6v or 12v

gene zick · Feb 23, 2014

If the tractor has an alternator, is it a 12volt system? I installed headlights on it and they burned out immediately

Richard L · Feb 23, 2014

My impression is alternators are 12 volt unless you request a 6 volt. Sounds like yours is a 12 volt alternator, working on a 6 volt tractor.

2tractors · Feb 23, 2014

Most times an alternator is an indication of a 12 volt system so if your bulbs burn out I'd expect to see 6V somewhere on the bulb.

phil(va) · Feb 23, 2014

You didn"t say what voltage the headlight bulbs
were. Other respondents are assuming they were 6
volt. Presumably you know what they are since you
installed them. Yes, alternators are generally 12
volts. But it occurs to me you could have 12 volt
bulbs and they may have burnt out for some other
reason??

ShadetreeRet · Feb 23, 2014

If the battery has six filler holes, it is twelve volt. Since you didn't specify what brand and year tractor it is, leaves a lot of possibilities. If it was originally a six volt that has been converted, the bulbs or lights should have been changed also, unless the previous owner never used the lights. Although it is a bit unusual for both bulbs to pop at one time, if the tractor was originally twelve volt,then you have a problem elsewhere. Just some thoughts.

Steve@Advance · Feb 23, 2014

Look at the battery, if it has 3 cells, (caps
where you check the electrolyte level) it's 6v, if
it has 6, it's a 12v.

The lamps will be marked with their intended
voltage.

If you find the lamp voltage to be correct, and
they burned out, better check the alternator
output with a volt meter. There could be a problem
with the alternator or wiring causing it to
overcharge. With a 12v system, the voltage should
level off at about 13.5 to 14.5 volts at fast
idle.

6v or 12v

gene zick

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Richard L

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2tractors

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phil(va)

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ShadetreeRet

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Steve@Advance

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