Battery polarity, does it matter

[Zork]

Hey all, Zork here. I noticed on the Tractor Data site

TractorData.com Ferguson TO-20 tractor information

it says my tractor (1951 T020) has a positive ground, well the battery that was in the tractor when I got it was hooked up to negative ground- that is something I originally noticed. Well I bought a new battery (6V starter and generator), rebuilt the starter and hooked it up negative ground and, SHAZZAM!! the thing started and has been running like this ever since.
Heres the question, what difference does it make? I have noticed that my ampere gauge is not charging or discharging but the battery APPEARS to be charged; it does discharge when it is not running and you have the key on, however.

A big thanks IN ADVANCE to all who reply.

 

[Zork]

It just dawned on me, I think. I think the generator will be trying to charge the battery in a reversed polarity. So does that mean the lights will be burning darkness? Lol, just kidding.

SHAZZAM, just might be - KUBBAM! So I will not do anything more with this until I find out for sure.

 

[Zork]

I received this via email. I'm not particularly familiar with the TO-20, but on old (in general) the starter doesn't care about polarity. The generator can be flashed to either polarity (and should done) when the battery is installed. Depending on the ignition system, it can cost you some efficiency in the spark but usually not enough to keep the tractor from running.

The bottom line is that you should set up the tractor to one way or the other, but they are surprisingly tolerant of being mixed up (a newer tractor with an alternator or solid-state electronics, of course, is not). There is some information at the link below about checking electrical systems and flashing the polarity of the generator. The site in general (and the Ferguson forum in particular) are good sources of information...

Yesterday's Tractors - Discussion Forum

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