If you went to look at a new gas powered tractor today, would you consider one that came from the factory with a 6v generator system and points ignition? You'd expect them to sell about 2 of them because the maintenance on those systems would be too costly, especially when equipping one would cost as much or more than a modern system.
There is a reason tractor manufacturers started with 6v systems, and a reason they abandoned them for 12v, and very good reasons they abandoned 12v generators for alternators. There is a reason they abandoned mechanical points for electronic systems. These things are called "improvements" because when properly implemented they work better than the former technology and increase productivity and efficiency. Just look at the Farmall A (1939) to 140 (1974) saga. If it had hung in there another few years, it would have been not only 12v alternator, but EI as well, and if they were still made today, they'd have full syncro trannys and EFI, because these things make for more useful and efficient tractors with far less maintenance.
Shops have regularly "retrofit" new improvements to older tractors to make them better suited to the needs farmers had for them - bigger pistons, better heads, higher output hydraulics, even things like duals ("they didn't come from the factory like that, so it's just wrong!")
Yes, you can get by running the 6v starter on 12v. A lot of people have and have had no problems. Shortly before I changed my SA to 12v, the starter was giving out (spent a summer hand cranking it, which sealed the conversion before winter), so had that rebuilt with the 12v field coils and new bendix. Works great and glad I changed the system. I can now run lights (and jump other vehicles buried in snowbanks on frigid days) with ease.
Above all, this is Your tractor. If it's a restoration, you'll want to keep it at 6v, or at least keep the parts to change it back. If you're using it for work, make it work for you in the best way you can.
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Today's Featured Article - Buying your first tractor: Choosing the right one - by Chris Pratt. They cost less than the tax on a new tractor (at least where we live). They have the weight to do the job. They are simple and understandable. They even have a history and can be restored to become a major source of pride and enjoyment. But how do you know what to buy and how do you make the right purchase? There is a surprising number of machines available in every shape and size imaginable. Like most things in life, your needs have a lot to do with wh
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