Allis-Chalmers Rototillers

 Recently I have been compiling my own database from books and online sources. I come across crazy items. We think we know our tractor company well. Then as you dig into its history randomness appears. Today I want to share with you one of those random things I found today reading The Ultimate Guide to Tractors by Jim Glastonbury. Actually two things. First up is the Rotary Tiller, it was Allis-Chalmers first attempt into the tractor business. AC purchased the right to produce it at cost of $10,000 and 6% royalty. Here is a link with a more description. http://www.bungartz.nl/hist-allis-chalmers.html I also stole his photo, so the photo here is same as on the linked website. 

Second AC decided to make a monstrous half track as a tractor. Yeah. We'll give them a pass, it was 1915 no one knew how tractors were supposed to look like. So here are two photos I found on internet of the 1915 half-tracks.

Allis-Chalmers WD-45

 Allis Chalmers WD-45

For many people this tractor is Good Ol' Allis. Many people believe that this tractor is the most important tractor made by Allis. The WD-45 started it's life in 1953 as an update from the WD which in turn was an update from the WC. Because of this the style and overall dimensions of the machines are similar, however underneath the hood it is more powerful. It had the "Power Crater" 4x4-1/2"  bore and stroke. When A-C acquired Buda it placed the 6BD-230 diesel engine as an option for diesel. This would make the WD-45 the first Allis with a diesel engine. It was advertised as a 33-39 HP tractor but after the Nebraska tests it was rated at 38-44 HP. In 1954 they offered the WD-45 with the "Snap-Coupler" power lift system. The first Allis-Chalmers with power steering when it was added in 1956. Another item that made this a great tractor was its hand clutch in addition to its foot clutch, which would give it a semi-live power. At the time when it was marketed it was the most powerful tractor of its size for sale. Some variants were wide front, narrow front, cane special, and adjustable axle. The last WD-45  was made in 1957 after a production run of 90,382. In 1956 a gas engine wide front WD-45 cost an average of $2380. 

People who own a WD-45 are also forever cursed with always referring to WD-40 lubricant as WD-45. 

Plow Rating: Three bottom 14”

Weight: 4450 lbs.

Rear width: 56-90”

Height: 81-1/2”

Length: 127.1”

Wheelbase: 88”

Cultivating Clearance: 29”

Engine: 4 cyl. 3.7L Gas

4 cyl. 3.7L Tractor Fuel

4 cyl. 3.7L LP Gas

6 cyl. 3.8L Diesel

Transmission: 4 forward and 1 reverse

Serial Numbers:

1953 146607

1954 160386

1955 190993

1956 217992

1957 230295