changing a 420 to 12 volt

[Anonymous-0]

I have three 420 john deere tractors.one is restored and is 6. Volt.one is already changed to 12 volt.but is has an alternater.the other is a very nice original paint tractor...my question is....can you make a 6 volt generator into a 12 volt.if you can what else do you have to change.I just want it to look original..besides the 12 volt battery ....

 

[Rusty wheel]

Change the light bulbs. Starter will be fine as long as you don't have to crank it very long to get it started. Amp gauge should be ok. Coil will hae to be changed to 12 volt. Starter can be rewound to 12 volt.

 

[Hayfarmer]

I converted my 430 over to 12 volt years ago. I used a 12 volt coil with internal resister. I went to an alternator as it is a "user". I later put an
electronic ignition on it. The generators on those little tractors are sort of short and stubby. Not sure if you could convert one of those to 12 volt you would have to check with an electrical shop. If you want to keep it looking original you might want to just put on heavy battery cables and stay with what you have. My 430 never started very fast and I wanted to put lights on it. 12 volt lights are a lot easier to find.

 

[John T]

A generator shop (if you can find one) can indeed change the genny to a 12 volt. Kenneth down in Texas at Classic Generator can do a good job if needed. I have used a 6 volt genny and they charged a 12 volt battery when I changed the Voltage Regulator to a 12 volt, but before anyone has a calf, Im NOT saying its engineering correct or that it charged at a real high rate Im ONLY saying it worked and never caused me any problem. Or else go buy a good used 12 volt genny and 12 volt Voltage Regulator

If it has a 6 volt coil you can keep it and just add a series external voltage dropping (12 to 6) Ballast Resistor after the ignition switch before and ahead of the coil OR ELSE get a new 12 volt rated coil no ballast needed.

Change the lights, the starter will work okay, and if you happen to change polarity (its NOT necessary using a generator, but probably needs Neg ground if an alternator). Be sure to be safe you Polarize the genny before you start her up.

If you do change polarity the coil leads need swapped and ammeter if it has one

John T

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hey rusty....ok...but what about the generater..ok on the light bulbs and not cranking too long...can the generater be rebuilt for 12 volt...thanks ...

 

[Ray]

A 1010 12 volt generator will work.

 

[Mark-Ia]

I couldn't get windings a few years ago for the genny on a 40, 6 to 12.

 

[Rusty wheel]

Hey Bigredbird. Excuse me, I meant to say the generator could be rewound. Sorry about that.

 

[John T]

Yes, the genny can be rebuilt for 12 volt operation, try Kenneth in Texas at Classic Generator if thers no old fashion mom n pop genny/starter/alterntor repair shops near you.

John T