Introduction
Allis-Chalmers WD45: Agricultural Tractor
Produced between 1953 and 1957 in West Allis, Wisconsin, the Allis-Chalmers WD45 is a row-crop tractor recognized for its performance during the mid-20th century. It served as a significant model in the brand's history, notably being the first Allis-Chalmers tractor to offer power steering.
Engine and Performance
The WD45 is equipped with a 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled, vertical I-head engine with a displacement of 230 cubic inches (3.8 liters). It produces 48 horsepower and delivers 259 lb-ft (351.2 Nm) of torque at 1169 RPM. The engine cooling system has a capacity of 17 quarts (16.1 liters), and the unit utilizes an oil bath air cleaner.
Transmission and PTO
The tractor features a sliding gear transmission providing 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The drivetrain includes a 178mm wet disc clutch for the transmission and a 254mm dry disc clutch for the PTO. The rear PTO operates at 540 RPM at an engine speed of 1400 RPM, categorized as a 'live' PTO system.
Mechanical and Steering
The chassis is configured for two-wheel drive. Steering is mechanical, with power steering becoming an available factory option starting in 1956. Braking is handled by mechanical band brakes. The operator station is open-style, with an optional half-cab featuring a windshield and vinyl sides available for increased weather protection.
Dimensions and Hydraulics
With a wheelbase of 88 inches (223 cm) and a ground clearance of 29 inches (73 cm), the tractor is designed for row-crop applications with an adjustable rear tread ranging from 55.6 to 90.1 inches (141 to 228 cm). The hydraulic system has a capacity of 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters), utilizing specific oil grades based on ambient temperature.
Conclusion
The Allis-Chalmers WD45 stands as a notable machine in agricultural history, valued for its power-to-size ratio and the introduction of advanced features like power steering. It remains a significant model for collectors and historical equipment enthusiasts today.
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Production Information of Allis Chalmers, WD45
- Original price was $2,400 in 1956
- Row-Crop tractor
- The WD45 was the first Allis-Chalmers tractor available with power steering. The diesel engine became available after Allis-Chalmers acquired Buda, and put the 6BD-230 engine in the tractor. The WD45 is considered by many to be one of the most important tractors built by Allis-Chalmers. At the time, it was the most powerful tractor for its size.
- Built in West Allis, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | Allis Chalmers |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | 83,536 (gasoline) |
| Total built | 90,382 (total) |
| Total built(optional) | 6,509 (diesel) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Allis Chalmers, WD45
| Ground clearance | 29 inches [73 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 88 inches [223 cm] |
| Gas Weight | 3995 lbs [1812 kg] |
| Height (exhaust) | 81.5 inches [207 cm] |
| Length | 128 inches [325 cm] |
| Rear tread | 55.6 to 90.1 inches [141 to 228 cm] |
| Diesel Weight | 4285 lbs [1943 kg] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 68 inches [172 cm] |
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12-28 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 13-28 |
Engine Specifications of Allis Chalmers, WD45
- Liquid-cooled vertical I-head
- Available after October of 1954
- 6-cylinder
| Intake valve clearance | 0.010 inches [0.254 mm] |
|---|---|
| Coolant capacity | 17 qts [16.1 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.019 inches [0.483 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 1625 |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft [351.2 Nm] |
| Compression | 15.5:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.4375x4.125 inches [87 x 105 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 7 qts [6.6 L] |
| Displacement | 230 ci [3.8 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Torque RPM | 1169 |
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Transmission Information of Allis Chalmers, WD45
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Sliding gear |
|---|---|
| Oil type | SAE 80EP |
| Oil capacity | 17 qts [16.1 L] |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Gears(optional) | SAE 80EP |
| Clutch | 178mm wet disc |
Mechanical Specs of Allis Chalmers, WD45
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station. Optional Allis-Chalmers Half Cab with windshield and vinyl sides.
- Mechanical band brakes
| Steering | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power |
Power steering became available in 1956.
Power Information of Allis Chalmers, WD45
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Engine RPM | 548@1400 |
| Clutch | 254mm dry disc |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
Hydraulics Specifications of Allis Chalmers, WD45
| Capacity | 1.5 gal [5.7 L] |
|---|---|
| 45oF [7oC]↓ | : SAE10W |
| Oil type | 45oF [7oC]↑ : SAE20W 45oF [7oC]↓ : SAE10W |
| 45oF [7oC]↑ | : SAE20W |
Three-Point Hitch of Allis Chalmers, WD45
| Type | Snap-Coupler |
|---|
Electrical System of Allis Chalmers, WD45
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 115 |
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Gas Batteries | 1 |
| Diesel Batteries | 2 |
Where it sits
With 48 hp[B] HP, the Allis Chalmers WD45 sits between WD (28 HP) and D17 (63 HP) in Allis Chalmers's range. Its power puts it in the 71th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Allis Chalmers WD45 have?
The Allis Chalmers WD45 delivers 48 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Allis Chalmers WD45 produced?
The Allis Chalmers WD45 was produced in 1953-1957.
What engine does the Allis Chalmers WD45 have?
The Allis Chalmers WD45 is powered by a 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Allis Chalmers WD45 use?
The Allis Chalmers WD45 uses a Sliding gear transmission.
How much does the Allis Chalmers WD45 weigh?
The Allis Chalmers WD45 weighs 3995 lbs [1812 kg].
Is the Allis Chalmers WD45 4WD?
The Allis Chalmers WD45 is available in 2WD.