Team Fitzgerald Thank you for the step by step instructional video. I now have done the 12 volt conversion upgrade on 4 Farmall H tractors a 48 Cub and a 55 300. Steiner also sells excellent wire harnesses. Thanks again
Like the videos guys.I just got my first ever tractor.A 1958 Massey Ferguson 50.I know absolutely nothing about tractors,in fact,I'm not even sure how everything works on it.But I got 10 acres that really need a major facelift.Can't wait to watch more!
Thanks Steven ~ Congratulations on your first tractor I am sure it will be a fun and sometimes frustrating adventure, but one you will never forget. There are many people out there in the 'tractor world' that are eager to help the new guy out. Have fun and enjoy the ride.
I liked everything about the conversion except those solderless connectors. I despise solderless connectors with a passion. In my experience, after age and time, one of the clampings lets loose and then there is an electrical gremlin to chase. Good video and thanks for sharing. Will be referring back to this in the future.
thanks for the advise and good instructions I bought that same 12 volt kit for my h but it still didn't charge but I was using the original 6 volt amp gage didn't know I had to change that now ill get a new 12 volt gage and ill check the wiring again I wrote down the instructions thanks a lot for the video steiner has helped me out a lot on getting me the wright stuff for my older tractors and advise thanks again
In the late 70's , early 80's my buddy's family farm were still using several H's to shuttle hay wagons....before lunch I was told to "filler up" .....well after lunch I fired her up......black smoke everywhere......yelling and cussing "SHUT HER DOWN!!?" suburb boy (me) had put diesel in the H. A memory that will be with me until I die.
Great video. My first working tractor is a '42 Farmall H. Just requested a catalog online. Thank you! It gets -20 F up here at times in Upper Michigan in the winter, the 6 volt system just won't do....
Thanks for the comment. I do think there was a slight miscommunication in the video on that wiring (negative vs positive). It was worded a little odd. Anyone can also follow the instructions linked in writing above and is sometimes handy to have in the shop with you:
Awesome video, I just bought my first tractor last Saturday, its a Farmall Super C. I'm wanting to convert my Super C to 12v. My question is will I need to change my points on the disturber. Also I have another question that not electrical related, my tractor will still free roll if I put it into gear not started, when I bought it the brake assembly on the right hand side are disassembled I'm not sure if this is causing the tractor to not engage in gear or if something in the transmission is missing.
If I have an H with the distributor that’s horizontal, can I still use the 12 volt internally resisted coil and not the barrel one they mentioned in the video? Shouldn’t it still work fine? Not a magneto tractor. Thanks for the help!
Looks like a pretty good set-up, I'd like to ask tho, did Steiner say a # 10 wire from the alternator to the battery? She started nice and quick, two thumbs up!
On this one, they left the 6 volt starter on. You can run a 6 volt starter on a 12 volt system. It may reduce the life of your starter somewhat, but many people just run them this way. You can also take your 6 volt starter into a shop to be redone or try to find a 12 volt starter you can use. Those will add to the expense of the conversion.
Looks good but the way the ignition switch wire is connected to the ammeter will not show the ignition draw. The only wire on the + terminal of the ammeter should come from the battery. All other wires should be connected to the - terminal.
It looks like a one wire alternator so no but even then with a three wire alternator the battery will not draw down from the output post of the alternator because of the rectifier bridge, but f it was a three wire alternator the internal regulator should be hooked into a switched circuit I believe otherwise it will draw down.
Hi Tony! Thank you for contacting us. When converting to a 12 volt system, you do not need to change your starter. Your existing starter will work just fine!
i have the smallest of the farmall tractors, a 1948 farmall cub, and yes its 6 volts. i think that on a cub, the 6 volt system is adequate in all but the coldest of temperatures, and yest i do use my tractor in all conditions. i plow snow with it in the winter, and mow my 2 acres of lawn in the summer. i wanted a tractor that was fairly in-expensive, reliable, has good parts availability, is economical on fuel, will hold its value, something that i can work on myself, and something that is compact enough to not take up my entire barn/garage but heavy enough to do some serious work as a small chore tractor. the cub is all of these things and is an ideal machine to have around the yard if cheapie disposeable lawn tractors are not your thing. as much as i can put up with the 6 volt system, do you have 12v conversions for the cub? part of me wants to keep it original and as i type this, everything works as it should. however, a 12v system certainly would give it some extra zing on really cold days.
