80's Cub Cadet Alt. Install

[martoli]

My brother got hold of an older 8hp Cub Cadet that has a 12v hitch lift on the rear of the tractor. The problem we've been having is that the small onboard garden variety battery drains quickly after using the lift a few times. We talked about options for improvements but everything we discussed was tit for tat as usual. Bigger Batteries, run a generator, etc.,
So I went out on a limb for an idea to put a 30 amp automotive alternator on the engine. This is a pretty small alternator for an automotive application and I don't want too much a chance at boiling out the small battery that the tractor already uses, so I decided to mount the unit on the existing Bolt pattern that the Kohler Industrial 8 already has(these four bolt holes are 7/16" and were utilized for an optional 12v clutch for a mower attachment like the John Deere garden tractors use). I used some extra 3/16" flat plate as the base for the mounting system and drilled the holes for the screws. The alternator bracket was the standard Napa brand that is for general use as I mounted it to the lower right hand corner of the Baseplate. The belt was a Napa brand and was easy to align. Notice the support plate that supports the center of the alternator and is welded to the baseplate also. The welds are'nt as pretty as I usually pull but I had limited space for the head of the gun as I welded everything after the alternator was mounted. Now all I need is the voltage regulator and a few extra wires to the battery and I will do a test run on the unit. So far the tractor runs fine without a load. I will keep you posted on the status as I will mount new lights to the tractor and take a ride.

[urch55]

The idea is a good one to try but,, I would fix your welds if I was you.. If this project works out you don't want it to fall apart.. Sorry I don't mean any disrespect.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=32779&d=1301276586

[Wheelchair]

Urch is absolutely right, you need to fix those welds as they look really bad and will most likely fail. No disrespect meant here either.

Wheelchair

[martoli]

Thanks Urch. I actually ground those welds on that small square peg plate. Now your gonna make me pull the stick welder outta storage? Nothin' like the old man gettin the young'ins outta bed....:D

[Hotfoot]

..or use a MIG. I would have advised you to put a "One wire" alternator on there,. they have internal regulators...like I put on th ol' 63 F100 when I replaced the generator and voltage regulator...(I got a deal on the 100 amp chrome one, or else it would have been cast finish). :)



http://i52.tinypic.com/2la6afr.jpg

[martoli]

Thanks Hotfoot I heard the one-wire alternators require a "throttle-up" of around 2500 rpm to charge the stator. They usually start out around 60 amps and move up to around 100 amps in range. That's probably a little more than I can use with this little machine. The alternator that I'm using barely fits inside of the Cowling as of now. I have one of those in my Ford Diesel I believe :eek:and it is about twice as large....

[urch55]

(I got a deal on the 100 amp chrome one, or else it would have been cast finish). :)

Hotfoot,
I bet that chrome makes the engine run better.:rolleyes:

If I am not mistaken the Gm alternators are wider than the Chrysler. The equipment I work on some of the alternators are as big (or should I say small) as a full size oil filter many of them have the built in regulator. But, you will need deep pockets for them..