While some have offered great advise, some indicates no knowledge of OLD equipment. Back in those days Knowledge of electrical systems was minimal.
1. If electric start was on a tractor the starter used either an operator activated starter mounted switch (usually by pushing a pedal or pulling a wire) the other type had a large push button on the dash, often reminded me of the old foot operated headlight dimmer switch. The starter was equipped with an inertia engaged drive, often referred to as the bendix. Later starters were activated by a separately mounted solenoid but were still inertia drive. By late 50's solenoid shift starters became common usage.
2 Generators were often very low output. All were connected or disconnected from the battery by a cutout. Some had output regulated by moving a third brush. Other systems used the light switch to control generator output. The light switch was connected to the field post of the generator. First position, normal or "summer" position the field was grounded thru a resistor on the light switch. Second position winter or limited use position, the switch fully grounds the field for max output from the generator. Third position same as second position, but also turns the lights on.
Yes back in the day 6 volt was what was used, and often as systems aged, wear took its toll starting became more frustrating. Many attempts were presented to "fix" the problem. Starter boosters were one of these, basically it made a starter into a gear reduction starter. There were companies that made different field coils to be installed in the old "weak" starter.
Another adaptation that took root especially with tractor dealers to help the problem was the 8 volt battery. Buy the battery remove 6 volt, install 8 volt, go back to work with an easier starting tractor. Occasionally the generator would need slight adjustment for the higher voltage, often no adjustment needed.
Eventually the voltage regulator replaced the cutout and replaced the three position light switch and eliminated need for the operator to adjust it.
Also be aware most of these systems were usually positive ground.
Some manufactures in the late 40's started using 12 volt systems but still others still used the old 6 volt system.
By the mid 50's most had converted most of their production to the 12 volt system, but there were 6 volt systems still used. Since battery technology was not sufficient to start the higher compression tractor engines often two 6 volt battery were used in series to not only make 12 volt but to greatly increase available amperage, as 12 volt battery amperage was still low.
As for today purist want to retain the originality or keep the as produced appearance of the old iron, often more expensive and more aggravating than throwing in the towel and converting to 12 volt I appreciate this time and effort as nothing destroys the appearance of old iron than a cobbled mount for an alternator hanging off a tractor or batteries hanging off the sides of a tractor because they did not fit in the original location.
Learned from my old iron an my 20 plus years working for a dealer.
If I missed something or need corrected please "do it"
Have a great day!
