Allis Chalmers C 4.00 star(s) (5)

Getting Old
Model Year: 1948

Some years back I bought an Allis Chalmers model C with a wide, adjustable front end. I also purchased a Woods mid mounted mower, but ended up buying an 84 inch model 306 because I wanted to mow at least the width of the tractor. While the tractor did okay with the mower as long as the grass wasn't too overly tall, once it hit some tall grass, the engine on the C was really not adequate. At only about 20 hp, it actually did well all things considered. There are only 3 forward gears which compounds the problem of rpm vs. forward speed. The mower operates off the belt pully, lift hydraulics are from the original Allis Chalmers hydraulic pump, also run from the belt pulley drive. The front end is very lightweight, the tires narrow, making it steer well as long as the steering box has been adjusted and lubed and is not worn out. I installed an original can style muffler with a very short stack which makes it easy to operate under low hanging branches and also allows it to fit into garages with low clearance. The brakes leave something to be desired as does the height of the platform. A problem getting up there for those in poor physical condition. The seat however is very comfortable once you get there. The Allis Chalmers C is a relatively simple tractor to maintain and parts are still easily available. It uses very little fuel (gas) making it very economical to operate.

Pros: Inexpensive to buy and operate, compact, simple to repair.
Cons: No 3 point hitch, poor brakes, minimal HP, hard to get on and off, only 3 forward speeds.

My Antique Allis-Chalmers Model C
Model Year: 1948

1948, wide front, Allis-Chalmers, model C purchased from a local tractor re-builder in 1997. The tractor came equipped with a spring loaded pan seat in place of the original bench seat. It was also converted to a 12 volt, keyed start electrical system. Other than that it appeared to be in original condition. After using it for a few years to disc weeds on my 10 acres of undeveloped land, I purchased an after market 3 point hitch that is operated by the original hydraulic pump and a 4 foot, 3 point, rotary cutter. This set up functioned properly to keep my weeds under control. After the rear wheels fall-off adventures, I replaced the original pressure clamp wheel attach system with bolt on wheel rims. A great improvement but I lost the suspense and fear factor of waiting for a wheel to fall off and send me tumbling to the ground. Some time in the year 2000, I got tired of keeping the mechanical voltage regulator functioning. I replaced the generator/regulator with a one-wire alternator. This required some redesign and rewiring of the electrical box. Again, a step forward for technology. In the following years I purchased more implements to use with my 3-point hitch. They all served a function, but some are more valued than others. In the spring of 2004 I moved into a house, newly constructed on my 10 acres. About a year later the model C's engine jammed. I was unable to get the engine to rotate using the starter, the crank or pushing or pulling while in gear. After investigating all easily evaluated possibilities I was forced to split the tractor at the clutch housing and investigate further. After splitting, neither the front end (engine, flywheel and clutch section), nor the rear end (drive shaft) had no problems rotating. The clutch housing area was coated with grease and grime. After cleaning, I found a section of an old starter gear that must have jammed the flywheel. Clean up, clutch plate and starter ring gear replacement, and re-joining the front to the rear again gave me an operating tractor. While I had the tractor in pieces I decided to totally repaint and modify a few items. The biggest changes were replacement of a holey manifold with a new one and the replacement of the magneto ignition with a coil/distributor ignition. Other changes and additions included: a new carburetor, a cartridge air filter to replace the old oil bath filter, a redesign and rebuild of the hydraulic pump activator, head lights, a flip of the steering drag link to avoid rubbing on the radiator sheet metal, a tail light and new lettering decals. I now have a rebuilt antique that looks good and works great.

Pros: A good looking antique that works.
Cons: Are dependent on engine speed. In order to get required PTO speed the tractor speed is fixed by the gear selection.

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1948 A-C "C"
Model Year: 1948

Acquired this tractor as a non-running "parts" tractor. The mag was trashed, valves leaked, no oil pressure and front tires were shot. I wired the mag as a distributor, did a complete valve job (new guides, seats and valves) replaced the pickup tube on the oil pump and put new tires on the front. Good power on the belt, but lacks the ability to get it to the ground. It does what I need it to do, but without 3 point or up-dated hydraulic it won't do much more.

Pros: It was cheap.
Cons: Few "bells and whistles".

Best Little Tractor
Model Year: 1941

A great little tractor for those small jobs. Came with a L306 Woods mower. Works GREAT. Better spent money than buying a lawn tractor and a lot cheaper and will be around for another 70 years. Will a Cub Cadet or a John Deere? I doubt it very much.

Pros: Small, versatile, sturdy, dependable.
Cons: No hydraulics.

Questions
Model Year: 1947

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Pros: Help.
Cons: None.