
Allis Chalmers 8550
Power
300 hp
Production
1978-1981
Engine
Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder 24-valve
Transmission
Power Director
Drive
4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Allis Chalmers 8550 4WD Tractor
The Allis Chalmers 8550 is a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive tractor produced between 1978 and 1981. Designed for large-scale agricultural operations, this machine focuses on high-capacity performance and operator comfort.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by the Allis Chalmers 6120T, a 12.0-liter, 6-cylinder, 24-valve turbocharged diesel engine. It is liquid-cooled and generates 300 horsepower at a rated speed of 2500 RPM. The engine features a 16.25:1 compression ratio and utilizes a dry air cleaner system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 8550 is equipped with the Power Director transmission, a partial power shift system offering 20 forward and 4 reverse gears. It features a four-wheel-drive configuration, complemented by hydrostatic power steering and hydraulic wet disc brakes for reliable control and stopping power.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is a closed-center design providing a pump flow of 74.9 gallons per minute (283.5 lpm), supporting 3 or 4 valves for implement operation. The rear independent PTO operates at 1000 RPM, and the rear hitch is rated for category IV/III implements.
Operator Environment and Dimensions
The standard Acousta Cab II includes integrated heating and air conditioning, with options for a radio and 8-track tape deck. The tractor has a wheelbase of 126 inches (320 cm) and a ground clearance of 17 inches (43 cm), with adjustable front and rear treads between 62 and 123 inches.
Conclusion
With its significant engine displacement, high hydraulic capacity, and 4WD traction, the Allis Chalmers 8550 is engineered for demanding field tasks, heavy-duty tillage, and large-scale agricultural management.
Production Information of Allis Chalmers, 8550
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
| Manufacturer | Allis Chalmers |
|---|---|
| Original price | $86,753 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Allis Chalmers, 8550
| Rear tread | 62 to 123 inches [157 to 312 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 126 inches [320 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 17 inches [43 cm] |
| Ground clearance(optional) | 119.5 inches (long axle) [303 cm] |
| Length | 285 inches [723 cm] |
| Front tread | 62 to 123 inches [157 to 312 cm] |
| Width | 95.5 inches [242 cm] |
| Ag front | 18.4x38 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 23.1x30 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x38 |
| Ag rear | 18.4x38 |
| Ag rear | 20.8x34 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 24.5x32 |
| Ag front | 20.8x34 |
| Ag front(optional) | 30.5x32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 23.1x30 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 30.5x32 |
Engine Specifications of Allis Chalmers, 8550
- Allis Chalmers 6120T
- Liquid-cooled inline
- Turbocharged diesel
- 6-cylinder 24-valve
| Coolant capacity | 72 qts [68.1 L] |
|---|---|
| Coolant capacity(optional) | 60 qts (3 filter) [56.8 L] |
| Air cleaner | Dry |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.015 inches (hot) [0.381 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 2500 |
| Idle RPM | 775-2800 |
| Compression | 16.25:1 |
| Displacement | 731 ci [12.0 L] |
| Power | 300 hp [223.7 kW] |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.25x6.25 inches [133 x 159 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 46 qts (2 filter) [43.5 L] |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.020 inches (hot) [0.508 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
Transmission Information of Allis Chalmers, 8550
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Power Director |
|---|---|
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 20 forward and 4 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Allis Chalmers, 8550
- Four-wheel drive
- Acousta Cab II standard with heat and air-conditioning. Optional radio and 8 track tape deck.
- Hydraulic wet discs brakes
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
|---|
Power Information of Allis Chalmers, 8550
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Allis Chalmers, 8550
| Type | Closed center |
|---|---|
| Valves | 3 or 4 |
| Pump flow | 74.9 gpm [283.5 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Allis Chalmers, 8550
| Rear Type | IV/III |
|---|
Electrical System of Allis Chalmers, 8550
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Batteries | 4 |
Where it sits
With 300 HP, the Allis Chalmers 8550 sits just below 4W-305 (305 HP) in Allis Chalmers's range. Its power puts it in the 96th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Allis Chalmers 8550 have?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 delivers 300 HP.
What years was the Allis Chalmers 8550 produced?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 was produced in 1978-1981.
What engine does the Allis Chalmers 8550 have?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder 24-valve engine.
What transmission does the Allis Chalmers 8550 use?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 uses a Power Director transmission.
Is the Allis Chalmers 8550 4WD?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 is available in 4WD.