Correct location to run battery cables on M/MD

SW EM · Mar 27, 2017

Where do you guys to place your ground cable to the chassis? And what route does your positive cable take to get from the starter switch behind the battery box to the starter.

I am in the final stretch of restoring a '50 MD. Found nice LED replacement sealed beams that look stock....until they are turned on! Wow, they could almost blind a guy. The battery box is under the gas tank in case you were wondering.

Thanks in Advance!

SW EM

Janicholson · Mar 27, 2017

The battery (on Mine) was on the left side under the fuel tank in a battery box. The ground cable should go directly to a starter mounting bolt. This keeps line loss to a minimum on the ground side, and puts the grounding location close to the starter motor. THe same policy should be assigned to the negative lead. from the battery to the switch, from the switch to the starter lug. Using 2-O gauge wire with soldered on copper terminal ends is best. Make sure the cables are held fast between the box and attachment. Wire loom clips are good. Jim

D Slater · Mar 28, 2017

Original cable from switch to starter went down right side with 2 retainer clips on top cover bolt or one on belt pulley gear box bolt through to top cover if I remember correct. 50 MD should have a brake pedal stop. One clip on front mounting bolt of it and one in belt pulley right bolt or cover opening bolt. Original positive ground had negative battery terminal to starter switch. Positive battery post went to second 6 volt battery to right of rear seat. Positive was then grounded to top cover or box mounting. Guess you need a ground near the box or starter.

jim warehime · Mar 28, 2017

Factory was 2 6 volt batteries in series. One under tank second sat next to right side of seat. Positive on rear grounded to the center deckplate bolt at rear of tractor, negative cable ran to positive terminal on front battery (left side in front box) then front negative ran to switch. From switch down right side of tractor (live Dslater said) to starter. Pilot knob restorations has the rear box but don't have the mounting brackets. I could supply the pattern to make the mounting plates. If not using rear box just ground to a deckplate bolt there by the box. I can txt you pics of the rear box set up on my 51 md just shoot me a email with your cell number. Jim.

caterpillar guy · Mar 30, 2017

Save the hassle of the 2 batteries and put one 12 in under the tank. Then just run the cables to the starter. Ours has always been negative ground since we bought it in the 70's it is a 50MD

Correct location to run battery cables on M/MD

SW EM

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Janicholson

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D Slater

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jim warehime

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caterpillar guy

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