Very hard to say if 6 or 12 V. Most conversions are done with alternator. If you still have a generator chances are it is still 6 V. Not uncommon for someone to put 12 V battery in a 6 V tractor and run it that way. Probably won't charge correctly but if the tractor has a mag battery is only used for starting and will last a while. Chances are no one will have changed starter even if converted to 12 volt. If it has generator you could get numbers from that in case someone converted it to 12 volt generator. If it has a distributor check to see if there is a resister ahead of the coil.Hi I just bought a 1950 Farmall M and it has an old 12v truck battery that needs replaced. I’m not sure if it’s been converted to 12v or if it’s 6v. How do I tell? The tag on the starter is beat up so I can’t read it. Thanks
I will check that. ThanksIf it has lights look at the bulbs to see if they are 6V or 12V.
Dave
I just looked it does have an alternator.Nearly all 12V conversions use the original 6V starter.
Look under the hood on the right side at the front. If there is an automotive alternator hanging there, it is fully converted to 12V. On a seldom-used tractor, the owner may just throw a 12V battery on it, and charge the battery when needed, rather than mess with the tractor's electrical system. All it's needed for is to start the tractor, if it has a magneto.
Well that would indicate it is 12 volt assuming who who ever did it knew what they were doing!I just looked it does have an alternator.
Being that is once was 6 volt start a lawn mower battery will start if but the bigger the better and if your going to run it this time of year the highest CCA you can find that fitsWhat size 12v battery fits & works the best on the M? I don’t have the original battery box just plan to put under gas tank and use tarp strap.
I think I would something a little stronger and more ridged than a tarp strap! Maybe get someone to weld up a steel box that fits the location.What size 12v battery fits & works the best on the M? I don’t have the original battery box just plan to put under gas tank and use tarp strap.
Pretty much any automotive 12V battery is plenty. You do not need a Group 31 unless you plan on jump-starting class 8 trucks with this tractor.What size 12v battery fits & works the best on the M? I don’t have the original battery box just plan to put under gas tank and use tarp strap.
Yes, "with everything correct." It's a constant fight to keep everything correct. 12V requires far less maintenance, and complete conversions can be done for less than the cost of replacing the 6V generator.I have a 1955 300 with 6 volt original system and it spins over just as fast as a 12 volt tractor. It is all in having the right battery, clean good connections, right size battery cables and a starter in excellent condition. My tractor will spin over and start in less than 2 revolutions even on a cold day.
I'm not against 12 volt systems, but with everything correct a 6 volt will do the same thing as the 12 volt.
A group 24 works well on my 'fleet' of Ms. I built a simple tray to hold the battery.Held down with a simple tarp strap,I have never had a battery come loose.What size 12v battery fits & works the best on the M? I don’t have the original battery box just plan to put under gas tank and use tarp strap.
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