WHILE ALLIS-CHALMERS was responsible for a lot of ‘firsts’ in the track type tractor industry, it tended to be somewhat of a follower when it came to wheel loaders.

However, when it introduced its first articulated wheel loader, the model TL-645, it was a real beauty and fully justified all the research and development that Allis-Chalmers had put into it.

Introduced in 1965 after a five-year testing period, the model 645 was a medium-sized machine with a 2.5 cubic yard bucket, suited for all manner of applications, be it construction, aggregate handling, industrial or if equipped with log forks, forestry.

A little background

https://i0.wp.com/contractormag.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/C_August_2015_Pg64_2.jpg?ssl=1" rel="nofollow"> While not of the highest quality, this photo does serve to emphasise what sort of a load an Allis-Chalmers 645 could lift. Armed with log forks, this 645 is at work on the skid in Malaysia. Extra counterweight has been installed to keep the 645’s bum on the ground. The sharply sloping rear hood is well illustrated in this image. PHOTO: AUTHOR’S COLLECTION

In the late 1940s, the  https://contractormag.co.nz/classic-machines/tractomotive-wheel-loaders/" rel="nofollow - Tractomotive Corporation  of Deerfield, Illinois was manufacturing small rigid frame, rear wheel steer loaders using Allis-Chalmers’ agricultural tractors as a chassis.

These loaders were very efficient and second only to  https://contractormag.co.nz/classic-machines/hough/" rel="nofollow - Hough’s  wheel loaders in popularity.