John Deere 40 12volt conversion

[Brady Eldridge]

Does anyone know if the John Deere 40 series is a 12 volt system or a 6 volt. If it is a 6 volt then what do I need to convert it. Thanks

 

[d. coleman]

6 volt positive ground. if you convert to 12 volt, the system can use neg. ground. just change light bulbs to 12 volt and add a balast resistor to the ignition coil so points wont burn. dont use starter long during starts without a cooling rest under 12 volt system. good luck, d. coleman

 

[F-I-T]

...and change the leads on the coil to match the chassis polarity....and flip the leads on the ammeter. The starter probably won't notice the higher voltage, as the current will be smaller, as well, but it tends to be a bit tough on the nose pieces.

 

[John T]

A 40 with a good heavy duty high CCA rated battery (ask Frank about the 6 volt Optima AGM performance) and 00 gauge battery n starter n ground cables OUGHT TO START FINE plus that will keep her original.

If you insist on 12 volt conversion you can use a 12 volt Generator and Voltage Regulator and retain the factory original POSITIVE ground with no need to swap coil or ammeter wires/polarity as Frank mentioned, just add the external series voltage dropping (12 to 6) ignition Ballast Resistor as Coleman mentioned (or swap out for a full true 12 volt coil no ballast required). Of course, if you go the alternator route most require Negative ground so that calls for the wire/polarity coil and ammeter lead changes Frank mentioned.

John T

 

[Anonymous-0]

I am not saying not to change to 12v, but I've had an "M", "40" and a 430 and they were all 6v and easy winter, summer, wet or dry starters. If your only reason to change to 12v is for ease of starting, I think the tractor has some mechanical issues that should be addressed before making a change to 12v.

 

[RobMD]

100% correct. 6V positive ground worked just fine in any weather conditions provided that all parts are in good condition.

 

[d. coleman]

sorry for forgetting the lead swap. thanks to all for covering my back. dont throw away your 6 volt stuff if it is still there, post it as it is highly sought after items. d. coleman