6v generator question

[ad356]

my cub has a 6v system with a cut-off. when i bought the tractor it included an extra generator, this one has a regulator mounted on it. it came with the tractor, its not something that i purchased myself. the question i have is are they the same, the generators themselves? IF this generator is different then what's on my tractor i think i will try to sell it. if its the same i might rebuild it, and put it away as a spare part. the generator is in good shape, it spins free. what should i do with it?

[Eugene]

There are several different 6 volt generators. Generally they are interchangeable.

I would have the extra generator and voltage regulator tested. If good, package up, and place on the shelf as a spare. Generator repair can get expensive, regulator and or cut out also expensive. At some point, the currently installed generator and cutout will fail.

One reason folks are converting to a 12 volt alternator is the expense of repair or replacement frequently costs more than the conversion.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

the one with the regulator on top has been changed from a cutout to a regulator, so it will be the same generator. the ones that are different (originally came with a regulator) had the regulator mounted on a bracket on the distributor, and frequently did not even have the screw holes on top of the generator. If you pay attention to the H L setting on your light switch and do not over charge the battery, the battery will usually last a couple years longer with a cutout than a regulator.

[ad356]

while mowing in the summer and the tractor is running for an hour or more at a time, i just leave that switch on low during the winter and when im only plowing for short periods of time i set that on high, if im only running the tractor for 20-25 minutes. im guessing it still charges on the L setting, what is the charge rate, 3-4 amps?

[ad356]

i also see some mention of 3 brush generators. what does that mean, are the other generators 2 brush? is their a way to tell which generator you have? i see you guys say something about repair costs or frequency? i have not yet had any problems the charging system has always worked well. i was thinking about taking that spare generator and installing a rebuild kit. my stepfather has done several cub cadet generators and they really are about the same. he knows how to tear them down and rebuild them.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I believe the low charge rate is 2 to 3 amps and hi charge is 11-12. A 3 brush generator was used with the cutout, and some of the earlier regulator units. The 3rd brush is adjustable by loosening a screw and moving it closer to or further from the ground brush. This sets the maximum charge rate to keep the generator from overheating.