The Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor is a classic piece of agricultural machinery manufactured by Allis Chalmers in the mid-twentieth century. Founded in 1901, Allis Chalmers was a well-known manufacturer of farming equipment, construction machinery, and power generation equipment. The company was based in West Allis, Wisconsin, USA, and quickly became a leading player in the farming industry. The Allis Chalmers WD45 was one of their most popular models, and it helped revolutionize the farming industry with its innovative features.

One of the key features of the Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor was its powerful engine. It was available with either a 3.7 L four-cylinder gasoline engine or a 3.8 L six-cylinder diesel engine. The gasoline engine had a maximum power output of 33.1 hp, while the diesel engine had a maximum power output of 34.5 hp. Both engines were known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability, making them ideal for long hours of use in the field.

Another important aspect of the Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor was its transmission. It was equipped with a sliding gear transmission with a wet disc clutch and 4 forward and 1 reverse gear. This transmission provided excellent control and maneuverability, making it easier for farmers to work with their fields. The wet disc clutch also helped reduce maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of the tractor.

Features Of Allis Chalmers WD45 Tractor

The Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor was a pioneering piece of agricultural machinery that helped shape the farming industry. Its powerful engine, reliable transmission, and range of other general features made it an ideal choice for farmers looking for a durable, efficient, and easy-to-use tractor. Lets learn more about its prominent features:

Engine

The Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor came with two engine options, a gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine and a diesel-powered six-cylinder engine. Let’s take a closer look at each of these engines and the benefits they provided to the tractor.

The gasoline engine in the Allis Chalmers WD45 is a 3.7 L four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 3,704 cm2 (226.0 cu·in). It has a cylinder bore of 102.0 mm (4.02 in) and a piston stroke of 114.0 mm (4.49 in). The engine has a compression ratio of 6.45:1 for the gasoline version or 7.2:1 for the LP gas version.

The lower compression ratio and natural aspiration allowed for a more economical use of fuel. Additionally, gasoline engines were easier to maintain and repair compared to diesel engines, making them a popular choice for farmers with smaller operations or those who preferred a simpler engine.

On the other hand, the diesel engine in the Allis Chalmers WD45D is a 3.8 L six-cylinder natural aspirated engine with a displacement of 3,769 cm2 (230.0 cu·in). It has a cylinder bore of 87.0 mm (3.43 in) and a piston stroke of 105.0 mm (4.13 in). The engine has a much higher compression ratio of 15.5:1.

The diesel engine provided significant benefits in terms of power and torque. The higher compression ratio allowed for more efficient combustion, which produced more power and torque than the gasoline engine. This made the tractor better equipped for heavy-duty tasks, such as plowing or pulling heavy loads.

Transmission

The Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor is equipped with a sliding gear transmission system that features a wet disc clutch. This type of transmission was commonly used in tractors during the 1950s and was known for its reliability and durability.

The Allis Chalmers WD45 transmission system has four forward gears and one reverse gear, allowing for a range of speeds to suit various tasks, its transmission oil capacity is 16.0 L (4.2 US. gal, 3.5 Imp. gal.), The forward speed can reach up to 18.0 km/h (11.2 mph), while the reverse speed can reach up to 5.2 km/h (3.2 mph).

The wet disc clutch in the transmission system uses oil to cool and lubricate the clutch plates, preventing them from overheating and wearing out quickly. This type of clutch provides a smoother engagement, reducing the likelihood of jerking or jarring when changing gears.

Other General Features

The Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor also had a range of other general features that were beneficial to the agricultural sector. It was available with manual or power steering, depending on the farmer’s preference. The mechanical band brakes were reliable and effective, ensuring that the tractor could be stopped quickly and safely. The open operator station provided excellent visibility and ventilation, while the optional Allis-Chalmers Half Cab provided additional protection from the elements.

List Of Serial Number

The serial number of the tractor can be found on the left brake housing.

The serial number of the tractor is written adjacent to the year of its manufacture:

• 1953 – 146607
• 1954 – 160386
• 1955 – 190993
• 1956 – 217992
• 1957 – 230295

Pros and Cons

Here are some factual pros and cons considering the overall Kubota B3030.

Pros Of Allis Chalmers WD45 Tractor

• The gasoline engine was fuel-efficient, easy to maintain, and ideal for smaller operations. Meanwhile, the diesel engine provided more power and torque, making it the better choice for heavy-duty tasks.
• The sliding gear transmission system with a wet disc clutch in the Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor has the ability to handle heavy-duty tasks and provide good control and traction.
• The engine of the WD45 is known for being fuel-efficient, helping farmers to save on fuel costs.
• The WD45 has good ground clearance, making it easier to navigate uneven terrain or obstacles in the field.

Cons Of Allis Chalmers WD45 Tractor

• The Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor lacks some of the modern features found in newer tractors, such as power steering or an enclosed cab.
• The hydraulic system of the WD45 has limited capacity and can struggle to handle some modern implements.

Price Of Allis Chalmers WD45 Tractor

The original price of the Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor was $2,400 in 1956. The price of a used tractor can depend upon the condition of its engine and other mechanical components.

Conclusion

The Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor was a reliable and versatile machine that made a significant impact in the farming industry during the 1950s. Its sliding gear transmission with a wet disc clutch, four forward and one reverse gear, and fuel-efficient engines made it an excellent choice for a wide range of farming tasks. While it lacked some modern features, its simple design and sturdy construction made maintenance and repairs easier. Overall, the Allis Chalmers WD45 was a dependable workhorse that helped farmers increase their productivity and yields, and its legacy still lives on today.