+andrew donohue IHS2340 is our new bracket kit specifically for the cubs. ABC535 is the alternator. You can view the parts for your conversion on our website www.steinertractor.com/IHS2340-Farmall-Cub-Alternator-Bracket-Kit
A magneto supplies its own ignition spark for combustion. There a 2 different ignition switches. 1 for use with magneto ignition and another type used for coil/distrubutor ignition. You use one or the other. The 2 terminal ignition switch is used with coil/distrubutor ignition.
Maybe a stupid question but since it's a DC system and you are switching to negative ground I'm wondering why original starter wouldn't turn in opposite direction.
Hello Bob, the original light switch can be used, the only difference is the resistor that is used to dim the lights. It will work just fine for a long time and when the resistor burns out you would then replace the resistor or the whole light switch itself. Thank you for the question! Have a great day!
I have an h and I was wondering about how to wire up a new 12 volt light switch and the lights. I have 2 new whole light assemblies that as installed but I just do not know how to wire the switch to the lights and whatever else. If anyone could explain or link me to help it would be appreciated
+Normand Farms Depending on which switch you have, here are the links to the instructions. www.steinertractor.com/products/pdfs/IHS594.pdf www.steinertractor.com/products/pdfs/IHS596.pdf
Hi Mike! I'm not really sure what you are looking for - can you provide a little more information? Where are these restrains located/what are they used for?
Great video and all my tractors have been converted from 6 to 12volt. But... you can’t call it a restoration because if that’s what you were intending to do you’d bring the factory 6volt system back to perfect running condition. This could be termed a resto-mod.
Here is a list of parts you would need for your 350, you can find them all at www.SteinerTractor.com. ABC418 alternator, IHS1246BK Bracket kit, IHS601 light switch, IHS237 & ABC366 coil (if magneto no changes), IHS1837 ammeter, and new 12v light bulbs as required. Good luck on your project.
Are you able to explain further why you didn't use the ballast resister, was it because the alternator has an internal resister? mine has the 70 ohm ballast resister before the coil? just a little confused can you please help clarify? plus i have two wire i need to rev it up to have the alternator charge and i my alternator has an internal resister? very confused thanks carlo
I can give you a partial reply. With the choice of the much more modern design,the 1 wire alternator,you do not need the resistor that lowers the voltage going into the coil so the points do not burn out prematurely. With alternator with external voltage regulator,the resistor is mandatory.
hello sir, does ur tractor has the Charging warning lights ? im having trouble in wiring the charging lights ... it wont goes away after the engine has started ... so can u please show me how to wiring the charging light or ignition warning lights .... thank you in advance.
+MrBriandrifter On tractors with a charge indicator lamp you need the ABC535 alternator. This is a 2 wire alternator and one of the wires is for the excitation circuit. This wire will connect to the keyswitch and the charge indicator lamp is connected in series. -Tom
Team Fitzgerald
Thank you for the step by step instructional video. I now have done the 12 volt conversion upgrade on 4 Farmall H tractors a 48 Cub and a 55 300. Steiner also sells excellent wire harnesses. Thanks again
Very clear instructions, excellent lighting and video angles, good even voice with appropriate emphasis when needed. A great how to video!
+Anthony Tobin Thank you!
You're welcome.
Like the videos guys.I just got my first ever tractor.A 1958 Massey Ferguson 50.I know absolutely nothing about tractors,in fact,I'm not even sure how everything works on it.But I got 10 acres that really need a major facelift.Can't wait to watch more!
Thanks Steven ~ Congratulations on your first tractor I am sure it will be a fun and sometimes frustrating adventure, but one you will never forget. There are many people out there in the 'tractor world' that are eager to help the new guy out. Have fun and enjoy the ride.
I liked everything about the conversion except those solderless connectors. I despise solderless connectors with a passion. In my experience, after age and time, one of the clampings lets loose and then there is an electrical gremlin to chase. Good video and thanks for sharing. Will be referring back to this in the future.
THANK YOU! This is exactly what I needed to see to finish my conversion!
thanks for the advise and good instructions I bought that same 12 volt kit for my h but it still didn't charge but I was using the original 6 volt amp gage didn't know I had to change that now ill get a new 12 volt gage and ill check the wiring again I wrote down the instructions thanks a lot for the video steiner has helped me out a lot on getting me the wright stuff for my older tractors and advise thanks again
Thank you for your kind words, Dale! Best of luck with your project!
Mr. Fitzgerald did a great job with this Video , I learned a lot about this conversion. I will be trying this on a 1951 Farmall H .
Marty from "Mountain Men"!
Good video, very informative.
In the late 70's , early 80's my buddy's family farm were still using several H's to shuttle hay wagons....before lunch I was told to "filler up" .....well after lunch I fired her up......black smoke everywhere......yelling and cussing "SHUT HER DOWN!!?" suburb boy (me) had put diesel in the H. A memory that will be with me until I die.
