Key Switch - Adding Relays
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=162270
Printed Date: 23 Oct 2025 at 10:41am
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Topic: Key Switch - Adding Relays
Posted By: Hurst
Subject: Key Switch - Adding Relays
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2019 at 1:00pm
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Has anyone ever added a relay box to take the load off of the key switches on any Allis tractors? My 7000 has been a little tough on key switches over its life (maybe 2 replacements in 11 years) and it seems the quality of switches has not improved over the years. I know the MG guys with their Lucas electronics add them to take load off of head light, brake light, and ignition switches, just wondering if anyone had done similar to any Allis tractors? I imagine this would pertain mostly to the 6000, 7000, and 8000 series. Hurst
------------- 1979 Allis Chalmers 7000 5800 Hours |
Replies:
Posted By: DougS
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2019 at 1:57pm
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Get the biggest Cole Hersee switch that will fit. Problem solved. A good 25 AMP DC-rated relay is every bit as big. http://colehersee.com.au/product/anti-restart-ignition-switch-3-position/" rel="nofollow - http://colehersee.com.au/product/anti-restart-ignition-switch-3-position/ |
Posted By: den/southern illinoi
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2019 at 1:58pm
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Don't have any of the ACs you are asking about but we pretty well add relays on our 720 garden tractors. Takes the load off the switches as you talked about and gets full power to the electric clutches. Den ------------- Own 4 wheel 20, 2-5015, 5020 and associated equipment and 2 electric forklifts. |
Posted By: plummerscarin
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2019 at 3:05pm
| I have not to the stock harness but use relays and dedicated breakers for additional lighting I have installed. |
Posted By: Ron(AB)
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2019 at 6:32pm
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Hurst, I have added relays for the light switch. That's the switch that did fail multiple times on mine. (night time baling) Seemed to have solved the problem. |
Posted By: Hurst
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2019 at 9:59pm
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Ron, I hadn't thought of those circuits, but definitely a good idea to at least add relays to the headlight beams, or replace them with LED's. With all the crazies on the road, I think it may be worth while to look at doing a 7 pin connector and brake light retrofit, but that's getting a bit out on a tangent... Hurst ------------- 1979 Allis Chalmers 7000 5800 Hours |
Posted By: Steve in NJ
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2019 at 6:48am
Its always an excellent idea to use relays in high load area's and circuitry. Take it from someone who's been building electrical systems for over 40 years. For systems that have a lot of load going out in different directions (starting with the "D" series Tractors) I offer a couple heavier Ignition switches to replace the somewhat boarder line OEM switch that came with the Tractor. The first few "D" series Tractors actually had a garden Tractor ignition switch in them! As time progressed, AC got a little better, but not much. Like any other mass produced item, whoever comes through with the cheapest price on the wiring and components got the purchase order. AC was no different from any other mfr. I keep in stock a 40 amp 11 bladed Ignition switch as an upgrade for the "D" series, and it would work well with any other application also. The same ignition switch I used in one of the original Batmobiles that I had in the wire shop a couple years back. You can read about that on our website. Talk about relays and circuit breakers! There was enough wire in that vehicle to reach PA. One of the main reasons why the "D" series Tractors had so many wiring issues. Light components, and to light a wiring for circuit load especially when AC went to 12V. The 616-720 Garden Tractors benefit big time using relays in their systems because of load and length of circuitry that ran through the Tractor as Den mentioned. No matter what the system is in or on, relays are a big benefit to a healthy electrical system!  Steve@B&B ------------- 39'RC, 43'WC, 48'B, 49'G, 50'WF, 65 Big 10, 67'B-110, 75'716H, 2-620's, & a Motorhead wife |