3 INCH WHEEL SPACERS

The Allis-Chalmers Story: Classic American Tractors

The signature orange of Allis-Chalmers tractors symbolizes
the reliability and innovation of the company, its sales
methods and its products. Today, tractor and farming
equipment enthusiasts continue to be fascinated by
Allis-Chalmers and the history behind its success. This
remarkable pictorial history leads them through 150 years of
tractor and farm equipment production from one of the top
names in the industry.
This tour through Allis Chalmers history begins with the
founding of Gate Iron Works in 1842, and ends with the final
Deutz-Allis merger in 1985. All Allis-Chalmers equipment
produced within that period is featured in over 1,500 detailed
photos and captions. The book also covers the firms absorbed
by Allis through their history including Advance-Rumely,
Monarch, and LaCrosse.
? Over 1,500 detailed photos of all Allis-Chalmers equipment

Allis Chalmers started out as a small burr millstone maker in 1847. By 1979 they had grown into a $2 billion corporation and were one of the important machinery and tractor manufacturers in the United States. The original company, known as "Edward P. Allis & Company" was built by E. P. Allis of New York after acquiring a shop called "The Reliance Works". The Reliance Works' list of products included French burr millstones, portable mills, water wheels, shafting, hoisting screws and much more.

In 1869 the company expanded into steam power and soon after followed the first Allis steam engine. The company line-up grew to include steam pumps including the largest centrifugal pump in America in 1884 and the first triple expansion pumping engine two years later.

In 1901, the "Allis Chalmers" company was formed by merging the Edward P. Allis Co., Fraser and Chalmers Company and Gates Iron Works. Shortly after, a large chunk of land was purchased in what became West Allis, Wisconsin. Wanting to diversify, Allis Chalmers built its first farm tractor in 1914. The tractor business grew, and in 1928 a line of crawler tractors was started. The acquistion of several additional companies in the upcoming years, such as the LaCrosse Plow Company and Advance-Rumely added an extensive line of tillage implements, threshers and combines to the line-up.

When Allis Chalmers decided to focus on the small and medium sized farmer, they came up with new designs that turned out to be one of the most popular series of tractors ever produced. The WC tractor was first built in 1933 as a prototype tractor. Soon to follow was the Model B tractor which was very popular. Next in line was the Model C tractor which ame on the market in 1940. Followed by the Allis Chalmers CA tractor in 1950, the WD tractor in 1948 and the Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor in 1953.

Allis Chalmers continued to modernize their tractors throughout their history.

The Allis-Chalmers model B was produced by the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing company from 1938 to 1957. With over 125,000 units produced, the model B became one of the best selling tractors for Allis-Chalmers and most loved tractors of its time. Known best for its versatility and adaptability, the model B was also one of the longest production tractors for Allis-Chalmers as well. Over the years of production the B came in several different variations including the asparagus B, Potato special, as well as an industrial model known as the IB. It was designed by Brooks Stevens an industrial designer and graphic designer.

In the early thirties, Allis-Chalmers tractor division manager Harry Merritt studied the farm census figures and discovered that of the nearly seven million farms in America, some four million were of 100 acres (0.40 km2) or less. Furthermore, the million or so tractors at work on American farms were nearly all on the larger ones. Merritt concluded that there was a need for four million small, inexpensive tractors to fill the needs of the small farmers still using horses. Merritt set out to build the tractor that would finally put the horse out to pasture.

The Model B was not Allis-Chalmers' smallest tractor, however; they produced a Model G from 1948 to 1955 with only about 10 drawbar horsepower.

Get a rare, inside look at one of Americas most historic farm companies in this book from ASAE. Allis-Chalmers Farm Equipment 1914-1985 uncovers the interesting behind-the-scenes stories surrounding A-Cs tractor and equipment line.
Author Norm Swinford combines his love of Allis-Chalmers products and over 30 years experience with the company to produce this complete history of Allis-Chalmers farm equipment. Discover why the tractor color changed from dark green to Persian orange; explore the fascinating prototypes and experimental machines that were never produced, but give insight into the innovative capability of company engineers; as well as many more intriguing stories. With 384 pages, almost 900 photos (over 250 in full color), more than 100 tables, and very insightful text, this becomes the essential A-C source book. If you love Allis-Chalmers tractors or just like farm machinery nostalgia, this book will provide enjoyment for years to come.