Market Position:
The Allis Chalmers D-17 Series IV was a highly regarded utility tractor known for its versatility and robust construction, serving a wide range of agricultural needs.
Competitors:
Competed with tractors from manufacturers such as John Deere (e.g., 3020), Farmall (e.g., 560), and Ford (e.g., 4000).
Key Features:
Offered a comfortable operator station, reliable engines, and the advanced Power Director transmission for on-the-go shifting.
Value Proposition:
This manual is the definitive guide for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the Allis Chalmers D-17 Series IV, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, tuning, and troubleshooting for all D-17 Series IV engine options (gasoline, diesel, LP gas).
Transmission:
Repair and maintenance procedures for the constant mesh, selective gear transmission, including clutch, gearbox, and final drives.
Hydraulic System:
Comprehensive coverage of the Power Director and independent PTO hydraulic system, including pump, valves, cylinders, and related components.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for starting, charging, lighting, and instrumentation systems.
Steering System:
Repair and adjustment of steering gearbox and linkages, including power steering systems if applicable.
Braking System:
Service and repair for mechanical brakes, including adjustment and component replacement.
Front Axle:
Maintenance and repair of front axle components, including kingpins, tie rods, and wheel bearings.
Rear Axle Assembly:
Disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of rear axle housing, differential, and drive shafts.
Power Take Off (Pto):
Service and repair for both the 540 RPM and 1000 RPM PTO systems, including engagement and maintenance.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, and water pump maintenance and repair.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (gasoline/LP) or fuel injection pump (diesel) overhaul, cleaning, and adjustments. Fuel filter replacement.
Preventative Maintenance:
Detailed service intervals, lubrication charts, and inspection points for regular maintenance.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon operational issues.
Rebuild Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for complete engine, transmission, and hydraulic system overhauls.
Adjustment Procedures:
Precise instructions for adjusting clutch, brakes, engine timing, carburetor, and hydraulic controls.
Component Replacement:
Guidance on removing and installing major and minor components across all tractor systems.
Torquing Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners throughout the tractor.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic daily checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for both novice mechanics and experienced technicians.
Engine Options:
Available with gasoline, diesel, and LPG (Liquid Propane Gas) engines.
Diesel Engine:
Typically equipped with an Allis Chalmers 200 cu. in. (3.27 L) four-cylinder diesel engine.
Gasoline Engine:
Often featured an Allis Chalmers 200 cu. in. (3.27 L) four-cylinder gasoline engine.
Diesel Horsepower:
Approximately 50-60 PTO horsepower (specific rating varies by exact configuration and year).
Gasoline Horsepower:
Approximately 45-55 PTO horsepower (specific rating varies by exact configuration and year).
Diesel Fuel System:
Roosamaster or similar diesel injection pump, with specific injector types detailed in the manual.
Gasoline Fuel System:
Zenith, Marvel-Schebler or Stromberg carburetors, with specific models and jetting covered.
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with a radiator, fan, and thermostat.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6 quarts (5.7 liters) for the engine oil (specifics depend on engine model).
Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., SAE 30, 10W-30) depending on operating temperature.
Transmission Type:
12-speed constant mesh transmission with an additional 2-speed Power Director (a clutch-based on-the-go shifting mechanism).
Optional Gearbox:
Not typically offered; the Power Director was a standard feature on Series IV.
Power Director:
Provides clutchless shifting under load for the 6 main gears, effectively creating 12 forward and 4 reverse speeds.
Transmission Hydraulic Fluid:
Allis Chalmers Hy-Trans fluid or equivalent universal tractor transmission fluid (UTTF) meeting specifications. Capacity approximately 10-12 gallons.
Final Drive Type:
Bevel gear and spur gear reduction final drives.
Safety Ratings:
No formal modern safety ratings apply as this is a vintage tractor. Emphasis on safe operating practices as outlined in the manual.
Operator Controls:
All controls are mechanical, designed for direct operator input and feedback.
Operator Station:
Open station design with operator seat, steering wheel, and control levers. Operator presence often required for PTO and hydraulic engagement.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 100-125 operating hours, or annually. Refer to manual for exact recommendation.
Transmission Hydraulic Fluid Change:
Recommended every 500-1000 operating hours, or as indicated by fluid condition. Filter replacement typically concurrent.
Air Cleaner Service:
Check and clean daily or weekly depending on dust conditions. Service oil bath type cleaners as per manual.
Greasing Points:
Daily or weekly greasing of steering joints, PTO shaft, hitch points, and other lubrication points as per manual's lubrication chart.
Engine Coolant:
50/50 mix of permanent antifreeze and clean water.
Hydraulic Fluid:
Allis Chalmers Hy-Trans or equivalent UTTF.
Common Issues:
Worn clutch packs in the Power Director, hydraulic leaks, carburetor gumming (if not regularly used), starter solenoid failure, and worn steering components.
Wear And Tear:
As with any vintage machinery, seals, hoses, and wear items are prone to degradation and require regular inspection and replacement.
Brand Heritage:
Allis Chalmers was a major American manufacturer of agricultural and industrial machinery, known for its distinctive orange tractors.
D Series Evolution:
The D-17 was part of a successful line of tractors that evolved through several series, with the Series IV representing the final iteration, introducing improvements like the Power Director.
Production Period:
The D-17 Series IV was produced from approximately 1963 to 1967.
Manufacturing Location:
Galesburg, Illinois, USA.
