Allis Chalmers 8550 tractor

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
ManufacturerAllis Chalmers
Original price$86,753

Dimension and Tires Information of Allis Chalmers, 8550

Rear tread62 to 123 inches [157 to 312 cm]
Wheelbase126 inches [320 cm]
Ground clearance17 inches [43 cm]
Ground clearance(optional)119.5 inches (long axle) [303 cm]
Length285 inches [723 cm]
Front tread62 to 123 inches [157 to 312 cm]
Width95.5 inches [242 cm]
Ag front18.4x38
Ag front(optional)23.1x30
Ag front(optional)20.8x38
Ag rear18.4x38
Ag rear20.8x34
Ag rear(optional)24.5x32
Ag front20.8x34
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 capacity72 qts [68.1 L]
Coolant capacity(optional)60 qts (3 filter) [56.8 L]
Air cleanerDry
Intake valve clearance0.015 inches (hot) [0.381 mm]
Rated RPM2500
Idle RPM775-2800
Compression16.25:1
Displacement731 ci [12.0 L]
Power300 hp [223.7 kW]
Bore/Stroke5.25x6.25 inches [133 x 159 mm]
Oil capacity46 qts (2 filter) [43.5 L]
Exhaust valve clearance0.020 inches (hot) [0.508 mm]
Starter volts12
Firing order1-5-3-6-2-4

Transmission Information of Allis Chalmers, 8550

Transmission variants 1

TransmissionPower Director
TypePartial power shift
Gears20 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
SteeringHydrostatic power

Power Information of Allis Chalmers, 8550

Rear PTOIndependent
Rear PTO Type1000

Hydraulics Specifications of Allis Chalmers, 8550

TypeClosed center
Valves3 or 4
Pump flow74.9 gpm [283.5 lpm]

Three-Point Hitch of Allis Chalmers, 8550

Rear TypeIV/III

Electrical System of Allis Chalmers, 8550

GroundNegative
Battery volts12
Charging systemAlternator
Batteries4

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.

Compare the Allis Chalmers 8550 with another model