Got 12V kit, lost docs, anyone recognize this?

[1 Acre Warrior]

Yep.

The only way I have to raise the arms is to run the engine, either to use the hydraulics or to get it under the A-frame.

"There's a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza . . !"

 

[Jim.ME]

If the hydraulics are good, I have raised a bucket using the starter. Cranking for a few seconds while pulling the lever, stop, wait to cool the starter then repeat.

 

[1 Acre Warrior]

If the hydraulics are good, I have raised a bucket using the starter. Cranking for a few seconds while pulling the lever, stop, wait to cool the starter then repeat.

I might give that a try. But I have seen no indication that the hydraulic system has ever been given any attention other than filling.

 

[Jim.ME]

I might give that a try. But I have seen no indication that the hydraulic system has ever been given any attention other than filling.

Have it cranking when you pull the lever in and when you release the lever.

 

[markdtn]

The standard batteries were all in the $150+ price range. I went to Wally World and picked up a U1 (garden tractor) battery for $35, figuring it will work or it won't. Works GREAT -- but the tractor doesn't start (even on ether). I checked the wiring, it's all as should be, and I'm getting 12V at the coil -- I guess that 3.3 Ohm resistor isn't supposed to drop much voltage.

The points are seriously eroded, so it's time to put in the new set and condenser that have been sitting here, and I'll pick up a spark tester. I may end up just getting a new 12V coil.

A U1 lawn/garden battery is 300 to 350 CCA. The bigger batteries are 550 or so CCA. The little battery may be enough, but if it doesn't start fast you may be recharging it.

 

[1 Acre Warrior]

A U1 lawn/garden battery is 300 to 350 CCA. The bigger batteries are 550 or so CCA. The little battery may be enough, but if it doesn't start fast you may be recharging it.

It's been turning the starter ukuplenny fast -- even that whole first day, when I was really using the starter and not getting fire (coil leads needed to be reversed) -- without having to put on the charger. It's also been starting the tractor, cold, without ether.

If the smaller battery DOES start getting weak after a while, that's still not a problem worth spending the extra $150 for -- when it had the 6V battery, I had to charge it for a day before using the tractor, so it's not a real problem charging this battery if I need to. Once running, the ammeter shows a pretty hefty charge rate for a while.

For that matter, even if I had to buy a new battery every year, I'm still ahead -- the $185 battery would last maybe 4 years, and four U1 batteries would cost $140.

 

[used red MN]

It's also been starting the tractor, cold, without ether.

A gas tractor in good tune does not need ether to start, only certain types of diesel engines require ether to start cold.