Tractor Trivia
WD Allis Chalmers
In 1948 Allis Chalmers updated their WC tractor coming out with the model WD. WIth a quick look the “new” WD did not look much different than the WC that had been restyled in 1939. One of the only WD Allis Chalmers tractors I was ever around was one that belonged to my dad’s friend, Duane Whyte. Duane loved old tractors but had sold his farm and whenever he bought a tractor he would keep it over at my mom and dad’s farm. So for a time there was a WD on the farm! We used it a few times to pull a gravity box or hay wagon around the farm. Recently at an on-line auction I placed a bid on a WD, but I did not win the bid!!
The WD had some improvements over the WC. One of the biggest improvements was the addition of an “extra” hand clutch located between the PTO and the transmission. It was a great feature as you could stop forward motion of the tractor without stopping the PTO. This of course was great with the Allis Chalmers Roto-Baler! Now the bale could be wrapped with twine and ejected as the PTO continued but forward motion of the tractor was stopped!
Another feature was the traction booster hydraulic system. The implement was hitched under the tractor and with the use of a kind of “2-point system” weight was transferred to the rear wheels adding more traction!!
Advertising for the WD also “bragged up” the Power Adjust Wheels. If the clamps on the wheels were loosened the tractor’s own power could be used to “spin” the wheels on the rims moving them in or out. Narrower setting were used for plowing while the wider settings were used for various row crop jobs.
When I want to talk Allis Chalmers I call up my friend and Allis Chalmers man Bruce Bjerklie. Bruce’s has several WD Allis Chalmers tractors and the all have a name that is usually related to who they purchased the tractor from. I have met” Vernon”, “Alme”, “Palmer”, “Rodney” and “Andy.” This group of WD Allis Chalmers Tractors were a site to see. Learning the stories behind all of them was quite fun. If you want to learn more give Bruce a call, I am sure he would tell you the story.
Many of the WD tractors in our area had a wide front, although some had narrow fronts. I think the wide fronts are stable and useful, but if I ever had the chance to get a WD I think I would like to have one with a narrow front. Just keep it a secret! I Love John Deere’s and of course I also have a couple of H Farmalls, but my wife doesn’t know that maybe a nice little WD Allis Chalmers would look good in the lineup!
How about a little tractor trivia!
1. The WD was produced from 1948- __________ .
A) 1952 B) 1953 C) 1954 D) 1955
2. The WD was manufactured in _________________, Wisconsin.
A) Milwaukee B) Appleton C) West Allis D) Madison
3. The WC had 201 Cubic In. engine. The WD has a ________ Cubic In. engine.
A) 201 ci B) 220 ci C) 229 ci D) 245 ci
4) The WC was rate at 29.9hp, while the WD was rated at _________ hp.
A) 31.9hp B) 33.1hp C) 33.9hp D) 34.6hp
5) How did the WD get more horsepower?
ANSWERS: 1. B. 1953 2. C. West Allis 3. A. 201 cu. In. 4. D. 34.6hp 5. 100 more RPMS since it had the displacement as the WC.
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Eric Mickelson
Green Magazine
RIchard's Publishing
Oklee, MN 56742
218-791-9157