An electric starter requires a LOT of instantaneous power in order to start an engine. Even on a small gas tractor you are talking something 3,000 watts or so. Bigger gas engines and diesels require much more power � 10 - 20 kilowatts and higher.
Supplying this amount of power from a 120 volt line brings up several problems. (For the following discussion Let�s assume a starter draws 3,000 watts):
1 � A 3,000 watt transformer with a 12 volt secondary is not cheap. Nor is it exactly small � figure about the size of large lunchbox. Locating and adequately protecting (weatherproofing) the transformer on a tractor would be problematic.
2 � Factoring in internal losses, the transformer will require about 3,500 watts input from the 120 volt line. That works out to a 30 amp draw. This is NOT available from your normal residential or farm branch circuit!
3 � You would need a HEAVY cord to supply the transformer. A minimum of #10 would be required. If any substantial cord length was necessary an even bigger #8 cord would be necessary. (Have you priced #8-3 SJO cord lately?!!) Of course special receptacles and cord connectors would be required also.
4 � If your tractor is parked (or stalls/quits) too distant from your high capacity 120 volt circuit, your gonna need the battery ANYWAY to get it started again.
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Bottom line is it�s a lot more cost effective to let battery(s) provide the burst of power necessary to crank up a tractor engine!
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Today's Featured Article - Timing Your Magneto Ignition Tractor - by Chris Pratt. If you have done major engine work or restored your tractor, chances are you removed the magneto and spark plug wires and eventually reached the point where you had to put it all back together and make it run. On our first cosmetic restoration, not having a manual, we carefully marked the wires, taped the magneto in the position it came off, and were careful not to turn the engine over while we had these components off. We thought we could get by with this since the engine ran perfectly and would not need any internal work. After the cleanup and painting was done, we began reassembly and finally came to t
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