Allis Chalmers model B tractor

KFD68

Member
9-22-2012_032.jpg


Hundreds of Allis B's were imported in Britain in the 1940's and were well liked tractors. The US models featured fixed bow front axle, 3 forward gears, and normally a pan type seat {this one's seat has been changed} and fitted with after market adjustable front wheels.

9-22-2012_184.jpg


9-22-2012_183.jpg


Allis Chalmers had a large distribution depot in Southampton on the middle British southern coast. In 1949 they started to build a British version of the B with 4 forward gears, adjustable width front axle and the bench seat. A remote hydraulic cylinder to raise & lower implements was an option.

The engine was the standard AC kerosene 4 cylinder engine. Perkins offered a conversion kit to fit their 3 cylinder P3 diesel engine with electric starting. Many companies supplied mid mounted implements for row crop work.
 
Actually Bs had the bench type seat as seen in these pictures. There were aftermarked pan seats that were put on alot of machines. Later A-Cs such as the D270 had pan seats from the factory.

The one with the mower interests me, this tractor we would refer as a wartime moded in the US. It has the extened air cleaner stack and wide fenders for steel wheels as well as the hole in the clutch housing for the starter but not battery or electric start. I did not know any of these were sold in the UK. The front wheels and hubs are like nothing I have seen before.

Thanks for posting!
Jim
 
Yes, as I said, Bs had the bench seat. Rumor has it the head of the tractor division Harry Merrit was a huge man and he wanted AC to offer a tractor with a seat that he could sit in! Be that what it may, if it were not for Harry Merrit there would not be Allis-Chalmers farm equipment. Harry was behind the purcase of LaCrosse plow and Advance Rumely, Harry was behind the rubber tires on tractors, the All-Crop combine, the forage harvestor and the Roto Baler along with the short fender 20-35, the U and the WC and B tractors. Harry made A-C a success.

As far as the starter holes in the Bs. During WWII Bs and Cs were produced with steel wheels and no electrical system besides the magneto. The fenders on the Bs were wider and went over the wheels to keep dust down and to keep the operator's hands in the wheels. Cs had the standuard fenders because the wheels are wider than a B. They also had the taller air cleaner pipe. Being there was no electrical system the starter hole had a plug in them and there was a piece of sheetmetal that went in the place of battery box. The interesting thing about the Bs and Cs is there does not appear to be any production of steel wheeled Bs or Cs before the war.
Jim
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top