Allis Chalmers D17 Tractor: Complete Specs, Price, and More

The Allis Chalmers D17 tractor, a synonym of the mid-20th century, is acclaimed for its going beyond cold and versatility in agricultural tasks. This type, which was manufactured from 1957 to 1967, was one of the D-Series, which made the headlines for its Power-Director transmission, among other things. It was also equipped with different types of engines, such as gasoline, diesel, and LP gas.

Capable of producing up to 63 horsepower, the D17 was a hit among medium to large farming operations, featuring an open operator station, either manual or power steering, and various attachments from which to choose. The initial price back in 1967 was in the neighborhood of $5,400, but today, a good condition D17 will go for $1,800 to $2,300. At this point, buyers get all the deep embedded features, prices, and added special characteristics which the Allis Chalmers D17 is particularly known for as a treasured part of the farm equipment history.

Overview

AttributeDetails
Production Years1957 – 1967
Engine TypesGasoline, Diesel, LP Gas
Horsepower (Max)63 hp (varies by engine type)
TransmissionPartial Power Shift with Power-Director, 8F/2R gears
PTO (Power Take-Off)Rear, 540 rpm
Hydraulic SystemOpen center, 17.2 L/min (4.5 gpm) pump flow
SteeringManual or Power Steering (optional)
Wheelbase90 inches (2,286 mm)
WeightApprox. 4,650 lbs (gasoline), 4,660 lbs (diesel)
Fuel Capacity19 US gal (72 L) for gasoline/diesel, 22.3 US gal (84.4 L) for LP gas
Tires (Standard)Front: 6.00×16, Rear: 14.9×28
Original Price (1967)Approximately $5,400
Current Price Range$1,800 – $2,300+ (used, varies by condition)
Key Features– Power-Director for gear shifting
– Multiple engine options
– High clearance variants available
– Durable construction
Common Issues– Parts scarcity
– Diesel cold start problems
– Power-Director clutch wear
LegacyKnown for reliability, collector’s item, significant in agricultural history

Detailed Specifications of the Allis Chalmers D17

Let us start by discussing the precise factors that were behind the success of Allis-Chalmers D17 in the field: 

Engine Specifications

FeatureGasoline EngineDiesel EngineLP Gas Engine
ManufacturerAllis ChalmersAllis ChalmersAllis Chalmers
Type4-cylinder, 4-stroke6-cylinder, 4-stroke4-cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement3.7 L (226 cu in)4.3 L (262 cu in)3.7 L (226 cu in)
Bore x Stroke102 x 114 mm90 x 111 mm102 x 114 mm
Compression Ratio7.25:115.7:17.25:1
Horsepower63 hp61 hp63 hp
Rated Speed1650 rpm1650 rpm1650 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity72 L (19 US gal)72 L (19 US gal)84.4 L (22.3 US gal)

The Allis Chalmers D17 offered different engine types that were the preference of the farmers explaining thus why they were reliable and provided both efficiency and power under different circumstances such as plowing, planting, harvesting, etc. 

Transmission and Gear Details

FeatureDetails
Transmission TypePartial Power Shift, Power-Director
Number of Gears8 Forward, 2 Reverse
Gearbox8F/2R
ClutchDry Disc
Maximum Speed (Forward)11.9 mph (19.1 kph)
Maximum Speed (Reverse)2.6 mph (4.2 kph)

Such a gearbox system was really a break-through at that time when the problem of the over overlook of the clutch was implemented because of which the tractor worked hours with no shifts interruption hitherto having the best gear in the market. 

Dimensions and Weight

AttributeMeasurement
Wheelbase2,286 mm (90 inches)
LengthVaries with engine type
Width1,702 mm (67 inches)
Height1,956 mm (77 inches) at the steering wheel
WeightGasoline: 2,110 kg (4,650 lbs); Diesel: 2,114 kg (4,660 lbs)

It was by design that the D17 was meant to ensure perfect alignment and equilibrium, which are very crucial for the performance of practically all agricultural operations, from plowing to hauling. 

Hydraulic System and PTO

FeatureDetails
Hydraulic SystemOpen center
Pump Flow17.2 L/min (4.5 gpm)
PTO TypeRear, 540 rpm
PTO Power52.7 hp (belt), 48.64 hp (drawbar)

The time between going up and returning down again allowed the hydraulic system of D17 to be so efficient that it became an epitome of a method that provided power for implements as well as reliability. 

Wheels and Tires

PositionTire Size
Front Tires6.00×16
Rear Tires14.9×28
Tread Width (Front)53-79 inches (1340-2000 mm)
Tread Width (Rear)58-92 inches (1470-2330 mm)

These tire specifications facilitate good traction and the capacity to adapt to various ground conditions.

