12v lights on a 6v tractor

TDJD · Oct 28, 2019

I have a John Deere MT it?s 6 volt. I don?t want to upgrade to 12 volt, right now. Is there any way to use a 12 volt LED light on a 6 volt tractor? Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks.

John T · Oct 28, 2019

YES if you buy a 6 VDC to 12 VDC Converter with sufficient power rating and you wire it correctly so the + and - Ground to the lights are proper, you could use 12 volt lights on a 6 volt tractor.

This is what I found when I posed the search on E Bay, look it over, something like that if wired correct to the lights and has sufficient power can work.

John T
6 to 12 Volt Converter Search

Indiana Ken · Oct 28, 2019

If you have not tried it already - connect your LED to 6 volts and see if it works. It may not turn on or it may turn on but some what dim. Depending on what you want to use it for perhaps it will serve your needs.

Another option would be to purchase a small 6 volt sealed lead acid battery for the LED. Then charge it separately with a charger. Again it depends on your needs. LEDs do not use the power of an incandescent (see below) so battery life is greatly extended.

Finally, as John T has posted, a 6 volt to 12 volt power converter should work. I have a Radio Shack # 22-1293 Voltage converter, 6 volt DC to 12 volt DC at 3 amperes maximum. I have used it from time to time....the box is dated 11/6/1988.....I am surprised I could find it. I tried it on a 12 volt 1156 (27 watts) incandescent tail light bulb and a 1156 LED. It powered both bulbs fine, the incandescent pulled approximately 2 amps and the LED pulled .05 amps.

Good Luck

jeffcat · Oct 28, 2019

Read John T reply. I converted a radio for my dad's truck many years ago with a good old Radio Shack unit. So sad they are not down the block anymore. Here is a block of lower end units on Ebay and also two much heavier duty units. Can be done, just watch your power consumption. LED bulbs should not pull that much just put your hand on the unit now and then to see how warm it is getting. Also be aware that a lot of this stuff can generate a sqweal in your radios. Just saying.

TDJD · Oct 28, 2019

Thanks! I think I?ll get one of those 6 VDC to 12 VDC Converters. I didn?t know they made one. Thanks again.

caterpillar guy · Oct 29, 2019

Could also just ad an extra battery wire the lights in series then wire the batteries in parallel to get them to charge. This would keep your batteries up and the lights bright during use. Not much more than those more expensive converters.

12v lights on a 6v tractor

TDJD

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John T

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Indiana Ken

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jeffcat

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TDJD

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caterpillar guy

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