Allis-Chalmers CA Overview
The Allis-Chalmers CA is a small row-crop tractor built from 1950 through 1958. It uses a 125.2 cu in (2.1 L) engine and a four-speed non-synchronized transmission, so serial range and installed equipment matter when you are matching parts.
Nebraska Test 453 is the gasoline, 4-speed, 2WD CA test. Its belt and drawbar results apply to that tested configuration; the claimed PTO figure is a separate spec line.
Read the spec table as the quick view, then use the operator manual, service manual, parts book, and Nebraska test report to verify the tractor in front of you. That is the safer way to check controls, lubrication, service categories, and parts fit before buying anything.
Allis-Chalmers CA Quick Answers
- Production yearsThe Allis-Chalmers CA was produced from 1950 through 1958.
- EngineEngine displacement is 125.2 ci 2.1 L.
- PowerClaimed PTO power is published as 23 hp 17.2 kW. Nebraska Test 453 lists 25.96 maximum belt hp and 22.97 maximum drawbar hp for the gasoline, 4-speed, 2WD CA test tractor.
- PTO and hitchRear PTO is 538-type; Allis Snap Coupler is available after 1954.
- Service capacityTransmission oil capacity is 4 qts 3.8 L; hydraulic system capacity is 2 gal 7.6 L; coolant capacity is 9 qts 8.5 L.
Engine and Power
The CA engine row centers on the 125.2 ci (2.1 L) gasoline four-cylinder at 1650 rpm. Claimed PTO power is published as 23 hp 17.2 kW. Nebraska Test 453 is separate: it lists 25.96 maximum belt hp and 22.97 maximum drawbar hp for a gasoline, 4-speed, 2WD CA.
Gasoline engine
Allis Chalmers / gasoline / 4-cylinder 8-valve / liquid-cooled vertical I-head
| Displacement | 125.2 ci 2.1 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.375x3.50 inches 86 x 89 mm |
| Air Cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 6.25:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1650 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| Coolant Capacity | 9 qts 8.5 L |
| Sparkplug | AC45 |
| Sparkplug Gap | 0.030 inches 0.762 mm |
| Point Gap | 0.020 inches 0.508 mm |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.012 inches (hot) 0.305 mm |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.012 inches (hot) 0.305 mm |
Manufacturer
Manufacture years
Transmission
Transmission is a 4-speed non-synchronized layout with 4 forward and 1 reverse, paired with a dry-disc clutch. Oil capacity for the transmission is 4 qts 3.8 L.
4-speed non-synchronized
| Type | non-synchronized |
|---|---|
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | dry disc |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 4 qts 3.8 L |
PTO and Hitch
Rear PTO is live with a 538-type output. The Allis Snap Coupler option was available after 1954.
Rear PTO
Rear PTO type
Hydraulics
Hydraulic system operates at about 3200 psi (220.6 bar) with a capacity of 2 gal 7.6 L for the tractor’s hydraulic circuit.
Capacity
Pressure
Fluids, Battery, and Service Facts
Maintenance notes cover transmissions, hydraulics, and cooling system capacities, plus basic electrical and ignition references. Fluid types, filters, belts, and battery group specifics should be confirmed via the parts catalog or operator manual before ordering.
Fuel tank
Hydraulic system
Battery volts
Battery Ah
Tires and Dimensions
Tire and dimension values can vary by wheel, axle, and configuration.
Wheelbase
Weight
Length
Width
Height
Front tire
Rear tire
Ag front
Ag rear
Electrical
Electrical rows are included when documented.
Ground
Charging system
Charging amps
Battery volts
Serial Number Lookup
Serial numbers help narrow the CA by build year and configuration. Factory prefixes and regional variations require supportive documentation before a year table is applied.
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
final
location
Manuals and Documents
Use these links to check the operator manual, service manual, parts catalog, or test report that matches the tractor's serial range and equipment.
When a source covers more than one model or variant, confirm the fuel type, transmission, PTO setup, and serial range before using it for parts or service.
Tractor test report
- Test 453: Allis-Chalmers CAtested performance
Nebraska Tractor Test Report for Allis-Chalmers CA (1950)
Open source
Service manual
- Allis-Chalmers CA Tractor Service Manualoperation, maintenance
Factory service manual reproductions for CA covering engine, electrical, hydraulic, and transmission systems
Open source
Parts catalog
- Allis-Chalmers CA Tractor Parts Manualparts matching
Parts diagrams and numbers for CA model
Open source
Manufacturer document
- Allis-Chalmers Heritage Catalogparts matching
AGCO/Allis-Chalmers Heritage catalog covering model family and parts compatibility
Open source - AGCO Allis Publications Catalogparts matching
AGCO/Allis Allis Publications Catalog listing operator manuals, repair manuals, and parts books
Open source
Operator manual
- Allis-Chalmers CA Operator Manual (reprint)operation
Operator manual for CA with fluid capacities and operation instructions
Open source
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Do not order Allis-Chalmers CA parts from the model name alone. Match the part to the tractor's model code, serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and build year before choosing service parts.
Filters, fluids, belts, electrical parts, clutch and PTO parts, and hydraulic parts can vary by setup. Exact part numbers need a parts catalog, manual, or trusted supplier source before they become recommendations.
Accuracy Note
Tractor specifications can vary by year, region, factory configuration, installed equipment, and later repairs. Match serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and model code before ordering parts or doing service work.