Pricing and Market Value

A D17 tractor by Allis Chalmers, a worth of five thousand four hundred dollars, was first released in 1967, and now, it has turned into something of a collectible. Today, a used one may cost between one thousand eight hundred dollars and two thousand three hundred dollars, based on its condition, how complete it is, and if it still has the original features or if the enhancements have been made. It is important to note, the price may change dramatically considering factors such as location, demand, and the tractor’s operational status:

  • Restored Models: Can be priced at $3,000 which at times can exceed keeping the quality original as well. 
  • Functional but Not Restored: Normally, they are somewhere between the two. 
  • Parts Tractors: Besides being put into large piles on the market before, the majority of them have purchasers who need them for their personal D17 or some other Allis Chalmers vehicles.

Features and Legacy

Unique Features

  • Power-Director Transmission: Power-Director Transmission is a fascinating capability that changes gears without clutching, which increases the drive efficiency.
  • Engine Options: This vehicle is powered by either gasoline, diesel fuel, or LP gas engines, which are suitable for various farm operations.
  • High Clearance: In fact, some models are actually made with high clearance for a great lake like  lake and rice. Proper land preparation is done by sturtevant leadership.

Legacy

The Allis Chalmers D17’s presence in the area of agriculture is immeasurable and is well recognized for its long life and multipurpose to fit in different farming situations. It is not only a farm tool but also a part of the farming past, which collectors and farmers admire and thus its popularity is increasing day by day.

Maintenance and Parts Availability

While the D17 has an old age that makes it difficult to find some of its parts, there is still groups and clubs that are all about keeping these tractors running:

  • Specialty Parts Dealers: The website DJS Tractor Parts is a good segment to imply the required items for the D17.
  • Online Forums: Platforms such as TractorByNet are a gathering area for advice and possible part sources.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Durable constructionParts scarcity
Multiple engine typesCold start issues (diesel)
Innovative Power-Director transmissionLacks modern features
High horsepower for eraRequires specialized maintenance
Collectible valueLess fuel-efficient
Versatile for various tasksNoisy and high vibration
Strong resale marketHeavier, less agile

Conclusion

Allis-Chalmers D17 is like a legendary tribute to the ancient “good old” times when engineering was all about power and innovation. Whether you are a collector or a farmer who is in the market for a reliable workhorse, you are expected to have a clear understanding of its specifications, historical price, and the present market value. Even though it might not look like it’s high-tech agricultural equipment, which is quite popular today, its presence in this sector is very significant – so, it is not wrong to say that it is a piece of farm machinery history that people love a lot.

With the reservation of the interest of collectors and users, the Allis-Chalmers D17 still remains the past, the present, and the future of the tractor and this will be shown in the annals of the tractor manufacturing industry for many centuries. You have to consider the availability of parts and the expertise required for the machine to function well, in case you decide to buy it or maintain it, till the next time.

FAQ

How much horsepower does an Allis Chalmers D17 have?

  • The Allis Chalmers D17 tractor has up to 63 horsepower depending on the engine type (gasoline, diesel, or LP gas).

What years was the Allis Chalmers D17 made?

  • The Allis Chalmers D17 was manufactured from 1957 to 1967.

What type of transmission does the Allis Chalmers D17 have?

  • The partial power shift transmission features the unique Power-Director system that allows 8 forward and 2 reverse gears. 

Does the Allis Chalmers D17 have power steering?

  • Power steering was an optional feature on the Allis Chalmers D17.

How do you identify the series of an Allis Chalmers D17?

  • Check the serial number plate. The serial number tells whether it is series I, II, III, or IV, corresponding to a specific number range in each series. 

What is the weight of an Allis Chalmers D17 tractor?

  • The weight varies depending on the model and can be around 4,650 lbs for a gas-powered and 4,660 lbs for the diesel model.

Can you still get parts for an Allis Chalmers D17?

  • Yes, but they can be hard to find because of the age of the tractor. Specialized stores, online discussion forums, and auctions are the best places to search for such parts.

What was the original price of an Allis Chalmers D17?

  • When it was new in 1967, the D17’s price was around $5,400.

How common are Allis Chalmers D17 tractors today?

  •  These tractors can be classified as antique and are not as frequent as the modern tractors yet, however, they are still appreciated by collectors and farmers.

What are common problems with the Allis Chalmers D17?

  • Common among the problems are the transmission issues related to the Power-Director clutch and engine starting troubles in the diesel models, besides that, the tractors wear out because of age.

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