Allis-Chalmers WD-45 Overview
The Allis-Chalmers WD-45 is a mid-century utility tractor built from 1953 through 1957, with gasoline, distillate, LP-gas, and diesel test configurations. The exact engine, serial range, and PTO setup still matter when you are ordering parts or comparing power figures.
Start with the operator manual for controls and lubrication, then use the service manual, parts references, and the matching Nebraska test to cross-check performance. The WD-45 name covers more than one fuel setup.
- Allis-Chalmers WD45
Allis Chalmers WD45 Quick Answers
- Production yearsThe Allis Chalmers WD45 was produced from 1953 through 1957.
- EngineGasoline, distillate, and LP-gas WD-45 tests use the 226 ci four-cylinder engine. The diesel row uses the 230 ci six-cylinder engine.
- PowerObserved maximum Nebraska figures vary by fuel: gasoline Test 499 recorded 37.84 drawbar and 43.21 belt hp, LP-gas Test 512 recorded 38.53 drawbar and 44.13 belt hp, and diesel Test 563 recorded 39.50 drawbar and 43.29 belt hp. Distillate Test 511 was lower at 29.49 drawbar and 33.01 belt hp.
- PTO and hitchThe Allis Chalmers WD45 has a 540 (1.375) rear PTO.
- Service capacityService data lists 7 quarts of engine oil, 1.5 gallons in the hydraulic system, and 17 quarts of coolant. Confirm fluid type against the manual and the tractor's fuel setup.
- WeightThe Allis Chalmers WD45 weight range is 3995 to 4285 pounds.
Engine and Power
The WD-45 engine rows split by fuel. Gasoline, distillate, and LP-gas Nebraska tests use the 226 ci four-cylinder engine, while the diesel test uses the 230 ci six-cylinder. Keep the power numbers tied to their tested fuel setup.
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
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.
Manual
- Allis-Chalmers WD-45 Tractor Operators Manualoperation, lubrication
WD & 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 Manualoperation, maintenance
WD and WD-45 service manual covering gas, LP-gas, and diesel tractors, with operation, maintenance, and repair procedures.
Open source - Allis-Chalmers WD/WD-45 Parts Manualparts matching
Parts manual with exploded views and part numbers for WD and WD-45 (Gas/LP/Diesel variations).
Open source
Parts catalog
- Allis-Chalmers WD/WD-45 Parts Manual (DJS Tractor Parts listing)parts matching
Parts catalog reference for WD/WD45 family; catalog PDF listing of parts and numbers.
Open source
Tractor test report
- Nebraska Test 499: WD-45 gasolinetested performance
Official Nebraska test report page for a gasoline Allis-Chalmers WD-45, including observed drawbar and belt horsepower.
Open test report - Nebraska Test 511: WD-45 distillatetested performance
Official Nebraska test report page for a distillate Allis-Chalmers WD-45, including observed drawbar and belt horsepower.
Open test report - Nebraska Test 512: WD-45 LP gastested performance
Official Nebraska test report page for an LP-gas Allis-Chalmers WD-45, including observed drawbar and belt horsepower.
Open test report - Nebraska Test 563: WD-45 dieseltested performance
Official Nebraska test report page for a diesel Allis-Chalmers WD-45, including observed drawbar and belt horsepower.
Open test report
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Do not order WD or WD-45 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.