Finding a reasonably priced 6V tractor battery?

[tstex]

I have a 1951 JD MT and it’s 6V, positive ground. The posts are diagonal to ea other and battery needs to go into battery tray only one way so cables can properly connect.

Ques: what would a 20% increase from 6V to 8V do to the tractors electrical system? I have a 2-popper w distributor (points & condenser), generator, cut out relay, starter but no lights. What about CCA’s size if i could go from 6 to 8V? The battery has to have the same profile/footprint to work too. If the ROI is better on 8V & no issues. I’d go w it.

Here she is:

 

[azbinder]

When I had a '41 International K2 pickup, my dad switched it an 8 volt. Used the original starter, generator, gauges, and lights. All he did was to adjust the voltage up to 8 volts. Made a difference in starting. BTY, it had a later SD220 ohv engine inplace of the original GRD214 flathead.

 

[charles todd]

I have a 1951 JD MT and it’s 6V, positive ground. The posts are diagonal to ea other and battery needs to go into battery tray only one way so cables can properly connect.

Ques: what would a 20% increase from 6V to 8V do to the tractors electrical system? I have a 2-popper w distributor (points & condenser), generator, cut out relay, starter but no lights. What about CCA’s size if i could go from 6 to 8V? The battery has to have the same profile/footprint to work too. If the ROI is better on 8V & no issues. I’d go w it.

Here she is:

Will require adjusting the voltage regulator to about 9 volts. Or just use an 8 volt Battery Tender maintainer if it is a occasionally used tractor (which I'm sure a JD M is).

CT

 

[tstex]

I have a cut-out-relay and starter switch...from there, it integrates the starter, battery/s-plugs and distributor....what part would you install where for the 8V battery to work ? thanks again

 

[JoelCarroll]

Years ago in the 70s, I had a 6V VW and a 12V radio I wanted to install. I installed a 12V battery and ran a big screw through the top center of the battery to get the 6V to start and run the VW. Worked but I don't remember how well the battery charging worked out.

 

[sixdogs]

Years ago in the 70s, I had a 6V VW and a 12V radio I wanted to install. I installed a 12V battery and ran a big screw through the top center of the battery to get the 6V to start and run the VW. Worked but I don't remember how well the battery charging worked out.

Can you explain that better? I know nothing about batteries so how do you run a big screw through the center of the battery and get 6V?

 

[Oaktree]

Years ago in the 70s, I had a 6V VW and a 12V radio I wanted to install. I installed a 12V battery and ran a big screw through the top center of the battery to get the 6V to start and run the VW. Worked but I don't remember how well the battery charging worked out.

I read somewhere once that at least some of those old 6V VW starters ran ok with 12V. Obviously, the lights and charging system would need to be updated...don't think the 6V ones had any electrical gauges.
Weren't the old VWs positive ground though? That would throw a wrench in keeping the old starter. I do recall seeing aftermarket car radios back in the 60s/early 70d that were switchable between + & - ground.

 

[Oaktree]

"8 volt battery? You gotta be kidding. If 6 volt is rare then 8 volt is in the Smithsonian."

8 volt batteries are common.

Where are they used? Don't think I've ever seen one.

 

[Jstpssng]

This discussion got me looking, as I have 2 tractors which take six volts that I am trying to bring back into service. It seems like you are more apt to find a unicorn than a reasonable price on a 6 volt. The best option might be an optimum; it's going to be around $250, yet hopefully will last longer than a traditional lead acid battery. You can even get a vintage looking box to put it in... for another 90 bucks or so.

 

[charles todd]

This discussion got me looking, as I have 2 tractors which take six volts that I am trying to bring back into service. It seems like you are more apt to find a unicorn than a reasonable price on a 6 volt. The best option might be an optimum; it's going to be around $250, yet hopefully will last longer than a traditional lead acid battery. You can even get a vintage looking box to put it in... for another 90 bucks or so.

Tractor Supply Co has 6v battery for $109.99 last week when I was there.

CT

 

[ruffdog]

Only $77 here.

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/040573-blains-farm-and-fleet-6v-24-month-commercial-battery.html

 

[Jstpssng]

Only $77 here.

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/040573-blains-farm-and-fleet-6v-24-month-commercial-battery.html

That's more like it!!!

 

[sixdogs]

I'm the OP on this and here's an interesting development. I was under the impression that more expensive meant a better battery so I was about to go to XXXX, a pro auto parts chain and try to negotiate a better deal than the almost $150 I was quoted the first time I called. I think he said retail was about $25 more.

So I searched the battery on-line today and found the price at XXXX was now quoted at $122. Well, maybe the price changed in two weeks but that price change makes me uneasy.

It puts a whole new light on the XX Farm Store battery at approx $110. While I didn't check CCA's etc I now have to wonder if all these batteries aren't the same and the priced just depends on what the market will bear. Shopping seems to be a good idea.

 

[ruffdog]

While I didn't check CCA's etc I now have to wonder if all these batteries aren't the same and the priced just depends on what the market will bear. Shopping seems to be a good idea.

You have to know what battery you need...what group size and CCA are mandatory facts to consider.

 

[sixdogs]

I'm the OP and here's how this ended. I started out with the intend to buy the best I could and that was almost $150. My belief was more money meant a better product. After comparing CCA other stats, I bought a battery from Rural King for $72 that is nearly the equal to the $150 I had my eye on.

Even better, the $72 battery has a one year free replacement and second year prorated warranty that is better than the expensive battery.

 

[Sonny580]

They will NOT honner the replacement!!!! IF you actually could get them to, --they prorate it so you still get nothing! --- figure if it dies you just have to buy another one.
As far a 8 volt batts--------Stay away from them! its either 6 or 12volt. Stick 8 in there and you screw up the regulators and the 6 volt generators! How do I know??? dont ask! lol!