Allis-Chalmers WD-45 Overview
The Allis-Chalmers WD-45 is a mid-century utility tractor built from 1953 through 1957, with gasoline, LP-gas, and diesel versions. It is simple enough to keep working, but the exact engine, serial range, and PTO setup still matter when you are ordering parts.
Start with the operator manual for controls and lubrication, then use the service manual, parts references, and Nebraska tests to cross-check performance and configuration. That keeps a WD-45 lookup useful for a real tractor instead of turning it into another loose spec list.
Allis Chalmers WD45 Quick Answers
- Production yearsThe Allis Chalmers WD45 was produced from 1953 through 1957.
- EngineThe Allis Chalmers WD45 engine choices include 226 ci 3.7 L and 230 ci 3.8 L.
- PTO and hitchThe Allis Chalmers WD45 has a 540 (1.375) rear PTO.
- Service capacityPublished capacities include engine oil capacity is 7 qts 6.6 L; hydraulic system capacity is 1.5 gal 5.7 L; coolant capacity is 17 qts 16.1 L.
- WeightThe Allis Chalmers WD45 weight range is 3995 to 4285 pounds.
Engine and Power
Engine options include 226 ci 3.7 L gasoline and 230 ci 3.8 L diesel; exact configuration depends on model code and serial range.
Gasoline engine
Allis-Chalmers / gasoline / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled vertical I-head
| Displacement | 226 ci 3.7 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 4.00x4.50 inches 102 x 114 mm |
| Compression | 6.45:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1400 |
| Torque | 288 lb-ft 390.5 Nm |
| Torque Rpm | 867 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| 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 |
Engine option 2
Allis-Chalmers / tractor fuel / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled vertical I-head
| Displacement | 226 ci 3.7 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 4.00x4.50 inches 102 x 114 mm |
| Compression | 4.75:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1400 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| 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 |
LP-gas engine
Allis-Chalmers / LP gas / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled vertical I-head
| Displacement | 226 ci 3.7 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 4.00x4.50 inches 102 x 114 mm |
| Compression | 7.2:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1400 |
| Torque | 276 lb-ft 374.3 Nm |
| Torque Rpm | 1250 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
Diesel engine
Allis-Chalmers / diesel / 6-cylinder / liquid-cooled vertical I-head / Available after October of 1954
| Displacement | 230 ci 3.8 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.4375x4.125 inches 87 x 105 mm |
| Air Cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 15.5:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1625 |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft 351.2 Nm |
| Torque Rpm | 1169 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Coolant Capacity | 17 qts 16.1 L |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches * Hot 0.254 mm |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.019 inches * Hot 0.483 mm |
Manufacturer
Manufacture years
Tested drawbar
Transmission
Transmission with a 254 mm dry-disc clutch is standard; verify the specific arrangement against your model code and serial range for parts decisions.
Clutch
PTO and Hitch
Rear PTO is 540 rpm (1.375) and is designed to run with the engine; match PTO speed and hitch type to implement needs.
Rear PTO
Rear PTO type
Engine RPM
Hydraulics
Hydraulic capacity is 1.5 gal 5.7 L; remote valves and hitch equipment influence how that capacity is used in practice.
Capacity
Fluids, Battery, and Service Facts
Maintenance data includes engine oil capacity (7 qts 6.6 L), hydraulic capacity (1.5 gal 5.7 L), and coolant capacity (17 qts 16.1 L); electrical basics and valve clearances are documented elsewhere.
Fuel tank
Engine oil capacity
Hydraulic system
Battery volts
Battery Ah
Tires and Dimensions
Tire and dimension values can vary by wheel, axle, and configuration.
Wheelbase
Weight
Length
Width
Front tire
Rear tire
Ag front
Ag rear
Electrical
Electrical rows are included when documented.
Ground
Battery volts
Serial Number Lookup
Serial rows help narrow the WD-45 by model year; factory prefixes and regional applicability require supporting documentation before applying year tables.
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
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.
- Allis-Chalmers WD-45 Tractor Operators ManualWD & WD-45 operator manual with production span 1953-1957; includes starting serial numbers, general specs, lubrication, electrical, PTO, and operating instructions.Open source
- Allis-Chalmers WD, WD-45 Tractor Service ManualWD and WD-45 service manual (Gas/LP/Diesel) including operation, maintenance, and repair procedures; reprintFormat by Jensales.Open source
- Allis-Chalmers WD WD45 Parts ManualParts manual with exploded views and part numbers for WD and WD-45 (Gas/LP/Diesel variations).Open source
- Allis-Chalmers WD WD45 Parts Manual (DJS Tractor Parts listing)Parts catalog reference for WD/WD45 family; catalog PDF listing of parts and numbers.Open source
- Test 245: Allis-Chalmers WD-45Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory official report for WD-45; stock-model verification and test methodology; description and context provided.Open source
- Test 512 Allis-Chalmers WD-45 LP GASNebraska Tractor Test Lab report for WD-45 LP Gas variant; outlines test sequence (A–E) with belt horsepower testing and fuel considerations.Open source
- Test 563 Allis-Chalmers WD-45 DieselNebraska Tractor Test WD-45 Diesel report; part of the WD-45 test family; documents diesel performance tests.Open source
- OECD Tractor Test Codes (overview)OECD tractor test codes and framework for standardized testing; supports understanding context for official test methods.Open source
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Do not order WD WD45 parts from the model name alone. Match the part to the tractor's model code, serial range, engine, transmission, and PTO setup 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.