A win for the amp guys

AlabamaJim · Aug 5, 2018

Just got back from TS with my new ammeter. Seems the majority think it's best, and I know I'll gain an understanding of it quickly. Especially since everything is new, so it should all function correctly.
(unless I screw something up). Oh yeah, it was 8 bucks cheaper than volt meter.

AlabamaJim · Aug 5, 2018

If it did quit on me, I could probably hit the house with a rock from almost anywhere on the property! But now I have something to fill that 2" hole in the dash.

Royse · Aug 5, 2018

I have both and know how to read both.
Each has their pros and cons.

I remember seeing your earlier post but don't remember if it was
6V or 12V. If it is a 6V system, I wouldn't be without my ammeter.

Pretty much the same with a 12V system with a generator.
Although I do have a couple of those that only have idiot lights.
They tell me nothing unless there is a problem.
Guess which they measure?

On an alternator 12V conversion I've learned to live with a volt meter.
In that case, the parts are relatively cheap and you change them.

To play the devil's advocate, if your ammeter says you have
a dead cell, what do you do? Buy a new battery. Same-same.
But at least you know about it ahead of time.

AlabamaJim · Aug 5, 2018

Yeah Royse, I'm in the process of converting it to 12v. When I bought it, someone had really butchered the wiring and put in a 12v battery and changed it to negative ground. They also put in a 3 position
ignition switch and cut the wire to the push start button. I bought a 2 position switch and will hook the starter button back up. Also a tune up and a new carb. Also everything except the battery was still 6v
when I got it. It would only run with the choke all the way out! Lotsa fun!

pinball · Aug 5, 2018

They are cheaper. When you start your tractor is should go to the charge side and show so many amp. If you have a good battery then the amps probably wont be 6/7 but will drop back to 2/3 due to your charging system. What I like about the amp guage is that when yo see the starting amp increasing before it drops back that will indicate your battery is getting weaker. My back hoe that does have a good charging system now will show 15/20 amps after she starts. it will go down to 3/4 but not as quick as it use to be/. Every one has there preference Good luck .

AlabamaJim · Aug 5, 2018

So the quicker the amps drop after starting, the better the battery. Makes sense. Mine is 2015, since I just got it, I have no idea if it's always been in the tractor. if so, I'll probably be replacing it soon. Charging a 12v battery with a 6v generator probably shortens the lifespan substantially.

Hobo,NC · Aug 5, 2018

Cheap arse jim guess whut... when you have a issue folks will need the voltage reading not whut yer amp gauge is reading... Ha Ha...
Enjoy your new eye candy...

JMOR · Aug 5, 2018

(quoted from post at 21:51:12 08/05/18)
Cheap arse jim guess whut... when you have a issue folks will need the voltage reading not whut yer amp gauge is reading... Ha Ha...
Enjoy your new eye candy...

r buy a Tesla....it shows ampreres, volts and kW-hours! :roll:

Tim PloughNman Daley RIP · Aug 6, 2018

Year of battery means nothing. They can be junk out the door at the bargain house stores. The battery is one, if not the most,important part of the electrical system. The battery, 6V or 12V, doesn't matter which, must sustain a full charge under load to be efficient. Electrolyte in the cells must meet specific gravity levels, and can be checked with a hydrometer or by your local starter/alternator shop. You are doing nothing trying to charge a 12V battery with a 6V charger -think about it. Get your battery tested -don't just start replacing parts until they test bad. Once you have a good battery, invest in a decent float charger, like the Battery Tender brand. When tractor is setting idle for any period of time, especially 30 days or more, keep it connected so the charge level is kept up. It will also prolong the lifespan of the battery.

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

Tim PloughNman Daley RIP · Aug 6, 2018

I wouldn't rely on an idiot light or gauge with a +/- 25% variation to verify battery voltage. I'd take an actual reading with a VOM. It also isn't a contest either. A question was asked, opinions were given, one or two with actual facts given, not just opinions, and then the choice can be made from there. Remember Dell- "...you can do ennythang you want, it's your tractor, and your $$$..."? Yeah, it would be great to have both an AMMETER and a good VOLTAGE GAUGE, but, you can't always get what you want, right?

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

oldtanker · Aug 7, 2018

(quoted from post at 07:57:47 08/06/18) I wouldn't rely on an idiot light or gauge with a +/- 25% variation to verify battery voltage. I'd take an actual reading with a VOM. It also isn't a contest either. A question was asked, opinions were given, one or two with actual facts given, not just opinions, and then the choice can be made from there. Remember Dell- "...you can do ennythang you want, it's your tractor, and your $$$..."? Yeah, it would be great to have both an AMMETER and a good VOLTAGE GAUGE, but, you can't always get what you want, right?

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

2X

Rick

Hobo,NC · Aug 7, 2018

I hope you don't consider this an opinion...

Voltmeters just don't really tell you anything super useful

A win for the amp guys

AlabamaJim

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AlabamaJim

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Royse

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AlabamaJim

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pinball

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AlabamaJim

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Hobo,NC

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JMOR

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Tim PloughNman Daley RIP

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Tim PloughNman Daley RIP

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oldtanker

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Hobo,NC

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