Market Position:
The Allis-Chalmers D-17 Series III was a popular and versatile utility tractor in its era, known for its robustness and capability for a wide range of agricultural tasks, making it a workhorse for small to medium-sized farms.
Competitors:
Competed directly with models from John Deere (e.g., 3020), International Harvester (e.g., 706), Ford (e.g., 4000), and Massey Ferguson (e.g., 35).
Key Features:
Available in gasoline and diesel engines, choice of transmissions including Power Director (torque amplifier), robust three-point hitch, independent PTO, and optional live hydraulics. Known for its distinctive "Allis-Chalmers Orange" paint.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Electrical System, Clutch, Transmission, Power Director, Hydraulics, Steering, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Brakes, Power Take-Off (PTO), Drawbar, Sheet Metal, Mounting Attachments, Troubleshooting, Lubrication
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 400-500 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive service manuals)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Detailed breakdown and overhaul of diesel and gasoline engine options, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, camshaft, piston and connecting rod assemblies, valve train, timing gears, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection (for diesel models), carburetor (for gasoline models).
Powertrain Systems:
Comprehensive coverage of clutch operation and adjustment, transmission disassembly and reassembly (including gear sets, bearings, and shafts), Power Director (torque amplifier) functionality and repair, differential, final drives, and rear axle assemblies.
Hydraulic Systems:
Detailed instructions for the hydraulic pump, control valve, lift arms, rockshaft, cylinders, hoses, and associated components. Includes troubleshooting for lift issues, pressure checks, and component replacement.
Power Take Off:
Detailed service and repair of the PTO clutch, shaft, and engagement mechanisms. Includes PTO governor adjustments.
Steering Systems:
Coverage of mechanical steering linkage, adjustments, and potential wear points. For models with power steering, detailed information on the hydraulic steering unit, pump, and cylinders.
Braking Systems:
Service procedures for mechanical brake systems, including adjustment, brake shoe replacement, and linkage repair. Information on parking brake operation.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for starting and charging systems (generator/alternator, starter, battery), lighting systems, ignition system (for gasoline engines), and instrumentation.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, lubrication points and specifications, filter replacement (oil, fuel, air), coolant checks, battery maintenance, tire pressure recommendations, and general inspection points.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts for engine performance, hydraulic operation, electrical issues, and transmission engagement.
Disassembly And Reassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for major component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, hydraulic pump and cylinder replacement, and axle disassembly.
Adjustment Procedures:
Precise instructions for adjusting clutch linkage, brake pedals, PTO engagement, carburetor settings, ignition timing, valve lash, and hydraulic control linkages.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine timings, gear ratios, fluid capacities, hydraulic pressures, and component clearances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance and adjustments to complete engine, transmission, and hydraulic system rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic information and component specifications.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 100-150 operating hours or annually.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
As needed or every 200-300 operating hours.
Air Filter Maintenance:
Check and clean daily or weekly depending on dust conditions; replace as needed.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API CD or CE rated SAE 30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature) heavy-duty engine oil.
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CD or CE rated SAE 30 or 10W-30 heavy-duty diesel engine oil.
Hydraulic Fluid:
Allis-Chalmers Hydraulic Fluid or equivalent (typically a universal tractor transmission fluid (UTTF) or SAE 20W/20W-50 tractor hydraulic fluid).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze solution mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended for all-season protection).
Common Wear Points:
Worn PTO clutch, leaky hydraulic pump seals, clutch wear, front axle kingpin wear, steering linkage wear, carburation issues on gasoline models, injection pump issues on diesel models.
Typical Repairs:
Clutch replacement, hydraulic pump overhaul or replacement, engine seal replacements, fuel system service, brake adjustments.
Brand Heritage:
Allis-Chalmers was a major American manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment, known for its innovation and distinctive orange color scheme. The company operated from the early 20th century until its assets were acquired by K-Tec Corporation in 1985.
D 17 Evolution:
The D-17 was introduced in 1957, evolving through Series I, II, and III. The Series III, produced from 1960-1964, featured updates to the engine options (introduction of the D262 diesel), revised styling, and improvements to the hydraulic system and transmission (including availability of the Power Director).
Production Years:
D-17 Series III: 1960-1964.
Manufacturing Location:
La Porte, Indiana, USA.