Construction and other equipment

Model M Questions

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Construction and other equipment
Forum Description: everything else with orange (or yellow) paint
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=68035
Printed Date: 27 Jun 2025 at 3:09pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Model M Questions

Posted By: ACcrazy
Subject: Model M Questions
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 9:12pm

Hey guys. I've been looking for a cheap dozer to run around my little piece of property but the land is mostly all hillside and very steep.
There's an M on Craigslist a couple hundred miles from me I'd like to check out but not sure if it would be a good choice for my land. How are these things on steep terrain? Do they side hill well? Being they are gas powered do they flood or starve in these conditions? Can you still get parts for them? The one I'm talking about is a 1936 model.
I've been bugging a friend about his *ahem* TD9 but haven't been able to get him to commit to me acquiring it. If the HD21 deal doesn't work out, I'm gonna need something. I'd prefer to stick with Allis-Chalmers if possible.

Thanks!

Bruce

Replies:

Posted By: orangeman
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2013 at 4:12am

ACCrazy- The H-3 was the replacement in the line up for the old Model M.

If you intend to use a dozer on steep slope applications, please make sure the Undercarriage is in top notch condition. The reason for this is if you make a turn on a side slope a poor condition or worn out undercarriage will allow the track to come off.

This issue was addressed in Allis Chalmers Service Bulletins. Essentially the service bulletin called for a heavier track spring and track adjuster on the H-3 to allow more spring tension on the track. This bulletin was issued out about 1965 and specifically addressed the need for the upgraded spring and track adjuster when working on side slopes.

Without seeing your grade conditions, I would recommend limiting your turn movements to forward and reverse on steep terrain.

I am uncertain about undercarriage parts availability for the old M, H-3 undercarriage parts are getting thin.

Others will come along and offer their insights. Good luck and be safe on steep slopes.

Orangeman

Posted By: Dozer
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2013 at 8:04am

The M is quite old. It is more of a historical thing than a working machine. The early models had bronze bushings instead of roller bearings in the undercarage. The one I had did not have an electric starter motor. Check pivot points on the major castings for wear. I had to remove major parts to have them bored for bushings. The motor can be run on kerosene. Some had a small gas tank for starting and a larger tank for kerosine. It does not have much power for the fuel it will use. I did have a lot of fun with my old M but that was a long time ago. I still have unused undercarage parts from my "K" if anyone is restoring one.

Posted By: ACcrazy
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2013 at 8:33am

Thanks for the replies, gentleman. Given the info from you and the fact this machine is actually farther away than I thought, I think I'll pass on this one.