New B275 Owner with Questions

[RussWilson]

Hi to all!

Just purchased my first tractor. Got a 1959 B275 diesel, with loader, 8 ft scaper, and a rock bucket (I think thats what its called) for $1500 Cdn. The tin is good except for the front grill (totalled). Had it running and worked the trip bucket, drove it around etc. I think I did ok.

Former owner was using ether to start it, and alot of the electrical has been bastardized. Starting is accomplished by a squirt of ether and using jumper cable to the starter directly. Fires right up, no real smoke to speak of, and no major leaks to speak of.

I have been starting to look at getting it in a better starting condition, and it has wondering a couple of things. I know that these tractors were originally + ground setup. Mine is wired as a negative ground (ie battery neg goes to chassis). I don't know if the generator works (I assume that it would have to be rewired, but how do I check this). As well, would the starter crank in the right direction, if the ground situation (pos to neg) was reversed. Sorry it's probably a dumb question.

It is missing the tach and the other gauges appear to be inoperable (possibly disconnected) and the key appears to be bypassed. Looking at the entire wiring system, it has been hacked into in so many spots and done so poorly that I intend to rewire it all.

Anybody also know where I could begin to look for some front tin and possibly a used tach?

I will be using this tractor for moving snow and landscaping my property.

Thanks in advance for you help and direction.

Russ

 

[Don1]

Hi Russ: I also aquired a B275 ,converted mine to a neg.ground, it had no charging system at all so installed a delco 2 pin alt with internal regulater and used a volt meter instead of a amp gauge , also compleat rewiring. Works wonderful ,and yes tha starter runs the proper direction. Compleat rewiring is the best way and less trouble in the end . The original generators have a slow charge rate so works much better with an alt. but involves a bit of work constructing a new bracket as there's no much room. Had to replace my starter, the replacement has the solinoid on the starter as the the original lever activated one is no longer avalible .This will involve a bit of rewiring but quite simple and works great. Still need to get my glow plugs working and replace the steering box. Good luck . Don: