8 VOLT BATTERIES

[Danny Boy]

I use 8 volt batteries in my 6 volt John Deeres for a little extra kick to starter, but don"t have much luck with battery life (18mos-2yrs).
All have working generators but are usually not run long enough for full charge, so I keep the batteries topped off with an external charger.
I always trickle charge at low amperage, but is 12 volt or 6 volt setting best on 8 volt batts in the long run ?

 

[old]

That is one of the many problems with a 8 volt band aid fix batteries. You can not buy a true 8 volt charger any more and a 6 volt one might get you 7 or so volts and a 12 volt one boils them over so your had either way you go. It is best to either go with 12 volts or fix the problem so they start on 6 volts. 6 volts worked well for decades and still will but ya now days a thing or the long gone past. In my area of you want an 8 volt battery you have to special order it

 

[[email protected]]

6 volts will start a tractor if the system is working properly. Its worked for more than 70 years, why screw it up now?

 

[John T]

It depends on the charger, but if its only set to charge a 6 volt battery (maybe at 6.5 to under 8 charging volts) I dont see it doing the job (likey not at all) like if set for 12. Ive used a 12 volt charger set on the low charge setting to sucessfully charge 8 volt batteries but dont do it for long unmomitored charges and keep an eye out for excessive outgassing and/or boiling over......BUT IF SUPERVISED AND DONE RIGHT IT CAN CHARGE AN 8 VOLT BATTERY ON THE 12 VOLT SETTING (still subject to charger design)

A true genny repair shop can adjust a 6 volt Voltage Regulator up to better charge an 8 volt battery, but if it has a VR and its not adjusted for 8 volts, its not gonna keep that 8 volt battery properly charged and wont give you long life.

On 6 volt systems I recommend 0 or even 00 Gauge battery n starter n ground cables and the biggest heaviest highest rated battery that will physically fit in the compartment to improve cold weather starting. Im NOT a fan of the oddball 8 volt system, if you absolutely must convert Id go ahead and do teh standard 12 volt system....

John T

 

[LarrySTN]

I charge 8 volt batteries on a very regular basis with 6 volt battery charger but you must use a higher amp 6 volt setting. The trickle setting does not charge with enough voltage to fully charge an 8 volt battery. I also use a timmer so the charger is not on for more than an hour a day.

 

[Indiana Ken]

You might consider a small 12 volt solar panel to keep your 8 volt batteries topped off. A 5 watt panel will measure approximately 12" square and typically is rated at 15 volts @ 0.32 amps. The panel is capable of outputing the required voltage to charge the battery however it is current limited which "limits/controls" over charging.

I have been testing a panel on my 8N Ford, 6 volt this past summer - so far it seems to work satisfactory. My brother has an 8N which is used several times a year and is stored in a barn without electricity. Hopefully, we will be able to use the panel for his tractor.

I am sure others are using small panels for topping off batteries. I would be interested in any experience or comments.

 

[Danny Boy]

Dave,
You sound like my Dad...his opininion also.
Maybe 6v batteries are not what they used to be? I can't get one to last 2 yrs without problems.
I know original 6v systems were designed to function on working tractors that ran for hours.
Today, I only have time to play with mine and don't really give them a chance to charge properly.
Thanks

 

[Danny Boy]

Old,
Thanks for the reply.
In TX, Tractor Supply stocks 8v batts with 6v batts and both are exactly the same size; so it's easy to stick an 8v in for a little boost to the starter (very noticable difference).
Like everyone is saying, proper charging is the problem.
I don't like the look of a 12v conversion.

 

[old]

You can in fact do a 12 volt conversion and have it look just like a 6 volt system by using a 12 volt generator instead of the alternator. Other then the battery having 6 caps every thing else look the exact same.

 

[M-MAN]

I sure hope the 6 volt batteries ain't what they used to be. I never had one last over a year & I stopped using them at least 25 years ago. Lots of folks will tell you a 6 volt system has worked fine for 50 years so don't mess with it. Don't believe it. I've been around them longer than that & it just don't happen.

A 6v system can work perfectly but usually not for long. It takes all it has to crank and run a tractor when it's in like new condition. Just a tad of corrosion starting on any wire terminal, brush, commutator, points or battery post and there isn't enough umph left. Run it all the time & you'll have a lot less problems. Sixes are fine for restoration's but just about useless on a worker. JMO

 

[Kurt_JDB]

I have been running 6v systems in tractors and cars since 1970, which is when I got my first car, a "53 Chevy.

Other than cleaning and tightening the electrical connections every 5 to 10 years, and making sure the system is working well to begin with, I have not had any problems with 6v systems. Battery life has been the same or better than my 12v. Stuff.

The secret is to buy a good 6v battery to begin with, (CAT batteries are good, Optima batteries are good) and CHECK THE DATE CODE when you do.

Refuse any battery manufactured more than two or three months ago. This is the main problem with a 6V battery, they have been sitting on the shelf for a year or longer.

If you don"t use the tractor or car much, keep an intelligent battery tender on it. I like the solar panel idea.

Make sure your charging system is up to snuff, and that you are using the right gauge wires.

So good connections, a good battery that is kept charged, a charging system in good order and correct gauge cables, and all will be well.

Why wouldn"t it work right?

Just my 2 cents.

Kurt

 

[David G]

Convert them to 12V or leave them 6V

 

[Hugh McKinney]

My dad and uncle had two Super M's with cotton pickers on them in season, converted both to 8 volts, and never regretted it. The pickers ran 'til well after sunset, with lights at all corners of the machines, and a six volt wasn't up to it, even when new. The trick is a way to charge an eight volt. Around Shreveport, Louisiana, you can still obtain an eight volt regulator from Fletcher's or Tri-State Magneto. They are very common on older oil field and farm equipment.

 

[Bob Harvey]

Ditto - waste of time & $$

 

[Engineut2]

All of my Mowers AND tractors seem to use the same battery...'87 Buick..!!!
IF they don't last 60 Months, they are Warranted and get replaced...!!!