What is the best 24 volt to 12 volt conversion kit for a 1963 Deere 4010 diesel? I intend to use 1 group 31 battery. Mounted by the starter. I need a

[jrsavoie]

Does anybody have a recommendation for a kit?

Searching today, I found kits from $400 to $900.

The cheapest isn't always the best deal and the most expensive isn't always worth the extra money.

 

[jrsavoie]

I suggest to purchase individual parts & create your own 24V to 12 V conversion kit.

Could you shoot me a parts list and where to buy?

I only have a little bit of coherent time and not every day. One of the reasons I am looking for a kit.

I have a man helping me right now. More like doing it for me.

 

[jrsavoie]

Sorry about your health problems. I fully understand about health problems because I've has spinal cord damage since Feb of 1996. Advancing age has made my muscle control worse BUT life goes on!

Yep. Until it doesn't.

 

[jrsavoie]

24 volt starters converted to 12 volts don't appear to perform as well as a standard 12 volt starter.

The starter is replaced, not converted

 

[rScotty]

The starter is replaced, not converted

That's right. To convert it would require rewinding the starter with additional turns of wire so as to get the same power. Usually to rewind you drop down a size or more in wire diameter. There used to be a Vietnamese family locally who rewound generators but they no longer do. They had special winding lathes.

A standard 12 volt starter for a 4010 is what you want, if they made such a thing.

But I wonder if it is worth the trouble. Why not just leave it 24 volt? They really do start easier on 24 volts. And I imagine if you are going to 12 volts you will fill that battery space with a matching battery to run in parallel anyway. So the batteries are no different, only hooked up differently.

Our JD310 uses two large 12 volt batteries in parallel to give it a lot of amperage while remaining a 12 volt system. I just replaced them last year.... about $750 for the pair. And then discovered that one of my cables doesn't reach so I've been running on one battery for the last year. It does fine...
rScotty

 

[jrsavoie]

That's right. To convert it would require rewinding the starter with additional turns of wire so as to get the same power. Usually to rewind you drop down a size or more in wire diameter. There used to be a Vietnamese family locally who rewound generators but they no longer do. They had special winding lathes.

A standard 12 volt starter for a 4010 is what you want, if they made such a thing.

But I wonder if it is worth the trouble. Why not just leave it 24 volt? They really do start easier on 24 volts. And I imagine if you are going to 12 volts you will fill that battery space with a matching battery to run in parallel anyway. So the batteries are no different, only hooked up differently.

Our JD310 uses two large 12 volt batteries in parallel to give it a lot of amperage while remaining a 12 volt system. I just replaced them last year.... about $750 for the pair. And then discovered that one of my cables doesn't reach so I've been running on one battery for the last year. It does fine...
rScotty

Do some research on the subject and you will find why I am doing the swap.

The long skinny batteries don't seem to last. The generator sucks for lights.

I have a group 31 battery here.

I have a cab, the oem battery boxes aren't even there anymore.
The battery will be mounted by the starter.
The battery box has been there with the 2 long batteries for long enough to rot out and require replacement anyway.

I converted the last 4010 I had and liked it that way.

Do you have a conversion kit to recommend? One that comes with the alternator and mount ready to go?
I've heard of a lot of conversion kits requiring messing with the alternator or mount. If I'm paying for a kit, I just want to install it not change pulleys or mounting brackets
Thanks

 

[Tx Jim]

JD 24 volt to 12 volt conversion kit

https://www.tractorpartsasap.com/new-john-deere-se501474-120547.html

OR

Remanufactured Alternator & Starter (Delco high torque) Conversion Kit - 24V to 12V fits John Deere 3010 3020 4010 4020

Alternator & Starter (Delco high torque) Conversion Kit - 24V to 12V for John Deere Tractor(s) 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020.

www.tractorpartsasap.com

 

[rScotty]

I'm probably not going to do the research, I doubt I'd learn anything but opinion. If there is something I'm missing, please tell me.
All I can offer for your conversion is an understanding of vintage generating systems from the technical viewpoint. If that doesn't help, just say so, I'm not offended.

No, I don't know enough about the current commercial conversion kits to recommend one.

But I do agree with your saying, "I converted the last 4010 I had and liked it that way."
To my way of thinking, there is no better reason for changing anything than that one.

There are batteries in every shape and size. I was surprised just how many weird ones exist when I did some battery swapping recently. A couple of group 31s would replace the skinny 12s just fine - but I'm sure you know that.

I believe that the earliest old JDs that used both 12 and 24 volt systems having a brush style commutated generator with matching voltage regulator.
Today that has changed. most people replace those old generator systems with an alternator having a integral voltage regulator & rectifier. Yes, the alternator is superior.

However, I'm leaving my old 2 cylinder JD with its 12 volt DC generator. As you say, "I like it that way."
rScotty

 

[jrsavoie]

JD 24 volt to 12 volt conversion kit

https://www.tractorpartsasap.com/new-john-deere-se501474-120547.html

OR

Remanufactured Alternator & Starter (Delco high torque) Conversion Kit - 24V to 12V fits John Deere 3010 3020 4010 4020

Alternator & Starter (Delco high torque) Conversion Kit - 24V to 12V for John Deere Tractor(s) 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020.

www.tractorpartsasap.com

Thanks. What is the difference between the 2 kits. I don't need any battery cables if that makes a difference.

Have you used these?

I saw these in my searches. But didn't see any reviews.

I have read a few places that some kits need the alternator. Pulley and / or the alternator mount bracket revamped.

Any issues like that with these kits?

I hate jacking around and having to return things. I am not going to pay for a bolt on kit and then have to revamp stuff.

I know any battery cables will have to be revamped since I will be using only 1 battery out of the International 4700.
Thanks for the links

 

[jrsavoie]

I'm probably not going to do the research, I doubt I'd learn anything but opinion. If there is something I'm missing, please tell me.
All I can offer for your conversion is an understanding of vintage generating systems from the technical viewpoint. If that doesn't help, just say so, I'm not offended.

No, I don't know enough about the current commercial conversion kits to recommend one.

But I do agree with your saying, "I converted the last 4010 I had and liked it that way."
To my way of thinking, there is no better reason for changing anything than that one.

There are batteries in every shape and size. I was surprised just how many weird ones exist when I did some battery swapping recently. A couple of group 31s would replace the skinny 12s just fine - but I'm sure you know that.

I believe that the earliest old JDs that used both 12 and 24 volt systems having a brush style commutated generator with matching voltage regulator.
Today that has changed. most people replace those old generator systems with an alternator having a integral voltage regulator & rectifier. Yes, the alternator is superior.

However, I'm leaving my old 2 cylinder JD with its 12 volt DC generator. As you say, "I like it that way."
rScotty

The puritans want everything OEM. And others just like it that way.

I know many running 1 group 31 on -, mostly 4020's and it is working fine.
I would rather put the battery money towards a conversion than spend more on batteries that I have not got any longevity out of.

I just had to replace the battery in my 1975 Ford Backhoe last year after that battery lasting so long, that we couldn't remember when it was installed.

I and others I know haven't been getting 2 years out of the long skinny batteries.

If I can get by with 1 group 31 as others are, I will be money ahead at battery change time.

Now all I need is some energy.