Been an interesting read. Electric systems are the thing I know least about which says a lot because I know very little about this entire bulldozer thing. Just sort of doin' what needs to be done. Here are some pictures of the installation. If I pick up a 12v generator will I have issues with where ever the other two wire go? Maybe the simplest solution is to just replace it with the same thing.

Any identifying number on the generator? To run as a motor, with the motor grounded all you need is the hot (Arm) terminal connected to the battery through a switch or switch and solenoid. What appears to be the problem with the generator you have? Not much to go wrong, worn out brushes or shorted coil. Easy enough to rebuild.

Looks like the Starter/Generator on old cub cadet equipment. DELCO: 1101692, 1101951, 1101967, 1101986, 1101997, 1101998

You know none of what you have is in the parts book, Its all "farmer fixed" "aftermarket" "git it to work stuff". Looks 2b ok if that narrow belt will spin it over. Good luck with ur project.

Couldn't find any numbers. Looks like there were at one time but they have been ground off. Looked up pictures of of the Delco starter/generators as suggested by restore49 and they look the same. Will do more investigating along that line.

As for the narrow belt, it spins it just fine, when it works.

yes its better to convert to 12volt. 6v stuff is still available as many vintage cars and tractors were 6 volt you just have to know what bosch or delco part numbers were used easier said than done but its possible.

that is a delco or delco-remy starter generator. and is definitely farmer ingenuity engineering. nothing wrong with the way its done it will work just fine.

as for differences between 6 or 12 volt very little the way you wire them is the same its the regulator, relay and switches that are different only cause they are rated for 12volt.

the reason cat and everyone else now uses 24 volt in heavy duty applications is every doubling of voltage halves the current required to get the same power and torque.
it also allows smaller cables and more compact components as they can be smaller to produce the same output. smaller cables and component size means less weight increases fuel economy.

its the same reason Mercedes-Benz has developed their latest engine designs with 48volt electrics and are using starter-alternators instead of the conventional separate units.

After much searching and many phone calls I ordered a new one from OBB Starters and Alternators their #9186N The shaft diameter and rotation direction are correct but they couldn't give me the length of the end where the pulley attaches. So I am ever hopeful it will work. I sure looks the same.