Farm Equipment - New to the Allis Chalmers Family

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New to the Allis Chalmers Family

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140253
Printed Date: 05 Sep 2025 at 6:01pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: New to the Allis Chalmers Family

Posted By: Chubby_Bunny_Farmer
Subject: New to the Allis Chalmers Family
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2017 at 11:53am

Good morning all!

Here I am on the eve of purchasing my first tractor for the farm, a '55 WD 45. Seems to be in good condition, it's in farm ready condition. The owner is done with the lack of hydraulic steering, and modernized a bit. We have 8.5 acres, plan on the majority of it in row crops. Any advice as to what I should look for before I buy this fine piece of equipment?

Replies:

Posted By: shameless dude
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2017 at 2:56pm

welcome to the forum! make sure it starts easy, runs good, and everything works on it that you need it to! tire good? snap coupler hitch or 3-pt? if you don't mind me/us asking...how much $$$? others should chime in and be more specific!

Posted By: matador
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2017 at 7:37pm

I don't know too much about the older A-C tractors, but were the WD-45's prone to being gear jumpers? If so, you'll want to check that

Posted By: Bill Long
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2017 at 9:10pm

Of course you will run it before buying so check (1) as said above the gear shift - put in third gear and move the tractor and slow rapidly. See if jumps of gear (2) check the hand clutch to see if (a) clicks into pull position and (b) if releases when pushed forward, (3) check the brakes and see if they work - brakes can be replaced but it can be a problem (4) lift and lower the hydraulic - should go up and when moving lever down with foot pressure should go down (5) if possible check the lug nuts on the rear wheel sliding adjustment to see if loose - usually these are frozen but you may be lucky

Do the normal stuff check the oil and fluid levels and cleanliness of the tractor - can tell how well cared for - along with the general appearance of the tractor.

If good should be more than enough for your operation

Wish you the very best.
Let us know how it goes.

Welcome to the Allis Chalmers Forum

Good Luck!

Bill Long

Posted By: j.w.freck
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2017 at 9:36pm

I would operate the pto,listen real close for a clicking or ratcheting noise.those pto intermediate gears have been known to fail.i have replaced one on my 45 diesel and 2 more for other operators...just thought I would mention it ....that ole 45 is almost bullet proof.....

Posted By: Sugarmaker
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2017 at 9:46pm

Welcome, and good luck with the purchase of the WD45. Good tractors!
Regards,
Chris

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D17 1958 (NFE), WD45 1954 (NFE), WD 1952 (NFE), WD 1950 (WFE), Allis F-40 forklift, Allis CA, Allis D14, Ford Jubilee, Many IH Cub Cadets, 32 Ford Dump, 65 Comet.

Posted By: Dan Hauter
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2017 at 11:55am

Welcome to Allis Chalmers ownership! I have a '55 WD45 wide front gas. You've already got some real good advice from the other guys. Check the wheels for rust. Older tractors that had fluid in their rear tires, and sometimes the front tires, too, may have rust problems on the wheels. It might be anything from minor rust to a rim that's so rotted it has to be replaced. Look for welds in places where they shouldn't be and any signs of amateur shade tree mechanic screw ups. If previous owners thought enough of the tractor to keep it looking good and repair it properly it's less likely they abused it. Check for a cracked block. Those engines tended to crack behind & in front of the carb. Check the antifreeze in the radiator. A good WD45 will be a great tractor for you!