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Harry Ferguson Tractors Discussion Forum
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TO-30 questions

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glenmorebuckman

10-09-2007 20:48:39




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I recently purchased my deceased uncles to-30 and it needs some work. I'm not sure if it's 12 volt or 6 volt is there a way to tell? Also how do I tell if it is negative or positive ground? If it's set up for six volt will starting it with 12 burn something. I was thinking I could start it then use a volt meter on the generator to see how much it puts out.




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JerryCPP(WA)

10-11-2007 14:14:35




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 Re: TO-30 questions in reply to glenmorebuckman, 10-09-2007 20:48:39  
All good advice - as far a + or - ground, if it didn't have a battery, the cables will only fit the proper posts. If you find you have to stretch one and shrink the other, you are putting the battery in wrong. Battery posts are different diameters.



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phil(va)

10-10-2007 14:39:53




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 Re: TO-30 questions in reply to glenmorebuckman, 10-09-2007 20:48:39  
Some other things you can check. The voltage regulator may be marked 6 or 12 volts. (You may have to remove it to look at it, however.) Also, the coil may be marked 6 or 12 volts. If so, that will be a clue. If it has lights, check the bulbs for markings.



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phil(va)

10-10-2007 06:03:30




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 Re: TO-30 questions in reply to glenmorebuckman, 10-09-2007 20:48:39  
Lots of thoughts. Here are a couple. If it has a generator, not an alternator, then most likely it is still 6 volts. The TO-30s were all 6 volts positive ground originally, but this is not a 'for certain' test, as someone could have coverted the genny to 12 volts. Also, if the small wire from the coil to the distributor (not the big wire out of the top of the coil) is from the positive side of the coil (should be marked on the coil), then it probably was positive ground, and thus most likely was hooked up as 6 volts. This also is not a definite test, as it is possible, though unlikely, that it was 12 volts positive ground. Now to your corollary question, you can jump a 6 volt tractor from a 12 volt battery, but you have to do it by the correct procedure. Do NOT hook the batteries together. This procedure is in the archives. Basically, you turn the key on, and then hook the 12 volt battery to the top bolt on the starter and then just touch the other cable to any ground on the tractor, being absolutley SURE the tractor is out of gear. This process eliminates the possibility of damaging your ignition.

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glenmorebuckman

10-10-2007 03:35:08




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 Re: TO-30 questions in reply to glenmorebuckman, 10-09-2007 20:48:39  
I can't find a tag on the generator and the battery was removed a long time ago. To make matters even worse, both battery cables are black.



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greenbank

10-09-2007 23:22:44




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 Re: TO-30 questions in reply to glenmorebuckman, 10-09-2007 20:48:39  
Ways to tell six volt:

1) If the generator still has its original tag on it, it will say. If someone has substituted an alternator, it's definitely 12 volt.

2) Look at the battery. If there are three cells it's a six-volt battery. If there are six, it's a twelve volt.

3) Put a voltmeter across the battery terminals. 6 volts or thereabouts, 6 volt system. 12 volts, 12 volt. Even a worn out twelve volt battery will never read six volts (unless it has three completely dead cells).

Ground:

See which battery terminal is connected to ground.

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