If you went to look at a new gas powered tractor today, would you consider one that came from the factory with a 6v generator system and points ignition? You'd expect them to sell about 2 of them because the maintenance on those systems would be too costly, especially when equipping one would cost as much or more than a modern system.
There is a reason tractor manufacturers started with 6v systems, and a reason they abandoned them for 12v, and very good reasons they abandoned 12v generators for alternators. There is a reason they abandoned mechanical points for electronic systems. These things are called "improvements" because when properly implemented they work better than the former technology and increase productivity and efficiency. Just look at the Farmall A (1939) to 140 (1974) saga. If it had hung in there another few years, it would have been not only 12v alternator, but EI as well, and if they were still made today, they'd have full syncro trannys and EFI, because these things make for more useful and efficient tractors with far less maintenance.
Shops have regularly "retrofit" new improvements to older tractors to make them better suited to the needs farmers had for them - bigger pistons, better heads, higher output hydraulics, even things like duals ("they didn't come from the factory like that, so it's just wrong!")
Yes, you can get by running the 6v starter on 12v. A lot of people have and have had no problems. Shortly before I changed my SA to 12v, the starter was giving out (spent a summer hand cranking it, which sealed the conversion before winter), so had that rebuilt with the 12v field coils and new bendix. Works great and glad I changed the system. I can now run lights (and jump other vehicles buried in snowbanks on frigid days) with ease.
Above all, this is Your tractor. If it's a restoration, you'll want to keep it at 6v, or at least keep the parts to change it back. If you're using it for work, make it work for you in the best way you can.
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Today's Featured Article - Tractor Hydraulics - The Basics - by Curtis Von Fange. Hydraulics was one of the greatest inventions for helping man compound the work he can do. It’s amazing how a little floor jack can lift tons and tons of weight with just the flick of a handle. What’s even more amazing is that all the principals of hydraulic theory can be wrapped up in such a small package. This same package applies to any hydraulic system from the largest bulldozer to the oldest and smallest tractor. This short series will take a look at the basic layout of a simple hydraul
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