Starter/Charging System Opinions
 

Just curious as to what your thoughts are on the starter/generator vs gear drive starter/alternator charging systems. Which do you prefer, and why?
What do you think are the drawbacks and good points of either system?
Thanks
GEL

Brian D
 

The starter generator was the technology of the day and it still is working 50 years later. The starter and alternater is newer technology and that works great. What ever your tractor has, use that.
:American Flag 1:

In terms of maintenance I prefer the S/G unit. If you have the newer style starter, the chargine system is the stator which is located behind the flywheel. A major PITA if you need to change it. The motor needs to be pulled and the flywheel tin removed and then the flywheel itself needs to be removed. I have both and I still prefer the older system over the newer one.

what is the usable output of each system? I have one of each and always wondered.

My opinion of each is this: S/Gen are extremely simple to work on, Heck - a new replacement is about 100.00 from e pay. I know I bought one.
I love the sound of a belt drive starter motor versus the violent, loud gear drive
I Also hate a Sticky bendix!

I prefer the starter / generator. Not changing my 1200s starting system over, but does anyone know if a starter/ generator will run an electric pto ? How about with lights?

I always wondered... :bigthink:

The stator puts out 15 amps. I don't think you can use an electric PTO with a S/G due to pulley set up and difference in length of shaft. Alot of the S/G cubs do have lights and work just fine. I do not know the output of a S/G system.

If I had to choose either, I would go with a S/G too, because of the simplicity, ease of removal, replacement, availability, rebuild-able, just plain looks like a tractor with one. I think it would have sufficient power for a electric pto, but like DX3 commented, placement of the pulley would hinder mounting of one. I have 5 CC's with S/G's now and 1 with a gear drive starter, and my S/G equipped tractors start easier, and most have headlights, taillights, cigarette lighters.....no problems. The benefit of a gear drive starter is greater torque, decreased size, weight reduction, etc....

Jeff (teet)

anyone else love that quiet belt drive start sound?? It sounds so soft and timid, and once fired is one of the strongest most powerful 10 horses put under sheet metal :beerchug:

I've had a lot of both, and overall I prefer the modern bendix drive starter and flywheel stator charging system. I have had less issues with the later system and more with the starter/generator tractors. The later system is much easier to troubleshoot, and the starters can usually be rebuild with some cleaning and a $10 brush kit.

I doubt those $90 replacement starter/generators are very high quality. For $120 or so you can put a new armature and field coils in a Delco S/G and have comparable quality to the S/G that was originally installed on the tractor.