3020 gas electrical

[Ranhil]

I am having my generator checkout as it has not been charging. The gentleman working on it suggested I switch it over to an alternator. From what I understand(I hope this is correct) it is a 12 volt system, just charged with a generator? I am wondering what it would take to change it over and if it is really worth it. Tractor runs fine and starts good in any weather. Any help and or suggestions appreciated.

thanks
Randy

 

[Anonymous-0]

Gas is 12 volt positive ground. The common alternators are negative ground. So you have to do a mechanical mounting, and for my 4020 I found hardware in the auto electric shop to make the alternator fit the generator bracket, though I had to make new holes to line up the pulley. You need a small diameter wide groove pulley. You have to reverse the battery and coil primary connections.

Its nicest to use the generator light to excite the alternator and supply enough resistance that the engine won't keep on running with the key off when you hook the alternator regulator to the ignition circuit.

With the one wire alternator, I have to run my 4020 up to about 1650 RPM to get the alternator to begin charging, then it charges fine at all speeds and truly charges the battery in a few minutes where the wimpy generator took much longer. You need a sturdy wire preferable about 8 gauge from the alternator to the battery post on the starter solenoid. Mine is 10 gauge and does limit the maximum charging rate. I also wired in an ammeter so I can tell whether the charging is working right or not. With my generator and old regulator it wasn't. I get years instead of months out of my battery.

Gerald J.

 

[Ranhil]

thank you very much!!
Randy

 

[Ranhil]

You would not have a wiring diagram for this, or know where I can get one?

thanks again.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The best on is in the Deere service manual. Be sure to get the right one for your SN as the family changed a lot over the years.

Next best is in the parts book which your Deere parts counter should be able to print from their computer for you. Its more pictorial with color codes than schematic diagram.

Poorest is the I&T book, thin shop manual. I have the I&T and the shop manual for my early 4020. In a pinch, likely the 3020 wiring is pretty close, but I don't know it would be exactly the same.

Gerald J.