Batterys for JD 4450

Bought 2 new "5D" 6 volt batteries for my JD 4450. After getting them home, realized that tractor is set up to take 2 12-volt batteries. All cables under the cab and connections to solenoid look factory....but tractor manual and battery book say 6-volt. Was this a factory modification or were some tractors originally produced to take 12 volt batteries. What would be the correct 12 volt battery to put in the tractor now.

Thanks,
Tim

I looked in the book for a 4455 and they list 2 group 31 batteries. Maybe your tractor was one of the later ones or somebody switched them over to 2 12 volt. chris

Out of curiousity I went to jdparts and they only list the 2 6 volt for the 4450 but list 2 12 volt for a 4050 and 4250. I prefer 2 12 volt for starting on any tractors. I think when I was at the dealership I changed some to 2 12 volts per customer request.

When one 6 volt is dead,tractor is dificult to start,but when 1 12 volt is dead, will usually start on good 12 volt.My experince.

Not quite on this subject, but after 20 years of running my 87 model 4450 with the stock two 6V setup, I converted to a single large 12V.
This tractor never did crank very strong, always did hesitate a bit pulling that first cylinder over compression. For years, others have told me how well their tractors work when replacing those two series wired 6V batteries with a single 12V in the left box.
I installed the largest Interstate brand 12V battery that would fit the battery box, I believe it is rated 950 CCA. I added a short heavy ground cable bolted under one of the starter mounting bolts.
It works great, cranks faster than the twin 6V setup ever did. I suspect eliminating two sets of post / clamp connections and 3+ foot of cable eliminated a lot of voltage drop.
I used it all last season with good results, never use the tractor in winter, so was not too worried about very cold weather starting.
I have cranked it up several times this spring when the temp was not above 20 degrees, and it started better than it ever did with the two sets of twin 6V batteries I have worn out in it.

It cranked faster with the single 12V in warm weather and also cranks faster at 20 degrees.

Where it used to have to turn a half dozen times to start at that temp with the old setup, it now lights off on the first turn or very close to it.

Me happy.

Had a 4450 came factory with two 6Vs and changed it over to two 12Vs. If you are going to use it for feeding or moving snow in winter you need the 2 12Vs and a block heater. Finding a dealer that has good 6V batteries on the shelf now days is a joke too and can find 12V anywhere.