Introduction
Allis-Chalmers D15 Row-Crop Tractor
The Allis-Chalmers D15 is a row-crop tractor produced between 1960 and 1968, serving as an evolution of the D14 series. Manufactured in West Allis, Wisconsin, this tractor was designed to offer increased performance through higher compression and engine speeds, and was available in gasoline, LPG, and diesel engine configurations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a 175 cubic inch (2.9 L) displacement. It operates at a rated speed of 2000 RPM, producing 44 horsepower. The engine features an oil bath air cleaner and utilizes a 1-3-4-2 firing order. Maintenance requirements include specific valve clearances, set at 0.010 inches for intake and between 0.015 and 0.019 inches for exhaust, depending on engine conditions.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Two transmission options were offered: an 8-speed partial power shift with a Power Director lever, or a 4-speed shuttle transmission. The Power Director system allows the operator to shift between high and low ranges on the move without using the clutch, while placing the lever in neutral stops the tractor movement while maintaining PTO engagement. The shuttle transmission provides a dedicated lever for forward and reverse maneuvers.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system operates at a pressure of 2300 psi (158.6 bar) with a total capacity of 2.5 gallons (9.5 L). For implement attachment, the tractor utilizes a category II/I rear hitch equipped with the Allis-Chalmers proprietary Snap-Coupler system. The rear power take-off (PTO) provides live 540 RPM operation to support various agricultural implements.
Dimensions and Chassis
Built on an 88-inch wheelbase with a total length of 130.4 inches, the D15 offers stability for field operations. The front tread is adjustable from 51 to 78 inches, and the rear tread ranges from 54 to 88 inches depending on the axle configuration. The tractor features manual steering with optional power assistance and uses expanding shoe brakes for stopping.
Conclusion
With over 7,000 units produced, the Allis-Chalmers D15 served as a versatile utility tractor for row-crop applications. Its combination of live PTO, adjustable tread widths, and flexible transmission options made it a standard machine for mid-sized farming operations during the 1960s.
Production Information of Allis Chalmers, D15
- The Allis-Chalmers D15 was an improved version of the D14, which it replaced in 1960. Higher power for the gas and LPG engines came from increased compression and RPMs. A diesel engine was also made available.
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in West Allis, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | Allis Chalmers |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | 6,212 (gas/LP) |
| Total built | 7,169 (total) |
| Total built(optional) | 957 (diesel) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Allis Chalmers, D15
| Clearance (rear axle) | 24.4 inches [61 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 88 inches [223 cm] |
| Height (exhaust) | 80.2 inches [203 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 57.3 inches [145 cm] |
| Length | 130.4 inches [331 cm] |
| Front tread | 51 to 78 inches [129 to 198 cm] |
| Clearance (front axle) | 21.2 inches [53 cm] |
| Width | 67 inches [170 cm] |
| Rear tread | 54 to 88 inches [137 to 223 cm (wide axle)] |
| Rear tread | 54 to 80 inches [137 to 203 cm] |
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 13.6-26 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 7.50-16 |
| Ag rear | 12.4-26 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 14.9-26 |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
Engine Specifications of Allis Chalmers, D15
- Liquid-cooled
- 4-cylinder
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.015 inches [0.381 mm] |
|---|---|
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.019 inches (hot) [0.483 mm] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Displacement | 175 ci [2.9 L] |
| Oil capacity | 5 qts [4.7 L] |
| Fuel use | 2.871 gal/hour [10.9 l/hour] |
| Compression | 15.35:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.5625x4.375 inches [90 x 111 mm] |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.010 inches (hot) [0.254 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 11 qts [10.4 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of Allis Chalmers, D15
Transmission variants 1
- The transmission is controlled by means of the gear shift lever and the Power Director lever. The tractor must be stopped, and clutch used, to select one of four forward gears, or reverse. The Power Director lever has high, low, and neutral positions. The Power Director can be shifted on the move without clutching. Placing the Power Director into neutral causes the tractor to stop while keeping the PTO engaged.
| Transmission | Power Director |
|---|---|
| Oil type | SAE80EP |
| Oil capacity | 14.75 qts [14.0 L] |
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Type(optional) | SAE80EP |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
- The shuttle transmission is controlled using the gear shift lever and the shuttle control lever. The tractor must be stopped, and clutch used, to select one of four speeds with the gear shift. The shuttle control lever enables a shift between forward, reverse, or neutral without clutching. A PTO could be ordered on the industrial D15 with the shuttle, but it ran at 875 RPMs.
| Transmission | Shuttle |
|---|---|
| Transmission(optional) | SAE80EP |
| Oil type | SAE80EP |
| Gears | 4 forward and reverse |
| Oil capacity | 14.75 qts [14.0 L] |
- 8-speed partial power shift
- 4-speed
Mechanical Specs of Allis Chalmers, D15
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Expanding shoe brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power optional |
Power Information of Allis Chalmers, D15
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Allis Chalmers, D15
| Capacity | 2.5 gal [9.5 L] |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 2300 psi [158.6 bar] |
Three-Point Hitch of Allis Chalmers, D15
| Rear Type | II/I |
|---|---|
| Type | Snap-Coupler |
Electrical System of Allis Chalmers, D15
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 70 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Batteries | 1 (gas/LP) |
| Batteries(optional) | 2 (diesel) |
Where it sits
With 44 hp[P] HP, the Allis Chalmers D15 sits between D14 (37 HP) and D17 (63 HP) in Allis Chalmers's range. Its power puts it in the 42th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Allis Chalmers D15 have?
The Allis Chalmers D15 delivers 44 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Allis Chalmers D15 produced?
The Allis Chalmers D15 was produced in 1960-1968.
What engine does the Allis Chalmers D15 have?
The Allis Chalmers D15 is powered by a 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Allis Chalmers D15 use?
The Allis Chalmers D15 uses a Power Director transmission.
Is the Allis Chalmers D15 4WD?
The Allis Chalmers D15 is available in 2WD.