I know very little about Allis tractors but was wondering if someone might be able to enlighten me on the D-17, paticularly the gas models.

If I understand correctly, the D-17 is the evolotion of the WD and WD45?

What is the difference between the series 1, 2, and 3? Is it more than cosmetic?

Are there any particularly weak areas to this tractor?

Thanks

The D17 was about 53 belt/pto hp. Had live pto and hydraulics with the hand clutch on Series 1,2,3. Series 4 had independent hydraulics- the hydraulic pump was located on the right side, mid-tractor, where earlier series had a belt pulley option. Of course, internal drive was different, so the hydraulic pump ran whenever the engine was running- thus 'independent' hydraulics. Three point hitch was a factory option on Series 4, standard was still the AC Snap-Coupler, like on earlier series. Diesel versions of the D17 had a reputation for head problems. Best to stay with the gas- good solid, dependable engines. All-around handy size for a tractor, easy to drive, good features for its time.

The D17 was a replacement for the WD45 and had more HP, with similar engine series. It is about 4000 pounds and 50 HP. One of the best tractors ever built. The later series IV had better hydraulics and several other modifications. WE had a series III and it was great. Dont really have live hydraulics, but the hand clutch does "fix" that problem. MIsc small problems, but dont remember any big problem. WE converted it from 12 v pos to 12 volt neg ground and installed an alternator. It had factory 3 point hitch, but that was not common untill later on with the IV.