Cut some grass after sunset tonight, had to use my lights

SteveB(OH) · Sep 11, 2017

Last winter I converted my front mount 48 8N to 12 Volts with help from this board.

Tonight I noticed 2 things when I used the headlights:

1) The ammeter didn't swing left indicating discharge state

2) Instead of weak yellow light, I had bright white light to work by.

Thanks to all of you that helped me with the conversion, I'm still reaping the benefits of your knowledge !!

Ultradog MN · Sep 12, 2017

In the nearly 18 years I've been farten
around with these Fords I've had occasion
to use the lights just once and that was
to go recover a deer my buddy shot right
at dusk. We tied it to the boom pole and
brought it into camp that way.
Otherwise, like the chickens, my tractors
know when it's time to head for the coop.
I do know something about 6V lighting tho.
Had a 46 Jimmie that I drove all around
the western part of the country and a 48
Diamond T that I drove up the AlCan and
back. Dunno which was the dimmer bulb, the
ones in the headlight housings or me for
driving around in those old trucks.
Of course going through the St Elias
Range at night it doesnt matter much
whether youve got 6 or 12. You'll feel
very, very much alone and not be able to
see as well as you like.

Ed S. · Sep 12, 2017

I've both plowed and baled hay at night with my 6V '50, and had no issues with lack of light, but then, I completely rewired my tractor when I rebuilt it in 2008.

plowing at night video link

My former '64 VW Beetle was also 6V and had poor lights until I replaced the wiring harness and made sure all the connections were 'clean, bright and tight.'

There are use cases where 12V is appropriate and desireable, and if I had one, I'd have no qualms converting, but a well-maintained 6V system will work just fine in most cases, too.

es

L.Fure · Sep 12, 2017

(quoted from post at 17:58:11 09/12/17) I've both plowed and baled hay at night with my 6V '50, and had no issues with lack of light, but then, I completely rewired my tractor when I rebuilt it in 2008.

plowing at night video link

My former '64 VW Beetle was also 6V and had poor lights until I replaced the wiring harness and made sure all the connections were 'clean, bright and tight.'

There are use cases where 12V is appropriate and desireable, and if I had one, I'd have no qualms converting, but a well-maintained 6V system will work just fine in most cases, too.

es

I had an older doctor tell me that the worst thing on a farmers back was putting lights on their tractors. With lights on the tractor farmers spent too much time in a tractor seat causing back trouble. I also knew an old farm who told me he used to plow all night with a F-14 with a kerosene lantern hanging on the front of the tractor.

Ed S. · Sep 12, 2017

I could see that... I plowed down 11 acres with the 8N and a two-bottom a few years ago - took me two weeks doing an hour or two each night, and I was sore for weeks after!

es

Caryc · Sep 12, 2017

(quoted from post at 14:16:27 09/12/17) I could see that... I plowed down 11 acres with the 8N and a two-bottom a few years ago - took me two weeks doing an hour or two each night, and I was sore for weeks after!

es

Maybe you should get one of the new seats with a backrest on it.

Ed S. · Sep 12, 2017

Nah, I like the old pan seat - it's part of the experience!

es

Caryc · Sep 12, 2017

(quoted from post at 15:40:51 09/12/17) Nah, I like the old pan seat - it's part of the experience!

es

I used to think it was kind of comfortable, the way it fit my rear end. Then I happened to buy a MF202. The bare metal bucket on that thing about jarred my teeth loose the first time I drive it in my field. I then purchased the black Universal seat available on this site. Man, what a difference. It is really comfortable and is on springs to absorb any shock. I should buy one for the 8N also, the same seat will fit it. But since I got the MF202, I only use the 8N for mowing duty. I'm not really on it that long to worry about it.

Ed S. · Sep 12, 2017

Oh, I don't disagree it would be more comfortable - my Boomer 8N has a molded foam seat, after all. It's more about reliving 1950s farming, including the sore butt after plowing all day. Thankfully I don't do that kind of plowing but every 5-7 years!

es

Hobo,NC · Sep 12, 2017

A N never sit hear long with 6V and probably never will.... I have several hundred pounds of 6V generators/regulators Its part of my retirement plan... :lol:

I can not see how anyone can be happy with 6V's and be proud of it :roll: I make my living making it better it pays well good enoufh does not pay as well...

Ed S. · Sep 12, 2017

Different strokes, I suppose. I'm perfectly happy with mine the way it came from the factory, although I'm far from an "originalist," and I don't feel a need to belittle someone who wants to convert to 12V. But honestly, I can't think of *any* reason to "upgrade" what's already working fine for my use case. Other use cases may warrant 12V, and if so, have at it… the OP did and seems to be happy with it.

es

Royse · Sep 12, 2017

(quoted from post at 23:32:40 09/12/17) Different strokes, I suppose. I'm perfectly happy with mine the way it came from the factory, although I'm far from an "originalist," and I don't feel a need to belittle someone who wants to convert to 12V. But honestly, I can't think of *any* reason to "upgrade" what's already working fine for my use case. Other use cases may warrant 12V, and if so, have at it… the OP did and seems to be happy with it.

es

I think you've hit the nail on the head Ed.
Some use cases require it, otherwise good maintenance will work.
My issue has been finding reliable voltage regulators for the 6V N's.
Otherwise, they start and run fine.
When I bought the 12V spreader I had to put it on a 12V tractor.

It's usually dark when I get home from work in the winter.
If I have to plow snow, I like lots of light.

HFJ · Sep 12, 2017

i'm happy to have bright 12 volt lights on both of mine - one by my hand, one by a PO.

but i'm even happier to rarely if ever need to use either of them at night. and, lest we forget, Joseph Lucas said: A gentleman farmer does not tractor about after dark

Cut some grass after sunset tonight, had to use my lights

SteveB(OH)

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Ultradog MN

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Ed S.

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L.Fure

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Ed S.

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Caryc

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Ed S.

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Ed S.

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