Ive brought parts from you guys, very pleased and recommend you to anyone!
Great video. My first working tractor is a '42 Farmall H. Just requested a catalog online. Thank you! It gets -20 F up here at times in Upper Michigan in the winter, the 6 volt system just won't do....
+Doug P We sent a bulk mailing of catalogs out last week so you should be receiving your catalog within the next week or two. Good luck!
Thanks for the comment. I do think there was a slight miscommunication in the video on that wiring (negative vs positive). It was worded a little odd. Anyone can also follow the instructions linked in writing above and is sometimes handy to have in the shop with you:
glad you called out the issue, 11:09
Very informative and clearly explained. Whole process shown and important things stressed. Liked very much.
Excellent video Steiner! Very well explained!
Thank you 😊
Will this kit work for a m
I would suggest our kit IHS6179 for the Farmall M.
Good video the M sounds better than new!!
Great directions. Thanks!
Really nice job thanks for the video. That Ford looks really nice as well!
Great video!! I noticed at 11:10 you said the positive of the battery goes to the ground. Is this correct?
No, the positive goes to start switch/solenoid and the negative goes to ground...
Awesome video, I just bought my first tractor last Saturday, its a Farmall Super C. I'm wanting to convert my Super C to 12v. My question is will I need to change my points on the disturber. Also I have another question that not electrical related, my tractor will still free roll if I put it into gear not started, when I bought it the brake assembly on the right hand side are disassembled I'm not sure if this is causing the tractor to not engage in gear or if something in the transmission is missing.
If I have an H with the distributor that’s horizontal, can I still use the 12 volt internally resisted coil and not the barrel one they mentioned in the video? Shouldn’t it still work fine? Not a magneto tractor.
Thanks for the help!
I love Steiner videos.
Thank you Daniel
Looks like a pretty good set-up, I'd like to ask tho, did Steiner say a # 10 wire from the alternator
to the battery? She started nice and quick, two thumbs up!
On this one, they left the 6 volt starter on. You can run a 6 volt starter on a 12 volt system. It may reduce the life of your starter somewhat, but many people just run them this way. You can also take your 6 volt starter into a shop to be redone or try to find a 12 volt starter you can use. Those will add to the expense of the conversion.
Looks good but the way the ignition switch wire is connected to the ammeter will not show the ignition draw. The only wire on the + terminal of the ammeter should come from the battery. All other wires should be connected to the - terminal.
Today I learned why they call channel locks/cobra type pliers "water pump pliers" because of this type of adjustable fan belt pulley thing
Do you have a video like this one for a Massey Harris '30, or '44 , age 1948 - 1953?
Very good video
does there need to be a diode inline anywhere to prevent the battery from discharging when the tractor is shut of?
It looks like a one wire alternator so no but even then with a three wire alternator the battery will not draw down from the output post of the alternator because of the rectifier bridge, but f it was a three wire alternator the internal regulator should be hooked into a switched circuit I believe otherwise it will draw down.
So I'm guessing this conversion would work the same for an H with a magneto, MINUS the wiring back to the ignition switch, coil and distributor??
Do you need to swap from a 6v starter to a 12v starter in order to do the conversion?
You do not need to switch the starter when converting to a 12 volt system.
I just bought one for a farmall 100 and it says to run 12 ga wire to the POSITIVE side of the amp gauge why is mine different? thanks!!!
where did you get the starter and how do you convert to 12 volt starter?
Hi Tony! Thank you for contacting us. When converting to a 12 volt system, you do not need to change your starter. Your existing starter will work just fine!
i have the smallest of the farmall tractors, a 1948 farmall cub, and yes its 6 volts. i think that on a cub, the 6 volt system is adequate in all but the coldest of temperatures, and yest i do use my tractor in all conditions. i plow snow with it in the winter, and mow my 2 acres of lawn in the summer. i wanted a tractor that was fairly in-expensive, reliable, has good parts availability, is economical on fuel, will hold its value, something that i can work on myself, and something that is compact enough to not take up my entire barn/garage but heavy enough to do some serious work as a small chore tractor. the cub is all of these things and is an ideal machine to have around the yard if cheapie disposeable lawn tractors are not your thing. as much as i can put up with the 6 volt system, do you have 12v conversions for the cub? part of me wants to keep it original and as i type this, everything works as it should. however, a 12v system certainly would give it some extra zing on really cold days.
+andrew donohue IHS2340 is our new bracket kit specifically for the cubs. ABC535 is the alternator. You can view the parts for your conversion on our website www.steinertractor.com/IHS2340-Farmall-Cub-Alternator-Bracket-Kit
Is this the same setup on a magneto ignition h?
