up positive ground.

12 volt can run on a 6 volt system. 12 volt you can use smaller wires to achieve the same thing (why autos are now 12 volt)
6 volt CANNOT be used in a 12volt system.

12 volt most of your wiring is 16 gauge (less copper). 6 volt your wires are 12 gauge or larger.

6volt if you try to jump start the battery will explode if it gets 12 volt. You will also destroy the lights if on, burn out anything 6 volt when it gets that 12 volt.
12volt, No Probs if some one jump starts you.

6volt group 1 batteries are $65 and up! 12 volt batteries are $45 and up.

6 volt will not run a inverter. 12 volt you can hook up a inverter out in the field and build a house!

Its really up to you. If you like authenticity and prefer 6 volt, knock yourself out.

I converted my crawler back to 6 volt. Yet on my 60, it was a 12 volt. Frankly I love having the engine fire right up.

 

[Stephenscity]

I agree I think it all depends are you using the stuff or just want it pretty for show, Give me the 12 volt anytime if it's converted right.

 

[bikerdave]

If you want it to look right, use a twelve volt generator (neg ground).

 

[oldman1151]

I prefer the 6 volt system because I prefer to be original and I am a stubborn German.

 

[JD2840]

I prefer the 6 volt system because I prefer to be original and I am a stubborn German.

Same here! I'm a stuborn Czech

 

[bikerdave]

As long as you keep the six volt system maintained, connections clean, it will work fine. Be sure to never jump start from a twelve volt vehicle! As the twelve volt system only uses half the current, it can stand a bit more neglect.

 

[mac266]

My B is still on the 6 volt system, but one of these days I might convert it. As to jump starting, I have a battery charger that will do 12v or 6v. All I do is push a button to toggle between the two. So whenever I've had to jump the B, I just charge it up for a while and then fire it up.

 

[RyanMark]

I just can't figure out where to run the live wire into my magneto, keep burning them out

 

[RyanMark]

I better point out that was a joke, before i win a idiot award

 

[soundguy]

unfortunately, about a third of that list, as written, is worng or misleading.

it boils down to personal preference.

soundguy

 

[bikerdave]

Hey it just takes a bit more maintenance care to keep a 6v system operating in the pink. Personal preference! Do you want it to work or look original?

 

[oldman1151]

Hey it just takes a bit more maintenance care to keep a 6v system operating in the pink. Personal preference! Do you want it to work or look original?

No reason not to have both.

 

[RyanMark]

If your tractor has a shot 6 volt generator that would take 300+ dollars to fix

um.. if it takes 300$ to fix.. then it ain't a foord. most ford gennies repair or rebuild / swap in for 100$.. most spendy vreg is around 40.. 50 if from the dealer..

thus if spending more than 150$ on a genny / vreg.. somethings wrong.

soundguy

 

[Lovesthedrive]

I am glad this thread has opened some interesting discussions. I apologize to any of you that feel my understanding is in error. I meant this only as a glimmer to the pros and cons from other forums condensed to the original post.

As a fellow has told me in the past. "It is your tractor. If they dont like it, let them replace it for you. - Digitup"

 

[oldman1151]

I am glad this thread has opened some interesting discussions. I apologize to any of you that feel my understanding is in error. I meant this only as a glimmer to the pros and cons from other forums condensed to the original post.

As a fellow has told me in the past. "It is your tractor. If they dont like it, let them replace it for you. - Digitup"

Your orignal post listed pros and cons and may been or may be helpful for someone trying to decide what to with thre tractor. Responses were informative and added more facts and opinions. One also neeed to read between the lines on this kind of stuff. There is some controversy on which option is better but I do not think you need to aplogize for starting a good thread. As you pointed out the best option is what the indiviual decides after considering the pros and cons for each, making a decision and living with that decision. I do not think you caused any grief for anyone. Good thread. Thanks for posting. I know I enjoyed it.

 

[wizzard]

i use whatever works and is the cheapest to fix. like our massey we went back with 6v because we got a new wire harness anyway. but on the JD B even with new cables and starter a 6v wouldnt even turn it over after the engine rebiuld so i tossed in an optima 12v and a gm one wire alt. now i can thro a twist in it tho, ive got some with + ground and some with - ground. switchin those as i need to

 

[soundguy]

alot of it is machine specific. generally when I get a tractor I leave it wat it came to me as, if converted correctly.

on my JD b, it came with a shoddy 12v setup. i converted it back to 6v. it didn't turn over as fast.. but it started up just the same. having a mag ignition I'm sure helped a bunch.. etc.

 

[Jason1Pa]

For me if I can have a 12 volt and keep the Alt. hidden Like on my Farmall " M" Then 12 volt is fine. but if I have to look at the Alt on something that should be 6 volt then I'd sooner stick with original :lol:

 

[soundguy]

can always do a stealth conversion.

some of my 00/01 series fords are wearing 12v generators.. makes em look stock

 

[bikerdave]

Jason, you know that you can use a twelve volt GENERATOR and maintain the look and have the advantages of twelve volt. Generators aren't as efficient as altenators, but on a tractor, who cares. I mean, there ain't much of a load.