6V or 12V

Mark-OH · Sep 10, 2009

I have someone interested in buying my TO-20, I still have a TO-30. They want to use it daily on a small horse farm for the manure spreader, as well as mowing and dragging the arenas as needed. The potential buyer is worried that the tractor will have trouble starting in the winter with a 6V system. They want to know if it could be converted to a 12V. If they do go to a 12V system, won't they have brighter head lights too?

Richard L · Sep 10, 2009

When these tractors were new no one worried about starting in the winter. If it has had the ground moved from the back of dash to a better grounding area and everything is at specifications I wouldn't be worried about it starting in the cold. If they want to change it to 12 volts it should give a little brighter lights and of course turn the starter faster so it may start quicker. Again like anything if it is kept in good repair there should not be any problem.

John (UK) · Sep 10, 2009

Yes you can convert from 6 volts to 12 volts quite easily, you would need to rewire it though, use an Alternator, plenty of used ones about. Light bulbs would have to be changed, if you want them brighter then fit bigger wattage bulbs, nothing really to do with the voltage.
If you need a wiring diagram and info for doing all this just email me and I will send it...John

email to:- [email protected]

gshadel · Sep 10, 2009

Mark, I have a 6V TO-20 in North Central Ohio, Morrow County. My TO has never failed to start for snow plowing duty, even when the outside temp. has been well below zero. I don't use oil pan warmers, or any of that other stuff and my TO sits outside, but it is under an awning. It is a myth that 6V does not start in cold weather... as long as the TO electrical system is well maintained, and the engine is tuned and runs well.

But, 12V conversions are easy enough to do, and an alternator will give the TO a lot more amperage to run much brighter lights, sprayer pumps, winches, horns, and all kinds of cool gizmos that are not possible with 6V, and the meager ~25 A output of the stock generator will provide.

George

Mark-OH · Sep 10, 2009

Thanks to all for the information.
I think I will rewire the whole tractor before parting with her.
George, I am just south of Centerburg.

JPINTO · Sep 10, 2009

I am also considering changing to 12v on my TE-20. Does anyone have a good recomendation for part numbers for an alternator, Voltage regulator and coil setup for 12 volt? I like the idea for better lighting and low rpm charging. Also any opinions about electronic ignition?

Anonymous-0 · Sep 10, 2009

I have a TO-20 and two TO-30's. Even though they are 12 volt systems, I have the negative battery wire taken to the bolt that holds the starter to the tractor. I live 20 miles south of Buffalo NY. They start without problem, even when the temperature is a -10F.With a 6 volt system, just take the ground wire to the bolt that mounts the starter for a more direct connection.

Xwild · Sep 10, 2009

6V 1955 TO-35 here in NY on top of highly windy hilltop.. It stays in a "Garage-in-a-box" tarp garage during the winter, but starts without even using the choke. Don't know why everyone is in a rush to change to 12V on something that's worked just fine for the last 54 years at 6V.

Anonymous-0 · Sep 10, 2009

I had a new TO-20, never failed in Mn.

Richard L · Sep 11, 2009

Mark, don't forget about the other way to change to 12 volts. Have your original generator changed to 12v and no one will know the difference unless they see the battery. It looks just like the 6v system including positive ground.

gshadel · Sep 11, 2009

Mark, I'm just outside Marengo
There are plenty of places to get 12V parts, Ebay is a good one. Watch that you properly wire a ballast resistor in line to the coil, or install a 12V coil, otherwise the coil will overheat and burn-up in short order with a 12V system. You should also turn the coil around so polarity is correct when you switch to negative ground. Both are common 12V conversion mistakes.

George

6V or 12V

Mark-OH

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Richard L

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John (UK)

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gshadel

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Mark-OH

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