You would just not need the coil
how would you do this if it was a farmall M
John, the conversion for the M is going to be very similar to the H. Call our tech department if you have any further questions at 1-800-234-3280
Wouldn’t you burn the 6 volt points on a 12 volt system?
Hello!
The points are not volt specific. You use the same points on a 6 or 12 volt system but would need to change the coil over.
I have a converted 46 H to 12 volts with magneto. It has solenoid. Without me looking at wiring, is the conversion the same as this video shows?
Dave this video is based on a conversion with a distributor.
A magneto supplies its own ignition spark for combustion. There a 2 different ignition switches. 1 for use with magneto ignition and another type used for coil/distrubutor ignition. You use one or the other. The 2 terminal ignition switch is used with coil/distrubutor ignition.
I have a ih 300 utility. It's a mess with the distributor I need major advise on how to re install it in TIME
Shane we have a distributor video that may give you some tips.
www.steinertractor.tv/wrenching-with-rachel/distributor-repair-tuneup/189272--3764768/
Do you have to put a new starter on or can you use the old 6v one?
You can use the existing starter when converting to a 12 volt system.
Ben, you can use your existing starter.
Maybe a stupid question but since it's a DC system and you are switching to negative ground I'm wondering why original starter wouldn't turn in opposite direction.
@@kenhilson786 I was wondering your same question about the rotation of the starter after conversion. Did you ever find an answer?
Can the original light switch be used on my W4 for this conversion ?
Hello Bob, the original light switch can be used, the only difference is the resistor that is used to dim the lights. It will work just fine for a long time and when the resistor burns out you would then replace the resistor or the whole light switch itself. Thank you for the question! Have a great day!
What about a magneto setup?
There is no external power on a magneto setup so there would be nothing to change when converting.
I have an h and I was wondering about how to wire up a new 12 volt light switch and the lights. I have 2 new whole light assemblies that as installed but I just do not know how to wire the switch to the lights and whatever else. If anyone could explain or link me to help it would be appreciated
+Normand Farms Depending on which switch you have, here are the links to the instructions. www.steinertractor.com/products/pdfs/IHS594.pdf
www.steinertractor.com/products/pdfs/IHS596.pdf
do you sell original looking farmall/IH cable restrains ?
Hi Mike! I'm not really sure what you are looking for - can you provide a little more information? Where are these restrains located/what are they used for?
Steiner Tractor Parts they hold the wiring harness at points on tractor
We offer the www.steinertractor.com/Wiring-Harness-Wire-Clip-SetIHS2629 The only way to find the original ones would be at a local salvage yard.
Great video and all my tractors have been converted from 6 to 12volt.
But... you can’t call it a restoration because if that’s what you were intending to do you’d bring the factory 6volt system back to perfect running condition.
This could be termed a resto-mod.
good job
can someone give me a detailed list of what I need to convert a farmall 350 from 6 to 12.
Here is a list of parts you would need for your 350, you can find them all at www.SteinerTractor.com. ABC418 alternator, IHS1246BK Bracket kit, IHS601 light switch, IHS237 & ABC366 coil (if magneto no changes), IHS1837 ammeter, and new 12v light bulbs as required. Good luck on your project.
Thank you
Are you able to explain further why you didn't use the ballast resister, was it because the alternator has an internal resister? mine has the 70 ohm ballast resister before the coil? just a little confused can you please help clarify? plus i have two wire i need to rev it up to have the alternator charge and i my alternator has an internal resister? very confused
thanks
carlo
I can give you a partial reply. With the choice of the much more modern design,the 1 wire alternator,you do not need the resistor that lowers the voltage going into the coil so the points do not burn out prematurely.
With alternator with external voltage regulator,the resistor is mandatory.
I thought that it was because the coil has an internal resistor.
hello sir, does ur tractor has the Charging warning lights ? im having trouble in wiring the charging lights ... it wont goes away after the engine has started ... so can u please show me how to wiring the charging light or ignition warning lights .... thank you in advance.
+MrBriandrifter On tractors with a charge indicator lamp you need the ABC535 alternator. This is a 2 wire alternator and one of the wires is for the excitation circuit. This wire will connect to the keyswitch and the charge indicator lamp is connected in series. -Tom
+Steiner Tractor Parts but i already have a JFZ1928 alternator which similar to ABC535 alternator... will it work
+MrBriandrifter Yes it should work, but I can't tell you what wire is the excitation circuit. -Tom
I converted mine back to 6 volt.
You can restore your tractor using steiner for 2.8 million dollars too
Bad video. Shows nothing!