Can someone advise me about the possibility of converting a D8 13A from pony start to direct electric start? What do I need to check on the machine to know if it is even possible? Any idea of cost if it can be done?

Thanks in advance for any input!

OM on here has lots of good info. on Direct Start so I,m sure he,ll chime in & help you out as to what you,ll need etc.

The D13000 can be readily converted to direct start.
Generally recommended to use the 24V 50MT Delco Remy starter but the 24V 40MT stater is also used. There are also some die hards that think 12V is the answer. Takes the same bevel gear starter drive as all the pony conversions. The only part that is unique is the adapter between the starter and the bellhousing. Depending on what you have, bolt flange or plain hole, the adapter will either bolt up or you will have to drill and tap or at least drill the bellhousing for mounting bolts.

My recommendation would be to talk to John Parks at www.tractorparts.com/ also known as General Gear.
Have your tractor serial number at hand and discuss 40MT vs 50MT starters.

The installation will look like this (40MT) and if I remember right the starter ready to bolt on including adapter was about $850. Still will require all the other goodies like batteries & box, switches, cable, and matching generator/alternator.