Hey Cal,
That is correct, you can charge 3 cells at a time this way. The problem is the cells must be tied together externally to do it, the batteries I've found available in my area are tied together internally. I wonder if there is some way to do that on them. I guess the next time I go to Interstate Battery, I'll ask the guys in the shop about that. I'm sure someone makes a charger for 8V, I just don't know who, and like your forklift, it probably is a little pricey. My power supply is slow, too. But, I have it, and it works. I just don't hardly use it, I like to let the tractor do the job. Yes, some generators are adjustable, sometimes it is a good thing to have a generator shop to set them up. If you don't have the tools or knowledge to do it correctly, that would probably be the best option. Your generator is one of the later versions, it wasn't too many years later that manufacturers started using alternators. It probably has more capabilities. Living as far north as you do, when your 6V battery plays out, you might consider changing over. I'd go take that generator to the rebuild guy, and have him put it on the test stand to see if it will adjust to 9.2V. It would certainly give more cranking power on a cold morning. Chris wants me to be ahead of a deadline, and this HG/OC3 project has managed to become one of those things that grow. Since I need to switch the bullgears in the final drives, that would put me well into a transmission rebuild. And since I will need to replace the input shaft anyhow, and of course it would be better to replace all the seals while I have it apart. I think I'll postpone finishing the undercarriage, and rebuild the trans next. My guess is I'll have one pricey little HG when I'm finished, but it will be a goodin. Let's see, new engine, balanced and blueprinted, clutch, tranny, undercarriage, paint, decals, oh, the frame, I'm going to get a fab shop use my other HG for a pattern for the field modification that was sent out to dealers to reinforce the frame. Well, I'll decide once it is finished if I use it, probably not. It might go on a parade or two, maybe a few plowdays. But, I just like to play with these little crawlers anyhow. I think most members like these Cletrac articles, we are getting a really good response on them.
Take care!!!
Andy