[AT] 24 volt Deere's

[Cecil R Bearden]

I have one of those bastard systems on a 62 model 4010 I use on a feed 
tractor.   We spent hours trying to get this tractor to start over the 
years.   We tried a series parallel switch and it burned up in a month.  
We bought a 12 v starter from a rebuilder and installed a 12v Delco 
alternator and it still would not start in cold weather.   Finally I 
ordered a starter from NAPA for about $350 and built a 12V Delco 
alternator and since it had a loader on it, I fabricated a bracket for 2 
group 31 batteries and threw away those slimline batteries that were 
made for 59 Ford cars!!   The tractor would start in any weather.  The 
starter was high as we got it from NAPA, the highest priced parts house 
in OK...    I would look up DB electrical on EBAY and call them for 
their recommendation on a gear reduction starter.  Then you should use a 
12V delco alternator and build it with the highest amperage you can 
get.    If you really want to keep it original,  find a 24V generator 
and regulator, and wire the batteries to  have one battery run the 12V 
accessories and the other one only used when starting.  The problem is 
with that 12V neg and 12V positive windings in the generator and the 
regulator that has to go with it.  A 24V system is ok, You could save 
your starter if you can find a 24V generator.  Or get a 12V delco 
alternator and install a 24V regulator.  DB electrical can explain it 
better than I can in an Email.   What ever you do if you want it to 
start, get rid of that generator and regulator combination. I just get 
red in the face when I think of all the hours and money we spent trying 
to get our tractor to start with that old system. Deere should have been 
required to issue a recall on that system.
Cecil in OKla

On 10/29/2013 10:52 PM, Al Walker wrote:
> My 1961 4010 has that battery set up.  Never have been positively impressed
> by it.  Batteries don't last long for me either.  I've thought about
> converting to a straight 12 volt system, but no one seems to give those
> starters or generaters away inexpensively.  The kits I've seen are in the
> $750 range.  I can buy a few batteries for that amount.
>
> Al in NW MN
>
>
>
>
> Anyone here have experience with Deere tractors that cranked on 24 volts and
> run on 12? Dad’s 1968 4020 diesel is this way,  the ‘69 we used to have was
> not. I’ve never heard anything good about this electrical system setup, and
> we have had way too much trouble with batteries in this tractor for the past
> 45 years. I just replaced one of them, it was slightly over 3 years old. I
> bought a service manual a while back so I decided to start reading up on the
> electrical system. The tractor cranks on 24 volts and then runs on 2
> separate 12 volt systems. Apparently Deere knew this was a worrisome system,
> as it begins to trouble shoot why one battery may be charged and the other
> one not. It gives remedies such as adding a bulb to pull one battery down,
> adjusting the regulator output, and switching sides with the batteries
> occasionally. I was told many years ago we should just convert it over to a
> later style electrical system, but stubborn pride has caused us to keep it
> original. Anyone else ever dealt with one of these systems and tried Deere's
> tricks to maintain longer battery life?  When the field work ends for the
> year I plan on checking/adjusting the regulator.
>>
>> John Hall
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